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Orion embarks on a 16 night exploration of the South Pacific, through islands unspoiled by tourism. It will follow a unique itinerary, balancing authentic cultural experiences with comfortable luxury amenities and must-see sights with stops that no other cruise has access to. We’ll visit remote islands settled as early as 25,000 BC by skull worshiping tribes. Today they are some of the most dive-friendly islands in the South Pacific, rich in fish and brightly-hued corals. Stroll pristine white sand beaches, soft underfoot, and climb the side of a still-active volcano for an unforgettable view.

Day 1 - Auckland, New Zealand

In the Maori language Auckland is known as Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers, having earned the name because it was a place desired by all and conquered by many. The setting is spectacular, the city being nestled upon three harbors - the Waitemata, the Manukau and the Kaipara. Don't miss the chance to dine out in Auckland as the city has perfected the style of cuisine called "Pacific Rim", blending Asian and Pacific flavors. Seafood features prominently on restaurant menus so be sure to try New Zealand green lipped mussels and succulent Clevedon Coast oysters - all matched with an excellent New Zealand wine to begin your small ship cruise aboard the Orion with a bang.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Of all New Zealand's cruising grounds, the Bay of Islands is probably the finest - endless sheltered bays, clear, clean water and a climate that is consistently warmer than anywhere else in the country. The Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans, Captain Cook being the first to visit the area and name the region in 1769. This settlement was once a bustling seafaring and political base fusing Maori and European cultures as the area was inhabited by ship deserters, whalers, sealers and sailors. It's a sweet irony that the town described in the lawless late 1800's as 'the hellhole of the Pacific' is now one of New Zealand's most refined places to visit.
Included Expeditions Orion guests will have access to the picturesque town of Russell. A shuttle bus is included and a guided town walk lasting one hour is available. -Optional Expeditions Available for Additional Fares.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3 - At Sea

Spend time relaxing aboard the Orion while you enjoy all that this small ship cruise has to offer.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

"Such a lovely spot of God's creation" was the journal entry of Andrew Cheyne, the first British sandalwood trader to reach Isle of Pines' shores 165 years ago. Known as Kunie to its Melanesian inhabitants, the island is part of the French-Pacific territory New Caledonia. Today there are roughly 2,000 inhabitants, 95% of whom are Melanesians or Kanaks. For traditional, cultural and social reasons, these indigenous Kunie people are formed into eight tribes, each with their own 'little chief' and governed as a whole by a High Chief. Vao is the only village on the island and, as an indigenous preserve, where land is neither available for sale nor rent. Wander the island, meet the locals (a little French will come in handy) or bask on the fine, white sand beaches. The ruins of the convict settlement that housed 2,000 deported prisoners in the 1870's invite exploration or just grab a mask and fins for snorkeling.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Tanna Island, Vanuatu

As we approach this morning, the first thing we will sight is the island's active volcano, Mount Yasur. Shortly after Orion drops her anchor in protected Port Resolution, named by Captain James Cook in 1774, your expedition team will venture ashore to scout a landing site. A guided walk up the side of the volcano's rim (300 metres wide and 100 metres deep) affords views of the crater which often spews rocks and ash in a spectacular pyrotechnic display. We may also have time to examine the other natural phenomena of the volcano: the ragged coastline honeycombed with lava rock, the hot springs on the beaches and the Ash Plain, with its grey moon-like landscape. Tanna is also known for the Jon Frum religious movement. Tanna is the origin of the region's Cargo Cults and ever since WWII the locals still expect Jon "Frum" America to bring wealth from over the sea.
Included Expeditions Upon arrival on Tanna Island you will be welcomed with an exciting cultural display. Spend a memorable day enjoying activities such as guided tours of the village, access to the hot pools on the beach for a soak and swim followed by snorkelling and sea kayaking in the azure waters. This evening, a local string band will entertain you and a fire walking demonstration will take place to complete your day in paradise! -Optional Expeditions Available for Additional Fares

