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Peregrine Travel Centre

South Seas Island Voyage 2020

South Seas Island Voyage 2020

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Description

The islands of the South Pacific are an extraordinary world that exceed everyone’s expectations. They are as sensuous as the paintings of Gauguin, more adventurous than the tales of Robert Louis Stevenson and more romantic than James Michener’s fabled Bali Hai. Ancient volcanoes, lush rainforest, diverse marine life, encounters with fascinating cultures and some of the world’s most exotic birds all await your discovery during this island hopping expedition.

Join us aboard the MS Island Sky as we sail through the South Seas and visit some extraordinarily beautiful islands with exotic cultures and exceptionally unique and beautiful landscapes. Being welcomed by friendly locals into a remote village untouched by the modern world is truly a memorable experience. Setting off from Vanuatu we will be sailing through an area long associated with Captain Cook, Captain Bligh and the Bounty and can promise you an unforgettable voyage to a corner of the world which has lured adventurers and romantics alike ever since Magellan first sailed to these waters in 1521. Of course 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.

An expedition such as this requires a vessel akin to the MS Island Sky with the ability to adapt to her surroundings, land on remote atolls using the fleet of Zodiac landing craft and follow in the wake of whales and dolphins all while providing a comfortable base. In addition and adding further to your enjoyment will be our experienced expedition team who will be able to inform you on the marine life, birdlife and culture of the islands we will be discovering.

