Lost Islands of the Pacific

16 February 2009 - 06 March 2009

Clipper OdysseyThe 118-passenger 'Clipper Odyssey' provides superior onboard comfort while sailing to remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations. All of A&K's 'Odyssey' voyages are accompanied by destination experts and lecturers individually selected for each sailing, so that you know the stories behind all that you see. Staterooms are spacious and comfortable and all have an ocean view (some with a balcony). Each room includes a private bathroom, sitting area with sofa, in-room music system and television. An INMARSAT telecommunications system permits email access and an infirmary is staffed with an accredited physician on every voyage. After your daily adventures, relax in one of the lounges, visit the bridge with the ship’s officer, take a dip in the pool, work-out in the fitness room or pamper yourself with a massage. The intimate onboard atmosphere and expert hospitality, delivered by a well-trained crew of 73, ensures an unforgettable experience as ‘Clipper Odyssey’ makes her way through remote and culturally interesting waters. Onboard the ship all meals, drinks (except premium brand) and gratuities are included. Lost Islands of the Pacific ItineraryNew Caledonia offers an endless array of landscapes, from spectacular mountain retreats to some of the best white sand beaches in the Pacific. The Islands of Vanuatu conjure up images of balmy isles and vibrant tropical reefs. This region remains untouched from the world, where age-old customs remain intact and endemic wildlife thrives in virgin forest. Off-shore, the surrounding reefs and atolls provide some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world.16 February – London / Auckland, New ZealandDepart London Heathrow for Auckland via Los Angeles, crossing the International Dateline. 18 February - AucklandUpon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Auckland. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore some of the sights of New Zealand’s largest city. 19 February - Auckland/Embark Clipper OdysseyAfter breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland. This afternoon, board Clipper Odyssey and settle in for the first evening at sea.20 February - Bay of Islands, North IslandThe ship will anchor today in a bay surrounded by the early history of European settlement. You will have the option to visit the Waitangi Treaty House, where Maori and British chiefs joined to sign the treaty that established New Zealand as a nation, and the historic town of Kerikeri. Alternatively, land by Zodiac in the pretty town of Russell and enjoy a walking tour to the museum and the oldest church in New Zealand. After lunch onboard the ship, enjoy some snorkelling or beachcombing at Motoruohia Island. 21 February - At Sea Join the expedition staff as we begin our series of fascinating lectures. There are also opportunities to relax in the library with a good book or enjoy the views from the deck, as you watch for seabirds and marine life. 22 February - Norfolk Island, AustraliaThe stunning island of Norfolk – with its soaring and symmetrical Norfolk pines, beautiful beaches, rocky cliffs and island dwellings – has one of the most dramatic histories of any South Pacific paradise. You will have the chance to visit the historic convicts’ jail, prison ruins and cemetery, or take an island hike to admire splendid natural flora and spot endemic birds. The charming and gentle islanders, with names such as Christian and Adams, reflect the heritage of the world’s most notorious mutiny. 23 February - At Sea The lecture series continues and focuses on the history, culture and natural wonders of the regions of the Coral Sea and the upcoming Loyalty Islands.24 February - Nouméa, New CaledoniaThe vibrant capital of French-speaking New Caledonia, Nouméa, is a sensory treat for all visitors, surrounded by magnificent bays and waterways. Nouméa combines its heritage of indigenous Kanak customs with an air of sophistication cultivated by French settlers. Whilst here, you can visit the aquarium, the magnificent Tjibaou Cultural Centre and the Botanical Gardens. This evening, dine onboard or enjoy a candlelit dinner in Nouméa. 25 February - Ile des Pins, New CaledoniaKnown as Kunie to its Melanesian inhabitants, this island is part of the French-Pacific territory of New Caledonia. For traditional, cultural and social reasons, the indigenous Kunie people are formed into eight tribes, each with their own 'little chief' and governed as a whole by a High Chief. You will have the opportunity to wander around the island, meet the locals, explore the ruins of a convict settlement, snorkel or relax on the white sand beaches. 26 February - Ile Lifou, New CaledoniaLifou, one of the Loyalty Islands, is a raised coral island with eroded limestone formations and spectacular beaches. In the morning, enjoy leisure time ashore at Baie du Santal for snorkelling in crystal clear waters, a hill climb for spectacular views from the Catholic Church, or hire a bike to take you further along flower-clad lanes. After a welcome dance and lunch, you can choose to observe the vanilla cultivation process and meet a village chief, or take a nature walk with a local conservationist to learn about medicinal plants. 27 February - Ile Ouvéa, New CaledoniaBeautiful Ouvéa personifies the essence of the South Pacific. Step ashore at Mouli Beach to be greeted by the Chief of Mouli, one of the island’s 17 clans. Explore the small village, meet the charming islanders and enjoy swimming from the beach in this little piece of paradise that few others have ever seen. Or, take an excursion to Lekiny Cliffs to see beautiful geological formations, and look for birds and marine mammals. 28 February - Tanna Island, VanuatuOne of Vanuatu’s most southerly islands, Tanna was first spotted by Captain Cook during the night, when he saw the unearthly glow of the mighty Mt. Yasur volcano looming on the horizon. Keep an eye out for the volcano’s dramatic glow as the ship approaches before dawn. Go ashore in Port Resolution and enjoy a welcome dance by grass-skirted locals. Drive through the forest and walk uphill to view the massive crater of the very active Mt. Yasur.1 March - Tomman Island and Maskelynes, VanuatuYou will be one of the very rare visitors to this enchanting island that has retained its cultural heritage, described by our lecturers. The villagers on Tomman prepare a special welcome ceremony, with some of the finest dances in Melanesia. There is time to wander around the village and meet the friendly islanders. In the afternoon, the ship moves to the Maskelyne Islands for a leisurely afternoon of walking, snorkelling and exploration of the wildlife-rich winding waterways of a mangrove forest. 2 March - Ambrym Island, VanuatuLike Tanna, Ambym is volcanic, with two twin active volcanoes located in its centre. The rich volcanic soil produces some of the lushest foliage imaginable. Go ashore today for one of the most famed dances in the South Pacific – the men’s Rom Dance – which celebrates the yam harvest. Each dancer, clad in tall conical masks and a costume of thick banana leaves, represents a magical spirit, dancing to the sound of the slit drum. 3 March – At SeaThe lecture series continues as we sail through the islands and atolls of the Tuamotu Ridge. Spot seabirds and marine life from the deck.4 March - Yasawa Group, Fiji Visit the village of Yaqeta for a traditional Fijian welcome, or choose to snorkel or dive through the underwater caves at Sawa-i-lau, the location of filming for The Blue Lagoon.5 March - Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji/LondonDisembark this morning in Lautoka, on the island of Viti Levu, and transfer to a resort day-room. This evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to London Heathrow via Los Angeles, crossing the International Dateline and arriving the following day.The nature of expeditionary cruising means the captain may change the itinerary based on local conditions.

The price includes international flights, all transfers and sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary, and full board in an A-Deck Mid Ship Cabin on Clipper Odyssey.

Room supplements (per person per night) from

Prices are per person per CRUISE from: Main Deck Forward Cabin £300; Main Deck Mid Ship Cabin £584; Lido Deck Mid Ship Cabin £964; Bridge Deck Deluxe Cabin £1434; Bridge Balcony Suite £2240; Bridge Owners Suite £3194.