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View the wrecks of Japanese Zeros on the island of Yap

Palau to the Solomon Islands: Along the Equator

Example 16 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
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The fascinating history of WWII comes alive on this 16-day South Pacific small ship cruise. Begin your journey in Koror, Palau, and sail for Yap Island, Satawal, Chuuk Atoll, Papua New Guinea, and more. As you cross the equator, disembark almost daily to interact with the region's locals and learn about the cultures and history. On the island of Yap and the Chuuk Atoll, view the remains of airplanes, torpedos and tanks, and snorkel and dive among shipwrecks which are now blooming with corals. Also visit the island of Rabaul to admire its smoking volcano.
Swim the clear waters of PalauThe wreckage of a Japanese Betty Bomber on the island of YapChildren dive from the rocks.Experience the magic of PalauView the wrecks of Japanese Zeros on the island of Yap
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Koror, Palau

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Palau and take a short tour of Koror on your way to the National Geographic Orion. Settle in to your cabin as the ship sets sail across the Pacific.

Day 2-3: At Sea / Yap Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Known as The Land of Stone Money, intriguing Yap is notable for the largest and heaviest money in the world. Exploring on land, walk ancient stone pathways and visit a community house. Scuba divers are able to search for some of Yap's famous residents: manta rays, while kayakers explore the island’s extensive lagoon.

Day 4-5: At Sea / Satawal

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Drop anchor on the tiny island of Satawal, measuring just 1.5 miles long and accessible only by small ships. Village women present a traditional welcome dance, while Satawal men demonstrate their renowned sailing skills in outrigger canoes made of breadfruit wood. Snorkel, dive, and explore the island’s interior on foot.

Day 6-8: At Sea / Chuuk Atoll

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend a day at sea as you cruise to the world-famous Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon. The vast selection of WWII artifacts still found in the Chuuk Lagoon after five decades are testament to the unique history of the Micronesia Islands. Visible propellers, torpedoes, cave networks, plans, and ships are all found in the lagoon. You’ll snorkel or dive among Chuuk’s renowned wrecks, which are now blooming with corals.

Day 9-10: At Sea / Crossing the Equator

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend two days at sea as you make your way north.

Day 11-12: New Ireland and New Britain Islands, Papua New Guinea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Papua New Guinea and stop first on the north coast of New Ireland. Here, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Bismarck Sea, are dozens of idyllic islands. Continuing south to Kimbe Bay, the options for discovery are endless. Spend several days exploring on land as well as by sea.

Day 13: Rabaul

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Plan to be on deck for the spectacular approach to Rabaul, dominated by its smoking volcano. In 1994, the volcano exploded and buried this "Pacific Pompeii." Observe firsthand the old city, which is still covered in ash and features the steaming volcano as a backdrop. Also view the extensive WWII fortifications which made up the southernmost base of the Japanese advance. Another highlight comes after dark, when you can observe the unique fire dancers of the Baining tribe.

Day 14-15: At Sea / Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the heart of the New Georgia Islands is Marovo Lagoon. One of the world’s largest double barrier-enclosed lagoons, this isolated spot has been proposed for a World Heritage listing and is an exceptional site for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving. Visiting a village, meet the wood carvers of Marovo, reported to be the best in the Pacific, and have the opportunity to shop for their artwork.

Day 16: Honiara / Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Disembark the National Geographic Orion after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Brisbane, Australia. Upon arrival, continue on your independent journey.

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
$17,390
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge

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