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Peregrine Travel Centre

Lost Islands of Polynesia (Island Sky)

Lost Islands of Polynesia (Island Sky)

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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.

Trip Name
Lost Islands of Polynesia (Island Sky)
Days
17
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 Tahiti.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Papeete, French Polynesia.
Arrive this morning and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Spend the day at leisure to relax on board or explore independently before we sail this evening.
Day 3 - Day 3 Bora Bora.
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. Alternatively take the chance to swim from the beach or enjoy our first snorkelling opportunity in the clear waters. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea as we sail north to Kiribati.
Day 4 - Days 4 to 6 Islands of Kiribati.
The thirty-three islands of Kiribati cover a huge area of the Pacific spreading 2,400 miles from east to west and 1,300 miles from north to south. After crossing the international date line (we are now the 25th April), with the benefit of our small ship we will spend two and a half days in the Line Islands in the south eastern corner of the republic. We hope to visit Millennium Island, named in celebration of being the first island to see in the year 2000. Made up of 39 uninhabited islets surrounding a peaceful lagoon, it contains a unique underwater environment with schools of black tail sharks, white sharks and fish playing in the shallow water. We will have the chance to swim or snorkel here and whilst on land we can look for tropical birds including the brown noddy. Flint Island is four kilometres long and less than a kilometre wide and was first spotted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520. On an island walk we will see the abundant coconut palms, which were planted in the 1870s by farmers wishing to produce copra, and the coconut crabs which can be seen everywhere on the island. Pristine Vostock Island is covered by native forest and surrounded by a coral reef. The island has no lagoon, but we hope to swim and snorkel on the reef which flourishes with many marine species. On land, during nature walks we will search for the eight species of birds including frigatebirds, white terns and noddy as well as skinks and coconut crabs.
Day 5 - Day 7 At Sea.
Crossing back across the International Date line we have a day at sea as we sail to the Cook Islands (date remains the 27th April).
Day 6 - Days 8 to 10 Northern Cook Islands.
Over the next three days we will explore some of the most remote islands in the Cook Islands which are only serviced by irregular flight services and occasional cargo ship visits. Penrhyn, named after the ship “Lady Penrhyn” which sighted the island in 1788, is the largest atoll in the Cook Islands comprising a ring of coral made up of 53 islets, 48 miles around, protecting a huge lagoon. The lagoon is home to abundant marine life including black tip sharks and bonefish, and fishing remains the main source of income for the islanders. We will have the chance to meet the villagers and learn about life in this remote region. Meanwhile Manihiki Island is just four square kilometres in size but home to a number of pearl farms. Meeting the local farmers, we will learn about the cultivation of the pearls, swim in the clear waters or take a stroll around the island. Pukapuka, the most westerly of the Cook Islands is actually closer to Samoa than Rarotonga and has its own distinct customs and culture. We will learn about the harmonious lives of the islanders, swim in the lagoon or search for some of the wildlife on a nature walk.
Day 7 - Day 11 At Sea.
During our day at sea we will cross the International Date Line and lose a day as we head to Samoa. Join our lecture programme or else find a spot to relax on deck.
Day 8 - Day 12 Apia, Samoa.
Arrive this morning in Apia (on the 3rd May), the capital of Samoa which is regarded as the heart of Polynesia and where we will be guaranteed a warm welcome. Leaving the city behind we will make our way to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum located in the house where the author spent his final years and afterwards we can explore the 12 hectares of Botanical Gardens and possibly take a swim in the freshwater swimming hole. Those feeling active may also wish to walk to his grave, situated on Mount Vaea offering wonderful views over the island. Returning to Apia we can spend some time shopping in the Maketi Fou, visit the museum of Samoa or learn about local traditions at the Cultural Village.
Day 9 - Days 13 & 14 Wallis & Futuna.
Well off the beaten track, Wallis and Futuna are part of the smallest of France’s three South Pacific territories and sit on the threshold of Polynesia and Melanesia. Wallis is isolated from its neighbours geographically, culturally and politically with strong historical connections to Tonga. Here we will explore the interior of the island visiting Mata Utu Cathedral, the crater lakes of Mount Lulu Fakahega and the recently excavated fort at Talietumu. Nearby Futuna has closer links to Samoa and here we will discover the famous Church of Pierre Chanel, a peculiar church with a stepped tower erected to honour Polynesia’s first and only Catholic Saint. Later we will enjoy nature walks on the beaches to take in the amazing scenery and wildlife.
Day 10 - Day 15 Taveuni, Fiji.
Today we visit the ‘Garden Island of Fiji’. The nature lovers can take a four-wheel drive to Dos Voeux Peak where at the summit we will be treated to fantastic views of Taveuni and across to Lake Tagimoucia. Here we will see the tropical plants, palms and rainforest and we hope to spot spectacular birdlife such as orange-breasted doves, silktails, ferntails and parrots. Alternatively, join a walking trip to the Bouma Heritage Park to see some of the waterfalls and enjoy a swim. The view from the highest waterfall is spectacular. Our cultural tour will give the opportunity to witness lifestyles in a traditional Fijian village and see cooking demonstrations. In the afternoon we will head to one of the neighbouring islands for some snorkelling opportunities.
Day 11 - Day 16 Fiji to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 12 - Day 17 London.
Arrive this morning.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Enjoy Papeete, French Polynesia.
    • Discover Bora Bora.
    • Travel to Northern Cook Islands.
    • Explore Wallis & Futuna.

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