Islands of Discovery

The island group where we cruise is decorated with small tropical islands; each surrounded by soft white sand beaches and coral reefs and inhabited by people for whom time is an abundant commodity.

If you like discovering nature, pacific cuisine, taking long walks, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, meeting local people or simply lying on these magnificent, deserted, white sand beaches, then this will be the cruise for you. 

Our adventure cruises are all inclusive with spacious en-suite accommodation, all onboard chef prepared meals, juices, water, espresso coffee, tea, exciting shore excursions, snorkel equipment, kayaks and small boat exploration, onboard cruise leader, fishing equipment and guides. A full bar service is provided.

Sunday Arrivals. At Port Vila Airport you are met and greeted by our team and transferred to the city. Depending on flights you will be either taken directly to where the ship embarks or given time to explore Port Vila prior to you boarding the ship.   Arrival prior to Sunday. We can arrange accommodation and transfers in Port Vila.

Day 1 Sunday - Dinner

At 4 pm on Sunday we all meet at the charming waterfront Cafe du Village on Port Vila Harbour. The crew will transfer you by tender to "Island Passage" waiting at anchor in the Bay. Enjoy a welcome aboard cocktail and let your crew introduce you to the onboard delights of your home for the next 6 nights. During a scrumptious welcome dinner we leisurely cruise to our overnight anchorage across the lagoon.

Day 2 Monday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed start to the morning, a swim and an a la carte breakfast we head north cruising towards our first destination, the beautiful Havannah Harbour. The spectacular narrow entrance at the Hilliard Channel provides great photo opportunities, and we anchor off our favourite pristine sandy beach at Lelepo Island. Experience the stunning snorkelling over the coral; a voyage of discovery in one of the tenders with the Bosun or beach combing as the sun goes down. This evening's dinner will be served under the stars on the aft deck.

Day 3 Tuesday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another glorious day at Havannah Harbour and the chance to join one of our talented fishing guides who will do his utmost to ensure the catch of your dreams ... amazing tropical Tuna, Wahoo or Mahi Mahi which our chefs will prepare for you. Lunch is served underway as we cruise the lengths of the lagoon and get up close and personal to the beaches surrounded by dense tropical jungle and dramatic volcanic cliffs. Within the lagoon there are numerous atolls fringed by coral-encrusted shallows. Swimming, snorkeling and fishing will beckon or join the shore parties to explore the nearby villages. "Island Passage" will overnight in the harbour and we enjoy the crew night with a superb BBQ buffet on the aft deck to celebrate a perfect day in paradise.

Day 4 Wednesday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We bid farewell to Havannah Harbour this morning. Guests that are "hooked" on the tropical fishing can have another chance today as the fishing tenders can follow the ship on this morning's cruise. Our destination today is Pele Island, however if the conditions permit then the Captain will make a detour north to Mataso Island. Totally untouched and remote, this tiny island and reef with its azure waters and thick tropical forestation is a destination few travellers ever experience.

Day 5 Thursday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is spent immersed in the true cultural experience of Vanuatu. The people of Pele will dance, sing and welcome you into their traditional village life. During the day the tenders run a shuttle between the ship and the shore so you can explore this remote village and get to know the friendly Chief and the people at your leisure. As the sun goes down a farewell Kava ceremony and more "kustom dance' will provide an amazing end to the day on Pele and Kakula Islands. These islands are typical of the South Seas by having white sand beaches fringed with tropical rainforest. Snorkeling, swimming and visits to the villages will make this a memorable and most relaxing day in paradise.

Day 6 Friday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another leisurely start to the day, the landing craft will make trips to the amazing coral gardens off Pele. This area is known as one of the best snorkeling spots in Vanuatu. The ship's tenders will be the perfect for exploring such a large area and underwater highlights will include spectacular drop-offs and stunning coral gardens. Turtles nest on the islands' volcanic sand beaches. Jungle walks will reveal the island's birdlife - and the afternoon snorkelers are likely to encounter turtles. Fishing is available, or perhaps swim or walk ashore, or just relax with a book on the top deck and enjoy the stunning vista. In the early afternoon we make our way back outside Havannah Harbour and South to Mele. Tonight the Island Passage crew farewell you at the Captain's cocktail party. The last night aboard is traditionally a fun affair with the guests enjoying a great night with all their new acquaintances.

Day 7 Saturday - Breakfast

You wake to the aromas of your last meal aboard being prepared. "Island Passage" anchors close to the Port Vila waterfront that has many small shops and a local market located next to the waterfront - perhaps the perfect opportunity to purchase local art and craft or just soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Make sure you swap addresses with your fellow adventurers and say your last goodbyes to the crew. We will transfer you ashore in the tenders at 0930.

