iExplore Faces of Melanesia(Trip #66144)

Tour Overview

The islands of Melanesia elicit a lexicon of superlatives, both for natural beauty and cultural wealth. Aboard the exclusively chartered Clipper Odyssey we explore four diverse off the beaten path island countries- Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea- where viewing the prolific wildlife both on land and under water, complements stunning cultural encounters. Magnificent volcanoes, coral-wreathed shores, lush foliage, and pandanus- fanned sands envelope the local villages of Melanesia. We are greeted by the residents with colorful ceremony: Trobriand islanders clad in traditional costumes- graceful women in red brush skirts, men in feathered headdresses- dance out their elaborate welcomes…. Hypnotic rhythms on giant slit-gong drums are pounded out by the young men of Ambrym… Energetic Kitava dances showcase and celebrate the annual yam harvests… and school children dressed in tapa cloth sing their greetings in lovely Tikopia…These are the faces of the warm people of this sublime region, their candor and expressiveness as captivating as the splendid natural setting of their island homes.

In the surrounding tropical waters, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet, we have the opportunity to snorkel or dive on nearly every day of our voyage. Explore pristine reefs of hard and soft corals, from delicate seafans to staghorn formations, where colorful sponges, flower-like anemones and giant tridacna clams edged with iridescent blue mantles flourish. Whether you prefer to snorkel in crystalline shallow waters, stay dry in the Odyssey’s own glass-bottomed boat or join the dive master over a reef drop off, the variety and color schemes of the native sea-life is simply astonishing. These waters also echo the turbulent history of World War II in numerous wrecks and surplus war materials now smothered in corals. A highlight for divers is the exploration of the USS President Coolidge, a famed sunken troop supply ship.

Birding throughout the islands also offers spectacular abundance and variety. We’ll search for such unusual species as the yellow-bibbed lorry on Tikopia and the Santa Cruz ground pigeon and thicket warbler on Espiritu Santo, in addition to the more easily spotted greater frigate bird, white-tailed tropicbird, and red-footed booby.

Don’t miss this remarkable adventure to the islands where the outrigger canoe has right-of-way on the marine highway and wristwatches are only an adornment.

Day by Day Itinerary

WHAT TO EXPECT
For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs and tenders for diving and snorkeling activities and nature walks (staff and crew members will be on hand to assist). Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances, unaided, over beaches and sometimes rough terrain. Average daily temperatures will range from the lower to upper 80’s throughout the itinerary. You will travel with experienced leaders and a renowned lecture team of naturalists and historians who will add insight to both the cultural and natural riches you will encounter. You will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities this expedition offers if you travel with a spirit of adventure!

Day 1: Thursday, November 18, 2010
USA/Fiji
Depart on your independent overnight flight to Nadi, Fiji.

Day 2: Friday, November 19, 2010
Crossing the International Dateline
Day lost crossing the International Date Line.

Day 3: Saturday, November 20, 2010
Nadi- Viti Levu, Fiji- Lautoka- Embark Clipper Odyssey
After an early morning arrival, we check into our hotel dayrooms and enjoy a morning at leisure before lunch. In the afternoon set out for an island exploration, including a visit to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, started by the late actor Raymond Burr in 1977, and showcasing more than 2,000 varieties of orchids. We also visit the Vei Sei Sei Village, and then stop for magnificent island views at Vudu Lookout. In the city of Lautoka on the western “sunshine coast” of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, we embark the Clipper Odyssey.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 4: Sunday, November 21, 2010
Expedition Stop in Fiji
Enjoy the warm clear waters and colorful marine life surrounding the Fiji Islands during our first opportunity to snorkel or dive on this voyage.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 5: Monday, November 22, 2010
At Sea
Relax onboard today and learn about the natural history and cultures of the islands that await us from our accompanying lecturers. We sail towards the island of Vanuatu, formerly known as the New Hebrides.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 6: Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Ambrym Island, Vanuatu
Captain Cook was one of the earliest explores to view the magnificent volcanoes that dominate the twin-peaked island of Ambrym. Going ashore, our Captain is presented with a ceremonial yam- in the same tradition of hospitality that greeted Captain Cook. We witness palm-leaf-clad dancers with elegantly carved headdresses before exploring traditional Linbul Village. Ambrym is known for its fern carvings and slit-gong drums, some carved from enormous breadfruit tree trunks.

