Melanesian Discovery

On March 7, 2011, the Orion, a 100-passenger, 5-star vessel, will embark on a 16-night exploration of the South Pacific through islands unspoiled by tourism. Melanesia, an area known as a playground for explorers and authors, is recognized for its romantic and dramatic past of cargo cults and epic battles of land and the Coral Sea.

This unique itinerary balances the authentic cultural experiences of tribal rituals, shipwrecks and historical sites with comfortable luxury aboard the Orion. Boasting pristine white-sand beaches and brightly hued, fish-rich corals, the remote islands of the South Pacific were settled in early 25,000 B.C. by skull worshipping tribes and today are home to some of the most dive-friendly waters in the world. A trip to the Ghizo Market, a journey to the 22,000-ton shipwreck of the President Coolidge of WWII, or a climb up the side of a still-active volcano will provide an unforgettable experience.

16-Night Expedition
Day 1: Auckland, New Zealand
Day 2: Bays of Islands, New Zealand
Day 3: At Sea
Day 4: At Sea
Day 5: Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Day 6: Tanna Island, Vanuatu
Day 7: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Day 8: Malakula, Vanuatu
Day 9: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Day 10: Utupua Island, Solomons
Day 11: At Sea
Day 12: Santa Ana Island, Solomons
Day 13: Ngella (Florida Islands)
Day 14: Ghizo Island, Solomons; Kennedy Island, Solomons
Day 15: At Sea
Day 16: Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
Day 17: Cairns (Optional direct charter flight from Rabaul)

Stateroom cabins start at $7,578.75 per person (a 25% savings off the original published fare) based on double occupancy.