Magical Vanuatu
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MAGICAL VANUATU Vanuatu - shrouded in lush, tropical jungle...adorned with breath-taking waterfalls... overshadowed by awe-inspiring volcanoes...and surrounded by some of the most pristine tropical seas on earth - a tiny, but beautiful, corner of the world that has been so thankfully 'lost in time' forever. Boasting exotic cultures and a colourful history that has enriched the lives of its people for centuries; Vanuatu is surely one of nature's greatest gifts. We will show you these amazing islands of northern Vanuatu on this comprehensive 13-night Vanuatu Cruise. You will visit villages that rarely see cruise ships or western civilization. These cruises visit the world famous Pentecost, the enthralling rom dances and allow the opportunity of acquiring wonderful artifacts and carvings along the way. ITINERARY Day 1 – Embark the ship On arrival at Espiritu Santo Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to downtown where a ferry will be waiting to take you to Aore Island Resort. Once there, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and then given beach towels which you can use for the rest of the day. NB: We suggest you pack a day bag with your swimming togs and anything else you may need for the day. Oh, and if ‘swimming’ isn’t first and foremost on your ‘things to do’ list, the resort has an all-day dining menu and bar which you’re 01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com more than welcome to use. You’ll have until 5pm to relax and tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi often landed. The views as we use the resort facilities before you are met by a crew member cruise north are unforgettable. If conditions are right some of who’ll transfer you by tender to the “Island Passage”. Shortly our local friends will deliver a basket of local lobster. The after departure, the ship will head around Million Dollar Point; evening sunset brings the day to a close with the Captains aptly named for the vast amount of American war machinery Dinner. under the waves, the coast of Santo beckons. We then anchor off Aese Island for a sundown dinner. Welcome to Our Paradise. Day 4 - Champagne Beach Today, your Vanuatu Cruise Adventure will see you landing on Day 2 - Riri River, Mavea Island world famous Champagne Beach - said to be the most beautiful This morning, there’s the opportunity to snorkel over a fabulous beach in the world - which promises the bluest water, whitest coral reef only metres from the ship. It’s an unforgettable sand and greenest jungle - it's just breathtaking. You can swim, experience - we’ll take you up current in the tender, so that you sunbathe, snorkel, kayak and chat with the local pareu sellers. can drift over gardens of coral inhabited by a myriad of tropical Later today we cross the straits to explore Maewo and fishes. On the same day, you’ll venture up the Riri River in a Pentecost. dugout canoe to discover the miraculous blue holes – deep, clear freshwater springs that bubble up into the river. You’ve Day 5 - Asanvari Village never seen the colour blue quite like this. A refreshing swim is We’re welcomed into the village of Asanvari, which is situated almost compulsory! The rest of your day can include as much above a beautiful lagoon at the southern end of Maewo. This activity as you wish: sightseeing from the tenders; exploring the intriguing settlement has a charismatic leader known simply as shoreline; perhaps a trip with one of our fishing guides. Or ‘Chief Nelson’. We’ll say no more about the chief, in case it simply relaxing in a steamer chair as you adjust to “island time spoils the surprise! In Asanvarai you’ll get a look at the “and get pampered “Island Passage” style. Tonight will be spent ni-Vanuatu way of life. You’ll also get to know their sense of at anchor off the pristine beaches of Mavea Island humour because smiling and laughing are major pastimes here. You can watch a custom dance, chat with the locals, learn how Day 3 - Hog Harbour to cook lap-lap, walk to the village gardens, and visit a beautiful After enjoying another one of chef’s indulgent breakfasts there's waterfall or snorkel in the protected lagoon. And make sure you still time for a swim or a walk before we up anchor and make check out the Asanvari Yacht Club. When you arrive back on our way north through even more beautiful island, arriving in board, it’s time for the Captain’s Cocktail Party. We remain at Hog Harbour in the late afternoon. For those onboard keen to anchor in this fabulous bay overnight. experience the thrill of fishing "tropical style" this is the first opportunity. Our guides in the fishing tender will shadow the Day 6 - Waterfall Village ship up the coast in search of the game