PIONEERING Australian small ship expedition cruise line Coral Expeditions sets sail for the islands of the South Pacific in December.
The new 16-night voyage aboard Coral Discoverer will celebrate the intrepid explorers who first came to the region while visiting some of the most significant sites of the Pacific theatre of World War II.
Departing from Cairns, the Islands of the South Pacific adventure will take passengers to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Along the way, Coral Discoverer will slip into hidden lagoons, offering opportunities to explore vibrant coral reefs and walk along volcanic calderas with the ship's highly skilled expedition team.
Captain Peter Martin, will accompany the expedition as guest lecturer. A mariner, historian and navigation expert, he is one of Australia's few true titled Master and Commanders with 30 years of extensive maritime experience
Coral Discoverer will also cruise to Guadalcanal Island, a backdrop for some of the most historic battles of World War II. The 16-day journey ends at Tanna Island with a visit to the lower reaches of Mt Yasur's active volcano, where lava pools are visible from the rim of the caldera.
Coral Discoverer is the flagship vessel of Coral Expeditions, with comfortable accommodation for up to 72
passengers. Staffed entirely by Australian and New Zealand crew, its draught means it can reach areas inaccessible to larger vessels, while its tender vessel, the Xplorer, is available for excursions to beaches and rivers.
Rates for the 16-night Islands of the South Pacific voyage, December 3-19, start at $13,190.
- 1800-079-545, www.coralexpeditions.com