Explore the Australian Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea, and Micronesia on this 19-day South Pacific cruise! Interact with the local children of small villages and stop to explore the mountainous regions where the wreckage of WWII Japanese planes still reside.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Cairns and transfer to the National Geographic Orion for your South Pacific cruise!
Day 2: Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
Arrive at The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest reef system, and sail for Lizard Island. Lizard Island has great cultural importance for the traditional residents—the Dingaal Aboriginal people, who regarded it as a sacred place. Its pristine beaches, with perfect white sand, slope gently away from the shore. Swimmers, snorkelers and divers are rewarded with coral gardens, brightly colored tropical fish and giant clams (one meter in length with spectacular colors). Hike up to “Cook’s Look,” where Captain Cook plotted his route through the reefs; the rewards are 360 degree views. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 4,200 miles. This huge area can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. Sail to a remote section on the outer reef and discover a thrilling array of marine life. Snorkel in this pristine ecosystem which features vast amounts of starfish, anemones, multicolored tropical fish, reef sharks and turtles.
Day 4: Thursday Island, Torres Strait, Great Barrier Reef
In the morning, land on Cape York with the help of a reef pilot. Continue on to Thursday Island, recognized as one of the last frontiers in Australia. Learn about the island’s unique history and culture as you wander through the pearler’s cemetery, where stories of this once dangerous occupation are revealed. In the afternoon, take in the panoramic views from Lion’s Lookout.
Day 5: At Sea
Head to the bridge to watch the quiet business of navigation or gather in the lounge as the ship sails to Papua New Guinea. Attend lectures about what is in store for you upon arrival.
Day 6: Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea
Wake in Papua New Guinea, a patchwork of mountains and jungle which is home to some 700 Papuan and Melanesia tribes, each with its own language. The island of Samarai was once an important trading post and stopover between Australia and East Asia. Today, the sleepy island is designated as a national heritage site. Take a zodiac to discover the island’s fascinating history of colonialism, missionaries and headhunters.
Day 7: Kitava, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
Land on Kitava and experience an incredible and festive cultural exchange: dancing, singing and chanting performed by traditionally dressed locals. After the festivities, relax on the beach on neighboring Nuratu Island or snorkel along its pristine reef.
Day 8: At Sea / Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
Spend a morning at sea and approach the island of Rabaul, dominated by its smoking volcano. The volcano erupted in 1994, burying Rabaul, now nicknamed the 'Pacific Pompeii.' Observe the old city as the volcano steams in the background. In the evening, watch as members of the Baining tribe perform their fire dances.
Day 9: Exploring The Kavieng Region, Papua New Guinea / At Sea
Spend the day watching as islands pass by the ship, perhaps stopping on New Ireland and the tiny island groups which are scattered off its shores.
Day 10-11: At Sea / Crossing The Equator
Set sail for Micronesia and cross the equator along the way. Spend a few days at sea in the library, or crack open a copy of James Michener’s book, Tales of the South Pacific, which was inspired by his experiences during WWII. Head to the fitness center, enjoy a sauna, or relax in the hot tub.
Day 12: Chuuk Island, Chuuk State, Federated States Of Micronesia
Arrive in the Chuuk State and learn about the vast selection of WWII artifacts which are still found in the area. Propellers, torpedoes, cave networks, planes and ships abound are common visuals. Visit the waterside monument to the individuals who died in the massive American air attack of 1944. Snorkel or dive among Chuuk’s renowned WWII shipwrecks, now colorful and blooming with corals.
Day 13: Pulap & Tamatam Islands, Chuuk State, Micronesia
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the village and views the traditional lifestyles of the locals. Attend dances, demonstrations of house-framing and thatching, mat and loom weaving, rope and net-making, and handicrafts.
Day 14: Satawal, Yap State, Micronesia
Land on tiny Satawal, an island measuring just 1.5 miles long and accessible only by small ships. Watch as the village women present a traditional welcome dance, adorned in lava-lava skirts. Ride in an outrigger sailing canoe which was made of breadfruit wood, or snorkel on the fringing reef.
Day 15: Ifalik, Yap State
Land on Ifalik, a picture-postcard tropical island which features a beautiful lagoon and an emphasis on maintaining the traditional ways of life. The chief will grant you permission to wander the island and admire the handicrafts and unique pearl-shell fish hooks.
Day 16: Sorol, Yap State
Board a zodiac and navigate the coral reef of Sorol. Beachcomb along the shores and take a nature walk along the island. View the coconut palms which surround the lagoon and hope to see sooty terns and elegant white-tailed tropicbirds.
Day 17: Yap Island, Yap State
Explore Yap Island and learn about the traditional lifestyle which still flourishes in the villages. Fishing, sailing and weaving are still important parts of everyday life. Walk the ancient stone pathways, visit a community house, and view one of the wunbeys, stone sitting platforms used by the elders when there are meetings. Yap is well known for its resident manta rays, which live in the deeper waters surrounding the island.
Day 18: Palau
Arrive in Palau, a fitting finale with the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clear waters, lakes filled to the brim with "stingless" jellyfish, forests, waterfalls and caves for exploring. Take a slow hike to the legendary Jellyfish Lake for an extraordinary snorkeling experience. The jellyfish in the lake have lost their ability to sting due to centuries of biological isolation.
Day 19: Palau / Disembark
Disembark in Palau and transfer to the airport for your connecting flights home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
