South Pacific Cruise Itineraries
- Exploring New Zealand's North & South Islands
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New Zealand is an exhilarating place to visit. On our expedition, we’ll explore both the North and the South Island aboard the outstanding 68-guest Oceanic Discoverer, taking in a terrific variety of experiences. There are wonderful landscapes, from the fjords of the South Island to the cliffs and indented coastlines the entire length our journey. There’s unique wildlife that results from New Zealand’s long geographic isolation. And there is an inviting blend of cultures that includes those of the indigenous Maori population and of the European settlers, underpinned by the friendly, relaxed welcome you’ll receive from “Kiwis” (New Zealanders).
- Exploring the Cultures and Wildlife of Papua New Guinea
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If there’s a more remarkable place on Earth than Papua New Guinea, it’s hard to imagine what it might be. This small country consists of the eastern part of the island of New Guinea and hundreds of smaller islands. It is a patchwork of rain forest, great rivers including the Sepik, and coral reefs. There are extraordinary cultures here, where people have managed to preserve many of their traditional ways. We’ll meet some of those who live here and enjoy “singsings,” traditional celebrations which include song and dance. Certified divers will have special opportunities to go diving in the company of the Dive Instructor on board, at additional cost. We’ll also go swimming and snorkeling on great coral reefs, and take in the views from the ship’s glass bottom boat.
- Australs & Society Islands
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During the height of the Austral summer (July to October), humpback whales teem in the waters off Rurutu, delighting divers with their graceful antics and haunting songs. The Gauguin pays a visit to this special sanctuary on a unique itinerary that also features the idyllic Society Islands.
- Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands
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This all-encompassing journey takes you not only to the Cook and Society Islands, with their unique cultures and striking views, but also to the remote isles of legendary Fiji and intriguing Tonga, the only South Pacific archipelago never brought under foreign rule.
- Tahiti & Society Islands
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Call on Raiatea and its reef-bound lagoon and Taha'a, it's companion island, where you'll enjoy a full day of exploration. Then sail to Bora Bora, and her siren sister, Moorea. There's a reason these islands are world-renowned - their beauty is unmatched.
- Society Islands & Tuamotus
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Visit the gracious Society Islands, including Huahine, with its stunning crystalline lagoon. Next call on Raiatea, an isle covered in lush green valleys and numerous waterfalls. The Tuamotu Archipelago awaits you next. Visit Rangiroa, home to the second-largest lagoon in the world. It is noted for its fantastic diving - you may see rays, sharks, dolphins, and myriad small reef fish. Go on to call at legendary Bora Bora, Taha'a, and Moorea.
- Cook Islands & Society Islands
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On this South Pacific Odyssey, you'll discover the isle of Huahine, renowned for its spectacular rain forests. Then experience the unique majesty of the Cook Islands. Rarotonga's fertile slopes of red earth and sparkling aquamarine lagoon call to mind the classic Victorian ideal of paradise, which the island was called by its first European explorers. Return to the Society Islands for days in alluring Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, and Papeete.
- Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands
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On this two-week cruise, you'll first call at the breathtaking isle of Bora Bora. Then it's on to the Tuamotus, specifically Fakarava, an atoll known for its pristine beaches, rare wildlife, and exceptional diving. Next, explore the mist-covered Marquesas, where you'll discover the islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka, and Nuku Hiva. On these wild islands you'll find waterfalls, wild stallions, tiki sculptures, and an arboretum, among other delights. More enjoyment awaits on Taha'a (Motu Mahana), our own private motu, and a day at spectacular Moorea.
- South Pacific Discovery
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Your discoveries begin with a 3-night stay in cosmopolitan Sydney, Australia before flying to Brisbane, capital of Queensland, to embark The Gauguin. Then, touch the shores of nine distinctive islands in five archipelagos, including rare visits to New Caledonia and the Kingdom of Tonga, and enjoy days at sea to appreciate the amenities of our award-winning, newly refurbished ship.
