10 nights Cruise-Only
The much anticipated return of this Solomon Islands itinerary features an exhilarating mix of culture, vibrant coral reef, history and classic South Pacific vista – all laced together with the TRUE NORTH`s much respected line-up of snorkelling, diving and fishing.
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Solomon Sojourn Cruise-Only prices include:
– One way charter flight from Cairns to Kavieng
– One way transfer from airport to port
– 10 night small ship adventure cruise aboard True North (36 guests) from Kavieng to Honiara
– All shipboard main meals featuring superb fine dining
– All adventure boat excursions
– Non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day
– All fishing equipment
– Complimentary cafe style coffees and tea are available all day onboard
– Port and Govt taxes
– One way transfer from port to airport
– One way charter flight from Honiara to Cairns
Not included:
-Alcohol onboard
-Helicopter flights
This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the cruise tariff as a package or individually.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09 Dec 2025 | Cairns, Qld, Australia |
Flight to Kavieng | |
| 09 Dec 2025 | Kavieng, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea |
Embark | |
| 10 Dec 2025 | Tabar Islands, PNG |
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| 11 Dec 2025 | Feni Islands, PNG |
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| 12 Dec 2025 | Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea |
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| 13 Dec 2025 | Gizo, Ghizo Island, Solomon Islands |
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| 13 Dec 2025 | Kennedy Is, Solomons |
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| 14 Dec 2025 | Vona Vona Lagoon, Solomon Islands |
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| 15 Dec 2025 | New Georgia Islands, Solomons |
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| 16 Dec 2025 | Uepi Island, Solomon Islands |
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| 17 Dec 2025 | Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands |
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| 18 Dec 2025 | Russell Islands, Solomon Islands |
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| 19 Dec 2025 | Honiara, Solomon Islands |
Disembark | Flight to Cairns |
| 19 Dec 2025 | Cairns, Qld, Australia |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
10 Night Cruise sailing from Kavieng to Honiara aboard True North.
Day One – Welcome Aboard
Your “welcome aboard” is in the vibrant city of Cairns – but this time embarkation proceedings will be a little different! One of our crew members will escort you aboard our charter aircraft! Now sit back and enjoy the comfortable flight to Kavieng. As soon as you step off the plane you will begin to reshape your impressions of the “land of the unexpected”. Perhaps the clean and fresh sea breezes will take you by surprise, or will it be the huge smiles of locals so eager to welcome you to their island paradise! After clearing customs, we will transfer you to the onboard luxury of the TRUE NORTH and, the delights of our renowned galley!
Enjoy a welcome aboard lunch as we cruise to nearby Lissenung Island Resort – join the first of our ‘shore parties’ and discover ‘post card’ beaches, palm trees, tranquil villages and a flotilla of canoes.
Day Two – Tabar Islands
The Tabar Island Group consists of three large islands which lie approximately 30 kilometres off the east coast of New Ireland. Agriculture, fishing and copra production are the main industries. Karst limestone Islands and raised coral platforms will provide endless sightseeing, snorkelling and diving opportunities!
The islands also have an interesting history – Swedish Sailor Carl Emil Pettersson was shipwrecked on the island on Christmas Day in 1904. He was rescued by local people and eventually became their king after his marriage to the daughter of a local chief. Pettersson is said to have first discovered gold deposit Simberi Island, a secret that he kept for many years. The island group in now known to have one of the largest gold deposits in the world!
Join a sightseeing adventure as we explore the coastline or, join the first opportunity to reel in a big one!
Day Three – Feni Islands
Wake this morning to the impressive scenery of the Feni Islands!
The largest island of the group is dominated by the volcano Ambitle. This impressive natural structure rises 2500m from the floor of surrounding seas to an elevation of 479m above sea level, making it a structure that is nearly 3000m high! The underwater environment along the coast is also a treasure trove of tropical fish making snorkelling and diving equally enticing activities. The visibility is exceptional and there are opportunities to discover wartime wrecks in shallow water. During World War II nearby Green Island lagoon was briefly used by the Japanese Navy as a seaplane base. In addition to the stunning scenery, you will also find the locals to be incredibly friendly and keen to showcase their unique culture.
Day Four – North Bougainville
Today we explore North Bougainville! The bustling town of Buka is located on its own island, separated from the main island by a narrow passage. Encounter a distinctive cultural display and take to the air for a stunning heli-flight as your pilot circumnavigates Buka Island.
The day is also filled with sightseeing, snorkelling and diving around the many surrounding atolls. In the afternoon we’ll visit a fascinating local marketplace on Buka.
Day Five – Solomon Islands
Today we arrive in the Solomon Islands!
With its nutrient rich waters, superb coral cover and flourishing marine life, the underwater environment is simply spectacular – our divers & snorkelers are in for a real treat!
We will begin by exploring Gizo, the capital of the Western Province. A remote and relatively quiet place, Gizo is the tourism hub of the Solomon’s but receives less than 5000 visitors a year!
