Depart the U.S. and arrive in Brisbane, Australia, where we check into our hotel. Join a welcome briefing this evening to meet your fellow travelers. Meals are on your own, except for dinner, which is included on Day 3.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and strategic World War II battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-1943. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place, before embarking National Geographic Orion. ... Read More
Sunday - Jan 5, 2025
Day 3
Santa Ana , Solomon Islands
On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we are greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes, body paint, and masks. Walk across the small island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan. ... Read More
Monday - Jan 6, 2025
Day 4
At Sea
Take advantage of a full day at sea to settle into the relaxed pace of life onboard. Watch for marine life from the deck, study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by the onboard experts.
Tuesday - Jan 7, 2025
Day 5
Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Captain James Cook named the islands of Vanuatu the New Hebrides because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland's coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, experience one of the best wreck dives in the world, the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II. Experience the Matevulu Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle. ... Read More
Wednesday - Jan 8, 2025
Day 6
Ambrym Island, Vanuatu
Ambrym is known for its active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive ashore to witness the striking Rom dance, traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits, this is a cultural experience specific only to this island.
Thursday - Jan 9, 2025
Day 7
Blasket Islands, Ireland
Arrive on Moso Island to experience some of the most incredible marine life in the South Pacific. There is an exceptional range of pristine soft and hard corals, reef fish, and pelagics. Search for turtles, eagle rays, and cowtail rays via diving, snorkeling, or glass-bottom Zodiac. A range of marine mammals like dolphins and dugongs are sometimes seen. ... Read More
Friday - Jan 10, 2025
Day 8
Port Resolution, Vanuatu
On Tanna Island, visit the friendly community in Port Resolution in the shadow of Mount Yasur. Experience some of the local traditions and dances, and see locally made handicrafts.
Saturday - Jan 11, 2025
Day 9
At Sea
Relax on deck or attend talks by the expert expedition and photo teams.
Sunday - Jan 12, 2025
Day 10
Beqa, Fiji
More than 300 islands make up the remote volcanic archipelago of Fiji, where we spend three days exploring. After entering the large lagoon of Beqa, come ashore at the lovely Lawaki Beach House, a rustic resort and a beautiful place to spend the day. Take a boat ride and hike across the island to a local village. Taste local fruits and snorkel off the beach in the beautiful Beqa Lagoon. Sample the strong, local kava made for special celebrations. ... Read More
Monday - Jan 13, 2025
Day 11
Taveuni, Fiji
Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island, is known as "The Garden Island" for its rich vegetation, which includes several species found nowhere else in the world. Head inland to discover the waterfalls of Bouma National Heritage Park and search for species such as orange fruit doves, endemic silktails, fantails, and parrots. Visit the village of Waitabu to meet the local people, taste locally harvested fruits and prepared baked goods, and to see a dance performance by some of the local, talented children. ... Read More
Tuesday - Jan 14, 2025
Day 12
Kadavu, Fiji, Fiji
Join the ship's naturalists for a beautiful scenic hike to see some of the incredible vistas and the rich variety of birdlife on the islands of Kadavu. Explore a lovely village or snorkel and dive Fiji's Great Astrolabe reef, which is rich in marine life. Enjoy a quiet exploration of the sheltered lagoon by diving, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or by glass-bottom Zodiac. ... Read More
Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home or choose to extend your stay and check into your hotel. Breakfast and lunch are included today; dinner is on your own.
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