Western Pacific Odyssey
« All Spirit of Enderby cruise options
- Day 1 Tauranga, New Zealand
- Day 2 Hauraki Gulf
- Days 3-4 At Sea
- Day 5 Norfolk Island
- Day 6 At Sea
- Days 7-8 New Caledonia
- Days 9-11 At Sea
- Day 12 Rennell Island
- Day 13 Makira Island
- Day 14 Honiara
- Day 15 Kolombangara Island
- Day 16 At Sea
- Day 17 New Ireland
- Days 18-19 At Sea
- Days 20-21 Caroline Islands
- Days 22-28 At Sea
- Day 29 Torishima Island
- Day 30 At Sea
- Day 31 Yokohama, Japan
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Heritage Suite | Mini Suite | Superior Plus | Superior | Main deck | Main Deck Triple | |
- Travel Insurance is mandatory for all passengers aboard the Spirit of Enderby.
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
- Included in the cruise fare is a pre-departure hotel night, group dinner as well as breakfast the next day prior to embarkation.
Deposit & Payment - Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
- Included in the cruise fare is a pre-departure hotel night, group dinner as well as breakfast the next day prior to embarkation.
Day 1 Tauranga, New Zealand
Arrive in Tauranga and transfer to ‘Spirit of Enderby’. After settling in to your cabin, join a briefing with Expedition staff.
Day 2 Hauraki Gulf
In the outer Hauraki Gulf, you should obtain some good sightings of the Grey Ternlet. Other birds could include the Little Blue Penguin, Australian Gannets, Common Diving Petrels, Fluttering Shearwaters and hopefully the New Zealand Storm Petrels.
Days 3-4 At Sea
En route to Norfolk Island, you will have a good chance of spotting Gould’s Petrel, Black-winged Petrel, White-naped Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel, Tahiti Petrel and Black Petrels.
Day 5 Norfolk Island
After clearing Australian Customs, spend most of the day at Norfolk Island’s Botanical Gardens, home to the two endemics – the Norfolk Island Parakeet and the Norfolk Gerygone.
Day 6 At Sea
At sea on a northward course, cross a large underwater seamount, a productive area for seabirds including Tahiti, Kermadec and Grey-faced Petrels, plus the first of the Polynesian Storm Petrels.
Days 7-8 New Caledonia
Arrive at New Caledonia in the afternoon and pick up your pilot for the journey to the Port of Noumea. Relax, enjoy the town of Noumea or go birding on the outskirts of town. The next day journey to the Parc de la Rivière Bleue to look for Kagu and Crow Honey-eater. Other birds to be on the lookout for include the Crested Parakeet, Cloven-feathered Dove, Yellow-bellied Robin, New Caledonian (Goliath) Imperial Pigeon and many more.
Days 9-11 At Sea
Enjoy leisurely days at sea and a chance to relax, catch up on notes, reading and sleep.
Day 12 Rennell Island
This morning go ashore at Rennell Island and hope to see the Rennell Starling, Rennell Shrikebill, Bare-eyed White-eye, Rennell Fantail and Rennell White-eye. Other species include the Imperial Pigeon, Silver-capped Fruit Dove, Singing Parrot, Melanesian Flycatcher, Cardinal Myzomela, Finsch’s Pygmy Parrot and Island Thrush.
Day 13 Makira Island
Makira Island holds its own treasures, including the endemic Sooty Myzomela, San Cristobal Melidectes, White-collared Monarch, Mottled Flowerpeckers, White-headed Fruit Dove and Rufous Fantail. Other species could include Rainbow Lorikeets, Red-knobbed and Imperial Pigeon, San Cristobal Singing and Metallic Starling, Pied Goshawk, Pacific Baza, and Cardinal Myzomela. You will also enjoy the hospitality of the people in nearby Anuta Village.
Day 14 Honiara
Anchor off Honiara and depart in the early morning for nearby Mount Austin. Birds that you might see include Yellow-eyed, White-bellied and Solomon’s Cuckoo-shrikes, Cicadabird, Brown-winged and Singing Starlings, Yellow-faced Myna, Chestnut-bellied and Black-and-white Monarchs, Steely Blue Fly-catcher, Mottled Flowerpiercer, Olive-backed Sunbird and the Black-faced Myzomela. Parrots and pigeons could include the Cardinal Lory and Yellow-bibbed Lory, Singing and Eclectus Parrots, Finsch’s Pygmy Parrot, Ducorp’s Cockatoo, McKinnon’s Cuckoo Dove, Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon and Claret-breasted and Superb Fruit-Doves.
Day 15 Kolombangara Island
Make land at Kolombangara Island in the early afternoon. There hope to see White-capped Monarch, Solomon White-eye, Yellow-vented Myzomela and, hopefully, the Roviana Rail. Other species could include Blyth’s Hornbill, Superb Fruit Dove, Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon, Steely Blue Fly-catcher, Melanesian and Yellow-eyed Cuckoo-shrikes, Metallic and Singing Starlings and the Solomon Sea-Eagle.
Day 16 At Sea
Having departed the Solomons, spend time over a deepwater canyon near Bougainville-New Britain Trench – experience reveals that it is a very productive area. There, hope to see Heinroth’s Shearwater.
