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Melanesia - A Timeless Paradise

The legendary romance of the South Pacific seas is alive and well in this sparkling collection of treasure islands. Here, time has stood still. Tradition and custom remain intact. Shy native wildlife thrives in virgin rainforests. Neon-colored reef fish dart among the coral gardens of the calm, island lagoons. Village artisans create tribal artifacts in the slow, careful way their forebears taught them. Coffee workers sing as they walk in the flower-fragrant mornings to family plantations.

Day 1 - Rabaul, Duke of York Islands and Captain's Welcome

Board Oceanic Discoverer at 2:00pm for a 3:00pm departure. We are surrounded by a backdrop of six towering volcanoes as we meet our fellow travellers. Later, join the Expedition Leader and local guide to visit the nesting ground of the megapodes, a native bird known for their amazing nests. This evening we join the Captain and his crew and enjoy Welcome Cocktails as the sun sets over the Duke of York Island.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Lamassa 'Ogres' and Lambon Island

This morning we board Xplorer and make our way ashore at Lamassa for an unforgettable experience. We are greeted by spear-wielding ogres, an enactment of the greeting of the first Europeans to set foot on this land. Later, explore Lambon Island and its perfect white, sandy jungle-clad beach. Keep an eye out for the island's bright green skinks and beautiful Barringtonia flowers. The island offers fantastic opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Buka Island and Bougainville

Travelling in the wake of 18th century French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville we sail the Coast of Bougainville Island and embark on an expedition at the island of Buka.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Gizo Markets and Kennedy Island

This morning we visit Gizo, the small provincial capital of Ghizo Island. Explore the open air markets, replete with artefacts and wood carvings or join a hike to the lookout for panoramic views across the lagoon and islands. Keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the white-bellied graybird, whiskered tree swift or colourful lorikeets native to the remote Solomon Islands. Later, we board the Xplorer and head ashore to tiny Kennedy Island, named in honour of John F Kennedy, who swam ashore to the island with his crew after his boat PT-109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer during WWII.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Arnavon Islands and Dart Sound

The Arnavon Islands are the only marine reserve in the Solomon Islands where, except for subsistence gathering, all marine life is protected and fishing is banned. Travel ashore to see how the conservation efforts are helping to rejuvenate the island. This afternoon board the Xplorer for a cruise up Dart Sound to the remote village of Kia.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Mangalonga Island and Resort

This morning we anchor off picturesque Mangalonga. Join a snorkel tour, SCUBA dive or glass bottom boat tour before traveling ashore to Maravagi Resort where there is time to explore on a nature walk.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Santa Ana Island and Ancient Rainforests

The locals of Santa Ana, a small island southeast of San Cristobal, welcome us ashore. Santa Ana is known for its bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. We enjoy a guided walk across the island, through shady rainforests where a myriad of colorful orchids grow.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Nendo Island and Snorkeling

Nendo Island is our final port of call in the Solomon Islands. This afternoon we enjoy cultural performances and another opportunity to snorkel over the pristine coral reefs.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Vanuatu - Ureparapara Island

Welcome to the tropical archipelago of Vanuatu. Enjoy an unforgettable highlight of the expedition as we cruise into the cone of a volcano surrounded on three sides by 300 meter cliffs. This is Ureparapara, one of the most spectacular islands in Vanuatu. The only way to experience this island is by sea, and visits from cruise ships are rare. You will be entertained by the locals with a 'kastom' dance and you may join a guided walk to the top of the caldera.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Champagne Beach and Espiritu Santo

Champagne Beach is without doubt the jewel of Vanuatu and is a nature and water lover's playground. Enjoy optional tours to the fabled 'Blue Hole', in-water activities or relaxing on the white sands of this magnificent beach. This evening, enjoy our New Year's Eve festivities as we celebrate the dawn of 2011 in style.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Malakula Island and South West Bay

We land at South West Bay on Malakula Island, famous for the complex ceremonies and rituals preserved by two of its remarkable tribes, the Big Nambas and the Small Nambas. At the Maskelyne Islands enjoy snorkeling and glass bottom boat tours.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Tanna Island Volcano

Today is a very special experience as Tanna Island is one of the only places in the world where you can safely stand on the rim of an active volcano. Join our Expedition Leader on a scenic drive through the rainforest and up the slopes of Mount Yasur, admiring the fantastic views of this active volcano.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, luncha and dinner

Day 13 - Lifou Island Tour - New Caledonia

Lifou Island's impressive beaches are amongst the best in the world, backed by sparkling lagoons and pine tree covered landscapes. Join the Expedition Leader on a walk to the churches and beautiful bays. Lifou is sensational for snorkelling with a panorama of sea-life unsullied by man. This evening enjoy the Captain's Farewell Cocktails.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - Noumea, Disembark

This morning we arrive in Noumea, the French-inspired capital of New Caledonia at 8:00am. Disembark after breakfast

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: This itinerary is an indication of the reef, islands and coastal areas we visit. While every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather and tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Prices for the Melanesia Cruise aboard the Oceanic Discoverer are in Australian Dollars. For today's exchange rate visit USD to AUD. We will accept payment in U.S. Dollars based on the exchange rate the day you make your payment.

Included: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programs, use of all of our onboard facilities, including our comprehensive range of library and video resources, use of snorkeling equipment such as masks, fins, flotation vests and wetsuits plus a free scuba skills lesson.

Exclusions: 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, plus a Government Environmental Management charge of $16.50 per person - payable on board.

Families & Children: Minimum age 8 years old; however we do not recommend children under 12 years of age participate given the nature of these programs.

Arrival & Departure: The Melanesia cruise begins in Rabaul and ends in Noumea. Embarkation time is 2:00pm on day of departure. Please schedule flights accordingly. Group airfares from selected Australian cities are available. Inquire for details.

Payment & Cancellation: To secure your reservation a deposit of 10% of the fare is due within 7 days of placing your booking. Final Payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy: Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your cancellation the following penalties will apply:
Up to 60 days prior to departure - forfeit your deposit of 10% of the fare.
30 to 59 days prior to departure - forfeit 50% of the fare.
1 to 29 days prior to departure - forfeit 100% of the fare.
A $200.00 per person fee may be charged by Coral Princess Cruises for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed.

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

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. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



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. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com