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ACROSS THE TROPIC OF CAPRICORN A VOYAGE FROM NEW ZEALAND TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABOARD THE MS CALEDONIAN SKY 7 TH FEBRUARY TO 1ST MARCH 2018 Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Auckland Paihia, New Zealand

f you were the owner of a large yacht based in the Pacific, this is exactly the Rabaul type of itinerary you would plan. A fascinating mix of islands all the way PAPUA I NEW GUINEA from the northernmost reaches of New Zealand to Melanesia, taking in remote, Tetepare , Honiara but splendidly sophisticated Norfolk Island and Iles des Pins in the French Santa Ana Collectivity of New Caledonia. From here we follow the chain of Melanesian islands through Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and finally to the northern islands Espiritu Santo Island VANUATU of Papua New Guinea. Port Havannah Tanna All are beautiful in their different ways and all have unique features and cultures. This region is ideal for exploring by small ship and particularly one as suitable as our MS Caledonian Sky. Her fleet of Zodiac craft will allow us to explore some magnificent Iles des Pins places, especially tiny coral islets and lagoons. Norfolk Island At New Georgia on the outer reaches of the Solomon’s we will explore the majestic Marovo Lagoon, the world’s largest double barrier lagoon, a truly awe-inspiring place. These islands form one of the most culturally complex regions of the entire world, with 1293 languages spoken across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the islands of New Guinea. It is also a region of great antiquity; New Guinea has been settled for around 45,000 years, the Solomon Islands for 35,000 years, and Vanuatu and New Paihia Caledonia for about 4,000. Auckland

There will be much of the natural world to occupy us as we sail in a northerly direction through the South Pacific along much of the NEW ZEALAND same route as Captain James Cook. The maritime history of the region is a constant wonder from the early explorers and native migrations to the fierce battles of the Second World War. Join us in this faraway haven, where there still exists a savage beauty, which cannot fail to stir the most jaded of travellers. Many of the islands still possess a pristine beauty, much the same as they were when first discovered by the great explorers.by the great explorers.

What To Expect… Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule will be changed to maximise your experience, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and below are some extracts from the ship’s log from a previous cruise which will provide you with an idea of what to expect.

Vanikoro –January After another delightful breakfast in the warmth of the sun on the Lido deck it was back into the air-conditioning of the ship to hear the continuing instalments shortly by a superb double rainbow over the island as the sun was setting. The of our guest speaker, Peter Warwick’s historical tour de force of exploration in Lido deck had been transformed into a tropical island with palm fronds which the Pacific. This morning’s offering concentrated more on Cook and his rise up made an interesting dining experience. through the naval ranks joining as a cadet in his twenties. Later in the morning we learned of the final sorry chapter in the French explorer La Perouse when Morovo Lagoon – January his two ships La Boussole and Astrolabe were wrecked on the coral reef just Disembarkation followed the usual scheme and all Zodiacs followed through off our landing spot on the west -facing beach at Vanikoro. It was too deep to the reef and towards the village. Landing at Telina Islet was on a small wooden anchor and so the MS Caledonian Sky drifted during the afternoon just outside jetty and virtually at its head was the welcoming area where seats and stall had the reef. A slight swell allowed the breaking waves over the shallowest parts on been constructed. A greeting was extended by a member of the community, each side of the channel to be marked and as each Zodiac in turn arrived in the he introduced the band, the singers and the dancers who performed for us as very shallow water adjacent to the beach a horde of vegetation-clad warriors a welcome display. All around behind our guests who were largely seated were came bounding over the surf to greet us. Once ashore everyone was presented the local population and some who had come from other surrounding villages with a flower or vegetation lei by a pretty girl and then asked to assemble for a to welcome us. After the official welcome we had time to walk round the village speech of welcome by the chief. A few locally-made artefacts, food preparation but most people concentrated on the dazzling display of mostly wooden craft and house repair examples were on display. Further down the coast a simple items on display by various vendors. An early lunch was scheduled but no monument to the great French explorer La Perouse was on display outside a sooner was that finished than we were off again to either a sandy beach for a simple museum and rare artefacts. There was also a guided birding walk into swim or to a snorkel site which had been established not far from the ship. Both the jungle and a few people made it over the river in a dug-out canoe to view locations proved popular in the sun. Everything was completed by 1500 with the another group of settlements. The snorkelling in clear waters with visibility in Zodiacs being lifted and everything made ready for sea and the MS Caledonian excess of 30 metres and fantastic corals made a great end to the day but more Sky was under way towards Rabaul. many of the sights and places we have was to come in the form of a sighting of dwarf sperms whales and followed seen on this voyage. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Exploring by Zodiac Iles des Pins, New Caledonia Clown Fish