Trip Name
South Seas Island Voyage 2020
Days
21
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Brisbane, Australia.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Brisbane.
Arrive this evening and transfer to our hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day 3 - Day 3 Brisbane.
After breakfast in the hotel enjoy a leisurely morning to explore independently and perhaps visit the botanical gardens, the central mall or the riverfront. This afternoon we will enjoy a city drive on our way to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary which is home to 130 koalas as well as kangaroos. Continue to Mount Coot-tha for a fantastic lookout over Brisbane before returning to the hotel for dinner this evening.
Day 4 - Day 4 Brisbane to Port Vila, Vanuatu.
After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Port Vila. On arrival transfer to the MS Island Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 5 - Day 5 Tanna.
Over breakfast we arrive 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 and 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 a local village where traditional lifestyles are maintained and the local culture has been largely unaffected by western influences. Here we will learn of customs and also of traditional medicines, crafts and cooking styles. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and an afternoon at sea as we make our way to Fiji.
Day 6 - Day 6 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we continue our journey across the South Pacific. Maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck to relax or read a book.
Day 7 - Day 7 Yasawa Islands, Fiji.
This morning we will drop anchor amongst the twenty islands of the Yasawa group. In 1789 when Captain Bligh was set adrift from the HMS Bounty he passed by the Yasawa Islands from where two war canoes were sent to pursue them. They escaped, and the waters are still known as Bligh Water. Today we can expect a friendlier welcome as we find a spot on a secluded beach to relax or enjoy a first opportunity to snorkel and swim.
Day 8 - Day 8 Levuka Island.
The island of Levuka and the town of Ovalau has a special place in Fijian history as it was here in 1874 that the Fiji islands were ceded to the British and also where in 1970 Fiji was declared independent again. The town is unlike any other Fijian town having retained the colonial buildings which made it the first Fijian site to be granted UNESCO status. Join a walking tour around Nasova village on the shores of the bay and visit the museum and Cession Monument, the site where Chief Cakobau signed the deed ceding Fiji to Great Britain. This afternoon we will relocate to one of the nearby islands where we can relax on the beach, snorkel or swim.
Day 9 - Day 9 Fulaga.
Our final call in Fiji will be at Fulaga, famous for its woodcarving and the making of large outrigger canoes. Over 100 tiny islands in the Fulaga Lagoon have been undercut into extraordinary mushroom shapes and the surrounding waters are tinged with striking colours by the dissolved limestone. On arrival we hope to meet with the village elder to welcome us to the island before spending the afternoon using our Zodiacs to explore the rocks or find a suitable beach to land for swimming, snorkelling or beachcombing.
Day 10 - Day 10 Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
Following a morning at sea we arrive into Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, during lunch. After clearing immigration formalities we will have a chance to explore this laidback town and the island of Tongatapu. Having never been colonised by Europeans we will experience traditional Polynesian culture alongside beautiful beaches and spectacular natural wonders. See the historical Captain Cook landing site from his 1777 voyage, explore the Royal Palace (Tonga retains the last monarchy in the Polynesia), and the famous Tongan blowholes, considered the most spectacular in the South Pacific.
Day 11 - Day 11 Neiafu, Vava’u.
We arrive during breakfast in the Vava’u islands, part of the kingdom of Tonga, and the pretty port of Neiafu. Spend the morning exploring the town independently, maybe visit the local market or enjoy a drink in a harbourside café. Alternatively join a tour to the Ene’io Botanical Gardens, founded in 1972 they are the only botanical gardens in Tonga. Here the local guides will identify some of the 550 different plant varieties found in the gardens. Over lunch we hope to reposition to one of the nearby islands and use our Zodiacs to find a suitable location to land and set up snorkelling activities. There are many different species of colourful tropical fish here and we hope to see the graceful black-and-yellow angelfish and curious clown fish on the surrounding reefs.
Day 12 - Day 12 International Date Line & Alofi, Niue.
After crossing the International Date Line (so it is now 3rd October) we arrive this afternoon in Niue, one of the smallest independent nations on earth at just 260 square kilometres with a population of just 1200 people. Populated since the 10th century, the first European to sight Niue was Captain Cook in 1774 but his attempts to land were refused by the inhabitants. Today we will visit the capital, Alofi Village, and stop at the Philatelic Bureau, where some of the world’s most sought after stamps may be purchased. Alternatively take the short drive to Matapa Chasm, a secluded cleft in the sea cliffs, where we discover the perfect swimming hole.
Day 13 - Day 13 At Sea.
Find a spot on deck, relax with a book in the library or join our lecture programme in the lounge as we spend a relaxing day at sea.
Day 14 - Day 14 Palmerston, Cook Islands.
The engaging history of the William Masters family comes alive as we meet the descendants of this eccentric 19th century Englishman who took three native brides. We will be welcomed by the local officials before enjoying a walk through the village. Extremely fine handicrafts are made on this island and here the birdwatchers might catch sight of the red-tailed tropic birds. This afternoon we will have a chance to swim or snorkel from the beach to explore the underwater world.
Day 15 - Day 15 Aitutaki.
This lovely lagoon is famous for its fascinating coral formations and bountiful brightly hued tropical fish. After a lively welcome, choose to join a morning island drive which will explore the sleepy village of Arutanga, seeing the oldest church in the Cook Islands, the lush forest of Nikaupara and from the top of Mount Piraki we will see the bunkers built during World War II. At the summit of Maunga Pu we are treated to breathtaking views of the island and lagoon. Alternatively, you may wish to join our naturalists for a cruise and snorkel in the lagoon. There will be time to explore independently this afternoon or take the chance for a swim before we set sail.
Day 16 - Day 16 Atiu.
Our final stop in the Cook Islands is the small island of Atiu. With only 560 residents we will be guaranteed a special welcome. Enjoy the chance to join the local expert “Birdman George” on a walking tour to search for the Rarotonga monarch, chattering kingfisher, Cook Islands fruit dove and Atiu swiftlets. Alternatively, discover the island on a tour which will include James Cook’s landing site from 1777, the coffee plantations and a visit to some of the local houses. After lunch on board there will be the opportunity to return to Atiu for a relaxing afternoon exploring from the beach or maybe enjoy a taste of the local Tumunu, a traditional drink brewed from fermented oranges.
Day 17 - Day 17 At Sea.
Relax on board as we spend the day at sea cruising to French Polynesia.
Day 18 - Day 18 Bora Bora, French Polynesia.
One of the most stunning islands on the planet, Bora Bora’s interior is crowned by majestic eroded volcanic formations and a distinctive black basaltic peak. A tour of the island will take you past colourful villages, archaeological sites and World War II relics. This afternoon explore independently or alternatively take the chance to swim from the beach or enjoy snorkelling in the clear waters.
Day 19 - Day 19 Raiatea & Taha’a.
Raiatea is recognised throughout Tahiti as its “Sacred Island”, the cultural heart of all Tahiti Polynesia. Local Polynesian legends say Raiatea, formerly known as “Havai” was the island of origin of great voyaging canoes that took the people as far as Hawaii. This, the second largest Tahitian isle, was the centre of religion and culture over 1000 years ago and still lends enchantment to ancient legends told to this day. This morning’s island tour will include a visit to the Taputapuatea marae which dates back over 1000 years. This afternoon we sail over to the neighbouring island of Taha’a where we plan to visit a vanilla plantation. With the rich aroma of vanilla lingering heavily in the air, Taha’a offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of the Tahitians.
Day 20 - Day 20 Papeete to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 21 - Day 21 En-route to London
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Day 22 - Day 22 London.
Arrive this afternoon.
Day 23 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Visit the island of Tanna, meaning earth in the local Kwamera language
    • Drop anchor amongst the twenty islands of the Yasawa group. In 1789 when Captain Bligh was set adrift from the HMS Bounty he passed by the Yasawa Islands from where two war canoes were sent to pursue them. They escaped, and the waters are still known as Bligh Water
    • Explore Fulaga, famous for its woodcarving and the making of large outrigger canoes
    • Arrive into Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga
    • Discover Niue, one of the smallest independent nations on earth at just 260 square kilometres with a population of just 1200 people
    • Visit one of the most stunning islands on the planet
    • Bora Bora

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