Join us in paradise on a leisurely passage through the South Seas to an area long associated with Captain Cook, Captain Bligh and the Bounty, and Gauguin. We can promise you an unforgettable voyage to a corner of the world which has lured adventurers and romantics alike ever since Magellan first sailed to these waters in 1521.
From Easter Island, blessed with an extraordinary collection of remarkable archaeological sites, we embark on our exploration of the South Pacific’s islands and atolls. From coral reefs teeming with life to powerful legends that shaped history, each island is unique, each culture distinct. On the more remote islands, villages are still composed of thatched houses, set amongst the shade of the breadfruit and coconut trees. Many islands are important nesting grounds for seabirds and sea turtles and the lagoons everywhere are breeding grounds for countless species of fish.
This cruise can be combined with 'Nomads of the Wind' to create 'South Seas Odyssey'.
Please note price includes return flights to/from London. For non-use of these flights there is a reduction in price. Contact us for more information.
In the Wake of the Bounty itinerary:
Day 1 - LONDON TO SANTIAGO, CHILE
Fly by scheduled indirect flight
Day 2 - SANTIAGO
Arrive this morning and transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel (or similar)for an overnight stay. Rooms have been pre booked so we can check in on arrival this morning. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore independently.
Day 3 - SANTIAGO TO EASTER ISLAND
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Easter Island. On arrival transfer to HangaRoa Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay. This afternoon we explore Rano Kau, the second oldest volcano on the island. Its huge Caldera (1.5km at its base) contains one of the island’s three fresh water lakes. From the look-out at the rim of Rano Kau we continue on to the ceremonial village of Orongo, best known for the birdman cult ceremonies. The site was restored in 1974 and within the village you will see 47 restored houses. Continue to Ahu Tahai, another restored ceremonial site and one of the oldest, dating back to the 6th century. Return to the hotel for dinner this evening.
Day 4 - EASTER ISLAND
Today we enjoy a full day tour, visiting many of the different areas where moais (statues) can be found. We will see the volcano of Rano Raraku, the site where 95% of all moais were carved and today you will find nearly 400 statues in various stages of completion. A hike to the top of the volcano’s crater will not only reveal many statues but also a beautiful fresh water lake. We continue our exploration of the island with Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial site in Polynesia restored in 1996. Lunch will be a specially arranged barbecue on Anakena beach, home of Easter Island’s ancient paramount chiefs and one of the prettiest coves in the South Pacific. In the late afternoon we transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky and sail this evening.
Day 5 & 6 - AT SEA
Enjoy time relaxing on deck and joining the lectures from our experts on board.
Day 7 - DUCIE ISLAND, PITCAIRN ISLANDS
Experience expedition cruising at its finest as we land on one of nature’s wildlife sanctuaries. A remote coral atoll with superb snorkelling and birding, Ducie Island is so remote that no threats to its native wildlife exist, and it is one of the rare places in the world where wildlife is relatively unaffected by man’s presence.
Day 8 - HENDERSON ISLAND
This upraised former coral atoll has fascinating eroded rock formations, with giant blowholes flinging up tremendous seaspray. Very rare birds inhabit the island, including the Henderson Island rail and Stephen’s Lori. Numerous underwater ravines and crevices support a great diversity of fish.
Day 9 & 10 - PITCAIRN ISLAND
We arrive this morning on the island of Pitcairn, famous as the final destination of the Bounty in the late 18th century. Meet the Anglo-Tahitian descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty, who arrived here 200 years ago and see the ship’s anchor outside the courthouse. We will have time to explore this inspiring island setting and visit with islanders who display memorable stamps and handicrafts. We will have a Pitcairn welcome in the Town Hall before exploring the capital of Adamstown. We will set up a number of walks with our expedition staff to explore the islands highlights. (please note that access to Pitcairn is very weather dependent). We will stay overnight or if weather permits will sail to Oeno Atol, three uninhabited islands situated around 75 nautical miles from Pitcairn. It is an important bird area due to the colony of 12,500 pairs of Murphys petrals that nest here alongside sooty tern and brown noddy. We will have the morning to explore the island.
Day 11 - MANGAREVA, GAMBIER ISLANDS
Mountainous Mangareva is home to a remarkable cathedral with a stunning mother-of-pearl altar. Today Mangareva is much more peaceful, as you will see during our island walks, we will include nature walks, a hike up to Mount Duff or you can simply wander around the small village.
Day 13 - PUKARUA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Located on the outer fringes of French Polynesia, Pukarua faces thousands of miles of open ocean. Onshore, its small population lives in a spirit of cooperation and friendship, living largely on coconuts and the bounty of the sea. As we visit this small community, we will be enthusiastically greeted with genuine friendliness and lively music. We may also have a chance to swim or snorkel.
Day 14 - PUKAPUKA
Today, we visit Pukapuka. To honour you and fellow guests, the islanders proudly decorate their tidy village with green palm fronds and flowers, and welcome you with a fragrant flower lei and entrancing dances. Sample traditional coconut treats and watch a demonstration of how copra – the dried meat of the coconut – is prepared for its various uses. Snorkellers will find a bounty of vibrant corals and iridescent reef fishes in the warm waters, while beach walkers can investigate the inter-tidal zone with naturalists.
Day 15 - FATU HIVA, MARQUESAS ISLANDS
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Marquesas Islands far removed from the rest of the South Pacific in everything from language and culture to geology. With a landscape of spectacular pinnacles towering over the cobalt Bay of Virgins, Fatu Hiva is one of the most floral and pristine islands. Villagers will perform their traditional dances and demonstrate their handicrafts
Day 16 - HIVA OA
This morning will be dedicated to Gauguin, iconic artist of the South Pacific. We will visit his museum and make a pilgrimage to his final resting place, soaking up the landscape that inspired him to leave it all behind and go native. This afternoon we visit Puamau and the Oipona me’ae temple and the eight foot tall tiki.
Day 17 - NUKU HIVA
Our last morning in Marquesas will be at Nuka Hiva, the largest of the Islands and the island group’s economic capital. Today we will immerse ourselves in local culture and geography. Traditional Marquesan dancers welcome us to their village. We will visit the archeological centres and view the temples, petroglyphs and tiki.
Day 19 - RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
As one of the world’s largest coral atolls, Rangiroa has a magnificent lagoon surrounded by small islets or motus, stretching as far as the eye can see. Today, a variety of activities await. There will be a chance to tour a black pearl farm, enjoy free time in the enchanting local village of Avatoru or have a last chance to snorkel or swim.
Day 20 - PAPEETE, TAHITI TO LONDON
Disembark and transfer to the airport for the return indirect scheduled flight to London
Day 21 - EN ROUTE
En Route.
Day 22
Arrive this morning.
Please note price includes return flights to/from London. For non-use of these flights there is a reduction in price.
Caledonian Sky
The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows.
If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere.
Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub.
Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort.
Your space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. 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 quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.
For your comfort, safety and security
The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.
Gratuities
Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.
- Sail in the path of early explorers such as Captain Bligh, Captain Cook, Gauguin
- Explore remote South Pacific atolls and islands
- Coral reefs teeming with life
- Cultural experiences, crafts and music bringing alive local legend and folklore
- Visit Easter Island's archaeological sites
- A plethora of tropical wildlife including seabirds, turtles and a variety of fish species
- Opportunities for snorkelling
