Cruising the Pacific Islands: New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Solomon Islands

Auckland→Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

21.03.27 - 03.04.27

M0527032113SH MINERVA

Ports12

Countries5

Nights13

Set sail on an unforgettable luxury cruise through the heart of the South Pacific, departing from Auckland and journeying to the storied shores of Guadalcanal. The South Pacific is one of the world’s most idyllic places, where sugar-white beaches, swaying palms and vibrant coral reefs set the scene for encounters with island cultures deeply rooted in tradition. Your voyage crosses vast ocean stretches with stops at secluded atolls and bustling island ports

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Experience the tranquillity of days at sea before discovering Norfolk's emerald landscapes, New Caledonia's famed Isle of Pines and Lifou Island, and Vanuatu's culturally rich islands at Port Vila, Ambrym, Pentecost, Champagne Beach, and Tegua. Journey northward to the Solomon Islands' remote Nendo and Santa Ana, culminating at historic Honiara on Guadalcanal, where palm-fringed Bonegi Beach conceals sunken WWII ships. Throughout, encounter pristine lagoons, vibrant undersea life, and welcoming island communities while travelling in comfort and style. Numerous activities await throughout this South Pacific journey. Engage in onboard lectures on regional WWII history and culture, and refine your skills in photography workshops. Shore excursions offer snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, exploring WWII relics, kayaking secluded bays, hiking volcanic landscapes and immersing yourself in local traditions. With every port, the South Pacific reveals a new wonder in nature, heritage and human spirit

Itinerary route map

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1. Auckland

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New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, sprawls across volcanic hills and harbours. It's a vibrant, multicultural metropolis with steep streets and cultural attractions like the Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland War Memorial Museum with Maori treasures (taonga) and exhibits on New Zealand. The revitalised dockside area, Britomart, is home to chi-chi shops, restaurants and bars, and the 328 m (1,076 ft)-high Sky Tower offers breathtaking views

Days 2-3. Day at sea

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Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 4. Norfolk Island

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Halfway between New Zealand and Australia, Norfolk Island, a self-governing Australian territory, has a unique history. Captain James Cook claimed it for Britain in 1774, becoming a convict colony in 1788. In 1856, The Bounty mutineers' descendants were relocated here. The island's association with the Bounty mutiny and its penal past is captured in ruins, buildings, and four museums that recount the lives and hardships of the early inhabitants

Day 5. Day at sea

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Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 6. Isle Of Pines

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The Isle of Pines (Île des Pins) in southern New Caledonia is famed for its white-sand beaches, turquoise bays and pine forests that inspired its name when Captain James Cook arrived. At Oro Bay, a natural coral pool shelters colourful fish in crystal-clear water, while north of Baie de Kuto lie the remains of a 19th-century penal colony. Scenic hiking trails lead through the pines to N’ga Peak (262?m) for sweeping views of the island and beyond

Day 7. Lifou Island

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Lifou, New Caledonia's most scenic spot, is the largest of the Loyalty Island archipelago's three coral islands with sheltered bays, picturesque cliffs, and secluded sandy beaches like Luengoni Beach. Local Melanesian people live in traditional circular huts. in harmony with nature. Vanilla is the island's main produce, and the House of Vanilla shares its production secrets and history. Snorkelers can explore vibrant reefs near the Jokin Cliffs

Day 8. Port Vila, Efate island

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Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu on Efate Island, has a long Melanesian history later influenced by Portuguese, British and French settlers. Today it is a lively, yet down-to-earth destination with totem poles, waterfront cafes and bars, and the bustling Mama's Market. Top attractions include the National Museum of Vanuatu displaying tribal artefacts, Ekasup Cultural Village where visitors join in traditional song and dance and the Summit Gardens

Day 9. Ambrym Island

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Ambrym Island is part of Vanuatu's Y-shaped, volcanic archipelago, spanning 1,300 km in the South Pacific. The fifth largest of Vanuatu's 80 islands, Ambrym features black-sand beaches and the awe-inspiring twin volcanoes of Mount Marum and Mount Benbow. Lush rainforest covers Ambrym, where villagers practise traditional magic and create renowned sand drawings. Kava, made from the root of the local plant, is the ceremonial drink

Day 9. Pentecost Island

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Lush, mountainous Pentecost Island, part of Vanuatu, is best known for the daring land diving ceremony called naghol, which celebrates the yam harvest. This tradition involves leaping off 100-foot towers with vines tied to ankles (it inspired bungee jumping), occurring from April to June in the southern part of the island. Pentecost also offers rich cultural diversity, a traditional way of life, and experiences like kava tastings

Day 10. Champagne Beach

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Fine, powdery white sand and brilliantly turquoise water make Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu one of the most exceptional beaches in the South Pacific. Named for the seawater that fizzes and bubbles at low tide (caused by volcanic activity), the crescent-shaped bay is a tranquil spot for swimming, snorkelling or simply lounging in the sand in the shade of coconut palm trees

Day 11. Tegua Island

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Tegua island, a half-moon-shaped speck of land less than four miles long and 10 miles wide. It’s one of five coral atolls in the Torres Group, 650 miles north from Efate. Visitors to Tegua are few and far between; life is lived here at a slow pace. The effects of climate change and rising sea levels is seen where villagers - declared the world's "first climate change refugees" - have been relocated higher into Tegua's interior

Day 12. Lata, Nendo Island

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Nendo (also known as Ndeni or Santa Cruz Island) lies in the remote southeastern Solomon Islands, within Temotu Province. The largest island in the Santa Cruz archipelago, Nendo maintains a distinct culture from the rest of the Solomons. Villages preserve traditional practices: residents in palm-leaf dress grill fish on hot stones and inhabit jungle dwellings. The island is notable for its traditional currency, Tevau or "Red Feather Money," crafted from scarlet honeyeater feathers

Day 13. Santa Ana Island

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The tiny inhabited Santa Ana (Owaraha) is a verdant coral island just east of San Cristobal (Makira), with peaceful white-sand beaches and pretty inland lakes. Its villagers are fiercely proud of their rich cultural heritage, welcoming visitors with traditional song and dance performances featuring bright costumes, and creating ornate wooden carvings such as ceremonial bowls. Shoals of tropical fish swim among the reefs

Day 14. Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

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The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara sits on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal at the mouth of the Mataniko River. A relatively new city, it grew up around a U.S. military base during and after WWII. In 1952 it superseded Tulagi as the premier city of these islands. Honiara’s U.S. War Memorial provides a comprehensive war-history lesson of the area. Today the town is laid-back and relatively tourist free with a real-life atmosphere