Pacific as we head toward New used in local medicines before Our View Caledonia. exploring Feles cave thought to be “This epic journey takes us nearly 3000 nautical miles from the northern the resting place of the legendary tip of New Zealand to Papua New Guinea. Along the way we have the Day 10 Iles des Pins, New Polynesian Chief, Roi Mata. Meanwhile rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of explorers like Captain Cook, Caledonia. Arrive at first light on Moso Island we can meet the who traversed these waters in 1774, and experience the beauty of these in New Caledonia, the islands volunteers at the Tasiriki Turtle islands and the natural wonders they hold. We will snorkel in clear waters named by Captain Cook in 1774 Sanctuary who will teach us about with numerous fish, have the chance to climb the volcanoes that entranced during his second voyage to New the rehabilitation of the Hawksbill the explorers and visit small islands which have managed to keep western Zealand. These remote islands Turtles and the attempts to increase influences at bay. Our onboard experts will bring history to life and join us are close to paradise and we will their numbers. If time and weather as we search for wildlife ashore or set up snorkelling platforms so we get the use our Zodiacs to land at one of permit we will also set up a snorkelling best from our time in the water.“ the remote beaches. From here platform or offer a chance to swim we will have the option to join a from the beach. nature walk climbing the 262 metres where, in 1840, the treaty was Nga peak from where you will be Day 13 Espiritu Santo Island. Espiritu The Itinerary signed between the Maori and the rewarded with fantastic views over Santo is the largest of Vanuatu’s Day 1 London to Hong Kong. Fly by British crown. We then continue the whole island. Alternatively islands and with some of the most scheduled flight. to Kerikeri where the Maori first join one of the snorkelling trips or beautiful white sand beaches, amazing welcomed missionaries in 1819 and simply find a spot on one of the blue holes, caves and renowned Day 2 Hong Kong. Arrive this see the oldest buildings of New beaches before we sail later in the snorkelling. It was also a huge military afternoon and transfer to our Zealand dating from the 1820s. afternoon. base during World War II. We will have centrally located hotel for an During the afternoon enjoy some a choice of activities this morning. overnight stay. Remainder of day is free time to explore the charming Day 11 Tanna, Vanuatu. After Either choose to snorkel amongst the at leisure. historic town of Russell. a morning at sea we arrive in corals and fish of the region at Million Vanuatu at the island of Tanna, Dollar Point, named after the value of Day 3 Hong Kong. Enjoy a relaxing Day 7 At Sea. Enjoy a day at sea meaning earth in the local Kwamera the military equipment dumped into morning before an afternoon as we follow in the wake of past language. Captain Cook was the the sea. Alternatively join an island city tour of Hong Kong including navigators sailing north. Maybe first European to visit the island in tour including the Nekar Custom Victoria Peak and Stanley Market. learn more at a lecture by the 1774, landing at Port Resolution, Village where we will learn about local After the tour we will continue to expedition team or find a spot on having been attracted by the traditions and customs, including their the airport for our scheduled flight deck to relax. glowing light of Mount Yasur. unique water music, before enjoying to Auckland. This 361 metre active volcano time to swim in one of the nearby blue Day 8 Norfolk Island, Australia. This is situated in the South East of holes. Return to the ship for lunch and Day 4 Auckland New Zealand. morning we awake, for a full day the Island and dominates the an afternoon at sea. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to call, at Norfolk Island which Captain landscape. The adventurous may our hotel for an overnight stay. The Cook encountered in 1774 and wish to join a journey to the crater. Day 14 Vanikoro, Solomon Islands. remainder of the day is at leisure. named after the Duchess of Norfolk. We will use local trucks to drive After breakfast we land on Vanikoro Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight. We will have the opportunity to through the rainforest that covers Island in the of explore on a morning tour visiting the mountain before walking to the Solomon Islands, where French Day 5 Auckland. On a morning tour the beautiful St Barnabas Chapel. the rim. Alternatively we may have Explorer Jean-Francois de la Perouse we explore the Auckland Domain In the afternoon a further choice the chance to visit a local village became stranded in 1788 after both and Auckland Museum which of excursions will be available. where traditional lifestyles are his vessels, La Boussole and the overlooks picturesque Waitemata Discover more of the historical maintained and the local culture has Astrolabe, hit the then unknown Harbour and has an outstanding Georgian settlement of Kingston been largely unaffected by western reefs of the island. Learn more about collection featuring exhibits on the with its convict settlements influences. Here we will learn of the island’s history and the mystery New Zealand and the Pacific Island or visit the Botanical Gardens customs and also learn of traditional of the lost La Perouse expedition cultures showcasing an extensive with its 40 endemic, or unique, medicines, crafts and cooking that captured the imagination of the collection of Polynesian artefacts. species, including 15 plant styles. European public. We will be welcomed We will enjoy lunch in a local species considered to be critically ashore by the local villagers before restaurant before transferring to endangered. For the more active Day 12 Port Havannah. Awake this choosing to explore the village further, the MS Caledonian Sky later in the you may wish to walk in the National morning off Port Havannah, situated join a nature walk where we can afternoon. Park towards Mt Pitt. The tracks on the north coast of Efate Island look out for the endemic birds, the wind through lush palm forests and our base for today’s activities. Vanikoro Monarch and Vanikoro White- Day 6 Paihia. Discovered by Captain and stands of Norfolk Island pine There are a number of outer islands eye, or alternatively enjoy a swim or Cook in 1769, this area is the cradle leading to remarkable views of the that we may be able to explore snorkel from the beach. Return to the of European civilisation in New island and the surrounding ocean. depending on weather and sea MS Caledonian Sky for lunch and an Zealand and has important historical Keen birders may also spot noddies, conditions. Lelepa Island is a 160 afternoon cruising. significance for both Maori and tropic birds and parrots. acres of un-spoilt tropical rainforest Europeans. On a morning tour we and palm fringed beaches. On a Day 15 Santa Ana. After a morning will visit the Waitangi Treaty house Day 9 At Sea. Cruise the South nature walk we will see the herbs at sea, arrive at Port Mary on Santa Wooden Carving, Solomon Islands Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands Rainbow Lorikeets

