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South Pacific - Melanesia

Port Moresby to Noumea Discovery Cruise

Port Moresby to Noumea
15 Days / 14 Nights from AUD 10,850*.

Day 1: Port Moresby and Captain's Welcome - 26 Nov 2009
Board Oceanic Discoverer at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure. This afternoon we depart Port Moresby's Fairfax Harbour and cruise the south coast. This evening meet your fellow travellers and join the Captain and crew for Welcome Aboard Cocktails.

Day 2: Bona Bona Island
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as we sail the rugged coastline and soak up spectacular views of the Owen Stanley Range. Later, visit remote Bona Bona Island, rarely visited, the locals will take delight in showing you their hand crafts.

Day 3: Louisiade Archipelago
The Louisiade Archipelago is made up of a multitude of beautiful tropical islands and spectacular coral reef sites. Journey ashore to explore primitive rainforest; our expert Guest Lecturers will detail the many varieties of flora on display along with the local birdlife. There is time for snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours and the opportunity for SCUBA diving.

Day 4: Laughlan Islands and Bodaluna
In this very remote corner of Papua New Guinea we find seagoing canoes under construction. The friendly villagers of Bodaluna welcome us as our Guest Lecturer explains the islander's subsistence gardening, fishing, and participation in the Kula Ring of trading. This afternoon snorkel or dive, where we may see turtles, wrasses and dolphins.

Day 5: Solomon Islands - Kennedy Island
This morning we cross in to the exotic Solomon Islands and head ashore to tiny Kennedy Island. The island was named in honour of John F Kennedy who swam ashore with his crew after his boat PT-109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer during World War II. Later, we visit the small provincial capital of Ghizo Island. Explore the open air markets, replete with artefacts and wood carvings or join a hike to the lookout for panoramic views across the lagoon.

Day 6: Arnavon Islands Marine Reserve
The Arnavon Islands are the only marine reserve in the Solomon Islands where, except for subsistence gathering, all marine life is protected and fishing is banned. The islands are now home to endangered wildlife including the beautiful Hawksbill Turtle. Travel ashore to see how the conservation efforts are helping to rejuvenate the island.

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Day 7: Mangalonga Island and Resort
This morning we anchor off picturesque Mangalonga and savour a full day of in-water activities. Join a snorkel, SCUBA dive or glass bottom boat tour before travelling ashore to Maravagi Resort where there is time to explore on a nature walk.

Day 8: Santa Ana
The locals of Santa Ana, a small island southeast of San Cristobal, welcome us ashore with village warriors bearing swords and blowing on conch shell horns. Santa Ana is known for its bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. Join the naturalist for a guided walk across the island, through shady forests where a myriad of colourful orchids grow.

Day 9: Nendo Island and Snorkelling
Nendo Island is an excellent location to view and purchase quality handmade Melanesian artefacts. This afternoon enjoy cultural performances and another opportunity to snorkel.

Day 10: Vanuatu - Ureparapara Island
Welcome to the tropical archipelago of Vanuatu, fondly known as the 'Happy Islands'. Enjoy an unforgettable highlight as we cruise into the cone of a volcano surrounded on three sides by 300 m cliffs, Ureparapara is one of the most spectacular islands in Vanuatu. The only way to experience this island is by sea, and visits from cruise ships are rare. Be entertained by local people with dancing and join a guided walk to the top of the caldera.

Day 11: Champagne Beach and Espiritu Santo
Champagne Beach is located on the largest island in Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo. The beach is without doubt the jewel of Vanuatu. Enjoy optional tours to the fabled 'Blue Hole', bush walking, in-water activities or simply relaxing on the white sands.

Day 12: Malakula Island and South West Bay
We land at South West Bay on Malakula Island, the second largest island in Vanuatu. Malakula art and ritual objects are among the finest in the country, and the island is famous for the complex ceremonies and rituals preserved by two of its remarkable tribes, the Big Nambas and the Small Nambas. We anchor at the Maskelyne Islands and enjoy the opportunity for snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours.

Day 13: Tanna Island Volcano
As we approach Tanna Island we see our first signs of volcanic activity; hot springs bubbling beneath the surface. Travel ashore and land on the black volcanic beach of Port Resolution. Join our Expedition Leader and naturalists on a drive, local style, through the forest and up the slopes of Mount Yasur to view this active volcano that still regularly spew rocks and ash.

Day 14: New Caledonia - Lifou Island Tour
Lifou Island’s impressive beaches are amongst the best in the world, backed by sparkling lagoons and pine tree covered landscapes. Join the Expedition Leader on a walk to the churches and beautiful bays. Lifou is sensational for snorkelling with a panorama of sea-life unsullied by man. This evening enjoy the Captain's Farewell Cocktails.

Day 15: Arrive Noumea
This morning we arrive in Noumea, the French-inspired capital of New Caledonia at 8:00am.

Please Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow the itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

* Main Deck B Stateroom fare in AUD, based on double occupancy.

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Last modified: 21 Feb 2010 23:15