Melanesian Odyssey - From Papua New Guinea to Fiji

Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is under your own arrangements to relax or explore independently.

Spend the morning relaxing in the hotel or exploring the local area at your own pace. Later this afternoon we will take a guided tour of Singapore which will include the National Orchid Garden before we continue to the airport for our scheduled flight to Rabaul via Port Moresby.

Arrive today and transfer directly to the MS Island Sky which will be moored in Rabaul’s dramatic Simpson Harbour which is ringed by six cone-shaped volcanoes. Enjoy a relaxing day on board as we remain moored overnight.

Our morning guided tour will include a visit to the Volcanic Observatory, which monitors 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. From here we will enjoy magnificent views over the bay and the volcanoes before we continue to Mount Tavurvur, which violently erupted in 1937 and 1994, and where we will witness the Hot Springs. Before returning to MS Island Sky we will pass old Rabaul Airport, destroyed by the 1994 volcanic eruption, the museum and the vibrant market. This afternoon will be at leisure to explore independently or relax on board before we sail this evening.

Spend the day at sea as we make our way towards the Solomon Islands.

Marovo Lagoon is the largest double barrier lagoon in the world. Thousands of islands scatter the lagoon, from tiny coral islets on the fringing reef to massive 1600 metre volcanic islands. Inside the lagoon, the islands are surrounded by spectacular coral formations and white sand beaches, the lagoon waters shimmering in every shade of blue, turquoise and jade green. We have a full day here to explore the villages which produce some of the finest wood carvings in the region. We will also find a suitable spot to snorkel and swim from the beaches as well as enjoying nature walks in the local forests.

Tetepare, cloaked in rainforests and fringed with coral reefs, is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the Southern Hemisphere and home to one of the leading conservation projects in the Solomon Islands. Managed by the Tetepare Descendants Association, they have ensured the island was saved from the threat of loggers and many areas remain untouched. A wide variety of plants and animals live in the 120 square kilometres of lowland rainforest that blankets the island. A total of 76 bird species, 25 reptile and 13 mammal species have been recorded here including skinks, dugongs and the endemic Tetepare dark-eyed white eye, whilst the beaches support three species of turtle including the endangered leatherback. Today we will enjoy a range of guided walks in the rainforest with the local conservationists who will educate us on the work they are doing on the island.

Prior to World War II Honiara did not exist; it developed around the site of the US military headquarters. The town and Mataniko River, which runs through it, were the front for many months during the battle of Guadalcanal. Today, this is a bustling town with lovely hibiscus and palm tree lined avenues. After breakfast we will join a city tour of Honiara including the central market, parliament building and National Museum where we get an insight into the history of the Solomon Islands. Enjoy lunch before continuing to the World War II sites including Henderson Field, the Japanese Peace Park and the US Memorial at Skyline Ridge. Alternatively, visit a local organic cocoa farm where we can learn about the farming techniques and growing practices before enjoying a tasting of the final chocolate products. This evening we will cruise through Iron Bottom Sound, the site of intense naval battles during World War II and so named for the large numbers of Japanese and American ships and aircraft that sank beneath the sea.

Spend the morning in Port Mary on Santa Ana Island. We will be welcomed with a stunning dance by the villagers with spears and mud face masks. After the performance we have the opportunity to explore the village further with its plethora of local handicrafts, join a nature walk through the forests or swim from the local beach. Return to the ship for lunch and maybe join a lecture this afternoon as we spend a leisurely afternoon at sea.

Our last call in the Solomon Islands is at the remote Utupua Island. After being welcomed ashore we will have the opportunity to meet some of the locals, take a Zodiac cruise to the mangroves or join our naturalists for some beachcombing and nature walks in the nearby forests. We return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea as we continue our journey south to Vanuatu.

Espiritu Santo is the largest of Vanuatu’s islands with some of the most beautiful white sand beaches, amazing blue holes, caves and renowned snorkelling. It was also a huge military base during World War II. Today there will be the opportunity to join an island tour including the Nekar Custom Village where we will learn about local traditions and customs, including their unique water music and kava making, before enjoying time to swim in one of the nearby ‘blue holes’. Alternatively, we will plan to swim or snorkel amongst the corals and fish of the region at Million Dollar Point, named after the value of the military equipment dumped into the sea.

Awake this morning off Port Havannah, situated on the north coast of Efate Island and our base for today’s activities. There are a number of outer islands that we may be able to explore depending on weather and sea conditions. Lelepa Island is 160 acres of unspoilt tropical rainforest and palm fringed beaches. On a nature walk we will see the herbs used in local medicines before exploring Feles Cave thought to be the resting place of the legendary Polynesian Chief, Roi Mata. We also hope to land on Moso Island where the local Tasiriki community has been active in the conservation of the local turtle population and where we hope to set up a snorkelling platform and offer a chance to swim from the beach.

Our final call in Vanuatu is the island of Tanna, meaning earth in the local Kwamera language. Captain Cook was the first European to visit the island in 1774, landing at Port Resolution, having been attracted by the glowing light of Mount Yasur. This 361 metre active volcano is situated in the southeast of the island and dominates the landscape. Those feeling adventurous may wish to join a journey to the crater taking local trucks through the rainforest that covers the mountain before walking to the rim. Alternatively, we hope to have the chance to visit local villages where traditional lifestyles are maintained and the local culture has been largely unaffected by western influences.

Find a spot on deck, join a lecture or simply relax as we have a day at sea crossing the South Pacific towards Fiji.

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight back home. 

Itineraries are subject to change.