Ana Island. We are welcomed with been recorded here including Vanuatu a stunning dance by the villagers skinks, dugong and the endemic with spears and mud face masks. Tetepare White Eye whilst the Soak in the culture as we set foot beaches support three species of on the shores of this lovely island. turtle including the endangered After the performance we have leatherback. Enjoy guided the opportunity to explore the walk in the forest with the local town further with its plethora of conservationists who will explain local handicrafts, join a nature walk the work they are doing on the through the forests, walk to meet island. the students at the village school or swim from the local beach. Day 18 Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia. Marovo Lagoon is the Day 16 Honiara. This morning largest double barrier lagoon in the we cruise through Iron Bottom world. Thousands of islands scatter Sound, the site of intense WWII the lagoon, from tiny coral islets naval battles, and so named for on the fringing reef to massive the large numbers of Japanese 1600m volcanic islands. Inside the and American ships and aircraft lagoon, the islands are surrounded that sank beneath the sea, before by spectacular coral formations arriving into Honiara. During WWII and white sand beach, the lagoon the British founded Honiara as a waters shimmering in every shade military base. The town and the of blue, turquoise and jade green. Mataniko River, which runs through We have a full day here to explore it, were the front for many months the villages which produce some during the battle of . of the finest wood carvings in the Today, this is a bustling town with region. We will also find a suitable lovely hibiscus and palm-tree-lined spot to snorkel and swim from the avenues. We enjoy a morning tour beaches as well as Zodiac cruises of Honiara including the bustling to look for local wildlife. central market, parliament building and National Museum where we Day 19 At Sea. Enjoy a relaxing sea get an insight into Solomon Islands day as we cruise the Solomon Sea history. Alternatively discover to Papua New Guinea. the World War II sites including Henderson Field, the Japanese Day 20 Rabaul, Papua New Guinea Peace Park and the US Memorial to Cairns, Australia. Arrive this at Skyline Ridge. After lunch on morning at Rabaul’s dramatic board return to the city for some harbour which is ringed by six free time or join a snorkel excursion cone-shaped volcanoes. After PRICES PER PERSON to Bonegi Beach to swim amongst breakfast on board we transfer to Based on double occupancy war wrecks now colonized by the airport for our flight to Cairns. SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £400 PER PERSON tropical fish. Arrive in Cairns this afternoon FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY and transfer to our hotel for an Day 17 Tetepare. Tetepare is the overnight stay. Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Special Offer Price largest uninhabited tropical island Castle Standard Forward £8395 £7995 in the Southern Hemisphere and Day 21 Cairns. After breakfast in Castle Standard £8895 £8495 home to one of the Solomon the hotel enjoy a day at leisure or Caledonian Superior £9395 £8995 Islands leading conservation choose to take a full day excursion Promenade Premium £9595 £9195 projects. Managed by the Tetepare to enjoy the underwater world Bridge Deluxe Balcony £10295 £9895 Descendants Association, they on the Great Barrier Reef or the Promenade Premium Balcony £10395 £9995 have ensured the island was saved wildlife at the Daintree Rainforest. Promenade Owners Corner Suite with balcony £10995 £10595 from the threat of loggers and Castle Standard for sole use £10295 £9895 many areas remain untouched. Day 22 Cairns to London. After Caledonian Superior for sole use £11395 £10995 A wide variety of plants and breakfast in the hotel transfer Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation animals now live in the 120 square to the airport for our scheduled in Hong Kong and Auckland on breakfast only basis, dinner on day 4 and lunch on day kilometres of lowland rainforest indirect flight to London. and 5, 15 nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on a full board basis, wine, beer and that blankets the island. A total soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board, shore excursions, expedition team, transfers, of 76 bird species, 25 reptile Day 23 London. Arrive this port taxes, gratuities, two nights hotel accommodation in Cairns on breakfast only basis. and 13 mammal species have morning. Not Included: Travel insurance, Australian visa.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 MS Caledonian Sky Formerly known as Hebridean Spirit, this 114-passenger vessel began her new life with Noble Caledonia in May 2012. Built in the same ship yard as both MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky, she shares the same attributes as her sister vessels, joining them 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. Such purchases enhance suites have outside views. All feature mini-fridge, flat screen television, and an elegant bar where a pianist the well stocked larders and bring a a sitting room area and some have telephone, programmable plays periodically throughout the local touch to the varied menus. In private balconies. Each affords electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted day. The bar also features a 24-hour the main elegant dining room, considerable comfort with en-suite toiletries, air-conditioning and tea and coffee station. In addition breakfast is served buffet-style, with bathroom featuring a country style heating. Bottled water, towelling there is the Club Lounge on the certain items cooked to order and wash basin, hot towel rack and dressing gowns and slippers are also Panorama Deck which features a lunch and dinner is à la carte. To vanity unit with sink and walk-in provided for your comfort. bar. The onboard travel library is the enhance your dining experience perfect place to relax with a book even further a selection of wines and is stocked with reference books are included with lunch and dinner. Premium Balcony Suite pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of 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.

