fbpx

Islands of Melanesia

Islands of Melanesia

From GBP £10,995

Description

If you were the owner of a large yacht based in the Pacific, this is exactly the type of itinerary you would plan. A fascinating mix of islands all the way from the northernmost reaches of New Zealand to Melanesia, taking in remote, but splendidly sophisticated Norfolk Island and Iles des Pins in the French Collectively of New Caledonia. From here we follow the chain of Melanesian islands through Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and finally to the northern islands of Papua New Guinea.

All are beautiful in their different ways and all have unique features and cultures. This region is ideal for exploring by small ship and particularly one as suitable as our MS Caledonian Sky. Her fleet of Zodiac craft will allow us to explore some magnificent places, especially tiny coral islets and lagoons.

At New Georgia on the outer reaches of the Solomon’s we will explore the majestic Marovo Lagoon, the world’s largest double barrier lagoon, a truly awe-inspiring place. These islands form one of the most culturally complex regions of the entire world, with 1293 languages spoken across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the islands of New Guinea. It is also a region of great antiquity; New Guinea has been settled for around 45,000 years, the Solomon Islands for 35,000 years, and Vanuatu and New Caledonia for about 4,000.

There will be much of the natural world to occupy us as we sail in a northerly direction through the South Pacific along much of the same route as Captain James Cook. The maritime history of the region is a constant wonder from the early explorers and native migrations to the fierce battles of the Second World War. We hope you can join us in this faraway haven, where there still exists a savage beauty, which cannot fail to stir even the most jaded of travellers. Many of the islands still possess a pristine beauty, much the same as they were when first discovered by the great explorers.