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Port Vila, Vanuatu

Port Vila is the capital and largest town of the republic of Vanuatu, southwestern Pacific Ocean. Located on Mele Bay on the southwest coast of Éfaté, Vila is a port and the commercial centre of the island group. In the 19th century, French settlers established the municipality of Franceville, which declared independence in 1889 and became the first self-governing nation to practice universal suffrage without distinction of sex or race. Although the population at the time consisted of about 500 native islanders and less than 50 whites, only the latter were permitted to hold office. Although the town is French in appearance, the population is multinational, including British, French, Vanuatuans, and Vietnamese.
-Optional Expeditions Available for Additional Fares

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Malakula, Vanuatu

Malakula is the second largest island in the Vanuatu group, once known as The Cannibal Islands due to the fierce reputation of the predominant tribal groups known as the big and small Nambas. The island is also the most diverse, culturally and linguistically, with over thirty distinct languages spoken. Sandalwood does not grow on the island and so it attracted little interest from the ruthless sea traders of the 1800s, leaving the culture virtually intact and the inhabitants unscathed by the slaving and introduced Western diseases prevalent elsewhere in the South Pacific. Included Expeditions Our landing today is planned for South West Bay. Here we will be greeted by the local people who will share their culture with us throughout the day. Learn of the traditions and customs of the Malakula people though our unique cultural program.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8- Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

During WWII James A Michener, then a lieutenant in the American Army, was stationed in Santo along with 100,000 other army personnel. Such was the effect of this place on him that here he wrote the legendary Tales of the South Pacific. From Espiritu Santo, Michener would gaze across the sea to the volcanic island of Ambae, often with its summit shrouded in cloud and dream of "Bali Hai". Relics and reminders of the war remain everywhere today. Around town you will still see military-constructed Quonset huts, there are four airfields and a mecca for divers is the 22,000 ton luxury liner/wartime troopship President Coolidge, the largest intact shipwreck accessible to scuba divers in the world. When the US military failed to sell surplus equipment at the end of the war, instead of leaving it behind they drove it into the sea at what is now known as Million Dollar Point.
-Included Expeditions Enjoy the swimming, snorkelling and sea kayaking available today for you in the crystal clear South Pacific waters! Orion guests will delight at the range of cultural performances staged for your entertainment today. -Optional Expeditions Available for Additional Fares

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Utupua Island, Solomons

Part of the volcanic Santa Cruz Island group, the remote and rarely visited Utupua has been described as a small Bora Bora with its lagoon and barrier reef surrounding the high island. The Zodiacs will take us down the fjord like channel lined by marshy mangroves into the heart of the island. Once ashore you'll find the island is densely forested, the island's 750 inhabitants cultivating lush vegetable gardens in the rich volcanic soil. We may be invited to climb a jungle pathway up the hillside where a magnificent view of the island's reef-enclosed perimeter is revealed. The island's barrier reef offers great opportunities for snorkeling over brilliant coral formations teeming with fish.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - At Sea

Reflect on all the wonders while relaxing in the hottub or soaking in sun rays on top deck, while Orion staff spoil you with cruise luxuries.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Santa Ana Island, Solomons

Early this morning Orion will navigate through the picturesque channel separating Santa Ana and Santa Catalina Islands before dropping anchor on the west coast of Santa Ana just outside shallow Mary Bay. The islanders are well known for preserving ancient traditions so as we step ashore from the Zodiacs don't be surprised if we are greeted by songs and elaborately costumed dancers. The craft work from Santa Ana includes magnificently carved fishing floats, ceremonial black bowls inlaid with shells and intricate animal designs. In the afternoon, snorkel or dive the reefs to view clownfish, soldierfish and brilliantly hued wrasses.
Included Expeditions Today Orion guests can expect a lively cultural performance from the local villagers who will also have their woodwork and artefacts on display available for purchase. The opportunity of swimming and snorkelling in the azure waters surrounding this remote island is also offered for your relaxation today.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Ngella (Florida Islands)

