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Coral Princess Cruises
South Pacific - Vanuatu
Another Time - Another Pace
Discovery Cruises
Port Vila to Port Vila
6 Days / 5 Nights from AUD 3,150*.
In the far reaches of the oceans, off the edge of our horizon, paradise nestles serenely in the midst of a fiery circle.
Here, where the sun has no pollution to fight, the beaches sparkle white like a trillion crushed diamonds under waters as translucent and smooth as the palest aquamarine, the people's smiles are wider than the rainbow which splashes their clothes with vibrant colour.
This is Vanuatu, Land Eternal, a pristine but magical, mysterious archipelago described as another time, another pace, a region unspoiled by the rigours of the 21st Century, still steeped in mysticism and tribal ritual, nestled incongruously in the midst of the dynamic Pacific volcanic belt known as The Ring of Fire.
The archipelago consists of over 80 islands, comprising dozens of extinct volcanic craters, calderas and active volcanoes, which throughout history have given birth to fantastic landforms and legends.
Vanuatu cultural custom or kastom is still deeply embedded in island existence, with a major proportion of the islands' inhabitants still living the tribal life in rural areas.
Magic here is magic, there's a feeling in the air that absorbs skepticism and instils awe. A tangible feeling that the might and energy of Vanuatu's volcanic origins seeps through the earth and into the feet of villagers performing powerful and mysterious dances.
Espiritu Santo is famous for its diving opportunities. Ambrym is famed for its mysticism and magic, Tanna for the active Yasur volcano. Pentecost Island is home to the bizarre and exciting Naghol or land jump - the predecessor of bungee. The other main islands all have their own special characteristics and nuances.
Vanuatu retains a certain degree of Gallic and English influence from over 70 years as an Anglo French condominium. However, its mystique and allure, yes, maybe a certain je ne sais quoi, that fascination and appeal that draws visitors back again and again, is undoubtedly firmly rooted in its Melanesian origins, and the pristine and wild beauty of lands preserved in a fascinating cultural and environmental time warp.
Join us on this exciting 5 night voyage of adventure and discovery through the beautiful and magical island archipelago of Vanuatu.
Day 1: Depart Port Vila - 10 Nov, 15 Nov & 20 Nov 2008
Following our arranged pickup from your Port Vila resort or airport you will be transferred to Oceanic Discoverer. With a scheduled 5pm departure there is time to settle in and discover your new home for the next 5 nights. As the sun sets on our first night at sea enjoy champagne on the Bridge Deck as we depart Port Vila for our anchorage in Havannah Harbour. This evening join the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktails and Dinner.
Day 2:
Today is a very special day, and as we anchor off Ranon on Ambrym Island you will immediately notice what makes this island so unique. It has two active volcanoes, Mt Marum and Mt Benbow and is sometimes called Black Island because of its black beach sand and its "black magic" steeped in history. Ambrym is one of the countries sorcery centres and is home of tamtams (vertical slit gongs), Rom dances, fern tree sculptures and sand drawings. It also has some of the best artifacts and carvings in Melanesia. This morning special arrangements have been made for us to experience the very secretive and mystical Rom spirit dance. There will be ample time to spend with these wonderful and very friendly people, consider a purchase of a carving or artifact and sample the local fruits. This afternoon will be spent with in-water activities including swimming, snorkeling, coral viewing, scuba diving or just relaxing. This evening at anchor we witness the amazing glow from the volcanoes.
Day 3:
With the anchor raised early this morning we stop at Asanvari on Maewo Island. Here they experience Vanuatu's highest rainfall so waterfalls, rivers and springs abound. Maewo is renowned for its ancient secret societies and traditional custom dances. However, today we spend our time bush walking and birdwatching, viewing the waterfalls and relaxing on the beach. In-water activities will also be available. This afternoon we anchor off Ambae Island. Covered in thick rainforest, this beautiful island is said to have been James Michener's inspiration for the mythical island of Bali Hai in his epic book, Tales of the South Pacific.
Day 4:
This morning you wake to the sight of one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches in the South Pacific. We are at Champagne Beach at Hogg Harbour on the largest island in Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo affectionately known simply as Santo. This is a nature and water lovers playground with optional tours to the fabled Blue Hole, bush walking, full in-water activities or simply relaxing on this magnificent beach. This afternoon we move Oceanic Discoverer and anchor off Million Dollar Point. This is adjacent to Luganville and, where at the end of the Second World War, the Americans dumped all their military equipment into the sea. Here we will snorkel and use the glass bottom boat to view this amazing sight. For the experienced SCUBA divers we will offer the opportunity to dive the SS President Coolidge, a 1930 luxury liner converted into a troopship and sunk meters from the beach after hitting allied mines. With its amazing collection of Jeeps, trucks, cases of rifles and abundant sea life this is the largest intact shipwreck accessible to scuba divers in the world.
Day 5:
Cruising south we land at South West Bay on Malakula Island, the second largest island in the archipelago and the most diverse culturally. Malakula art and ritual objects are among the finest in the country, and the island is also famous for the complex ceremonies and rituals preserved by two of its remarkable tribes - the Big Nambas and the Small Nambas - all of which will be revealed during our landing. This afternoon we anchor in the most amazing coral reef complex, the Maskelyne Islands. Here for our final afternoon we participate in the very best in-water activities Vanuatu has to offer. This evening as the sun sets, join in the Captain's Farewell Cocktails and Dinner while reflecting on this and the previous days amazing and unique experiences.
Day 6:
This morning at 8.00am we enter Port Vila Harbour, and following farewells join the arranged transfers to your selected resort or airport.
Please Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other reason whatsoever.
* Main Deck B Stateroom fare in AUD, based on double occupancy.