Trip Name
Islands of Melanesia
Days
24
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Singapore.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Singapore.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our central hotel for an overnight stay. Remainder of day and evening is at leisure.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Singapore to Auckland, New Zealand.
Enjoy a relaxing morning before an afternoon city tour of Singapore including the National Orchid Garden and China Town. After the tour we will continue to the airport for our scheduled flight to Auckland.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Auckland.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Auckland.
On a morning tour we explore the Auckland Domain and Auckland Museum which overlooks picturesque Waitemata Harbour and has an outstanding collection featuring exhibits on the New Zealand and the Pacific Island cultures showcasing an extensive collection of Polynesian artefacts. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before transferring to the MS Caledonian Sky later in the afternoon.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Paihia.
Discovered by Captain Cook in 1769, this area is the cradle of European civilisation in New Zealand and has important historical significance for both Maori and Europeans. On a morning tour we will visit the Waitangi Treaty house where, in 1840, the treaty was signed between the Maori and the British crown. We then continue to Kerikeri where the Maori first welcomed missionaries in 1819 and see the oldest buildings of New Zealand dating from the 1820s. During the afternoon enjoy some free time to explore the charming historic town of Russell.
Day 7 - Day 7 - At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we follow in the wake of past navigators sailing north. Maybe attend at a lecture given by the expedition team or find a spot on deck to relax.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Norfolk Island, Australia.
This morning we awake, for a full day call, at Norfolk Island which Captain Cook encountered in 1774 and named after the Duchess of Norfolk. We will have the opportunity to explore on a morning tour visiting the beautiful St Barnabas Chapel. In the afternoon a further choice of excursions will be available. Discover more of the historical Georgian settlement of Kingston with its convict settlements or visit the Botanical Gardens with its 40 endemic, or unique, species, including 15 plant species considered to be critically endangered. The more active may wish to walk in the National Park towards Mount Pitt. The tracks wind through lush palm forests and stands of Norfolk Island pine leading to remarkable views of the island and the surrounding ocean. Keen birders may also spot noddies, tropic birds and parrots.
Day 9 - Day 9 - At Sea.
Cruise the South Pacific as we head toward New Caledonia.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Iles des Pins, New Caledonia.
Arrive at first light in New Caledonia, the islands named by Captain Cook in 1774 during his second voyage to New Zealand. These remote islands are close to paradise and we will use our zodiacs to land at one of the remote beaches. From here we will have the option to join a nature walk climbing the 262 metre Nga peak from where you will be rewarded with fantastic views over the whole island. Alternatively join one of the snorkelling trips or simply find a spot on one of the beaches before we sail in the afternoon.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Tanna, Vanuatu.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Vanuatu at 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 South East of the Island and dominates the landscape. The adventurous may wish to join a journey to the crater. We will use local trucks to drive through the rainforest that covers the mountain before walking to the rim. Alternatively we may have the chance to visit local villages where traditional lifestyles are maintained and the local culture has been largely unaffected by western influences. Here we will learn of customs and also learn of traditional medicines, crafts and cooking styles.
Day 12 - Day 12 - Port Havannah.
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 a 160 acres of un-spoilt 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. Meanwhile on Moso Island we can meet the volunteers at the Tasiriki Turtle Sanctuary who will teach us about the rehabilitation of the Hawksbill turtles and the attempts to increase their numbers. If time and weather permit we will also set up a snorkelling platform or offer a chance to swim from the beach.
Day 13 - Day 13 - Espiritu Santo Island.
Espiritu Santo is the largest of Vanuatu’s islands and with some of the most beautiful white sand beaches, amazing blue holes, caves and renowned snorkeling. It was also a huge military base during World War II. We will have a choice of activities this morning. Either choose to 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. Alternatively join an island tour including the Nekar Custom Village where we will learn about local traditions and customs, including their unique water music, before enjoying time to swim in one of the nearby blue holes. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 14 - Day 14 - Vanikoro, Solomon Islands.
After breakfast we land on Vanikoro Island in the Temotu Province of the Solomon Islands, where French Explorer Jean-Francois de la Perouse became stranded in 1788 after both his vessels, La Boussole and the Astrolabe, hit the then unknown reefs of the island. Learn more about the island’s history and the mystery of the lost La Perouse expedition that captured the imagination of the European public. We will be welcomed ashore by the local villagers before choosing to explore the village further, join nature walks where we can look out for the endemic birds, the Vanikoro monarch and Vanikoro whiteeye, or alternatively enjoy a swim or snorkel from the beach. Return to the MS Caledonian Sky for lunch and an afternoon cruising.
Day 15 - Day 15 - Santa Ana.
After a morning at sea, arrive at Port Mary on Santa Ana Island. We are welcomed with a stunning dance by the villagers with spears and mud face masks. Soak in the culture as we set foot on the shores of this lovely island. After the performance we have the opportunity to explore the town further with its plethora of local handicrafts, join a nature walk through the forests, walk to meet the students at the village school or swim from the local beach.
Day 16 - Day 16 - Honiara.
This morning we cruise through Iron Bottom Sound, the site of intense World War II naval battles, and so named for the large numbers of Japanese and American ships and aircraft that sank beneath the sea, before arriving into Honiara. During World War II the British founded Honiara as a military base. The town and the 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. We enjoy a morning tour of Honiara including the bustling central market, parliament building and National Museum where we get an insight into Solomon Islands history. Alternatively discover the World War II sites including Henderson Field, the Japanese Peace Park and the US Memorial at Skyline Ridge. After lunch on board return to the city for some free time or join a snorkel excursion to Bonegi Beach to swim amongst war wrecks now colonized by tropical fish.
Day 17 - Day 17 - Tetepare.
Tetepare is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the Southern Hemisphere and home to one of the Solomon Islands leading conservation projects. 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 now live in the 120 square kilometers 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, dugong and the endemic Tetepare white eye whilst the beaches support three species of turtle including the endangered leatherback. Enjoy guided walk in the forest with the local conservationists who will explain the work they are doing on the island.
Day 18 - Day 18 - Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia.
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 beach, 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 Zodiac cruises to look for local wildlife.
Day 19 - Day 19 - At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing sea day as we cruise the Soloman Sea to Papua New Guinea.
Day 20 - Day 20 - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.
Arrive this morning at Rabaul’s dramatic harbour which is ringed by six cone-shaped volcanoes. Our morning tour will include a visit to the Volcanic Observatory, which monitors 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes in Papua New Guinea, and from where we will enjoy magnificent views over the bay and the volcanoes. Our next stop will be Mount Tavurvur, which violently erupted in 1937 and 1994, and where we will witness the Hot Springs. Before returning to MS Caledonian Sky we will pass old Rabaul Airport, destroyed by the 1994 volcanic eruption, and visit the Rabaul Museum. This afternoon will be at leisure to explore independently, relax on deck or attend a final lecture.
Day 21 - Day 21 - Rabaul to Cairns, Australia.
After breakfast on board we will make our way to the airport for our flight to Cairns. Arrive in Cairns this afternoon and transfer to our hotel for a two night stay.
Day 22 - Day 22 - Cairns.
After breakfast in the hotel enjoy a day at leisure or choose to take a full day excursion to enjoy the underwater world on the Great Barrier Reef or the wildlife at the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 23 - Day 23 - Cairns to London.
After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 24 - Day 24 - London
Arrive this morning.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-02-201909-03-2019GBP £0Castle Standard Suite
14-02-201909-03-2019GBP £0Promenade Owner's Corner Suite
14-02-201909-03-2019GBP £0Castle Standard Suite Sole
14-02-201909-03-2019GBP £0Caledonian Superior Suite Sole
14-02-201909-03-2019GBP £0Caledonian Superior Suite
14-02-201909-03-2019GBP £0Promenade Premium Suite
14-02-201909-03-2019GBP £0Bridge Deluxe Balcony Suite
14-02-201909-03-2019GBP £0Promenade Prem. Balcony Suite

Inclusions

    • Visit Norfolk Island which Captain Cook encountered in 1774 and named after the Duchess of Norfolk
    • Discover Port Havannah, situated on the north coast of Efate Island
    • Explore Espiritu Santo
    • the largest of Vanuatu’s islands
    • Enjoy a tour of Honiara including the bustling central market, parliament building and National Museum where we get an insight into Solomon Islands history
    • Visit Tetepare
    • the largest uninhabited tropical island in the Southern Hemisphere

Map