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Peregrine Travel Centre

Melanesian Odyssey – From Papua New Guinea to Fiji

Melanesian Odyssey – From Papua New Guinea to Fiji

From GBP £10,845

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Description

Here is a fascinating island hopping expedition through Melanesia from Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and finally to Fiji. Travelling independently in Melanesia can be difficult, with little infrastructure in place to accommodate for tourists and information about getting around often scarce. This of course makes the region alluring to the genuine traveller who will encounter beautiful islands with unique features and customs that remain relatively unscathed by the modern world. The region is ideal for exploring by small ship and particularly one as suitable as the MS Island Sky. Her fleet of Zodiac landing craft provides us with the freedom of spontaneity to explore and land in places where relatively few travellers have been before us.
After an overnight stay in Singapore, our expedition will begin in Papua New Guinea where we will moor in the dramatic Simpson Harbour which is part of a huge, flooded caldera and ringed by a number of volcanoes. From here we set sail for the Solomon Islands which were thrust on to the centre stage of world history when the Allied forces took the offensive in the South Pacific and air, land and sea battles ensued for their control. We will visit the majestic Morovo Lagoon, the world’s largest double barrier lagoon and a truly awe-inspiring place, and Tetepare Island which is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the Southern Hemisphere. We continue to Honiara where we explore the war sites and then on to the enchanting small islands of Santa Ana and Utupua. With our time on these remote island paradises we will have the opportunity to visit tribal villages little changed for centuries, see astonishing ceremonial dances, enjoy nature walks inland or swim in the warm waters from isolated palm-fringed beaches. Leaving the Solomon Islands, we have three days in Vanuatu archipelago home to volcanos, rainforests bursting with a magnificent array of flora and fauna, beautiful beaches and a mesmerising underwater world of tropical fish and coral.
Afloat and ashore, our expedition will be filled with unforgettable images, remote idyllic islets, tribal villages unchanged for centuries, astonishing ceremonial dances, kaleidoscopic reefs and soaring white-tailed tropic birds. This voyage has something for everyone, whether your interest lies in natural history, military history, bird watching, photography, the undersea world or simply just being one of the privileged few who are able to set foot on islands of astonishing richness and beauty. We hope you can join us in this faraway haven, for an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the most intriguing places on the map.

Trip Name
Melanesian Odyssey - From Papua New Guinea to Fiji
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 The MS Island Sky offers an intimate and luxurious cruising experience, designed for travelers who appreciate peace, high-quality service, and a relaxed atmosphere. The ship features elegant public spaces, including a main lounge for daily briefings and talks, The Club with a pianist and a 24-hour tea and coffee station, and a well-stocked library with internet access. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining on the Lido Deck, a walk-around promenade for scenic views, and a top-deck observation area ideal for relaxation and wildlife spotting. The ship also includes a small hair salon, a doctor on board, and a lift serving all decks for added convenience. Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is available, though signal strength may vary. Accommodations include 59 spacious and well-appointed suites, all with outside views, seating areas, and en-suite bathrooms. Some suites offer private balconies or sliding glass doors for enhanced ocean views. Amenities include a mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning, and a safe. The Island Suite boasts an extended balcony, complimentary minibar, and laundry service. Dining is a refined yet relaxed affair, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a single open seating. Guests can enjoy buffet-style breakfasts, à la carte lunches and dinners, daily afternoon tea, and included wines. The ship’s culinary team creates exceptional meals, often incorporating local specialties, while the friendly staff ensures a welcoming and social dining experience. Life onboard is serene, focusing on enriching experiences rather than organized entertainment. Guests can enjoy informative talks, port briefings, and casual evening music rather than large-scale shows or games. The ship is equipped with modern safety and navigation technology, including roll stabilizers for a smooth journey. The atmosphere is akin to a private yacht or boutique hotel, where like-minded travelers can immerse themselves in nature, history, and culture.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Singapore.
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 Singapore to Rabaul.
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.
Day 3 - Day 3 Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.
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.
Day 4 - Day 4 Rabaul.
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.
Day 5 - Day 5 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we make our way towards the Solomon Islands.
Day 6 - Day 6 Marovo Lagoon, 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.
Day 7 - Day 7 Tetepare Island.
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.
Day 8 - Day 8 Honiara.
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.
Day 9 - Day 9 Santa Ana.
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.
Day 10 - Day 10 Nembao Village, Utupua Island.
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.
Day 11 - Day 11 Espiritu Santo Island, 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.
Day 12 - Day 12 Port Havannah, Efate Island.
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.
Day 13 - Day 13 Tanna Island.
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.
Day 14 - Day 14 At Sea.
Find a spot on deck, join a lecture or simply relax as we have a day at sea crossing the South Pacific towards Fiji.
Day 15 - Day 15 Lautoka, Fiji
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight back home. 
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-09-202621-09-2026GBP £10,845Magellan Deck Standard Suite
07-09-202621-09-2026GBP £11,145Columbus Deck Superior Suite
07-09-202621-09-2026GBP £11,345Magellan Deck Standard Single
07-09-202621-09-2026GBP £11,345Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
07-09-202621-09-2026GBP £11,845Columbus Deck Superior Single
07-09-202621-09-2026GBP £12,145Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
07-09-202621-09-2026GBP £12,845Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
07-09-202621-09-2026GBP £13,345Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
07-09-202621-09-2026GBP £13,845Explorer Deck Island Suite

Inclusions

    • Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands: Explore the world’s largest double barrier lagoon, with its vibrant coral reefs, white sand beaches, and intricate wood-carving villages.
    • Tetepare Island: Wander through untouched rainforests on the Southern Hemisphere’s largest uninhabited tropical island, home to rare wildlife and a leading conservation project.
    • Mount Yasur, Tanna Island: Venture to the rim of this active volcano, glowing against Vanuatu’s lush landscape, for a thrilling encounter with nature’s raw power.

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