Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon.
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. ... Read More
Tuesday - Dec 24, 2024
Day 3
At Sea
Spend today exploring New Zealand's East Coast. Your captain and expedition leader will decide whether to spend the day at sea, exploring places ashore, or doing a combination of both. Visit the Bridge to study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by the onboard experts.
Wednesday - Dec 25, 2024
Day 4
Norfolk Island, Australia
Explore Norfolk Island, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774. Covered in dense forests of pines, it was initially valued as a ready source of shipbuilding lumber. Later, it became a British penal colony and then a settlement for Pitcairn Islanders, who themselves were descendants of the mutineers from the famous Bounty. Explore the ruins of the prison and enjoy walking around the main settlement at Burnt Pine. Later, take a long nature hike in Norfolk National Park to look for the endemic tree ferns and land birds. As we depart, look for large groups of seabirds alongside the dramatic island scenery. ... Read More
Thursday - Dec 26, 2024
Day 5
At Sea
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 the onboard historians, naturalists, and photographers, and savor delectable dining options. ... Read More
Friday - Dec 27, 2024
Day 6
New Caledonia, France
Visit this vibrant French overseas territory and swim in the world's largest enclosed lagoon, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding beauty, unique geography, and incredible coral diversity. Alternatively, join our naturalists for a birding walk through the dense canopy of the forest. ... Read More
Clear into Vanuatu at Port Vila. Later, 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 reveal colorful corals, sea turtles, eagle and cowtail rays, reef fish, and pelagics. Dugongs and dolphins can sometimes be encountered here as well. ... Read More
Sunday - Dec 29, 2024
Day 8
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.
Monday - Dec 30, 2024
Day 9
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. ... Read More
Tuesday - Dec 31, 2024
Day 10
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. ... Read More
Wednesday - Jan 1, 2025
Day 11
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.
Thursday - Jan 2, 2025
Day 12
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. ... Read More
Friday - Jan 3, 2025
Day 13
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
Saturday - Jan 4, 2025
Day 14
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 Brisbane, where we overnight at a local hotel. ... Read More
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