In the afternoon, we snorkel, dive or view from the glass bottomed boat, coral heads that rise from a black-sand ocean floor, while from the beach the birders search for the elusive megapode.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 7: Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Rano Island
Off the Coast of Malekula Island, Vanuatu’s second largest island, is Rano Island. With the scent of hibiscus and red ginger in the air, we take a leisurely walk to a village that welcomes us with many dances including the famous mask dance of Rano. Afterwards under the cool shade of banyan and fig trees, we learn about the local culture, including cooking, snake charming and even magic. After lunch onboard the ship we snorkel or dive the clear blue waters surrounding the island keeping an eye out for long-nosed butterfly-fish and sea cucumbers.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 8: Thursday, November 25, 2010
Luganville, Espiritu Santo Island
This morning we have many options to explore Luganville and its environs. WWII history unfolds as we inspect relics of this large American base- view Quonset huts and downed bombers, or choose to visit Nekat village and participate in a traditional kava ceremony. Divers set out on an unforgettable dive over the USS President Coolidge, which sank in 1942; a tapestry of corals encrusts the wreck offering a haven for fishes. Our naturalists accompany birders and hikers on an excursion inland. Espiritu Santo is famed for its 50 species of birds, including the very rare mountain starling and thicket warbler, found only at high elevations; the chestnut-bellied kingfisher and the yellow white-eye.

Conditions permitting, we snorkel at Million Dollar Point, where the Allies jettisoned large quantities of surplus war materials into the sea. Fish and other marine life have made their homes among the wrecks, including baby chevron barracuda, and numerous other small fry.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 9: Friday, November 26, 2010
Tikopia Island- Santa Cruz Islands- Solomon Islands
Tikopia is legendary- a remote tropical paradise where traditional customs remain intact. This Polynesian-settled island lies in Melanesia, yet its people are descendants of Tongan and Wallis Island settlers. School children clad in tapa cloth harmonize songs to welcome, followed by enthusiastic dances by the young men of the village. We pay homage to the island’s four paramount chiefs who hold court from their leaf-covered huts.

Tikopia is the southernmost of the Solomon Islands. An extinct volcano, the island has a crater lake at its center and fertile soil for crop cultivation; yams, sago, taro, bananas and breadfruit trees grow in profusion. Walking to the lake we are likely to spot fairy terns, cardinal honeyeaters, and yellow-bibbed lories. Islanders display exquisite handicrafts such as woodcarvings and model outrigger canoes. Enjoy an afternoon wandering the lovely beach or snorkel on the edge of a reef where we may spot up to 60 species of fish, including the bright yellow, long-snouted coralfish.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 10: Saturday, November 27, 2010
Utupua Island
A lagoon and barrier reef surround the rarely visited island of Utupua where zodiacs take us down a fjord-like channel into its heart. Among the marshy mangrove trees we learn about an ecosystem that is a beehive of biological activity. Follow a local dugout canoe along a narrow waterway to see where the Nembao villagers plant their prolific vegetable gardens.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 11: Sunday, November 28, 2010
Santa Ana Island
Village warriors greet us with the blowing of conch-shell trumpets as we step ashore on this small island and the local residents welcome us with songs and elaborately costumed dances unique to their island. Handicrafts may be on display; Santa Ana is known for its bonefish hooks and imaginative fishing floats. Or join our naturalist for a guided walk across the island. Bird sightings may include the cardinal honeyeater, Brahminy kite, and Solomon sea eagle. Visit a traditional “spirit house”, with its ancestral relics. In the afternoon snorkel or dive the reefs to view clownfish, soldier fish and brilliantly hued wrasses.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 12: Monday, November 29, 2010
Honiara- Iron Bottom Sound, Guadalcanal
As we approach Honiara this morning, watch for the spectacular acrobatics of spinner dolphins that frequent Indispensable Strait. During WWII the British established the military base of Honiara. The town and the Mataniko River were the front for many months during the battle of Guadalcanal. We enjoy a morning tour of Honiara and its environs, visiting war memorials; Henderson Field, the open-air war museum; and a local woodcarving academy.

Later cruise Iron Bottom Sound, the site of intense WWII naval battles, and so named for the large number of Japanese and American ships and aircraft that sank beneath these placid seas. Today, the wrecks provide a submerged harbor for marine life.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 13: Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Ghizo and Kennedy Islands
Ghizo Island unveils the natural attractions of the remote Solomons as we hike up a hillside for splendid views, watching for the white-bellied cuckoo-shrike, red-knobbed imperial pigeons, mustached tree swift and eclectus parrots. Divers investigate WWII wrecks in crystal clear waters. In the afternoon our ship cruises in the historic wake of John F. Kennedy’s PT-10+ boat ripped in half by a Japanese destroyer in the Blackett Strait during World War II. Kennedy and his crew swan ashore to the tiny island later named in his honor. Zodiacs bring is to its sandy beaches and we snorkel or dive over coral reefs. Birders may spot the great frigatebrid, a classic symbol of the Solomons often portrayed in carvings.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 14: Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Laughlan Islands, Papua New Guinea
Traditional canoe building is a specialty of the Laughlan islanders. In this very remote corner of eastern Papua New Guinea we find handcrafted seagoing canoes in various stages of construction. Pending permission, the residents of Bodaluna welcome us and we stroll through the village of palm-thatched houses. Our lecturers introduce us to the history of the Kula Ring, a circular pattern of ceremonial trade relationships that binds the islands of Milne Bay and eastern Papua New Guinea together in a long-established network of friendship.