fish that the area is After breakfast, the ship gets underway to sail south down the known for. On the right day the results can be spectacular with coast to Waterfall Village. Our local host will introduce you to 01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com the wonderful people of South Pentecost. You’ll be taken into the aft deck. the village as if you were part of it. From the Chief’s heartfelt welcome to your traditional Vanuatu kava farewell, you’ll be Day 10 - Ambrym Island enthralled. All our guests agree that this is a very special place. Today is a very special day, and as we anchor off Ranon on Your last dinner aboard is served as we lie at anchor just off the Ambrym Island you will immediately notice what makes this village. Late in the evening we get underway with the trade island so unique. It has two active volcanoes, Mt Marum and Mt winds on our quarter, passing between Bokissa and Aore Benbow and is sometimes called Black Island because of its Islands as we head back towards Santo. This is a day you will black beach sand and its "black magic", steeped in history. remember for years to come. Today, the locals have extended us a special invitation to experience the very secretive and mystical Rom spirit dance, a Day 7 - Disembark the ship, Aore Island Resort performance rarely seen by outsiders. There will be ample time A Continental Breakfast is served before your overnight to spend with these wonderful and very friendly people before disembarking at 9.00am. You’re staying at Aore Island Resort returning to the ship. This evening at anchor we witness the tonight while the ship is cleaned and provisioned. amazing glow from the nearby volcanoes. Day 8 – Embark the ship, Bokissa Island Day 11 - Maskelyne Islands You’ll have until 4pm to relax and use Aore resort facilities This afternoon we anchor in the most amazing coral reef before you are met by a crew member who will transfer you by complex, the Maskelyne Islands. Participate in the very best tender to the “Island Passage”. Shortly after departure we in-water activities Vanuatu has to offer, including snorkelling anchor off Bokissa Island for dinner. and boat tours or the option of a fishing trip with our guides. This evening as the sun sets, join in the Captain's Cocktails and Day 9 - Wala Island Dinner while reflecting on this and the previous day’s amazing After a relaxed start to the morning, perhaps a swim before an a and unique experiences. la carte breakfast, then we head south cruising towards the small but beautiful Wala Island. This remote, densely vegetated Day 12 - South West Bay, Malakula Island island will excite anyone with an interest in anthropology. Cut off Cruising north we land at South West Bay on Malakula Island from its larger neighbor, Malekula, by a deep channel, Wala is where we spend time with the locals and admire their remarkably untouched by modern culture – astounding, handicrafts and artwork, which are some of the finest in considering its welcoming inhabitants, wondrous environs, Vanuatu. The island is famous for the complex ceremonies and world-class snorkeling and fascinating ancient traditions. Visit rituals preserved by two of its remarkable tribes, the Big local markets and stores to pick up handicrafts, then cool off Nambas and the Small Nambas. The large lagoon behind the with a swim or snorkel off one of the island’s beaches. This village is perfect for exploring the daily life in this village while evening's dinner, if you desire, can be served under the stars on the waters are full of coral and offer excellent kayak and snorkel 01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com opportunities. Day 13 - South West Bay We stay for most of the day here in South West Bay. The villagers are very friendly and welcome us to explore further into their lifestyles. Early in the afternoon we sail north, hugging the fascinating coastline. Dinner will be served underway and we will have an evening arrival at Malo Island where we will spend the last night. Day 14 - Disembark the ship A Continental Breakfast is served before you disembark at 9.00am. Depending on your flight arrangements we either transfer you to the airport or have arranged for you to use the facilities at a local resort. 01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com YOUR SHIP: ISLAND PASSAGE YOUR SHIP: Island Passage transport to and from the 'Island Passage' and are well suited VESSEL TYPE: Luxury Catamaran LENGTH: 42 metres PASSENGER CAPACITY: 22 BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2007 If you have traveled with the big ship cruise lines in the past, it's time to start rethinking everything you thought you knew about for exploring the local bays, islands, and rivers that are right on cruising.