From Fiji to Micronesia

Lautoka, Fiji’s second-largest city, sits on the western coast of Viti Levu, 24 kilometers from Nadi. As the center of the country’s sugar cane industry, it earns the name "Sugar City." This bustling port serves as the entry point to Fiji’s Sun Coast, a region known for its warm climate, open skies, and striking landscapes. Rolling hills covered in grass and sugar cane fields stretch across the land, while small villages and local markets showcase everyday island life.

While at sea, take advantage of the ship’s many amenities and activities. Unwind in the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or lounge by the pool when the weather allows. Enjoy onboard entertainment, including lectures and live performances, or browse the boutique for unique finds. Visit the upper deck to take in ocean views and, with luck, spot marine life. This time at sea offers a perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and enrichment.

The island of Ambrym in Vanuatu is often referred to as the "black" island due to its volcanic ash and because of its 'black magic' steeped in mystery. In the villages, the ancient customs play a significant part in day to day living. The "Man blong Majik" are treated with the utmost respect and practice sorcery and magic beyond all imagining. Ambrym prides itself on some unique characteristics, such as the magnificent tam-tams (or slit gongs) sculpted out of tree trunks, sand drawing, black-fern masks, and local dances. The most striking custom dance is the Rom (or masked) dance – where 9-foot covertly cloaked and masked 'spirits' stomp out ancient rhythms to the beat of the tam tam.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Owaraha (formerly Santa Ana) is located at the eastern end of Makira (San Cristobal) and just north of the smaller Owariki (Santa Catalina). The ship navigates through the picturesque channel separating the Islands before dropping anchor just outside Port Mary. The islanders are well known for preserving ancient traditions and producing intricate wooden carvings. Their artifacts include magnificently carved fishing floats and ceremonial bowls intricately inlaid with shells. After a short zodiac ride ashore, you are guided through the village to an open area where you can witness a number of traditional performances. Afterward, experience life in a traditional Solomon Island village or take a swim in the warm tropical waters of Port Mary.

Part of the Florida Islands, Roderick Bay is surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches and fringing coral reefs. These clear warm tropical waters give rise to a myriad of colorful corals only meters from the shore. To add to this stunning environment, nosed up onto a nearby beach, listing heavily to its starboard side is the wreck of the World Discoverer; an expedition cruise ship that beached here in 2001 after striking a charted rock at the Northern entrance to Sandfly Passage. Venture ashore for a welcome ceremony, take a walk through the village, or snorkel around the wreck to witness the marine environment attempting to reclaim this invader.

There are plenty of opportunities for world-class snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography throughout the Solomon Islands with sites in the Western and Central Provinces considered among the most popular. The underwater realm is home to more than 1000 species of reef fish, along with dolphins, rays, sharks, and six of the world's seven species of marine turtles. Almost 500 species of corals have been identified among the 5,750 km2 of reefs found in the Solomon Islands. Njari Island is an uninhabited picture postcard island located 15nm from the town of Gizo. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling from its idyllic shores.

Off the northwest coast of Bougainville Island, the island of Taiof is part of the Salomon Islands archipelago. This small tropical island edged with lagoons and reefs belongs to the autonomous region of Bougainville, near Buka and the neighboring islands. Local dancing and music will set the pace of this port of call offering a complete change of scenery. With a rugged spine of ancient forests and impressive trees, Taiof offers a veritable authentic insular atmosphere. The coastal paths will lead you through magnificent villages, beneath swaying coconut trees and banana plantations.

Set at the eastern end of the island of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting. Nestled beside Simpson Harbor, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes, one of which, Mt Tavurvur, is still active today. The most recent major volcanic eruption was in September 1994 when Tavurvur and Vulcan covered much of Rabaul and surrounding villages with volcanic ash. This eruption saw the growth of the nearby coastal town of Kokopo which has now become the administrative and tourism center for Rabaul. Join your expedition team for a tour by local transport to see Mt Tavurvur, the Volcano Observatory, and various significant sites from World War II.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Chuuk Lagoon, previously known as Truk Lagoon, is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The 16 much-eroded volcanic islands within the lagoon have mangrove swamps along their coasts with rich rainforests in the central mountainous areas. The islands are hugely popular with scuba divers thanks to the incredibly interesting shipwrecks: at depths of 15 to 40 meters, divers can explore a veritable underwater museum of wrecks from the Japanese land-based, aerial, and naval fleet bombarded by the Americans in February 1944 in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor. These shipwrecks have become foundations for new reef growth and extraordinary marine fauna.

Located in the heart of the western Pacific, Puluwat Atoll, a group of small islets scattered across a vast lagoon, charms visitors with its unspoilt character and peaceful atmosphere. Once ashore, the warm welcome of the inhabitants reveals a community deeply attached to its traditions and island way of life. Between free time to wander through the village, opportunities to interact with the locals and swimming, this stop is above all about encounters and cultural immersion. Edged with tropical beaches and coral reefs, Puluwat offers a rare glimpse into an island way of life that remains closely intertwined with traditions and the ocean. Here, simplicity, human connections and authenticity shape every moment.

Like a green piece of confetti floating in the middle of the Northern Pacific, the coral atoll of Lamotrek will appear before you like a dazzling gem set in a remarkable and stunning showcase. Belonging to the vast archipelago of the Caroline Islands, this small slice of paradise and its charming neighbors are home to one of the widest varieties of coral and tropical fish species in the world, making it an idyllic destination for marine life enthusiasts. Beyond the stretches of immaculate, white-sand beach, the dream continues. Off in the distance can be heard the captivating sounds of traditional songs sung by some 300 islanders who still live here, resonating in this unparalleled natural environment blending unspoiled vegetation and vast, heavenly ribbons of sand.

The Ifalik coral atoll, lying in the warm waters of the North Pacific, in the vast Caroline Island archipelago, is an invitation to serenity, enchantment and discovery. A veritable hidden paradise edged with magnificent beaches with expanses of fine sand, Ifalik will reveal its treasures to you. Between the sumptuous underwater scenery, rich biodiversity, ancestral traditions, and warm and welcoming inhabitants, marvel at this lush environment, unlike anywhere else, and far from the frenzy of any town.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

In the Western Pacific, call at Guam, the largest volcanic island of Micronesia and the Mariana Islands. Here, the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches create a picture-postcard setting, ideal for relaxation and a break from it all. This little-known island, today under the administration of the United States, also offers you the opportunity to visit a number of historical sites, and vestiges of Spanish colonization, and to discover the culture of the Chamorros, the first inhabitants of the islands, talented craftspeople who have preserved their traditions.