Enjoy an afternoon snorkel off a pristine sandbar or an adventurous dive off the outer reef where we may see turtles, groupers and wrasses in warm clear waters.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 15: Thursday, December 2, 2010
Kitava and Narutu Islands- Trobriand Islands
We are fortunate to visit with the traditional Trobriand islanders of Kitava to view energetic, time-honored dances that celebrate fishing and the seasonal yam harvest that is imbued with ritualistic significance. These islanders are also renowned for the exquisite quality of their ebony woodcarvings, often decorated with mother-of-pearl shell inlays. Enjoy a walk among the villages of Kitava before returning to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon relax on the gleaming sandy beaches of nearby Narutu (Uratu) Island. Snorkel amid intricate coral reefs populated by parrotfish, neon damsels, and other brilliantly hued species. Bottlenose dolphins frequent the exterior reef. Our naturalists lead a hike around the island, including a walk through the lush forest where we may spot flying foxes (fruit bats), sulphur-crested cockatoos or helmeted friarbirds.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 15: Friday, December 3, 2010
Fergusson and Dobu Islands- D'Entrecasteaux Islands
Today we explore these distinctive, jewel-like islands capped by active volcanoes and have the chance to snorkel or dive in the surrounding marine-rich waters. We also visit a tranquil seaside-fishing village where women and children still wear traditional dress, and visit a hot spring and mud pool surrounded by lush vegetation.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 16: Saturday, December 4, 2010
Expedition Stop
Numerous small islands dot the southern coast of Papua New Guinea and we make an expedition stop to snorkel among the colorful reefs that fringe their shores. As we cruise toward Port Moresby, the terrain grows more rugged and the peaks of the Owen Stanley Range soar 13,000 feet skyward.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 17: Sunday, December 5, 2010
Port Moresby- Disembark Clipper Odyssey- Brisbane, Australia
We disembark in Port Moresby after breakfast and enjoy a visit to the National Museum and Art Gallery with its exceptional collections of primitive arts, including Sepik River carvings, Malagan masks, and Trobriand Islands fishing vessels. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Travelers on the post-voyage extension disembark the ship and transfer directly to the airport.
Overnight: Brisbane

Day 18: Monday, December 6, 2010
Brisbane- USA
Transfer to the airport for your independent flight homeward.

Departure Dates

2010 Departure Date: November 18 to December 6

Prices

2010 Prices:
Category 1: $10,480 per person, double occupancy.
Category 2: $10,980 per person, double occupancy.
Category 3: $11,880 per person, double occupancy.
Category 4: $12,780 per person, double occupancy.
Category 5: $13,680 per person, double occupancy.
Category 6: $14,580 per person, double occupancy.
Suite: $17,580 per person, double occupancy.
Single/cat. 2: $17,580
Single/Cat. 3: $18,880

Limited singles available at the quoted rate above. Additional singles may be available at 1.7 times the share rate. (Not applicable to Suites)

Inclusions: Accommodations in our hotels and on board the Clipper Odyssey as outlined in the itinerary; all onboard meals; all group meals on land; group transfers; services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows; all group activities and excursions; landing and port fees; all gratuities.

Exclusions:All air transportation; excess baggage charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; transfers for independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visa fees; travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic beverages, e-mail/fax/Internet/telephone charges, scuba diving fees and equipment.

