Lautoka, Fiji to Auckland, New Zealand - 12/2/10Secrets of Oceania: 14-night itinerary, December 2 to 16, 2010. Here, among the remotest islands of the South Pacific, you’ll have experiences reserved for true explorers. You’ll participate in a pig ceremony on Ambrym and be welcomed to Tanna Island with elaborate dancing. In Noumea, capital of New Caledonia, you’ll encounter the ambiance of a French colonial city. Our Zodiac boats will find you the best spots for snorkeling and wildlife viewing. In New Zealand you’ll learn more about legendary explorer, Captain Cook, as well as early convict settlements. Join Special Guest Lecturer Aldona Jonaitis on this voyage.
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| Cruise OnlyDay
01 | Lautoka, Fiji December 2, 2010
Arrive in Lautoka and check into your included hotel. | Day
02 | Lautoka, Fiji December 3, 2010
Morning at leisure. Prior to embarkation, enjoy a highlight tour of Lautoka en route to the ship. | Day
03 | Yasawa-i-Rara, Yasawas Islands December 4, 2010
Enjoy a warm Fijian greeting and kava-tasting welcome ceremony on Yasawa-i-Rara at the northern tip of this island chain. The Yasawa Islands are a sun-blessed string of 20 volcanic islands, including Nanuya Levu, also known as Turtle Island. Here the movie, “The Blue Lagoon,” was filmed with Brooke Shields in 1980. Explore the village, stroll the pristine beach, take a nature walk or snorkel over colorful corals. (Zodiac landing or touring) | Day
04 | At Sea December 5, 2010
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05 | Ranon, Ambrym Island, Vanuatu December 6, 2010
Arrive this afternoon on this lush island with soaring, twin volcanic peaks. After a welcome ceremony, watch the Rom Dance to celebrate the yam harvest. It is only performed by high-ranking Ranon chiefs, and only men are allowed to part take in the Rom ceremony. Then stroll the village, mingle with its people and admire superb handicrafts, especially stone and wood carvings. (Zodiac landing or touring) | Day
06 | Port-Vila, Efate Island, Vanuatu December 7, 2010
Arrive in Port-Vila this morning and take a guided tour of Vanuatu’s compact capital. Continue through lush countryside to the Iarofa Cultural Village. After a greeting by a warrior in traditional garb, take a guided tour through the tropical rainforest to each section of the village. Learn about traditional customs and ways of life ranging from coconut uses to cannibalism. Then enjoy a folklore show and the treat of seasonal fruits. Return to Port-Vila and the ship, or opt to explore on your own in the city. This one of the island’s lovely beaches. | Day
07 | Port Resolution, Tanna Island, Vanuatu December 8, 2010
Today features an Ultimate Explorers Experience of adventuring up the slopes of Mt. Yasur. One of the world’s most active and accessible volcanoes, Mt. Yasur often spews molten fiery rocks in thrilling pyrotechnic displays. Arrive in Port Resolution for a welcome ceremony and South Pacific dances by members of the obscure Jon Frum cult. Descendants of islanders who saw the wealth of goods brought by the Allies in World War II, cult followers believe a man named Jon Frum will arrive again to bestow the same goods on their villages. Then board 4-wheel drive, open trucks for a rugged, 30-minute uphill drive to the slopes of Mt. Yasur. Walk about 20 minutes up to the crater to view the volcano. The ground is hot under your feet! (Zodiac landing or touring) | Day
08 | Baie du Santal, Lifou Island, New Caledonia December 9, 2010
Visit Lifou, largest and most populous of New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands. Lifou is composed entirely of fossil coral so caves riddle the island. The expansive town of Baie du Santal is named for the once-prominent, medicinal sandalwood trees, which were largely logged off in the 19th century by traders. Visit a local village, meet its chief and mingle with the Kanaks, indigenous Melanesian land-owners. This afternoon take a relaxing beach walk or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. (Zodiac landing or touring) | Day
09 | Kuto, Ile des Pins, New Caledonia December 10, 2010
Discover Iles des Pins (“Island of Pines”), named for its dense, towering Norfolk Pines. Considered one of the South Pacific’s most extraordinarily beautiful islands, Iles des Pins’ French nickname translates to “the closest island to paradise.” The island also has an intriguing history. Captain Cook visited in 1774, and the French later colonized the island. They established a large penal colony for French political prisoners in the late 19th century. Visit the former prison yards and interior. This afternoon relax on the beach or go snorkeling. (Zodiac landing or touring) | Day
10 | Nouméa December 11, 2010
This morning visit Nouméa, the very French capital of New Caledonia. Enjoy a driving tour that includes the main square of Place des Coctiers, French colonial buildings and churches. Continue to the Nouville Peninsula to view its spectacular scenery, especially the rocky cliffs above the ocean. Learn about the convict past of New Caledonia. Continue to the Tjibaou Cultural Center, named for a famed Kanak leader. Its award-winning architectural design combines modern elements with the traditional shapes of Kanak thatched huts. Enjoy a guided tour of the center to learn the history and culture of this indigenous people. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the intriguing streets, shops, galleries and restaurants of Nouméa’s downtown – less than a 10-minute walk from the ship’s dock. This evening after dinner on board, enjoy a lively performance by a local dance troupe. Or opt to dine in a French restaurant ashore on your own. | Day
11 | At Sea December 12, 2010
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12 | Kingston, Norfolk Island, Australia December 13, 2010
Explore Kingston and learn about Norfolk Island, former British penal colony and now a tiny territory of Australia. The island is named for the tall Norfolk Pines dotting the landscape. Captain Cook was the first European to sight the small island in 1774. It became a penal colony for the British in the mid-19th century and was then settled by descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers, who left Pitcairn Island. Today they represent about one-third of the island’s populace. Meet some of them and take a guided tour of the 19th-century penal colony ruins to learn about its convict heritage. This afternoon explore the village of Kingston and environs on your own. Watch a presentation of Tahitian dancers on the pier as the ship prepares to depart. | Day
13 | At Sea December 14, 2010
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14 | Bay of Islands, New Zealand December 15, 2010
Experience Maori and early New Zealand history today in the historic areas of Waitangi and Kerikeri. Discovered by Captain Cook in 1769, the Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans. Visit the Waitangi National Estate, where British Government representatives and Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Maori people voluntarily accepted British rule, Maoris and Europeans were granted equal status, and New Zealand became part of the British Empire. See the Whare Runanga (Meeting House), intricately carved Waka Toa (Maori War Canoe) and Waitangi Visitors’ Center. Continue through countryside dotted with sheep and orchards of citrus, tamarillos, kiwi fruit trees and macadamia nuts. Visit the Kerikeri Basin to see the oldest buildings in New Zealand – the Kemp House (built 1821-22) and the renowned Stone Store (1832-36). This afternoon ship moves to a small island further out in the bay, Roberton (Motuarohia) Island. Explore this scenic reserve’s walking track, snorkel in its lagoon or, take a Zodiac excursion around the island for scenic views. (Zodiac landing or touring) | Day
15 | Auckland December 16, 2010
Disembark or continue your journey with the next voyage. |
All meals are included aboard the ship. |
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