Island Hopping in the South Pacific

BOOK early and save £500 PER PERSON Island Hopping in the South Pacific An epic voyage from Tahiti to Fiji aboard the MS Caledonian Sky 2nd December 2015 to 4th January 2016 Rangiroa God statue, Bora Bora

MARQUESAS ISLANDS Ua Huka Nuku Hiva Hiva Oa gems. Alternatively return to the Tahuata water and enjoy snorkelling with Fatu Hiva unicornfish, masked bannerfish and TUAMOTU triggerfish or enjoy free time in the SOCIETY ISLANDS Mataiva Napuka enchanting local village of Avatoru. ISLANDS Takapoto Savusavu Bora Bora Rangiroa Fakarava Yasawa Raroia Taveuni COOK ISLANDS Taha'a Day 6 Takapoto, Tuamotu Islands. POLYNESIA Raiatea Motutunga Levuka Palmerston Tahiti Lautoka Niue Moorea Tahanea On the atol of Takapoto we will be FIJI TONGA welcomed by the local population Fulaga Aitutaki Ha'apai Islands Atiu and treated to local fruits and to the Arahoho Blow Hole, a lava demonstrations. We will enjoy Raratonga tube designed by liquid lava walks with our expedition team flowing under cold and hard lava and see the local church and swim oin us aboard the MS Caledonian Sky and celebrate Christmas and creating a channel. When in the lake. For those who prefer and New Year in paradise as we island hop through Polynesia waves crash against the rocks and the underwater world a snorkelling fromJ Tahiti to Fiji. The name Polynesia means ‘many islands’ enter the channel the result is a platform will be set up with our and no one could argue with the suitability of this title. Our powerful sea water geyser. Lunch is Zodiacs. Return to the ship for taken in a local restaurant and this lunch and sail. comprehensive itinerary includes the Society Islands, Marquesas afternoon we will visit the Gauguin Islands, Cook Islands and Yasawa Islands. Isolated by miles museum with displays on the life Day 7 At sea. Enjoy a day relaxing of ocean over thousands of years, these the world’s first island and works of Paul Gauguin, the on the sun deck, join a lecture in botanical gardens and the Museum the lounge or catch up on a book cultures developed a pantheon of gods, myths and legends and of Tahiti. This afternoon transfer in the library as we sail north. this voyage will reveal the story of Polynesia and uncover its to the MS Caledonian Sky and sail history and legends as we sail through the South Seas visiting the tonight. Day 8 Nuku Hiva & Ua Huka, Arrive this captivating islands. The sheer isolation of some of the islands has Marquesas Islands. Day 4 Mataiva, Tuamotu Islands. morning in the Marquesas Islands, been their saving grace and apart from the influx of missionaries Mataiva means “nine eyes,” it far removed from the rest of the in the late 19th century, western culture has made few inroads. was named for the nine narrow South Pacific in everything from channels around the encircling reef language and culture to geology. This mix of islands and cultures is a fascinating journey where that connect the lagoon to the sea. Our first call will be at Nuka Hiva, We will go ashore at Pahua. This the largest of the islands and the we can discover the range of lifestyles, traditions, people and village is perched on both sides of island group’s economic capital. landscapes of some of the most remote islands on earth. From a narrow pass which is spanned by Today we will immerse ourselves coral reefs teeming with life to powerful legends that shaped an unusual bridge—the only one in local culture and geography. history, each island is unique, each culture distinct. The diversity of its type in the Tuamotu Islands. Traditional Marquesan dancers Enjoy a village walk then spend the welcome us to their village. We will of the islands will be brought to life by our onboard team who morning on hikes learning about visit the archeological centres and between them have many years experience operating in the the native vegetation. Snorkelling view the temples, petroglyphs and region, Our voyage ends in the horseshoe of volcanic Fijian at the pass reveals triggerfish, tiki. Over lunch we sail to Ua Huka. jacks, and goatfishes. Go ashore for a four-wheel drive Islands and here we will be amongst the first people in the world tour to the Museum of Vaipee and to welcome in the New Year. Day 5 Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands. the villages of Hane and Hokato, As one of the world’s largest coral where traditional woodcarving is atolls, Rangiroa, whose name still a fine art. The Itinerary Day 3 Tahiti, French Polynesia. translates into “vast sky” , has a Day 1 London to Tahiti, French After breakfast in the hotel we magnificent