Cruise |
Pacific Passage, Mysteries of Melanesia ex Noumea to Port Vila |
Cruise Line |
Island Escape Cruises |
Ship |
Pacific Passage |
Destination |
South Pacific & New Zealand |
Brief Description |
10 Night Cruise sailing from Noumea to Port Vila aboard Pacific Passage. |
Type of Cruise |
Speciality |
Departure Date |
30 Oct 2021 |
Cruise Description |
10 Night Cruise sailing from Noumea to Port Vila aboard Pacific Passage.
We will show you these amazing islands of New Caledonia and Vanuatu on this comprehensive cruise. You will visit villages that rarely see cruise ships or western civilization and explore the most beautiful beaches and seascapes in the Pacific.
Day 1 - Noumea
Boarding begins for 3.30pm for sailing at 5.00pm from our berth inside Noumea Harbour. Once onboard enjoy a welcome cocktail and your crew will introduce you to your home for the next 7 nights. During a sumptuous welcome dinner we leisurely cruise to our overnight anchorage across the lagoon. After dinner you can relax on the aft deck with your fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Ilot Mato
This morning we head towards Ilot Mato. This small chain of reefs provides a beautifully protected anchorage. There is a small trail leading to the top of the 40 metre high island that gives a view of the anchorage and the matrix of coral reefs. Island walks will reveal the island’s birdlife while the afternoon snorkelers are likely to encounter the local sea turtles.
Day 3 - Isle of Pines
Humpback whales breed in the warm waters of the lagoon from July to October and we may have them accompany us on part of this trip. Within the lagoon there are numerous atolls fringed by coral-encrusted shallows. Swimming, snorkelling and fishing will beckon. In the afternoon, join the first shore parties when we arrive at Kuto, the main town on the Isle des Pines.
Day 4 - Isle of Pines
We venture to the eastern side of the island to the beautiful Oro Bay. It is seldom visited so be prepared to tramp through a riverbed and swim in the most beautiful natural swimming pool. The white sand and turquoise waters is great for the soul. Later in the evening we sail north for Mare Island.
Day 5 - Mare Island
Our arrival is planned to coincide with the sunrise. Tadine Bay serves the town where we go ashore to experience the local way of life on this small island. Then it is away to explore the beaches and swimming before we sail after dinner towards Lifou.
Day 6 - Lifou Island
Lifou has long stretches of white sand beach, small coves, limestone caves, grottos and imposing cliffs giving the island one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pacific. Melanesian seafarers were the first to discover and settle the Loyalty Islands. Dinner on deck in tranquil Santal Bay before we sail at midnight for Ouvea where we anchor in the lagoon in time for breakfast.
Day 7 - Ouvea Island
Wake to the superb white-sand beach that stretches over 25 kilometers, Ouvéa is one of the most beautiful atolls in the Pacific. Its shores are delicately washed by pristine waters that display an array of blueish hues. The lagoon’s pristine waters mirror the beauty and majesty of Lékiny Cliffs. They also shelter abundant wildlife providing Ouvéa’s population with a precious food reserve. We anchor in the sheltered lagoon and enjoy all the pleasures that nature has provided. We stay here overnight.
Day 8 - At Sea
Enjoy the scenes and scents of the ocean. There is a host of activities to keep us amused. Onboard is a wide selection of board and card games, 1,000 movies plus a thorough library. The 1st officer arranges navigation lessons and there is a special surprise for the guest who is first to sight Malakula Island.
Day 9 - Champagne Beach
Today, will see you landing on the world-famous Champagne Beach; said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It promises the bluest water, whitest sand and greenest jungle and it’s just breath-taking. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, kayak and chat with the local pareu sellers. Later in the evening we cruise south to the Maskelyne Islands.
Day 10 - Havannah Harbour
The landing craft makes trips to the amazing coral gardens off Pele Island. 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. This area is known as one of the best snorkelling spots in Vanuatu. The tenders are perfect for exploring such a large area and underwater highlights will include spectacular drop-offs and stunning coral gardens. Jungle walks will reveal the island's birdlife - and the afternoon snorkellers 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 vista. Tonight is the Captain’s farewell dinner on the aft deck. We stay here overnight at anchor.
Final Day - Port Vila
We arrive into beautiful Port Vila Harbour after a hearty brunch is served along the way and will have you disembarking in central downtown at 1100. Transfers are arranged to Vila Hotels or Bauerfield International Airport. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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Sailing Dates |
01 Nov 2020 |
30 Oct 2021 |
Pricing |
Please enquire for pricing |
Cruise Itinerary
Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
30 Oct 2021 |
Noumea, New Caledonia |
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31 Oct 2021 |
Ilot Mato, New Caledonia |
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1 Nov 2021 |
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia |
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2 Nov 2021 |
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia |
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3 Nov 2021 |
Mare Island, New Caledonia |
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4 Nov 2021 |
Lifou, Loyalty Islands |
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5 Nov 2021 |
Ouvea, Loyalty Islands, French Polynesia |
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6 Nov 2021 |
At Sea |
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7 Nov 2021 |
Champagne Bay, Vanuatu |
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8 Nov 2021 |
Havannah Harbour, Vanuatu |
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9 Nov 2021 |
Port Vila Vanuatu |
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All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
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