Day 17 New Ireland
Spend the day off the coast of New Ireland, where the target of the day is Beck’s Petrel. Other species could include Wedge-tailed and Streaked Shearwaters.
Days 18-19 At Sea
During these days at sea cross the equator – a cause for celebration! There are a number of species to be on the lookout for, including Bulwer’s Petrel, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, White-tailed Tropicbird, White and Sooty Terns and the Frigate Bird.
Days 20-21 Caroline Islands
In the protected waters of Chuuk (‘Truk’) Lagoon, clear Customs into the Caroline Islands and enjoy a night at anchor. On Weno Island, the main island in the group, hope to see species such as Myzomelas, Reed Warbler, Swiftlet and the Ground Dove.
Days 22-28 At Sea
Your ship has over 1200 nautical miles to run to the Bonin Islands. Spend the time pelagic watching and simply relaxing and enjoying the tropics. Birds that you could see include Matsudaira’s Storm- Petrel, Bonin and Bulwer’s Petrels, Wedge-tailed and Bannerman’s Shearwaters.
Day 29 Torishima Island
Landings are not allowed at Torishima Island, but plan to cruise close inshore in hopes for what would surely be one of the seabird highlights of the trip: a sighting of the Short-tailed or Steller’s Albatross. Other species in the vicinity include the Black-footed Albatross, Streaked Shearwater, Tristam’s and Matsudaira’s Storm-Petrels.
Day 30 At Sea
This is a great time to be out on deck, as you never know what is going to turn up in these food-rich waters.
Day 31 Yokohama, Japan
After a farewell dinner, sail through the night to Yokohama, where fond goodbyes never fail to provoke a few tears. Disembark the Spirit of Enderby and continue on your travels from this point.
Itinerary Notes
Heritage Expeditions is committed to providing the highest quality natural history expeditions and specializes in remote regions and difficult to see species. As part of their expeditions they have for many years used the practice of chumming and/or oiling to give people the opportunity to see species that they are unlikely to see otherwise or appreciate aspects of seabird ecology such as impacts from interactions with fishing vessels. Heritage Expeditions believes that chumming has an important part to play in a successful seabird watching expedition but it is a tool which is used with moderation and always for a specific purpose.Circumstances may be encountered during your voyage which will make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. These circumstances include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed during the voyage.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 25% trip cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $15,000 charge.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 180 Days or more | $850 per person |
| 179-91 days | Deposit |
| 90 days or less | 100% trip cost |
Spirit of Enderby
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 48
- Ice Breaker Ship
The Spirit of Enderby is perfect for expedition travel. It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodations with semi-private and private bath facilities. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top New Zealand and Australian chefs. The Spirit of Enderby measures 72 meters in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two 1,560 horse power diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots.
The real focus and emphasis of every expedition aboard the Spirit of Enderby is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that you visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew.
Life onboard Spirit of Enderby
The Spirit of Enderby was designed and built as a Research Vessel and still undertakes some research work when not involved with passenger cruises. Ship amenities and services include:
The Bar: ‘Globe’
Situated on the Middle deck aft (400 level cabins), enjoy the range of beverages available (beers, wines, soft drinks and spirits). Opening hours are variable, depending on the activities of the day onboard (e.g. lectures, landings). Opening hours are indicated on daily program.
Dining Room: ‘Ice Culture’
Australian and New Zealand chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available. The chefs onboard can prepare food according to your special dietary needs (providing this information in advance of departure date, specified on the booking form). The Spirit of Enderby regrets to inform that Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are NOT available onboard.
Expedition Equipment:
Carried on the Spirit of Enderby is a fleet of RIB’s, (rigid inflatable boats) sometimes referred to as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places. Also, specially designed and built Hovercraft give you unprecedented capability in Antarctica, allowing you to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships.
Library:
A well stocked library is located on the Middle Deck. Guests are welcome to use it at any time. The Library carries card and board games and is equipped with electricity outlets to facilitate the use of laptops, video cameras and digital cameras.
Lecture Room:
This room has seating for all the passengers to attend lectures and films screened during the voyage. It is well equipped for Power Point presentations, slide shows, video films and similar. It is located below the Lower Deck.
Medical Service:
The Spirit of Enderby carries a Medical Adviser and a well-equipped medical clinic situated on the Middle Deck. The medical adviser is available 24 hours a day.
Communications:
The Spirit of Enderby is equipped with the Iridium satellite phone for phone calls and for receiving and sending emails.
Accommodations aboard the Spirit of Enderby
Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed, single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, and fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows with great views.
Mini Suite
A small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower. toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.
Superior Plus
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior
Cabins have one bunk (an upper and lower – two), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Main Deck
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Main Deck Triple
This cabin has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
The History of Spirit of Enderby
The name Spirit of Enderby honors the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800’s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Sub-antarctic Island in the world.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Heritage Suite Upper Deck, large lounge area, separate bedroom with matrimonial bed, private bath facilities and panoramic windows |
| Mini Suite Upper deck, small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, private bath facilities and windows | |
 | Superior Plus Upper and Middle Decks, two lower berth accommodations with private bath facilities and window |
| Superior Middle Deck, upper and lower berth accommodations, private bath facilities and window | |
 | Main deck Main Deck, two lower berth accommodations with shared bath facilities. |
 | Main Deck Triple Main Deck, triple accommodations with shared bath facilities. |
