Overview

Cruise the South Pacific by expedition ship, visiting Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Philippines, New Caledonia and Indonesia.

Enjoy idyllic beaches, snorkeling and birdwatching. The South Pacific islands known as Melanesia lie to the north and east of Australia. Together the three independent nations and two dependant colonies form one of the most culturally complex regions in the world, with some 1,293 languages spoken across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and New Guinea. It is also a region of great antiquity with New Guinea having been settled for about 45,000 years, the Solomon Islands 35,000 and Vanuatu and New Caledonia for about 4,000 years.

Throughout Melanesia, people still live as they always have, in small scale societies often without strong leadership systems. Instead, communities are bound by family ties and that of complex trade and exchange networks. Trade routes link distant communities, and trading canoe voyages can cover extensive distances. The daily round of crop growing, hunting, and in coastal areas, of fishing, is enriched by many rituals. These often involve the production of intricate carvings and body decorations. Melanesians do not worship gods in a general sense, but acknowledge their ancestors, spirits and other beings that share their landscape.

Our expedition cruises throughout Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people and to be entertained by spectacular cultural performances.

As we travel through the warm waters of the South Pacific there will be ample time for snorkelling, swimming, exploring, birdwatching, village visits and zodiac cruising. Discover The Secrets of Melanesia explores the islands of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands and uncovers the traditions, marine life and idyllic islands of the area. Discover paradise among Indonesia's lost islands on Indonesian Explorer where we will explore Raja Ampat and little known biodiverse-rich jungle-capped volcanic islands scattered across pristine pellucid waters well beyond traditional tourist routes including Komodo National Park - land of the Komodo Dragon.

For the ultimate adventure, join our incomparable 29-day Grand Pacific Odyssey, a tropical pacific island cruise from New Zealand to Japan.

Book both voyages back to back and save, contact us for details.

Plan a South Pacific adventure today. Questions or ready to book one of these exciting expeditions? Please contact us today or call toll free and speak with an Expedition Specialist.