lagoon surrounded Day 9 Hiva Oa & Tahuata, Polynesia. Fly by scheduled flight will embark on a full day tour of by small islets or motus, stretching Marquesas Islands. This morning via Los Angeles. Tahiti. We will start at “One Tree as far as the eye can see. Today, will be dedicated to Gauguin, Hill”, located on the East Coast of a variety of activities await. There iconic artist of the South Pacific. Day 2 Tahiti, French Polynesia. the island and offering excellent will be a chance to tour a black We will visit his museum Arrive this morning and transfer to views over to the neighbouring pearl farm where we learn of and make a pilgrimage to our beach hotel for an overnight stay. island of Moorea. We continue the processes of farming these his final resting place in the Hawksbill turtle

Bouma Waterfall, Taveuni, Fiji

cemetery perched high on a will see the strings of oysters all land here in 1774. There will be residents we will be guaranteed hill overlooking the town. We around the local farms. After the the opportunity to snorkel or a special welcome. There will be will soak up the landscape that traditional welcome to the island alternatively join an island tour the chance to join the local expert inspired him to leave it all behind including a selction of local fruits seeing the plantations of cotton, “birdman George” on a walking and go native. Over lunch we and fish we will have the chance to coffee, sugarcane and pineapples, tour to search for Rarotonga sail to the neighbouring island explore the island on a variety of the majestic mountains with views monarch, chattering kingfisher, of Tahuata. This is the smallest walks or snorkel the beautiful coral over the island and wonderful Cook islands fruit dove and Atiu inhabited island of the Marquesas garden with Parrotfish, Angelfish waterfalls. swiftlets. Alternatively discover the but was the first to be visited and Butterfly fish. island on a tour to include James by Protestant and Catholic Day 16 Raiatea & Taha’a, Society Cooks landing site from 1777. missionaries and the first church Day 13 Motutunga & Tahanea, Islands. Raiatea is recognised in the Marquesas was built here. Tuamotu Islands. Motutunga Atoll throughout Tahiti as its “Sacred Day 20 Raratonga, Cook Islands. With no airport the island is was first sighted by James Cook Island” the cultural heart of all Arrive this morning in Rarotonga, only accessible by sea and is off in 1773 who named it ‘Adventure’ Tahiti Polynesia. It is believed by the hub of the Cook Islands where the usual tourist trails. We will after the name of his own ship. historians that Raiatea was the main we have a day to explore. Either land this afternoon and explore Both Motutunga and Tahanea stopover point for early Polynesians choose to join our nature walk in Hapatoni village, meet the local are uninhabited atolls and offer newly arrived from Hawaii. This, the the Takitumu Conservation area population and learn about their some of the finest snorkelling in second largest Tahitian isle, was a 155 hectare forested area in the history and ways of life. the Tuamotu archipelago. We will the centre of religion and culture interior of the island. Here we can be able to see amazing corals and over 1000 years ago and still lends look for some endemic birds such Day 10 Fatu Hiva, Marquesas marine life including triggerfish enchantment to ancient legends as the rarotongan flycatcher, Pacific Islands. With a landscape of and surgeonfish. At Tahanea there told to this day. This morning’s pigeon and Fruit Dove whilst walking spectacular pinnacles towering is another chance to snorkel or island tour will include a visit to the in the beautiful scenery of the park. over the cobalt Bay of Virgins, alternatively join our birders on a celebrated Mount Temehani and Alternatively explore the history Fatu Hiva is one of the most floral walk to find the endemic Tuamotu the Taputapuatea marae which and culture of the island on a drive and pristine islands. We will use Sandpiper or our naturalists as we dates back over 1000 years. This including the sacred marae, site of Zodiacs to land at the little port beachcomb. afternoon we move over to the the seven canoes and local churches. of Hanavave where villagers will neighbouring island of Taha’a. With We also see the inland plantations welcome us to the island. We then Day 14 Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands. the rich aroma of vanilla lingering where locals use an agricultural join our naturalists on a variety of This protected atoll, along with heavily in the air, Taha’a offers a system