Trip Information

CLIPPER ODYSSEY

The Clipper Odyssey is a 110-passenger luxury vessel, ideally suited for expedition cruising. She carries a fleet of Zodiacs, which allows us to land anywhere nature or curiosity dictates, and a glass-bottom boat, giving us a topside-look at the undersea world. All cabins have an ocean view, safe, minibar, individually controlled heat/air conditioner, in-room music system, and sitting area with sofa. Passengers can track the progress of their voyage on the Global Positioning System broadcast in each cabin. Beds can be configured for twin or queen-size sleeping arrangements. All cabins have an en suite bathroom with shower. The Clipper Odyssey maintains a gourmet kitchen, providing American and international specialties. Facilities on board the Clipper Odyssey include a dining room, lounge, small library and gym, outdoor pool, massage room, and gift shop. An elevator services all passenger cabin decks. The Clipper Odyssey has an infirmary staffed by a registered physician and a sophisticated telecommunications system permitting Internet access and telephone and fax communication with any location around the world. Ship registry: Bahamas.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON BOARD THE CLIPPER ODYSSEY:

Accounts Onboard
Upon embarkation, a shipboard account is automatically opened for your convenience. The "chit" system is used for all onboard purchases, including bar charges, gift shop purchases, laundry, medical services, communication, etc. You will sign a chit for each purchase, and the amount will be debited to your shipboard account, which is presented for settlement at the end of the voyage. The U.S. dollar is the currency used on board. Cash, traveler's checks, and Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts.

Air Conditioning and Heating
The ship is fully air-conditioned and heated throughout with individual controls in each cabin.

Baggage
Baggage is restricted only per the airlines' regulations (See Baggage Allowance section under General Information). We do recommend that you travel with soft luggage, as this is less bulky to store and storage space aboard the ship is limited. Please ensure that your baggage is clearly labeled with your name and home address and attach yellow Zegrahm Expeditions luggage tags, which will be provided with your final documents packet, to each piece of luggage. Our staff will use these tags for easy identification of group passengers and baggage.

Bar
There will be a bar on board stocked with liquor, beer, and wine. Please check the daily program for hours of bartender service. The ship carries a small, but varied, supply of fine wines and champagnes. Upon request, the service staff will be happy to retain unused portions of bottled wines ordered with your meals for consumption at subsequent seatings.

Bridge Visits
The bridge is available to visit most times throughout the day. However, the bridge will be closed to visitors during maneuvers in port, when anchoring, during periods of inclement weather, and at the captains' discretion.

Cabins and Service.
Cabins are serviced daily by your cabin attendant. If you require additional housekeeping service, please advise the reception desk.

All cabins feature an ocean view, two twin lower beds that can be made into a queen-size bed, sitting area with sofa, bathroom with tub and shower, in-room music system and intercom system for announcements, ample wardrobe space, three-sided mirror, personal safe, minibar and small refrigerator, television, and hair dryer.

Contact Information
There are three computers available for use in the Library, which have an Internet connection, via satellite, and can be used to access the web and personal e-mail accounts online. Personal laptops may also be used to access this service. The Library is the only area of the ship that has a wireless Internet connection. Cards can be purchased at Reception to utilize this service. Facilities for incoming and outgoing phone calls and faxes are also available. You will be charged for all personal communication to and from the ship.

Please be aware that due to our often remote location, all communications are subject to the availability of our satellite connection.

Daily Programs
The daily program is distributed to all cabins and posted in common areas every evening on board. The program announces the cruising schedule, lectures, and shore excursions. Weather conditions may, of course, alter the day's intended program.

Dietary Needs
Special dietary foods can be provided, but we must be notified in writing on the Personal Information Form. The galley is equipped to prepare or serve most special dietary foods except kosher cuisine.

Dining and Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining room on the A-Deck. A light buffet breakfast and lunch are also served in the Lido Lounge on the Lido Deck, with limited seating available in the adjacent Lido Bar during pleasant weather for passengers wishing to dine outside. Dinner is served only in the dining room on the A-Deck, and all dinners are prepared individually. The dining room accommodates all passengers in one seating. Table service is provided for all evening meals, and all of our meals will be open seating. Coffee, tea, and juice are available 24 hours a day in the Lido Lounge.

Electricity
The electricity on board runs at 110 volts, and outlets take standard, U.S. flat-prong plugs.

Elevator
An elevator services all passenger decks from the A-Deck to the Sun Deck.

Exercise Facilities
A gym is located on the Bridge Deck. Current equipment consists of a universal exercise machine, free weights, elliptical trainer, stationary bikes (one recumbent, one normal), and a treadmill. A 70-meter, dedicated jogging track is located on the uppermost Sun Deck.

Gift Shop
A shop stocked with gift items and toiletries is located adjacent to the Lido Lounge on the Lido Deck. There is a limited range of goods mainly local items, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, souvenirs, film, and basic toiletries. Hours of operation are posted in the daily program, and purchases will be debited to your shipboard account.

Gratuities
All gratuities for onboard staff and crew are included in the cost of the expedition.

Hair Dryer
Each cabin is equipped with a hair dryer.

Hair Salon
The ship does not offer hair cutting or hair styling services.

