Vanuatu-Cruising-FA-Brochure.Pdf
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CONTENTS: PAGE Introduction to Island Escape 3 Our Ship “Island Passage” 5 Cuisine and Wines 6 Cruising Life Onboard 7 Secrets of Vanuatu 8 Mystery of Vanuatu 12 Magical Vanuatu 15 Romance of Vanuatu 16 Marlborough Wine and Whales 20 Bay of Islands Summer 24 Islands of Auckland 28 Private and Corporate Charters 32 Bay of Islands Helicopter Golf 34 Best of New Zealand Golf 36 Pricing and Departures 38 Contact details 40 At anchor in Islands of Auckland My love in life has always been yachts. I love the feeling you get from strolling the teak decks, fine wine at sunset and dining with a few close friends. Not to mention these same friends sharing the excitement of discovering beautiful new destinations with interesting and sometimes challenging activities each day. When I designed ‘Island Passage’ the instructions were simple: I wanted a luxurious layout, spacious and comfortable for a maximum of 24 like-minded travellers. Similarly, I wanted oversized cabins, generous en-suite bathrooms, wide halls and decks that would prevent any feeling of being cramped and critically important to create an overwhelming feeling of being on board a small private yacht. I wanted an experience designed around the little details that really mattered; fine linens, ever changing selection of natural soaps and shampoos, nightly turndown service with delicious chocolates and bottled water, the fresh smell of flowers, ample lighting, storage and seating areas, individually controlled air conditioning in each cabin, fabulous cuisine and a crew who love to be of service to our guests. My other passions are food and wine - simply put, every meal has to be magnificent. Local seafood, maybe even some that you caught yourself, is featured daily. You’ll enjoy other delicacies and organic artisan foods produced locally. The best New Zealand organic lamb and Angus beef, fresh produce selected from local farmer’s markets, award winning cheeses and all presented by chefs with strong Pacific Fusion flair. Our on-board wine cellar is brimming with a selection of award winning Australian and New Zealand wines. This is constantly being updated with new releases plus our revolving collection that is personally selected from our favourite boutique vineyards. We have prepared a selection of the best intimate cruising New Zealand and Vanuatu has to offer. Wherever we are cruising we always work hand in hand with the local environmentalists to ensure that our guests are receiving the absolute best experience and that our impact on the region is minimal. We are licensed by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation to explore well inside Marine National Parks. In Vanuatu we personally know each Chief in each of the villages we visit who share their local knowledge of their particular region. In return we provide a much welcomed business opportunity to support a micro tourism industry in each of the villages. We do trust you will enjoy the cruises we have in this brochure as much as we have enjoyed preparing them for your pleasure. Peter Bissett Founder/CEO 3 Cruising in pristine New Zealand The luxury motor yacht ‘Island Passage’ is perfect for a leisurely escape from a busy lifestyle. We have accommodation onboard for just 24 like-minded passengers in 12 spacious, individually designed cabins that feature rich timber paneling and handmade New Zealand Kauri furniture. Each cabin is fitted with DVD, audio and TV, and all are individually air-conditioned. The Ocean Staterooms and Bridge Deck Suites have doors opening directly onto the outer deck. Our Expedition Cabins enjoy ocean views and natural light from two portholes. Each of the cabins has its own spacious private en-suite facility. All cabins have ample lighting, storage and seating spaces and are amongst the largest of any ship in this size category to create an overwhelming feeling of being on BRIDGE DECK SUITE board a small private yacht. All cabins are serviced each morning and again at our nightly turndown service with delicious chocolates and bottled mineral water. Our ever changing selection of natural soaps, body washes, shampoos and conditioners are made from the most environmentally friendly products possible as well as biodegradable formulations and recyclable oxo-degradable packaging. BRIDGE DECK - SUITES OCEAN STATE ROOM PROMENADE DECK - STATE ROOMS MAIN DECK - EXPEDITION CABINS EXPEDITION CABIN 5 Cuisine & Wines Relaxation, exceptional food and fine wines are an essential outside under the stars. Conversation is invariably lively. Our part of your cruise. ‘Island Passage’ has a professional galley on-board wine cellar is brimming with a selection of fabulous and chefs dedicated to making every meal magnificent. New Zealand and Australian wines. You won’t