Your Dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine will be of a Restaurant Sun Deck Standard Suite

Panorama Lounge

Your Day to Day Life On Board MS Caledonian Sky a memorable Deck Plan Onboard the MS Caledonian and joyful experience. Dress on Sky, you will not find endless board is casual and relaxed and entertainment, round the there will be no ‘black tie’ evenings. clock buffets and the people management which is so much Exploring Ashore a part of today’s big ship style. One of the joys of expedition Instead the atmosphere onboard cruising aboard a small vessel is is warm and peaceful and more the flexibility it allows. Although akin to a private yacht or country we set sail with a set itinerary it Panorama Deck hotel in which you can learn more is the unscheduled events that Panorama Lounge about the wonders of nature, culture often become the highlight of the and ancient civilisations in the journey and with our fleet of Zodiac company of like-minded people. landing craft, we can explore inlets, A little music in the lounge or bar fjords, bird sanctuaries, land in Bridge Deck after dinner, guest speakers and otherwise inaccessible places and Hotel Buffet Pantry Manager’s 511 509 507 505 informative port briefings from our be footloose in a way that would Office

Chief Captain expedition leader, all contribute to be totally impractical for larger 512 510 508 506 Engineer make any voyage aboard the groups of passengers.

Promenade Deck Dining on deck Your Comfort, Safety & Security Our vessel is equipped with Hairdresser 433 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 the latest safety, navigation and WC communications equipment along Gym 434 432 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414

with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. During your voyage Caledonian Deck

you will have the opportunity to 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 visit the Captain and Officers on Reception the Bridge to check the vessel’s 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 progress by charts and learn more about your journey. Onboard you Castle Deck will also find a clinic and doctor and 261 259 257 255 Doctor a lift that serves all decks.

262 260 258 256 254 252 250

This cruise visits out of the way destinations. You will be accompanied by an expedition team and some Standard Suites (Forward) Premium Suites Premium Balcony Suites landings ashore will be made by Zodiac landing craft. Standard Suites Deluxe Balcony Suites Owner’s Corner Suites with Balcony

Cruises such as this will appeal to the more adventurous Superior Suites and those who enjoy the natural world. NB. All Suites on Castle Deck feature a minimum of two portholes.

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Hawksbill Turtle. 111016_K