Identification Badges
Electronic ID badges with your name and a barcode will be provided for all participants. Upon embarkation, a digital photograph will be taken and matched to your barcode number. This identification badge all you will need to disembark and reboard the ship. When disembarking for landings or Zodiac cruises, your pass must be scanned. Upon return to the ship, your card will be scanned again and your identity verified. Passengers will not be allowed to embark the ship without a badge.

In addition to verifying that all passengers are safely on board before sailing to our next destination, this system assists us in ensuring that no unauthorized individuals board the ship.

Laundry
Basic laundry service is available on board. Please allow 24 hours turn-around time, although laundry picked up in the morning will usually be available the afternoon of the same day. Prices will be posted on board, and charges will be debited to your shipboard account, payable at the end of the voyage.

Lectures
Our onboard staff will present a series of informative lectures during the voyage. We plan to provide a lecture series that will cover all features of our expedition and the surrounding environment. These presentations are an integral part of this expedition and are designed to lend greater depth and understanding to your travel experience.

Library
A library is located on the Main Deck with books and games available for public use.

Mail
The purser handles the mailing of passengers' letters and postcards during the voyage. Postage rates and mailing instructions will be posted at reception. Mail will be sent when the ship is in port. Postage fees will be debited to your shipboard account, payable at the end of the voyage.

Massage
There is a massage therapist onboard offering personalized massages. Hours and prices will be posted onboard.

Medical Services and Special Needs
Facilities may not be available for the physically challenged traveler. If you have special needs, please contact our office directly.

A qualified physician will be on board throughout the voyage. Any applicable fees for services rendered on board will be debited to your shipboard account and presented for settlement at the end of the voyage.

Passengers requiring special medications should bring sufficient quantities to last the duration of the expedition. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment or disease, you should bring a summarized medical history as well.It is essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions inform us well before departure so we may brief the ship's staff accordingly.

If you use a hearing aid that might be turned off at night or would otherwise require special assistance in case of an emergency, please advise the reception desk at the time of boarding.

Passports
Passports will be collected upon embarkation and returned at the end of the voyage. Please bring a photocopy of your passport's information page with you to be used for currency exchange and identification on our landings.

Safety at Sea
Safety at sea is of utmost importance aboard this ship. All officers are trained in emergency procedures, and regular drills are held to instruct the crew in their emergency duties. By international law, passengers must participate in a lifeboat drill within 24 hours of sailing. Upon embarkation, all passengers will be requested to locate their life jacket in their cabin and note their lifeboat and muster station. This mandatory lifeboat drill will be scheduled as soon as is convenient for the expedition leader and captain.

Life preservers are mandatory on Zodiac excursions. All passengers must have their life preserver secured properly before leaving the ship to board the Zodiac.

While the ship is your temporary home, it is also a mobile one, and it is essential that you take certain safety precautions. Here are some basic rules:

· Always turn on lights before moving about in a dark cabin.
· Walk, never run, aboard the ship, and be extra careful when walking on wet or icy decks.
· Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles, especially when walking on deck.
· Avoid large, open areas during rough weather, especially outside decks and the bridge. Do not move about unnecessarily.
· During particularly rough weather hold on to handrails in stairways, be very careful in the bathroom, never hold a door by its frame in case the ship's movement causes the door to close on your hand, and secure all baggage in your cabin and any loose items in your bathroom or on shelves, bureaus, or desks.

Shipboard Amenities
Shipboard facilities include a small library, gym, outdoor swimming pool, lounge, infirmary, and gift shop.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is permitted outside on deck in designated areas only. There is a no-smoking policy throughout the interior of the ship. When smoking on outside decks, please do not throw cigarettes over the side of the ship.

Valuables
Please try and leave any nonessential valuables at home. Zegrahm Expeditions is not responsible for the loss or theft of any jewelry, cash, etc. You are encouraged to use the personal safe is provided in each cabin.

Water
The ship's water supply provides potable water, but passengers are asked to practice conservation at all times.

Zodiacs
Zodiacs are the favored means of transportation, and the ship has a fleet that will be used for landings in suitable areas. Their flat-bottom design permits these craft to land directly onto beaches. You can expect, nonetheless, to wade through shallow surf to reach the shore during wet landings.

Zodiacs cruise at an approximate speed of four knots and in windy weather can make for rather splashy rides. We therefore recommend wearing wet-weather gear for Zodiac transfers, and life preservers are absolutely mandatory. You will be given a briefing on the safe use of these boats. Please see the section Proper Use of Zodiacs for further information about procedures during Zodiac landings.