Our morning dive will be on the Toa Maru shipwreck. The ship is 440 feet long and lies on its starboard side in 30m of water. It is the Solomon’s biggest and most impressive wreck! Alternatively, join the guides for a morning of trolling along the ‘drop off’ or snorkel in the crystal clear shallows.
Enjoy a delicious morning tea before we visit the village at Saeraghi.
Then over lunch the TRUE NORTH will journey along stunning coastline before stopping at Kennedy Island. This Island received its namesake from the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy. JFK and the crew of the motor torpedo boat PT-109 swam ashore here after being rammed by a Japanese cruiser during World War II.
Enjoy a late afternoon swim before a refreshing beverage and some tasty hors d’oeuvres as we bring cocktail hour to the beach. Kolombangra, the tallest dormant volcano in the region, will provide the breathtaking views.
Day Six – Vanavona Lagoon
This morning we explore Vonavona Lagoon. The lagoon extends for 28km between the tiny islets of the Blackett Straight. Within the lagoon there are numerous atolls fringed by coral-encrusted shallows. Diving, snorkelling and fishing will beckon and in the afternoon join the shore party to visit mysterious Skull Island. The island is the final resting place for the skulls of countless vanquished warriors and chiefs.
Or, spend the entire day on one of the nearby Islands – beachcombing, swimming, canoeing or snorkelling!
Day Seven – New Georgia Island
Wake today off the small town of Munda on the southwest coast of New Georgia Island. There was significant military activity here during WWII and there are numerous ship and aircraft wrecks in the area. There are also tropical waterfalls, caves, tribal ruins and many small traditional villages. Offshore islands such as Kohinggo Island and Rendova make for excellent sightseeing!
In the afternoon enjoy a short cruise to Roviana – an island known for headhunting. Roviana Lagoon and Vonavona Lagoon also offer some of the richest waters in the area. The coral reef is abundant with marine life and the underwater topography includes 600 meter drop-offs and shallow reef platforms. Frequently seen fauna include impressive hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, humpback whales and turtle.
Day Eight – Uepi Island
The area round Uepi Island may very well prove to be a highlight and, we will be spending two full days in this area to ensure we explore it all!
The island is located on the north side of the barrier islands between New Georgia Island and Vangunu Island. Together with Avavasa Island, Karikana Island and Matiu Island, Uepi forms a barrier between the ocean and the 140km long Marovo Lagoon – one of the largest lagoons in the world. The barrier islands are characterised by oceanic waters which lap spectacular white beaches fringed with tropical rainforest.
Nearby dive sites include the Japanese wrecks in Wickham Harbour, drift dives through the passages and outer edges of the lagoons, spectacular drop-offs and stunning coral gardens. It is remote diving at its best in warm waters with excellent visibility and a wide diversity of marine life.
Today’s helicopter flights will take in the spectacular views along this complex barrier reef – photograph every shade of blue that you could possibly imagine!
Day Nine – Marovo Lagoon
Join the crew as we continue to explore the Uepi/Marovo area.
Don your mask and snorkel and drift over shallow reef. The adventure boats will also venture outside the lagoons on fishing and diving excursions. A visit ashore provides opportunity to experience idyllic Island life – the ‘locals’ will welcome you on the beach, treat with impromptu singing (and laughing) and then invite all to stroll amongst their huts. Our crew will also take the opportunity to deliver appreciated resources to the local school before the adventure boats are away again.
In the afternoon you can discover stunning coral reef inside Marovo Lagoon or experience the thrill of a high-speed drift dive in the Mongo Passage. Wherever you go, exploring this part of the Solomon Islands is bound to provide lasting memories!
Day Ten – Russell Islands
The Russell Islands are perhaps the Solomon’s best kept secret. They feature dramatic topography and stellar underwater visibility. A chain of small islands to the north is surrounded by vibrant coral reef and spectacular underwater walls.
The deep Sunlight Channel separates Mbanika Island from the Russell’s largest island, Pavuvu. Just offshore the former coastal trader Ann sits upright at the edge of the channel. The ship was deliberately sunk a number of years ago and makes a superb dive site.
During World War II the Russell Islands were occupied by US forces. They established two airfields, a major supply base and a PT-boat base on Mbanika Island. At White Beach and Lever Point, artificial reefs were created when trucks, jeeps, tractors, bulldozers and large amounts of ammunition were discarded. Other remnants of the US presence, such as large storage sheds, are also still evident. The day will be spent exploring in the adventure boats and, in the air.
Day Eleven – Return to Cairns
The chefs will prepare one final breakfast as you look back on your South Pacific adventure.
A voyage filled with culture, underwater splendour and the very nature of the Solomon Islands – a world far from tourism en masse! After breakfast we will provide transfer to Honiara Airport for your flight. And, we will already be looking forward to our next adventure together!
