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Passage Through the Melanesian Arc – Small Ship Cruise

Passage Through the Melanesian Arc – Small Ship Cruise

From AUD $14,950

Description

The heart of Melanesia, connecting Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Remote islands accessible only by small ship, where ancient ‘kastom’ traditions thrive and islanders maintain subsistence lifestyles that have remained essentially unchanged for centuries.

Trip Name
Passage Through the Melanesian Arc - Small Ship Cruise
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 93.4 meters Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms) Built: 2019 Coral Adventurer is a modern expedition cruise ship launched in 2019, purpose-built to explore Australia’s remote coastlines and international tropical destinations in comfort and style. With a capacity of just 120 guests, she strikes a perfect balance between small-ship intimacy and ocean-going capability. Her shallow draught and state-of-the-art navigation systems allow access to isolated regions unreachable by larger vessels, while dual Xplorer tenders and a fleet of zodiacs provide safe, seamless access to remote shores. Designed with wide open spaces and warm, natural interiors by Brisbane-based Arkhefield, Coral Adventurer embodies the spirit of Australian adventure, hospitality, and connection to the great outdoors. All staterooms are outside-facing with ensuites, most featuring private balconies, and range from elegant Bridge Deck Suites to well-appointed Coral Deck cabins. Guests enjoy single-seating dining, where fresh, locally sourced meals are prepared in an open-view galley and served with boutique Australian wines. Life onboard is relaxed and sociable, with a sundeck bar, panoramic promenade deck, lecture lounge, library, and even a gym. Coral Adventurer also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a lift between decks, and high levels of guest-crew interaction, creating a welcoming, immersive expedition experience in some of the world’s most spectacular natural environments.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Depart Port Moresby
Enjoy one complimentary night at the Hilton Hotel Port Moresby before your voyage, then join your fellow passengers in the meeting room from 2:30pm for transfers to Coral Adventurer. Board at 4:00pm, where you will meet our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Day 2 - At Sea
Enjoy onboard presentations about Melanesian culture and the fascinating anthropological history of how Austronesian and Papuan peoples populated these islands through the centuries.
Day 3 - Louisiade Archipelago
Swim over a nearly intact Japanese Zero fighter plane in Deboyne Lagoon and connect with villagers maintaining traditional subsistence lifestyles. In the afternoon, explore limestone karst caves and snorkel at spectacular Panasia Beach.
Day 4 - Laughlan Atoll
Witness the traditional canoe-building mastery in this remote archipelago. Meet the friendly villagers of Bodaluna and learn about their subsistence gardening, fishing and participation in the ancient Kula Ring trading network.
Day 5 - Ghizo & Njari Island
Enter the Solomons Islands with clearance via Kennedy Island, where former President John F Kennedy swam ashore during WWII. Snorkel the crystal-clear waters of uninhabited Njari Island, teeming with colourful corals and marine life.
Day 6 - Kerehikapa | Arnarvon Island
Participate in conservation efforts by helping to release turtle hatchlings from this important breeding sanctuary. Learn about loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtle protection in this 40,000-acre marine conservation area.
Day 7 - Marovo Lagoon
Explore one of the world’s largest double-barrier enclosed lagoons, a natural wonder proposed for World Heritage listing for fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Day 8 - Marau Sound
Experience the mesmerising Ëtëtung water dance performed by women in hand-woven costumes. This soothing sonic and visual performance creates hypnotic rhythms through water while singing traditional songs. Here, the Marau people depend on their natural environment, practising subsistence farming and fishing.
Day 9 - Santa Ana Island
Discover this small island famous for elaborate bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. Walk through forests filled with colourful orchids and learn about the Austrian anthropologist who studied this community in 1932.
Day 10 - At Sea
Sail towards Vanuatu while enjoying presentations about the volcanic islands ahead and their unique cultural practices, including cargo cults and traditional dance ceremonies. Enjoy the onboard program with lectures and cooking demonstrations.
Day 11 - Espiritu Santo | Luganville
As we enter Vanuatu, for divers, explore Million Dollar Point, where Americans sunk vehicles after WWII rather than sell them. Dive amongst wrecks turned into coral reefs, now home to diverse marine life and swim in the one of Malo Island’s mysterious ‘blue holes’.
Day 12 - Ambrym Island | Fanla
Witness the famous Rom dance performed in the shadow of active Benbow and Marum volcanoes. This traditional ceremony connects men to the spirit world on Vanuatu’s ‘black magic’ island with its iconic black sand beaches.
Day 13 - Nguna Island
Snorkel or dive in the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area amongst stunning coral gardens, sea grass beds and mangrove forests. An optional, challenging hike to extinct volcano craters Mount Tapuora and Mount Marow is recommended for the very fit.
Day 14 - Tanna Island | Waisisi
Take a 4WD trip to peer into active Mount Yasur volcano, whose glow attracted Captain Cook in 1774. Learn about the unique John Frum Cargo Cult and Tannese culture on this remarkably fertile island.
Day 15 - Day 15: Arrive Port Vila
Disembark at 7:00am in Vanuatu’s capital. Reflect on the deep cultural connections you’ve made across Melanesia’s sacred islands, carrying with you a deeper understanding of these remarkable Pacific communities.
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-11-202626-11-2026AUD $0CORAL DECK STATEROOM
12-11-202626-11-2026AUD $0PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
12-11-202626-11-2026AUD $0EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
12-11-202626-11-2026AUD $0BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
12-11-202626-11-2026AUD $0BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
19-10-202702-11-2027AUD $0CORAL DECK STATEROOM
19-10-202702-11-2027AUD $0PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
19-10-202702-11-2027AUD $0EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
19-10-202702-11-2027AUD $0BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
19-10-202702-11-2027AUD $0BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE

Inclusions

    • Witness Ambrym’s mystical Rom dance and Lakatoi canoe artistry.
    • Learn Austronesian and Papuan origins through onboard anthropology talks.
    • Snorkel Marovo’s lagoon and dive amid WWII wrecks in Deboyne.
    • Release turtle hatchlings and explore karst caves and coral atolls.

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