- Kimberley Expedition
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Nothing can fully prepare you for the dramatic contrasts of Australia’s north-west, rich in Aboriginal culture and galleries of ancient artwork. Towards the west, in the historic pearling town of Broome, the colours of nature are vibrant and intense: rich red earth, azure blue seas and brilliant white sand beaches. North of Broome lies the ragged Kimberley coast, a place you can only comprehend from the sea. Rugged gorges, inlets, waterfalls plunging 100 metres all combine for an awe-inspiring experience you simply can't have by travelling overland.
- Kimberley Highlights
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This 10-night Kimberley Highlights showcase the breathtaking splendours of Australia’s wild and remote Kimberley Coast. This expedition explores ancient cultural rock art, towering sandstone cliffs and spectacular waterfalls like the 80m high King George Falls. This voyage embarks and disembarks in Darwin, affording wonderful touring opportunities in the Top End and the most convenient air connections to northern Australia.
- Art of Arnhem Land
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Hosted by Australia’s pre-eminent collectors of indigenous art, this voyage will undertake an in-depth exploration of the remote art communities along Australia’s Arnhem Land coastline. This will be the perfect voyage for experienced and novice collectors alike. Please note these voyages are made up of two international sailings and will be ticketed as such. One way pricing to/from Merauke is also available.
- Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights
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On this 11-night expedition you'll be enchanted by the rich culture and friendly welcomes of these exotic islands - from iconic handicrafts, pristine beaches and amazing diving to active volcanoes, ancient tropical fjords and the iconic Sepik River. The April 3rd sailing is an Australian Geographic Photography Expedition. This is a great opportunity to get right up close and personal with your camera in one of the world’s most photo opportunistic locations.
- New Zealand & sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
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Protected by the Southern Ocean, secluded and seldom visited, the Australian and New Zealand sub-Antarctic Islands, recognised by UNESCO as one of the worlds’ precious regions of unique biodiversity, will be visited by Orion.
- Spice Islands Adventure
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This 12-day voyage promises to capture the excitement of old places and traditions captured anew. History and customs, long forgotten, re-discovered as you visit exotic Kisar, Alor, Maumere, Komodo, Sumba and Rote. This voyage embarks and disembarks in Darwin allowing convenient air connections to the Top End.
- Great Barrier Reef
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This 6-day, 5-night exploration of Australia’s World Heritage Great Barrier Reef is designed to ensure your experience of the Barrier Reef is like no other. Orion’s Zodiac safaris allow guests to snorkel and swim over a pristine and seldom visited section of Hardy reef, alive with corals and teeming with myriads of tropical fish. Hayman Island is Australia’s most celebrated private island destination, where guests will have access to many of the facilities of this luxury resort. On Percy Island you will enjoy kayaking in this idyllic setting whilst our attentive crew prepares a seafood beach BBQ you will never forget.
- Tasmania - Food & Wine
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Tasmania is a land of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. Over one third of the state is reserved in a network of National Parks. Anchor beneath Strzelecki Rangers at Flinders Island, embark our Zodiacs and go exploring the remote and pristine Wildernes, take an overland hike for a view of Wineglass Bay or simply sample some famous Coles Bay oysters. Created with convict labour Port Arthur presents impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities - this is a must to explore.
- Forgotten Islands & Asmat Art
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On this 8 Days / 7 Night adventure, explore Thursday Island, on Australia’s northern frontier to the distinctive Asmat region of Papua New Guinea, where village houses are built on stilts and linked by raised wooden walkways over mangrove mud flats.
- Palau & Yap
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Teeming with more than 1,400 species of fish in a kaleidoscopic arena of coral reefs and walls, this western corner of Micronesia is a showcase of marine diversity and a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Above the water line, traditional villages remain unchanged by time. The intimate 16-passenger yacht, the Palau Aggressor II, is the perfect vessel for an in-depth exploration of the region. I hope you will join me in this amazing corner of the world as we discover the wonders of Palau and Yap, above and below the warm inviting waters.
Moon Handbook South Pacific - by David Stanley - $24.95