The TRUE NORTH allows discerning adventurers to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels! Guests are able to take advantage of a number of lavish vantage points including a sundeck, a forward observation lounge, a ship’s lounge and an alfresco bar. The ship’s naturalist presents interpretative information on plasma screens and, an internet café enables convenient communication with the outside world.
A popular venue on any True North cruise, the lower deck dining room offers the ultimate in comfort and uninterrupted vista – large panoramic windows ensure that guests never miss any of the action, even when they are enjoying the ‘finest in fine dining’. All cabins feature stylish décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and the River Class cabins offer king size beds that can be converted to singles and the Ocean Class twins feature roomy single beds.
Multiple adventure boats provide guests with greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter!The purpose built TRUE NORTH is able to explore the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness and, the latest in computer controlled motion stabilizers ensures a comfortable ride.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 50 metres
- Tonnage: 740 tonnes
- Maiden Voyage: 2005
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 36
- Crew Nationality: Australian
- Officer Nationality: Australian
- Dining Staff Nationality: Australian
- Ship Registration: Australian
Ship Amenities
- All cabins have private ensuited facilities
- Air Conditioning
- In cabin entertainment and satellite telephone
- 240 V and 110 V (normal Australian plugs)
Ship Facilities
- Forward Observation Lounge
- Ships Lounge and Alfresco Bar
- Sports Deck
- Lower Deck Dining Room
- Fully equipped gourmet galley
- 6 x fully surveyed expedition boats
- Most cruise options feature an onboard 5 seater helicopter (Eurocopter Squirrel)
- Internet Cafe
WHY YOU SHOULD CRUISE WITH TRUE NORTH ADVENTURE CRUISES
True North Adventure Cruises is the winner of numerous awards for excellence.
True North Adventure Cruises is an undisputed market leader and offers activity based itineraries especially designed for the most discerning adventurer.
True North Adventure Cruises consistently operates with impeccable customer satisfaction rates.
True North Adventure Cruises pioneered luxury adventure-cruising along the Kimberley coast 30 years previous. Others cannot equal our experience and knowledge!
Explore the magnificent Kimberley coast on either a 7 night, 10 night or 13 night voyage of discovery.
The TRUE NORTH is an Australian registered ship and is not required to exit territorial waters during Australian voyages – every day on-board the TRUE NORTH is an activity day!
The TRUE NORTH is the ONLY adventure-cruise ship in the southern hemisphere that travels with an on-board helicopter – an air conditioned Eurocopter.
The TRUE NORTH features enhanced levels of comfort throughout – allowing guests opportunity to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels.
The TRUE NORTH features several lavish vantage points including a sundeck, an observation lounge, a ship’s lounge, an alfresco bar and a sports deck.
All cabins feature en-suites, in-cabin entertainment and private satellite telephones.
An internet café enables guests to maintain contact with the corporate world.
The TRUE NORTH is purpose built for accessing shallow coastal environs and river systems – bigger ships cannot go where we go!
The TRUE NORTH features computer controlled motion stabilizers.
The TRUE NORTH is fully licensed for fishing activities.
The TRUE NORTH is revered for its on-board dining.
Legendary and authentic service – the TRUE NORTH welcomes just 36 guests and, an AUSTRALIAN crew uniquely chaperones your every experience ensuring our renowned reputation for attention to detail.
Avoid the crowds – we carry 6 dedicated adventure boats (not rubber boats) that provide guests with opportunity to experience wilderness in comfort and, in small groups. We can also make greater provision for guests to do ‘what they want, when they want’!
Experience the destination – our cruises are activity-based and extended periods at sea are specifically avoided. Daily activities include scenic walks, helicopter flights, culture, fishing, snorkelling, picnics, diving, exploring, nature and much, much more! A ship’s naturalist presents entertaining interpretative sessions.
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
Features:
~Approximate dimensions 3m X 4m (Ensuite 2m X 1.75m)
~King size bed (can be split into singles if requested)
~2 large viewing windows in the main cabin area
~Private spacious ensuite featuring double basin and windows
~Original Windram artwork in the cabin
~Plenty of drawer and closest space to store clothing and other personal items
~Mini Fridge
~Writing desk and chair
~In house entertainment featuring a large plasma TV & DVD player
~Personal air conditioning unit
~Satellite phone
Features:
~Approximate dimensions 3.5m x 3.5m (Ensuite 2m x 1.75m)
~King size bed (can be split into singles if requested)
~Private spacious ensuite featuring windows
~2 Large viewing windows in the main cabin area
~Plenty of drawer and closet space to store clothing and other personal items
~In house entertainment featuring a plasma TV & DVD player
~Personal air conditioning unit
~Satellite phone
Features:
~Approximate dimensions 2.5m to 3m x 3m (Ensuite 1.5m x 1.75m)
~Twin single beds
~Private Ensuite with spacious shower
~2 oval port holes allowing plenty of natural light into the cabin
~Drawers and closet space to store clothing and other personal items
~In house entertainment featuring a plasma TV & DVD player
~Personal air conditioning unit
~Satellite phone
* 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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