Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Ships
Following in the wake of Captain Cook, we will journey from New Zealand’s North Island to the Solomon Sea. Delve into a fascinating history of intrepid explorers, convicts, and traders, and learn about the rich cultures of the Maori and the Melanesians. Examine traditional carved houses and ancient caves and meet villagers on some of the most remote islands of the South Pacific. Along the way, don your snorkel and fins to discover incredible coral reefs and lagoons.
- Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Maori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
- Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
- See the stunning limestone geology of New Caledonia at Isle of Pines and visit a cave filled with primitive tree ferns
- Visit important World War II sites, including the wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge and the Battle of Guadalcanal
- Come ashore at Tikopia. Meet the local chiefs of the traditional villages and learn about the cyclone that almost devastated the island in 2002—without any loss of life
- See the fantastic fishing canoes of the people of Utupua and take a Zodiac ride along their mangrove-studded lagoon
09 October, 2024 to 24 October, 2024 on National Geographic Orion (reverse)
Prices
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Category 1 Solo
£ 15225 GBP pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 1
£ 10150 GBP pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 2
£ 12313 GBP pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
£ 18995 GBP pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 6
£ 22058 GBP pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Category 4
£ 15756 GBP pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
£ 14274 GBP pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3 Solo
£ 21413 GBP pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
21 December, 2024 to 05 January, 2025 on National Geographic Orion
Prices
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Category 3
£ 15132 GBP pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1
£ 10764 GBP pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 6
£ 23384 GBP pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Category 1 Solo
£ 16140 GBP pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 5
£ 20134 GBP pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 4
£ 16707 GBP pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3 Solo
£ 22698 GBP pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 2
£ 13052 GBP pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
show reverse itinerary
DAY 1: Auckland, New Zealand
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand, where we check
into our hotel. Join us for a welcome briefing this
evening to meet your fellow travelers.
DAY 2: Auckland / Embark
Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of
this vibrant city center. We’ll stop for lunch midday
before embarking National Geographic Orion in
the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more
than 140 subtropical islands, boasting an
abundance of wildlife and fascinating history. Visit
the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of
immeasurable cultural, spiritual, and historical
significance, and learn of the historical events for
which these grounds are remembered. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: At Sea
Take advantage of a full day at sea to settle into
the relaxed pace of life on board. Watch for marine
life from the deck, study our route on the
navigational charts, and attend talks by our
experts. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: Norfolk Island, Australia
Explore Norfolk Island, discovered by Captain
Cook in 1774. Covered in dense forests of pines, it
was initially valued as a ready source of shipbuilding lumber. Later, it became a British penal
colony and then a settlement for Pitcairn Islanders,
who themselves were descendants of the
mutineers from the famous Bounty. Explore the
ruins of the prison and enjoy walking around the
main settlement at Burnt Pine. Later, take a long
nature hike in Norfolk National Park to look for the
endemic tree ferns and land birds. As we depart,
look for large groups of seabirds alongside the
dramatic island scenery. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: At Sea
Relax on deck as we make our passage to
Melanesia or attend talks by our expert expedition
and photo teams. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Swim or snorkel in the beautiful Oro Natural Pool
or walk through a beautiful rainforest to the site of
Queen Hortense’s Cave, filled with limestone
features and a variety of tropical vegetation.
Alternatively, take a hike to the summit of N’Ga
Peak to see incredible views over the island and
the surrounding sea or join our naturalists for a
birding walk through the dense canopy of the
forest. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: Port Vila / Lelepa, Vanuatu
Clear into Vanuatu at Port Vila. Later, go ashore at
Lelepa to visit Vanuatu’s first and only UNESCO
World Heritage site, the final residence and burial
site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we’ll be
welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and
enter the impressive Fels Cave. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: Ambrym
Ambyrm is known for its active volcanoes, blacksand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive
ashore to witness the striking Rom dance,
traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible
masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits,
this is a cultural experience specific only to this
island. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: Espiritu Santo
Captain James Cook named the islands of
Vanuatu the “New Hebrides” because they
reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland’s
coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo,
experience one of the best wreck dives in the
world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise
liner used as a troop carrier during World War II, or
enjoy a serene canoe paddle to the Riri Blue Hole,
a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by
jungle. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: Loh Island, Torres Group
Arrive to the small village of Loh Island by Zodiac,
meandering along a beautiful mangrove lagoon.
Meet the lovely villagers and experience some of
the local kastom dances. Hike across the island to
a cave and look for wildlife along the way. If
conditions permit, snorkel in along the beautiful
fringing reef of the island. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: Tikopia, Solomon Islands
Tikopia is an unusual island. Just under 2 miles
square, it is the caldera of an extinct volcano and
boasts dramatic scenery. Officially a part of the
Solomon Islands of Melanesia, it was settled by
Polynesian people, whose descendants still reside
there today. Made up of several villages led by
different chiefs, the island retains many of its
traditional practices. We will visit one of the
villages to meet the local people and learn about
the unique culture of the island. Afterward, take a
hike along the ridgeline of the caldera to see an
aerial view of the island and its lagoon. (B,L,D)
DAY 13: Utupua
Located in the Santa Cruz Island group, Utupua is
a high volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon and
a fringing coral reef. Zodiac to the village of
Nimbau for a welcome song and dance
performance. Take a walk through the village with
the locals and see a display of their fantastic
fishing canoes. Take a Zodiac ride along the
shores, lined with dense mangroves and boasting
a variety of wildlife. (B,L,D)
DAY 14: Owaraha Island
On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as
Santa Ana), we’re greeted with a traditional dance
performed by villagers in elaborate costumes,
body paint, and masks. Walk across the small
island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses
containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs
of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan. (B,L,D)
DAY 15: Honiara / Disembark / Brisbane, Australia
Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former
U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII
battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city
to see sites well known from the Battle of
Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red
Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field.
Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the
fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the
airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will
overnight at a local hotel. (B,L)
DAY 16: Depart Brisbane
Depart this morning for your flight home. (B)
Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
National Geographic Orion
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest…
National Geographic Orion
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.
National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.
While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi make packing and traveling more convenient.
