Explore through the heart of Melanesia to the western edge of Polynesia, from the Solomon Islands to Fiji. Receive warm welcomes in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu; you’ll be greeted with traditional dances as you land by Zodiac on remote and verdant shores, while a warm smile andBula! greet you on arrival in Fiji. Search for endemic bird species, snorkel and dive stunning reefs and wrecks, and soak up the tranquil beauty of palm-fringed beaches.
Highlights
• Arrive to Owaraha in the Solomon Islands for a series of traditional dances and music, then walk to see the island’s traditional spirit houses
• Take a local canoe ride up the crystal-clear Riri River to the spectacular Riri Blue Hole grotto on Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo Island
• Visit mysterious Ambrym Island in Vanuatu—known as a place of magic and spirits—and witness the traditional Rom dance
• Visit the traditional island of the Fijian firewalkers—Beqa
• Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and the lovely and less-visited Kadavu
Arrive in Brisbane, Australia, where we check in to
our hotel. Join us for a welcome briefing this
evening to meet your fellow travelers.
Have breakfast at the hotel before transferring to
the airport for a flight to Honiara, a former U.S.
supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground.
Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites
well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in
1942-43. See the shores of Red Beach and the
vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills
above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles
took places. Then, embark National Geographic
Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as
Santa Ana), we’re greeted with a traditional dance
performed by villagers in elaborate costumes,
body paint, and masks. Walk across the small
island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses
containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs
of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan. (B,L,D)
Take advantage of a full day at sea to settle into
the relaxed pace of life on board. Watch for marine
life from the deck, study our route on the
navigational charts, and attend talks by our
experts. (B,L,D)
Captain James Cook named the islands of
Vanuatu the “New Hebrides” because they
reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland’s
coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo,
experience one of the best wreck dives in the
world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise
liner used as a troop carrier during World War II.
Alternatively, enjoy a serene canoe paddle to the
Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source
surrounded by jungle. (B,L,D)
Ambyrm is known for its active volcanoes, black
sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive
ashore to witness the striking Rom dance,
traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible
masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits,
this is a cultural experience specific only to this
island. (B,L,D)
Ride Zodiacs to Lelepa to visit Vanuatu’s first and
only UNESCO World Heritage site, the final
residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi
Mata. Here, we’ll be welcomed with traditional
songs and dance, and enter the impressive Fels
Cave. (B,L,D)
On Tanna Island, visit the friendly community in
Port Resolution in the shadow of Mt. Yasur. Experience some of the local traditions and
dances, as well as locally made handicrafts.
Sample the strong, local kava made for special
celebrations. (B,L,D)
Relax on deck as we make our passage from
Vanuatu to Fiji or attend talks by our expert
expedition and photo teams. (B,L,D)
More than 300 islands make up the remote
volcanic archipelago of Fiji and we will be
exploring here for three days. After entering the
large lagoon of Beqa, come ashore at the lovely
Lawaki Beach Resort, a rustic and beautiful place
to spend the day. Take a boat ride and hike
through across the island to a local village. Taste
local fruits and snorkel off the beach in the
beautiful Beqa Lagoon. Beqa is considered the
traditional “home” of the Fijian firewalker. Witness
this dramatic ceremony and the incredible strength
and discipline required to perform it. (B,L,D)
Taveuni, Fiji’s third largest island, is known as
“The Garden Island” for its rich vegetation—which
includes several species found nowhere else in
the world. Head inland to discover the waterfalls of
Bouma National Heritage Park and search for
species such as orange fruit doves, endemic
silktails, fantails, and parrots. Visit the village of
Waitabu to meet the local people, taste locally
harvested fruits and prepared baked goods, and to
see a dance performance by some of the local,
talented children. (B,L,D)
Join the ship’s naturalists for a beautiful scenic
hike to see some of the incredible vistas and the
rich variety of bird life. Explore the lovely village of
Dravuni, or snorkel and dive in the refreshing
Fijian water, rich in marine life. Enjoy a quiet
exploration of the lagoon by stand-up paddleboard
or kayak. (B,L,D)
Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of
western Viti Levu Island then transfer to the
international airport at Nadi for flights home or
choose to extend your stay and check in to our
hotel. (B,L)
Itineraries are subject to change.
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12 March, 2023 to 24 March, 2023
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Book now
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These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
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13 February, 2024 to 25 February, 2024
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Book now
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These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
National Geographic Orion
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.
National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.
While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi.
Special Offers
• BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS. Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.
• TRAVELING AS A GROUP. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.
• COMBINING OFFERS. Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
Luxury Expedition
