Travel to some of the most far-flung tropical islands in the world, plying the Pacific from the glittering skyscrapers of Taipei to the idyllic shores of Tahiti. Among the wispy atolls of Chuuk and Kiribati, trace the history of war in paradise, exploring the battle sites and shipwrecks of World War II. Encounter a range of remarkable cultures, including the Chamorros of Guam and the handful of residents descended from the first English settler of Palmerston Island. Enjoy leisurely days on turquoise seas, and immerse yourself in a dazzling marine world while snorkeling, kayaking, and diving among pristine reefs.
Highlights
Explore the secluded beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs
Discover the unique isolated island cultures
Visit important UNESCO sites like French Polynesia’s Marae Taputapuatea
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 check into a room at our group hotel. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing in the evening. On day 2, after breakfast at the hotel, join us on an island tour before embarking National Geographic Resolution in the late afternoon
One of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet, the Pacific archipelago of Palau is home to an aquatic wonderland of more than 1,300 species of fish and some 700 species of corals. Spend the day discovering Palau’s dazzling undersea world or choose an adventure on land
Day 4-5: At Sea
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
As we set a course for Guam, settle into life aboard the ship. Enjoy discussions with our naturalists about the wonders that await and spend time on deck, scanning the horizon for seabirds and whales.
Today we explore Guam, the largest of the Mariana Islands. With a dynamic mix of cultures and over 4,000 years of intriguing history, this isolated landmass offers much to discover. Spend the day exploring Guam’s remote beaches and familiarize yourself with the island’s unique Chamorro culture, which is a melting pot of American, European, Asian, Spanish, and Micronesian heritage
During two days at sea, we traverse 550 nautical miles en route to Micronesia. Enjoy leisure time and attend expert-led talks about the history of Pacific wayfinding and navigation, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the islands we will visit. Join our naturalists on deck to identify the seabirds that follow us as we sail east.
The vast selection of WWII artifacts still found in the Chuuk State after five decades is a testament to the unique history of the Micronesian Islands— visible propellers, torpedoes, cave networks, planes, and ships abound. We see the waterside monument to those who died in the massive American air attack of 1944. Snorkel or dive among Chuuk’s renowned WWII shipwrecks, now blooming with corals. Spot wildlife on rainforest walks, past waterfalls and deserted beaches, and become acquainted with the everyday traditions of the islands, largely unchanged over the centuries. Then spend a day at sea en route to Pohnpei—a tropical Micronesian paradise with much to discover. Explore the island’s mysterious Nan Madol ruins—UNESCO-recognized marvels that have puzzled historians and archaeologists for decades. Discover Pohnpei’s pristine mangrove forests and stunning undersea life as we traverse the island before continuing our course east toward Kiribati.
We begin our exploration at Butaritari Atoll, an isolated island first discovered in the early 1600s. Home to resident traders during the 1800s and 1900s, the island was also the site of several foreign occupations during World War II. We’ll explore the island’s unique history and we’ll set out on walks to discover the four different species of mangrove that only grow on this particular island. The following day, we land at Tarawa: the capital of Kiribati and one of the most populous locations in the otherwise isolated Western Pacific. Spend the day exploring the island’s cultural and colonial history, as well as its role in World War II.
Choose from an array of shipboard activities as we sail toward Tokelau. Attend a photo workshop with our National Geographic photographer, treat yourself to a massage or a wellness class, or compete for prizes in a Geo Bee. After three days at sea, arrive at Tokelau, easily one of the most inaccessible places in the world. Learn of the islanders' strong Polynesian culture, and discover the undersea by snorkel or scuba.
Today you let nature be your guide as you discover the pristine Cook Islands. Perhaps snorkel among colorful coral, or choose to kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the warm, crystal waters. Conditions permitting, visit Palmerston Island, home to fascinating locals, many of whom are descendants of the island’s original settlers.
Enjoy the rhythms of shipboard life as we continue our course east. Soak up the views from one of the infinity-style hot tubs or saunas; enjoy a stretching session in the glass-walled yoga studio; and attend engaging presentations on a range of subjects, from ancient Polynesian navigators to talks from our photography team on how to organize and share your images
Encircled by a single fringing reef, and sharing a common lagoon, Ra’iatea and Taha’a are islands well worth exploring. One of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, Marae Taputapuatea was a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawai’i, and New Zealand. Watch from on deck as we navigate lagoon channels en route to Taha’a, then go ashore at our private motu and explore both above and under wate
Day 25: Papeete, Tahiti | Disembark
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Arrive in Papeete and take a tour of Tahiti before your overnight flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Fore Deck #404, 406, 408, 411, 413, 415 — Cabin with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 2
Fore Deck #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427 — Cabin with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 3
Main Deck—#512, 514-524 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 4
Lounge Deck—#608, 610, 612, 613-623 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock and a table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 5
Bridge Deck—#700-707, 712, 713, 715, 717 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 6
Bridge Deck—#714 — Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker and a closet. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category 7
Bridge Deck #708-711, 716, 718, 719, 721 — These large balcony suites feature two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk and chair, espresso maker, and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer and rain shower. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category A Solo
Main Deck #504, 506-511, 513 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with an office chair, and a closet.
Category B Solo
Lounge Deck#604-607, 609, 611 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with chair, hammock, and a closet.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
24 Breakfasts, 24 Lunches, 23 Dinners
24 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Onboard physician consultations (where available)
24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
Complimentary reusable water bottle
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
Private transfers (except when indicated as included)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