which dates back hundreds walks before returning to the ship its six neighbouring islands, make glimpse of the traditional, tranquil of years. for lunch and an afternoon at sea. up a UNESCO classified nature life of the Tahitians. reserve. It has been the home to Day 21 Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Day 11 Napuka Island, Tuamotu Robert Louis Stephenson in 1888 Day 17 Bora Bora, Society This lovely lagoon is famous for its Islands. After a morning at sea and Henri Matisse in 1930 whose Islands. One of the most stunning fascinating coral formations and we arrive at the small Napuka art was influenced by the landscape islands on the planet, Bora Bora’s bountiful brightly hued tropical fish. Atol home to just 250 inhabitants. for many years. The local villagers interior is crowned by majestic Choose this morning from an island The first recorded European to of Rotoava will welcome us and eroded volcanic formations and a drive which will explore the sleepy reach the island was John Bryon demonstrate their handicrafts and distinctive black basaltic peak. A village of Arutanga including a visit in 1765 who named this the cultural traditions. We will have a tour of the island will take you past to the oldest church in the Cook “disappointment islands” due to chance to sample local delicacies colourful villages, archaeological Islands. We will see the lush forest the hostile reception he received. before enjoying walks on the island sites and World War Two relics of Nikaupara and from the top of Today if the weather and sea with our naturalists or at our own ending with a cocktail at the Mount Piraki will see the bunkers conditions permit we will aim to pace. infamous Bloody Marys bar. This built during World War II. From the land on the island and explore the afternoon explore independently top of Maunga Pu we are treated beach with our naturalists or set Day 15 Moorea, Society Islands. or alternatively take a chance to to breathtaking views of the island up a snorkelling platform on the Moorea, the heart shaped island snorkel in the clear waters. and lagoon. Alternatively you may surrounding reef. situated close to the main island wish to join our naturalists and of Tahiti is renowned as one of Day 18 At sea. snorkel in the lagoon. Day 12 Raroia, Tuamotu Islands. the most beautiful in the world. After a morning at sea we arrive First settled over 1000 years ago Day 19 Atiu, Cook Islands. Our Day 22 Palmerston, Cook Islands. into Raroia at lunchtime. Raroia is by Polynesians it was James Cook first stop in the Cook Islands is the The engaging history of the known for its pearl farming and we who was the first European to small island of Atiu. With only 560 William Masters family comes alive Society Islands Coral reef

Outrigger Canoe

as we meet the descendants of this crater, with a clear blue lake at its surrounding landscape is stunning. Day 31 Yasawa Islands, Fiji. Our final eccentric 19th century Englishman base. You may choose to hike to a We will enjoy a traditional Kava call will be at the fabulous Yasawa who took three native brides. We lake with our naturalists along a trail ceremony and learn about modern Group, a chain of 16 volcanic islands will be welcomed by the local that leads through a spectacular life in a Fijian village. Tonight we and many more smaller islands. The officials and before enjoying a forest full of birds, unique tree ferns will be some of the first in the world islands are everything you would walking tour with our local guides. and ironwood. to welcome in the new year with a expect of paradise. The British Extremely fine handicrafts are celebration on board. navigator William Bligh was the first made on this island and here the Day 27 Fulaga, Fiji. Our first call at European to sight these islands in birdwatchers should catch sight of a Fijian island will be on Fulaga, Day 30 Levuka, Fiji. The island of the North West of Fiji in 1789 but the red-tailed tropic birds. There famous for its woodcarving and the Levuka and the town of Ovalau they were not charted until 1840. will also be a chance to snorkel making of large outrigger canoes. has a special place in Fijian history Tourism is still in its infancy here and from the beach. Over 100 tiny islands in the Fulaga as it was here in 1874 that the Fiji using our small ship and zodiacs Lagoon have been undercut into islands were ceded to the British we can access some of the remote Day 23 At sea. extraordinary mushroom shapes and also where in 1970 Fiji was islands in the chain. We will have the and the surrounding waters are declared