Have questions? We're here.
Explore the inlets of Vanuatu

Exploring the Coral Sea: Papua New Guinea to Fiji

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal South Pacific trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Experience the clear waters of the South Pacific on this 14-day Papua New Guinea and Fiji cruise. Visit the local villages and interact with their young children in port. Dive underneath the waves for a colorful and enriching snorkeling experience.
Snorkel off stunning sand beachesChildren of the Solomon Islands greet your zodiacView unique underwater wildlifeSnorkel with the exceptional sealife of the South PacificExplore the inlets of Vanuatu
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cairns, Australia

Arrive in Cairns and board the National Geographic Orion.

Day 2: At Sea

Your first day at sea will be spent crossing the Coral Sea, with features reefs and islands rich in birds and aquatic life. Join the naturalists with your binoculars, attend lectures by the expedition team, and settle in to life on board.

Day 3-5: Papua New Guinea

Sail for the Milne Bay Province and explore the colorful markets of the mainland and the reef-fringed volcanic islands off the coast. Explore a turbulent history of colonialists, missionaries, and headhunters. Examine World War II artifacts on land and underwater, and snorkel, dive and kayak the reefs and lagoons of the idyllic Louisiade Archipelago.

Day 6-8: At Sea / Solomon Islands

Spend a day at sea, sailing for the jungle-clad peaks and vibrant reefs of the Solomon Islands. The islands are historical due to the fierce battles fought during World War II, but thet are also some of the least visited and most dive-worthy islands in the South Pacific. Explore the haunting war relics at a U.S. supply depot on Guadalcanal Island, and discover the bird life of Kennedy Island. On the island of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), attend a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes and masks.

Day 9: At Sea

Continue your crossing of the Coral Sea.

Day 10-11: Vanuatu

Sail for Vanuatu's main island, Espiritu Santo. Snorkel, swim, and kayak in Paradise Lagoon and before setting out for the Blue Hole Grotto, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle. Take a zodiac to Lelepa and explore Fels Cave, which features walls decorated with ancient petroglyphs, and visit Vanuatu’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata.

In the afternoon, snorkel Million Dollar Point, a historical site where many tons of military equipment were dumped after the war, or experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge.

Day 12: At Sea

Attend lectures on board and learn about the fascinating history of the region as you sail for Fiji.

Day 13: Beqa, Fiji

Arrive in Fiji, an nation of over 300 islands which are known for their pristine coral reefs, sun-drenched villages, and tranquil, tropical atmosphere. Take a zodiac to the island of Beqa, located off the southern coast of Viti Levu. Dive or snorkel the surrounding coral reefs, go on walks in the jungle, and paddle sea kayaks along mangrove-lined channels.

Day 14: Lautoka, Fiji / Disembark

In the morning, disembark in Lautoka, Fiji, and transfer to the airport for your connecting flights.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Select a Date
Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Select a Date
Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
Select a Date
Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

South Pacific Travel Guide

Favorite South Pacific All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By