Description
This voyage tells the story of Polynesia and uncovers its history and legends as we sail through the South Seas and visit the captivating islands. By wind, wave and star the ancient people of Polynesia ventured to the farthest reaches of the South Pacific. Isolated by miles of ocean over thousands of years, these, the world’s first island cultures, developed a pantheon of gods, myths and legends. The real age of European exploration did not take place until the 18th century and many of the islands we will visit have changed little since that time. Their sheer isolation has been their saving grace and apart from an influx of missionaries in the late 19th century, western culture has made few inroads into most of the islands.
Join us aboard the MS Island Sky to explore the South Pacific in all its vastness, diversity and warmth and to experience the description-defying beauty of its islands, its culture and its ambience which have long attracted adventurers, explorers and travellers to its magical shores. The natural beauty of these islands is mesmerising and one of the many advantages of our small ship is the opportunity to truly venture off the beaten track where others seldom have the opportunity to explore. With this in mind we have planned our itinerary with visits to many remote and magical islands including the Islands of Kiribati where we hope to visit Millennium Island, the Northern Cook Islands and the little-known French Territory of Wallis and Futuna.
With our fleet of Zodiac landing craft we can explore inlets, bird sanctuaries and land in otherwise inaccessible places and although we set sail with a set itinerary, it is often the unscheduled events that become the highlight. We will be joined by a handpicked expedition team, consisting of naturalists, marine biologists and ecologists who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during forays ashore and whilst on board.