independent again. The opportunity to visit a local village Day 24 Niue, New Zealand. Spend tinged with striking colours by the town is unlike any other Fijian and this will also be our last chance Christmas Day on the island of Niue dissolved limestone. town having retained the colonial to snorkel and swim as we set up a on the edge of the International buildings which made it the first platform on one of the local reefs. Date Line. This morning stretch your Day 28 Taveuni, Fiji. Today we visit Fijian site to be granted UNESCO legs and explore Alofi village with the ‘Garden Island of Fiji’. We will status. Choose either to join a Day 32 Lautoka, Fiji to London. the onboard team or choose to join have a choice of excursions this walking tour with our local guide Disembark this morning and the locals at church. We will enjoy morning. The nature lovers can take including the museum and site of transfer to the airport for your Christmas lunch on board the ship a 4 wheel drive to Dos Voeux Peak. cessation or alternatively join an scheduled flight to London via Los and the active may want to take an At the summit we will be treated to island drive passing local villages Angeles. We cross the date line afternoon swim or snorkel in the fantastic views of Taveuni and across and beautiful bays and visiting the during the flight. warm waters. Sail this evening for to Lake Tagimoucia. Here we will crater of Lovoni with views over Tonga. see the tropical plants, palms and the island. This afternoon we will Day 33 London. Arrive this morning. rainforest trees and where we hope relocate to Leleuvia where we can Day 25 At sea. We cross the to spot spectacular birdlife such as relax on the beach. International Date line (so it is now orange breasted doves, silktails, 27th December) and spend the day ferntails and parrots. Alternatively sailing to the Kingdom of Tonga. join a walking trip to the Bouma Prices per person Heritage Park established in 1990 to Based on double occupancy Day 26 Ha’apai Group, Tonga. conserve the rainforests of Taveuni. Today we arrive at the Ha’apai You have the choice to walk to three BOOK BEFORE 31 JANUARY 2014 AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON OFF THE PRICES SHOWN BELOW. group which consists of 62 islands Bouma waterfalls and swim. The comprising of lagoons, barrier view from the highest waterfall is Deck Suite Category Prices reefs and active volcanoes. The spectacular. Our cultural tour will Castle Standard Forward £15395 islands have a rich maritime history give the opportunity to see lifestyles Castle Standard £15695 with Abel Tasman being the first in a traditional Fijian village and Caledonian Superior £16095 European to visit the islands in 1643 see cooking demonstrations. In the Promenade Premium £16395 whilst Captain James Cook visited afternoon we will head to one of Bridge Deluxe Balcony £16795 twice in the 1770s. However the the neighbouring islands for some Promenade Premium Balcony £17295 most famous event was Mutiny of fantastic snorkelling opportunities. Promenade Owner’s Corner Suite with balcony £17795 the HMS Bounty which occurred Castle Standard for sole use £21295 between the islands of Lifuka and Day 29 Savusavu, Vanua Levu. Often Caledonian Superior for sole use £21995 Tofua. It was on the island of Tofua referred to as Fiji’s hidden paradise, that Captain William Bligh landed Savusavu is much the same as it Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight accommodation in Tahiti on a bed and breakfast basis, 29 nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on a after being cast off from the Bounty was 30 years ago. It was originally full board basis including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, with limited provisions and nautical established as a centre for sailing shore excursions, expedition team, transfers, port taxes, gratuities to crew and equipment. Tropical forests grow ships trading in sandalwood and whilst on excursions. along gentle slopes here and at the copra. It is a small bustling town Not Included: Travel insurance, visas. centre of the island is the volcanic with an interesting heritage and the NB. Ports and itinerary subject to change based on weather conditions and flight schedules. MS Caledonian Sky Formerly known as Hebridean Spirit, this 114-passenger vessel began her new life with Noble Caledonia in May 2012 following an extensive refurbishment. Built in the same ship yard as the MS Island Sky, the MS Caledonian Sky shares the same attributes as her sister vessel, joining her as one of the finest small ships in the world.

