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Day by Day Summary and Map
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Thursday - Oct 10, 2024
Day 1
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Our expedition begins with a charter flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-43. 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
Friday - Oct 11, 2024
Day 2
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 - Oct 12, 2024
Day 3
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
Sunday - Oct 13, 2024
Day 4
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.
Monday - Oct 14, 2024
Day 5
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 in along the beautiful fringing reef of the island. ... Read More
Tuesday - Oct 15, 2024
Day 6
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 Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle. ... Read More
Wednesday - Oct 16, 2024
Day 7
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 - Oct 17, 2024
Day 8
Lelepa, Vanuatu
At Lelepa, visit Vanuatu's first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we'll be welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and we'll enter the impressive Fels Cave.
Friday - Oct 18, 2024
Day 9
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Swim or snorkel in the beautiful Oro Bay Natural Pool or walk through a beautiful rainforest to the site of the Cave of Queen Hortense, filled with limestone features and a variety of tropical vegetation. Alternatively, take a hike to the summit of Nga Peak to see incredible views over the island and the surrounding sea or join the naturalist guides for a birding walk through the dense canopy of the forest. ... Read More
Saturday - Oct 19, 2024
Day 10
At Sea
As we make our passage to Norfolk Island, 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
Sunday - Oct 20, 2024
Day 11
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
Monday - Oct 21, 2024
Day 12
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.
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
After breakfast, disembark National Geographic Orion and join a tour of this vibrant city center. We'll stop for lunch midday before transferring to our hotel and the rest of the day will be at your leisure. The next afternoon, check out and transfer to Auckland Airport for your flight home.
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
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