Expedition South Seas - Exotic Island Pearls Beyond the Horizon

Departure 22.00 hrs

Society Islands/French Polynesia  (Moorea, Motu Mahaea, Bora Bora)

Immerse yourself in the adventure of the Society Islands. The idyllic group of islands in the South Pacific forms the main part of French Polynesia. Some 4,000 km (2,485 miles) north-east of New Zealand, the islands are a fascinating mix of breathtaking natural beauty and Polynesian culture.

Moorea is one of the most photographed locations in the South Seas. You will soon see why when your ship heads for the majestic volcanic island rising up out of the lagoon. It also has a colourful and fascinating underwater world. Many different kinds of fish ensure unforgettable snorkelling trips. Be captivated on land by the exotic flora and fauna on a hike. In the midst of tropical vegetation in the island's interior, you will come across ancient places of worship known as marae, where the Polynesians celebrated their gods and ancestors.

The tiny island of Motu Mahaea will grant your wish of having your very own South Sea island for a while. It is a heavenly islet in the reef that is typical of tropical waters, with palm trees, white sandy beaches and clear water. Your exclusive landing on the privately owned island promises a relaxed day on the beach with swimming and snorkelling.

The most famous treasure island in French Polynesia is also a typical symbol of the South Seas: Bora Bora. Its original name Mai Te Pora means “created by the gods”. The outlying lagoon and Fa’anui Bay in all its pastel shades are just as beautiful. Bora Bora is a synonym for tropical luxury and romantic escapes. The island is surrounded by a glittering reef, where you can see colourful tropical fish when diving and snorkelling.

Cook Islands  (Rarotonga, Aitutaki)

With their white sandy beaches, lush rainforests and green mountains, the Cook Islands appear to float above the emerald-green water. The idyllic archipelago of 15 islands in the South Pacific west of Tahiti has a surface area of some two million square kilometres (772,000 square miles). Polynesian traditions are deeply rooted here and the coral reefs are particularly colourful and biodiverse.

Rarotonga is almost too beautiful to be true. It certainly lives up to is name, the “flower island” – its fertile, flat coastline, where mangos and citrus fruits grow, is like a huge garden. The magic of its lagoon with its idyllic beaches is in no way inferior. Steep mountains rise up in the island’s interior, overgrown with extraordinary vegetation. Simply magical are the remains of maraes: holy sites where your experts will take the opportunity to provide insights into the mythology of the Polynesians, who are closely related to the Maori of New Zealand.

The Aitutaki atoll is just 20 km2 (7.7 square miles), making this South Seas paradise all the greater. The Blue Lagoon with its palm-lined beaches and fantastic snorkelling is particularly popular. Enjoy this paradise with all your senses. Thanks to the knowledge shared by your experts, you can also find out more about the tradition of outrigger canoes, which the Polynesians used to make journeys that were often thousands of kilometres long. They had highly developed navigation skills, taking into account the colour and temperature of the sea, for example.

This day will be lost

The Kingdom of Tonga is a chain of 170 islands stretching 800 km (497 miles). These tiny island gems rose up out of the sea following volcanic activity causing tension between tectonic plates. Like James Cook, you will be given a warm welcome here. By now, you will understand why James Cook called Tonga the “Friendly Islands”.

One of these is Vava’u, whose flora and fauna you will get to know in detail on a visit with your experts. In the charming town of Neiafu, colonial buildings and the lively market add a special kind of magic. Go ashore on an independent visit or on a hike up Mount Talau with your experts. You might be able to see the Pacific reef heron, white tern and the famous Tonga flying fox here.

Fiji  (Rabi, Vanua Levu, Ovalau)

Even the name of this dream destination awakens dreams of exploration: Fiji. The country is formed of over 330 islands where life is quite different to what we know. Shimmering flowers, dense forests, turquoise water and striking rituals – pure South Seas. The islands appear on the endless horizon like shimmering green jewels in an azure sea. Bearing in mind the description from Stevenson's “Treasure Island” and Gauguin’s paintings, discover Fiji off the beaten track.

On the small island of Rabi, you will be received with great warmth and traditions. Dances, artistic carvings and colourful fabrics tell stories from the past in the island’s small villages. Embark on a journey through the island’s history and customs, or experience its underwater life on a snorkelling trip (subject to the tides): there's a lot going on in the pristine natural habitat of a kaleidoscope of colourful coral reefs.

Discover the relaxed way of life on Vanua Levu in the coastal town of Savusavu, against the backdrop of rugged mountains and lush green vegetation. There are a couple of shops and a regional market selling fish, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts for you to stroll around. Perhaps you will be invited to a kava ceremony here or on one of the other islands you visit. It remains to be seen whether you will appreciate the taste of kava, a drink made from the roots of the shrub of the same name. In any case, you will enjoy the atmosphere here since the locals give everyone a very warm welcome.

With your manoeuvrable expedition ship and the Zodiacs, you will be able to reach idyllic hidden gems like the dreamy harbour town of Levuka on Ovalau. Founded by Europeans in the 1820s, Levuka is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can explore with your experts on a walking tour. Picturesque colonial houses, Fiji’s first church and the warmth of the people will make your visit so special.

Emerald-green rainforests and azure-blue skies: it’s easy to believe that the people of Vanuatu are the happiest in the world. The blue lagoons and colourful coral gardens make it easy to see why. When you land on remote beaches with the Zodiacs away from the typical tourist routes, you will be in paradise. But the happiest nation is not just about its pastel-coloured scenery; its mysterious customs that have been maintained over the centuries are also part of the culture here.

Mystery Island, off Anatom, is a tiny island, which you can walk around in about 30 minutes. Magnificent sandy beaches with shady palm trees invite you to swim and while away some time and the coral reef is ideal for snorkelling. Give in to your South Seas dreams here – on your own or on a walk with your experts.

New Caledonia is the perfect destination for bringing dreams of Pacific discovery to life. Your expedition ship will linger extensively in this little paradise. Even those already familiar with the South Seas will be surprised by the unspoilt beauty of the islands.

You will feel like you are in a French kind of paradise on the other side of the world on Ile des Pins. White sandy beaches invite you to enjoy its peaceful idyll or snorkel in the crystal-clear lagoon. Which species of fish and coral will you see? On land, the vegetation is dominated by tall and slim araucaria trees. Captain James Cook was impressed by these back in 1774, when he visited the island in search of tree trunks for ship masts. He mistakenly called them pines and named the island after them. Thanks to your experts on board, you will be smarter than him – as well as enriched by the natural beauty of the idyllic scenery.

Noumea/New Caledonia, arrival 21.00 hrs
Overnight stay on board

Itineraries are subject to change.