After a few hours to see the megapodes on Savo, the ship will reposition across Iron Bottom Sound to Nggela Island, part of an area named by the early Spanish explorers as the Florida Islands. On the south Western shores of Nggela is Tulagi Harbour and Tulagi Island, the one-time British capital of the Solomons Protectorate and a significant Japanese base during WWII. Tulagi was the scene of some very heavy fighting after landings by US Marines. Our destination this afternoon is Roderick Bay inside Sandfly Passage. A stunning white sand beach with huge trees growing right down to the water's edge with abundant marine life living in colorful coral reefs a few meters off shore in the crystal clear waters awaits us here. To add to the this stunning environment, nosed up onto the beach, listing heavily to its port side is the wreck of the World Discoverer, a cruise ship beached here in 2001 after an unfortunate mishap in the top half of Sandfly Passage (our vessel will not be entering into that area). Snorkel around the wreck, which now has large ferns growing where the spa pool was and fig trees spreading across the anchor deck. This place has to be seen to be believed. Paradise with its very own (permanent) cruise ship!
Included Expeditions This afternoon Orion guests will Zodiac ashore to enjoy cultural performances, a village visit and experience the beautiful beach perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 - Ghizo & Kennedy Islands, Solomons

Be up early this morning as Orion threads her way through the coral reef lined approaches to the harbour. In the east lies the island of Kolombangara with its perfectly conical dormant volcano covered in rainforest. Capital of the Western Province, and the largest town in the Solomons after Honiara, Gizo is a remnant of times past. Wander the waterfront past the produce market and you'll find the main street has the feel of a South Pacific outpost with dark, cool trading stores crammed full of every kind of necessity. Street vendors offer stone and wooden carvings. For a taste of traditional village life, climb into the back of an open pick-up truck for a trip along the coast where the bumpy ride is more than compensated for by a procession of scenic delights - untouched beaches, riotous tropical foliage and villages signposted by giggling children. Gizo is a mecca for divers, with the wreck of the Japanese supply ship Toa Maru a justifiably famous dive experience. Over lunch Orion will depart Gizo Harbour and drift at anchor nearby Kennedy Island, so-named for a famous castaway. During WWII John F. Kennedy was captain of PT-109 when, on 2 August 1943, his patrol boat was cut in two by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri in Blackett Strait. The survivors clung to the still floating bow section before swimming ashore to this tiny island later named in his honour. Zodiacs will land you ashore this afternoon where you may snorkel over the coral reef alive with stag horn coral of every hue, or simply take 10-15 minutes to walk around this tiny uninhabited island.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - At Sea

Sit back and Relax while Orion pampers you during your serene time at sea. Prepare your self for your last days on this spectacular small ship cruise.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 &16 - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

The tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting at the eastern end of the island of New Britain. Nestled on Simpson Harbour, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes providing a sensational backdrop for our visit. Musicians, drummers and traditional dancers heraldour arrival, providing a boisterous welcome. The Volcano Observatory affords panoramic views of the harbour but a helicopter flight is the ideal way to take in the scale of the 1994 eruptions that destroyed two-thirds of Rabaul. You'll fly over empty streets and what was the town's municipal swimming pool - now just an outline of blue ceramic tiles, the pool filled with ash. Rabaul was the focus of fierce battles during World War II and the steep coastal cliffs are riddled with tunnels filled with relics. Explore Admiral Yamamoto's bunker and touch the wreck of a Japanese Betty Bomber for intimate reminders of the Japanese presence. This evening join the expedition team on an encounter with the surreal Baining Fire Dancers whose elaborate costumes and trance-like dance will leave you with an unforgettable conclusion to your voyage.
-Included Expeditions A local cultural group will welcome Orion guests upon arrival. Access to the rebuilt town area of Rabaul is just a short walk from the wharf. A courtesy shuttle running to the edge of the ash area where the Rabaul Hotel Yamamoto’s Bunker and Historical Society are situated will be available. -Optional Expeditions Available for Additional Fares

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner, breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single, Triple and Quad Travelers: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Cost Includes: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programmes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Not Included: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Arrival/Departure Information: The Melanesian Discovery cruise begins in Auckland, New Zealand and ends in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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