Your Suite Your Space consistent superior quality. Where Onboard there are 57 exceptionally shower and/or bath tub. Facilities The spacious and finely decorated possible and when it meets his spacious and well designed suites. in the suites also include walk-in or public rooms include a large lounge high standards, our accomplished The passenger accommodation is spacious wardrobes, dressing table where daily briefings and talks will chef will obtain local produce in arranged over four decks and all with large mirror and stool or desk, be provided throughout the voyage markets or buy the catch of the suites have outside views. All feature mini-fridge, flat screen television, and an elegant bar where a pianist day from a passing fishing boat. a sitting room area and some have telephone, programmable plays periodically throughout the Such purchases enhance the well private balconies. Each affords electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted day. The bar also features a 24-hour stocked larders and bring a local considerable comfort with en-suite toiletries, air-conditioning and tea and coffee station. In addition touch to the varied menus. In bathroom featuring a country style heating. Bottled water, towelling there is the Club Lounge on the the main elegant dining room, wash basin, hot towel rack and dressing gowns and slippers are also Panorama Deck which features a breakfast is served buffet-style, with vanity unit with sink and walk-in provided for your comfort. bar. The onboard travel library is the certain items cooked to order and perfect place to relax with a book lunch and dinner is à la carte. To and is stocked with reference books enhance your dining experience Standard Suite pertaining to the places the vessel even further a selection of wines is visiting along with a selection of are included with lunch and dinner. games and two computers with internet access. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.

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rdress Hai Standar Superior Suites Standar Panorama Deck Bridge Deck Deck Promenade Caledonian Deck Castle Deck Deck Plan 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE Exploring Ashore One of the joys of expedition a small vessel is cruising aboard the flexibility it allows. Although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey and with our fleet of Zodiac inlets, landing craft, we can explore sanctuaries, land in bird fjords, otherwise inaccessible places and be footloose in a way that would be totally impractical for larger of passengers. groups & Security Comfort, Safety Your Our vessel is equipped with navigation and the latest safety, communications equipment along stabilisers to minimise thewith roll motion. During your voyage ship’s you will the have opportunity to on thevisit the and Officers Captain progress Bridge to check the vessel’s about yourby charts and learn more you will also find Onboard a journey. clinic and a lift and doctor that serves all decks. +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | noble-caledonia.co.uk This cruise visits out of the way destinations. You will be This cruise visits out of the way destinations. You accompanied by an expedition team and some will be made by Zodiac landing craft. landings ashore adventurous Cruises such as this will appeal to the more and those who enjoy the natural world. All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Bora Bora available on request. and are booking conditions apply to all reservations Our current subject to availability. are All special offers Your Day to Day Life Onboard Day to Day Your the Caledonian MS Onboard you will not find endless Sky, the entertainment, round and the people clock buffets management which is so much ship style. big a part of today’s on board Instead the atmosphere is warm and peaceful and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more culture about thenature, of wonders and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar guest speakers and after dinner, our informative port briefings from all contribute to expedition leader, the MS make any voyage aboard Caledonian Sky a memorable and is on board joyful experience. Dress will be and there casual and relaxed no ‘black tie’ evenings.