Islands of Discovery 6-Night Cruise 2012 Schedule
Rates (based on per person)
DEPARTS	EXPEDITION Twin/Double		STATEROOM Twin/Double		BRIDGEDECK  King Double		CHARTER Up to 22 Guests		AVAILABILITY		REQUEST
	AUD	NZD	AUD	NZD	AUD	NZD	AUD	NZD
13 May 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
20 May 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
27 May 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
03 Jun 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
08 Jul 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
15 Jul 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
22 Jul 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
29 Jul 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
05 Aug 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
12 Aug 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236
19 Aug 12	2495	2995	2995	3695	3495	4395	59746	73236

ARE YOU INTERESTED TO ADD A RESORT STAY TO YOUR CRUISE. Optional packages available.

Our rates show the pricing for available departure dates and suite categories for each itinerary. If you have any questions about an itinerary or would like to proceed with a booking contact one of our regional offices or email us at info@islandescape.co.nz

Included in Your Cruise Price:

• En-suite accommodations - all outside cabins 
• All included shore excursions as described 
• Onboard professional cruise leader 
• Use of all tenders, kayaks, snorkel and fishing gear 
• All onboard chef-prepared cuisine 
• Complimentary coffee, tea, juices, water or soft drinks 
• All port charges, taxes, fees and onboard services

Vanuatu - Area Information

A living island paradise "lost in time"

Vanuatu - shrouded in lush, tropical jungle...adorned with breath-taking waterfalls... overshadowed by awe-inspiring volcanoes...and surrounded by some of the most pristine tropical seas on earth - a tiny, but beautiful, corner of the world that has been so thankfully 'lost in time' forever. Boasting exotic cultures and a colourful history that has enriched the lives of its people for centuries; Vanuatu is surely one of nature's greatest gifts. 

Tales of the South Pacific

While Pulitzer-winning novelist James Michener was stationed in Vanuatu during WWII, he travelled from island to island learning about local culture and hearing stories from the people. Michener developed an idea for a book of short stories and spent his nights tapping it out on an old typewriter, using the backs of letters, old envelopes and official Navy stationery. Tales of the South Pacific, which later became the musical South Pacific, was published in 1947.

Weather

Vanuatu is located between 13 and 17 degrees south of the equator. There are two main seasons being the wet and the dry. We operate in the dry season, which runs from April to November, which is well outside the seasonal cyclone season. Daily temperature average is around 28oC (82oF) however this can drop to 24oC (75oF) in July and August.

What to wear

The onboard dress code for the islands is very casual indeed. Usually shorts and tee shirts are perfect for most occasions. A light sweater may be required in the evenings when the trade winds are blowing and smart casual for evening meals.

Land diving on Pentecost

Pentecost Island is famous for an ages-old ritual called the naghol or land- diving, which inspired the extreme sport of bungy jumping. Between May and June every year, men in the southern part of the island jump from tall towers (around 20 to 30 metres high) with vines tied to their feet. The stretchy vines bring their leap to a sudden stop, just inches from the ground. The ritual has two purposes – to ensure a good yam harvest and to mark the passage of boys to manhood. Land diving was first given international exposure when David Attenborough and a BBC crew filmed the ritual during the 1950s. Island Passage visits Pentecost on selected trips during the short land-diving season, so that guests can view this extraordinary spectacle.

Food from heaven

Provisioning Island Passage involves visiting local markets and growers to get the very best of Vanuatu’s local produce. As you can imagine, our menu features lots of tropical fruit and fresh seafood. You can also look forward to local Santo beef – so good, it’s exported to Japan.

Hooked on fishing

Think big when you’re fishing in Vanuatu. Towing a lure from our fishing tender, you can hope for a catch of dogtooth tuna, yellow fin tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi or GT (giant trevally). From a purely scenic perspective, you might also encounter flying fish, sailfish, dolphins and pilot whales.

Climate

The warm southeast trade winds prevail over the islands of Vanuatu. Island Passage calls Vanuatu her home from May to September each year. Average daily temperature is 27°C. The sea temperature is usually in the mid 20s, making swimming enjoyable all year round.

Budgeting For Those "Little extras"

The activities outlined in our itinerary are included in the pricing. For the various options available we suggest you budget approximately 6,000 VT for the week (approximately A$80 / NZ$100) for handicrafts offered by the local villages (payable in Vatu directly to the villagers).