need to Breakfast and lunch are usually served on the aft deck, where remember the recipe for your favourite aperitif; we are well a perfect sea view is guaranteed. In the evening you can versed in the magic of mixology. Our bar is open well into the dine in style at one of the 12-seater tables or find a table wee small hours. *Our creative chefs cater for any special dietary requirements 6 Life onboard If big ship packaged cruising has no appeal for you, be reassured eight person crew is on hand to share their knowledge of the ocean that our cruises couldn’t be more different. Life on board ‘Island and all of the local activities. Passage’ is like staying at a legendary boutique hotel that offers our expedition boats are designed to provide fast and efficient different sea views every day. transport to and from the ship and are well suited for exploring the For outdoor entertainment, our ship carries purpose-built landing local bays, islands, and rivers that are right on your doorstep. All craft, three large tenders, sea kayaks, a five-seat helicopter, fishing boats are manned with crew guides, two-way radios and safety gear and snorkelling equipment. Never a dull moment, although equipment for your peace of mind. lazing in a deckchair is always an option. During each trip, our 7 6 NIGHTS SANTO TO SANTO DEPARTURESSecrets 2013: May 12,of 19, 26.Vanuatu June 2, 16. July 7. Day 1 Sunday Luganville Harbour On our Secrets of Vanuatu cruise, you can visit villages that Day 2 Monday Aese Island, Riri River rarely see ships or western civilization, explore remote islands Day 3 Tuesday Hog Harbour and beaches, swim, snorkel and bask in clean tropical waters. Day 4 Wednesday Champagne Beach The wonderful Ni-Vanuatu people will make you welcome and Day 5 Thursday Asanvari Harbour introduce you to their unique culture. Day 6 Friday Pentecost/Land diving A special highlight is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Day 7 Saturday Luganville Harbour the land divers of Pentecost Island, the real originators of bungy jumping. The land diving ritual is associated with the annual yam harvest - a good dive helps ensure a bountiful yam supply. You SAHAO ISLAND Cape can meet the brave men who perform this ritual, just as their Quiros MAEWO ancestors have done since at least the mid-nineteenth century, or perhaps even earlier. Champagne The cruise begins and ends in Espiritu Santo - Spanish for Beach ESPIRITU SANTO AMBAE ‘the Holy Spirit’. This magical island has Vanuatu’s tallest Asanvari mountains, the South Pacific’s most delicious beef and the Riri Riri River Devils Rock Lavatu world’s most beautiful beach. HOME BASE LUGANVILLE Waterfall Village ‘Island Passage’ spends five months in Vanuatu each AORE season, so our crew has gained inside knowledge of MALO Land Diving the islands, the local chiefs and the attractions. We can promise you a rare and wonderful adventure. PENTECOST MALAKULA Norsap AMBRYN South West Bay Maskelyne Islands 8 Land diving in Pentecost Secrets of Vanuatu 6 NIGHTS SANTO TO SANTO DAY 1 SUNDAY - Dinner DAY 2 MONDAY - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner On arrival at Espiritu Santo Airport, you’ll be met and transferred This morning, there’s the opportunity to snorkel over a fabulous to downtown where a ferry will be waiting to take you to Aore coral reef only metres from the ship. It’s an unforgettable experience Island Resort. Once there, you’ll be greeted with a welcome - we’ll take you up current in the tender, so that you can drift over drink and then given beach towels which you can use for the gardens of coral inhabited by a myriad of tropical fishes. rest of the day. NB: We suggest you pack a day bag with your On the same day, you’ll venture up the Riri River in a dugout canoe swimwear and anything else you may need for the day. Oh, and to discover the miraculous blue holes – deep, clear freshwater if ‘swimming’ isn’t first and foremost on your ‘things to do’ list, the springs that bubble up into the river. You’ve never seen the colour resort has an all-day dining menu and bar which you’re more than blue quite like this. A refreshing swim is almost compulsory! welcome to use. The rest of your day can include as much activity as you wish: You’ll have until 4pm to relax and use the resort facilities before sightseeing from the tenders; exploring the shoreline; perhaps a you are met by a crew member who’ll transfer you by tender to trip with one of our fishing guides. Or simply relaxing in a steamer the “Island Passage”. Shortly after departure, the ship will head chair as you adjust to “island time “and get pampered “Island around Million Dollar Point; aptly named for the vast amount of Passage” style. Tonight will be spent at anchor off the pristine American war machinery under the waves, the coast of Santo beaches of Mavea Island beckons.