Cruise |
Pacific Passage, Secrets of Melanesia ex Port Vila to Noumea |
Cruise Line |
Island Escape Cruises |
Ship |
Pacific Passage |
Destination |
South Pacific & New Zealand |
Brief Description |
10 Night Cruise sailing from Port Vila to Noumea aboard Pacific Passage. |
Type of Cruise |
Speciality |
Departure Date |
12 Nov 2021 |
Cruise Description |
10 Night Cruise sailing from Port Vila to Noumea aboard Pacific Passage.
We will show you these amazing islands of New Caledonia and Vanuatu on this comprehensive 12-night 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 - Port Vila
You are greeted with a welcome drink and given beach towels. You have the day to relax and use the ships’ facilities before the safety briefing and departure at 5pm. Chef will charm you with his welcome dinner as we cruise across the bay to our anchorage.
Day 2 - 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 the crew present you with the Captain's welcome cocktail party before sailing to the Maskelyne Islands.
Day 3 - Champagne Beach
This morning we snorkel over a coral reef only metres from the ship. It’s an unforgettable experience - we take you up current in the tenders so that you can drift over gardens of coral that are inhabited by a myriad of tropical fish. Then you’ll venture up the Riri River in a dugout canoe to discover the miraculous blue holes – deep, clear freshwater springs that bubble up into the river. You’ve never seen the colour blue quite like this. A refreshing blue holes swim is almost compulsory. Then 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.
Day 4 - 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 Ouvea Island.
Day 5 - 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 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 Santal Bay before we sail for Mare anchorage.
Day 7 - 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 onto Oro Bay.
Day 8 - 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. In the late afternoon we move to our Kuto anchorage for the evening.
Day 9 - Isle of Pines
The area around Kuto may very well prove to be one of the cruise highlights. This group of islands is located on the north east side of the lagoon where a wide variety of water activities have been planned. These islands are typical of the South Seas by having white sandy beaches fringed with tropical rainforest. Snorkelling, swimming, long beach walks and visits to the nearby villages make this a memorable and relaxing day in our paradise.
Day 10 - Ilot Mato
This morning we leave Kuto and 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.
Final Day - Farewell/Au Revoir
This morning enjoy an early sumptuous breakfast. We arrive alongside the wharf at 9.30am with disembarking completed by 10.00am. Noumea has an open-air market located next to the waterfront presenting the perfect opportunity to purchase local art and craft. Please make sure you swap addresses with your fellow adventures and bid your goodbyes to the crew.
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Sailing Dates |
12 Nov 2020 |
12 Nov 2021 |
Pricing |
Please enquire for pricing |
Cruise Itinerary
Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
12 Nov 2021 |
Port Vila Vanuatu |
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13 Nov 2021 |
Havannah Harbour, Vanuatu |
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14 Nov 2021 |
Champagne Bay, Vanuatu |
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15 Nov 2021 |
At Sea |
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16 Nov 2021 |
Ouvea, Loyalty Islands, French Polynesia |
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17 Nov 2021 |
Lifou, Loyalty Islands |
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18 Nov 2021 |
Mare Island, New Caledonia |
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19 Nov 2021 |
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia |
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20 Nov 2021 |
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia |
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21 Nov 2021 |
Ilot Mato, New Caledonia |
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22 Nov 2021 |
Noumea, New Caledonia |
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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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