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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$17,390
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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.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
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.