Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.
This cruise has already sailed
13 Night Roots of the Pacific Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia Cruise from Auckland
Ship: National Geographic Orion
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Sailed: Sunday, Dec 22, 2024 from Auckland, New Zealand
Ended: Saturday, Jan 4, 2025
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Sunday, Dec 22, 2024
departure of the National Geographic Orion. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing
, the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We'll stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon.
Day 2 - Monday - Dec 23, 2024
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
The Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands, boasting an abundance of wildlife and fascinating history. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of immeasurable cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and learn of the historical events for which these grounds are remembered.
Day 3 - Tuesday - Dec 24, 2024
At Sea
Spend the next two days at sea en route to the island nation of New Caledonia. Visit the Bridge to study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by onboard experts. As we make our passage to Melanesia, enjoy life onboard. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck. Learn about the area from our onboard historians, naturalists, and photographers, and savor delectable dining options.
Day 4 - Wednesday - Dec 25, 2024
At Sea
Day 5 - Thursday - Dec 26, 2024
Mare, New Caledonia
Day 6 - Friday - Dec 27, 2024
Lifou, New Caledonia
Visit this vibrant French overseas territory and experience the New Caledonian islands of Mare and Lifou, known for their outstanding beauty, unique geography, and incredible coral diversity. You will be welcomed by local villagers, join the naturalist guides for a birding walk through dense canopy of the forest, and go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
Day 7 - Saturday - Dec 28, 2024
Blasket Islands, Ireland
Arrive at Moso and spend the day snorkeling or diving at one of the most incredible locations you will experience on this voyage. The crystal-clear waters around Havana Harbor reveal colorful corals and an undersea world that is rich with an abundant marine life.
Day 8 - Sunday - Dec 29, 2024
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.
Day 9 - Monday - Dec 30, 2024
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, or experience the Matevulu Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle.
Day 10 - Tuesday - Dec 31, 2024
Lo Island, Vanuatu
Arrive to the small village of Lo Island by Zodiac, meandering along a beautiful mangrove lagoon. Meet the lovely villagers and experience some of the local kastom dances. Hike across the island to a cave and look for wildlife along the way. If conditions permit, snorkel along the beautiful fringing reef of the island.
Day 11 - Wednesday - Jan 1, 2025
Fenualoa, Solomon Islands
Visit Fenualoa, which is part of the Reef Islands in the northwestern province of Temotu. On shore we will be greeted by the local islanders and enjoy a tour of their village before snorkeling or swimming in the brilliant blue waters of the reef.
Day 12 - Thursday - Jan 2, 2025
Utupua Island, Solomon Islands
Located in the Santa Cruz Island group, Utupua is a high volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon and a fringing coral reef. Zodiac to the village of Nimbau for a welcome song and dance performance. Enjoy a walk through the village with the locals and see a display of their handmade fishing canoes. Take a Zodiac ride along the shores, lined with dense mangroves and boasting a variety of wildlife.
Day 13 - Friday - Jan 3, 2025
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.
Day 14 - Saturday - Jan 4, 2025
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a 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. Then, transfer to the airport for our flight to Nadi, where we overnight at a local hotel. Breakfast and lunch are included today; dinner is on your own.
