SOLO TRAVELLER OFFER!
All prices listed here are for sole use occupancy in the category listed
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Sail into a world few will ever experience where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome you into their world as you explore the rich history, iconic WWII sites, cultures and wildlife of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on this 17- day authentic expedition cruise.
Delve into the culturally rich Trobriand Islands, sometimes called the `Islands of Love` where indigenous culture continues unchanged for countless generations. Explore the coral-fringed islands of the Louisiade Archipelago and the volcanic wonders of the D`Entrecasteaux Islands, named after the French Explorer Antoine d`Entrecasteaux who discovered them while looking for La Perouse, where sheer mist covered peaks, wild untamed rivers and rainforest join bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. Experience the biological wonderland and rare endemic species on remote Woodlark Island and spend a fascinating day exploring Bougainville Island.
Enjoy incredible cultural encounters on Loh Island, join Malaita`s Kwaio people in a sacred dance and observe the ancient Rom Dance on Ambrym Island. Discover one of the conservation jewels of the South Pacific on Tetepare Island and snorkel Marovo Lagoon – the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. Visit villages on culturally-rich Malaita Island traditional Malaitan shell-money is still made, used as a dowry and worn as a status symbol. Experience a kaleidoscope of cultures as you explore Vanuatu, where more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken. With over 80 habitable islands, islanders have closely guarded their own cultures and languages. Our expedition embraces some of these cultures and languages, as you explore one of the happiest places on the planet.
Throughout Melanesia there are spectacular reefs, which are home to masses of fish and coral gardens of every colour. These waters offer some of the greatest marine diversity and snorkelling in the world and everybody will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty beneath the waves. Whether you are snorkelling or swimming, this ocean aquarium is waiting to be explored and discovered.
For birders, this itinerary offers once-in-a-lifetime species on remote, hard to reach islands where endemic species have evolved in isolation. The birding potential is exceptional; each day you visit a different island group which offers the opportunity of unique species including White-eyes, Monarch`s, Pigeons and Flycatchers.
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Cruise& stay only price includes:
– 1 nights hotel accommodation in Cairns pre-cruise including dinner and breakfast
– One way transfer from hotel to airport
– One way flight from Cairns to Port Moresby
– One way transfer from airport to port
– 15 night expedition cruise aboard the Heritage Adventurer (140 guests) from Port Moresby to Port Vila
– All shipboard main meals
– House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard
– All expedition shore excursions, activities and landing fees
– Discovery Local Fund/landing fees of AUD$800 per person
– Programme of lectures by noted naturalists
– One way transfer from port to airport or central city hotel
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Price excludes: All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, helicopter excursion, kayaking, visas and travel insurance.
For all voyages, exact landings depend on weather conditions and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed; however, Heritage Expeditions 35+ years of experience in operating expeditions mean that they are well equipped to make the most of the conditions at the time. Past trip logs and species lists are available for all expeditions.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Oct 2024 | Cairns, Qld, Australia |
Hotel | |
| 31 Oct 2024 | Cairns, Qld, Australia |
Flight to Port Moresby | |
| 31 Oct 2024 | Port Moresby PNG |
Embark | |
| 01 Nov 2024 | Louisiade Archipelago |
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| 02 Nov 2024 | Deboyne Lagoon |
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| 03 Nov 2024 | D'Entrecasteaux Islands, Papua New Guinea |
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| 04 Nov 2024 | Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea |
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| 05 Nov 2024 | Woodlark Island, PNG |
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| 06 Nov 2024 | Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea |
||
| 07 Nov 2024 | New Georgia Islands, Solomons |
||
| 08 Nov 2024 | Tetepare, Solomon Islands |
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| 08 Nov 2024 | Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands |
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| 09 Nov 2024 | Malaita Island, Soloman Islands |
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| 10 Nov 2024 | Star Harbour, Solomon Islands |
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| 11 Nov 2024 | Nendo Island, Solomon Islands |
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| 12 Nov 2024 | Loh Island, Torres Islands, Vanuatu |
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| 13 Nov 2024 | Espiritu Santo Island Vanuatu |
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| 14 Nov 2024 | Ambrym Island Vanuatu |
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| 15 Nov 2024 | Port Vila Vanuatu |
Disembark |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
15 Night Cruise sailing from Port Moresby to Port Vila aboard Heritage Adventurer. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Cairns.
Cruise Overview:
Sail into a world few will ever experience where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us into their world as we as we explore the rich history, iconic WWII sites, cultures and wildlife of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on this 17- day authentic expedition cruise.
Delve into the culturally rich Trobriand Islands, sometimes called the ‘Islands of Love’ where indigenous culture continues unchanged for countless generations. Explore the coral-fringed islands of the Louisiade Archipelago and the volcanic wonders of the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, named after the French Explorer Antoine d’Entrecasteaux who discovered them while looking for La Perouse, where sheer mistcovered peaks, wild untamed rivers and rainforest join bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. Experience the biological wonderland and rare endemic species on remote Woodlark Island and spend a fascinating day exploring Bougainville Island.
Enjoy incredible cultural encounters on Loh Island, join Malaita’s Kwaio people in a sacred dance and observe the ancient Rom Dance on Ambrym Island. Discover one of the conservation jewels of the South Pacific on Tetepare Island and snorkel Marovo Lagoon – the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. Visit villages on culturally-rich Malaita Island traditional Malaitan shell-money is still made, used as a dowry and worn as a status symbol. Experience a kaleidoscope of cultures as we explore Vanuatu, where more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken. With over 80 habitable islands, islanders have closely guarded their own cultures and languages. Our expedition embraces some of these cultures and languages, as we explore one of the happiest places on the planet.
Throughout Melanesia there are spectacular reefs, which are home to masses of fish and coral gardens of every colour. These waters offer some of the greatest marine diversity and snorkelling in the world and everybody will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty beneath the waves. Whether you are snorkelling or swimming, this ocean aquarium is waiting to be explored and discovered.
For birders, this itinerary offers once-in-a-lifetime species on remote, hard to reach islands where endemic species have evolved in isolation. The birding potential is exceptional; each day we visit a different island group which offers the opportunity of unique species including White-eyes, Monarch’s, Pigeons and Flycatchers.
Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Polar Exploration’ due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.
Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.
Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 124 m
- Tonnage: 8,378
- Maiden Voyage: 1991
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 140
Ship Facilities
- Presentation Theatre
- Hospital
- Dining Room
- Shop
- Lounge/Bar
- Bistro Dining Room and Lounge
- Zodiacs
- Pool
- Health, Wellbeing & Beauty Area
- Jacuzzi
- Gym
- 2 Bars
- Library
- Observation Lounge
- Observation Deck
Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 28 days.
Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands, through the Pacific, and around New Zealand on their purpose built expedition ships.
Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Cabins on Deck 4 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, free laundry, US$100.00 per person SPA credit, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
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