This is a great adventure for island lovers. This is a wonderful 16 night South Pacific exploration. Explore remote islands from New Zealand to New Guinea. Some of these islands were settled 25,000 years BC. View beautiful beaches and some of the best snorkeling anywhere. The ship is a true small, luxury ship with 53 cabins. You will be pampered while you explore a wonderful and unspoiled area.

Here is your itinerary and some excursions you can take on this amazing trip.

Day 1 : Board the ship in Auckland, New Zealand Obviously you can explore the New Zealand area before this if are not from that area. If you are a seafood lover enjoy the mussels and coast oysters. The restaurants are tremendous here. This city is situated between three harbors.

Day 2 - 4 Enjoy life at sea as you head toward the beautiful, desolate islands. You will have materials available to help you learn about the upcoming stops.

Day 5 - Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

This will be a Zodiak landing on the beach. This is a beautiful island with eight tribes. You can explore the island, meet some locals who speak French or relax on the beach and enjoy terrific snorkeling.

Day 6 - Tanna Island, Vanuata

Enjoy a Zodiak landing on this volcanic island, which still has an active volcano (Mount Yasur). You will be examining items formed by the volcano such as lava rock coastline and hot springs.

Day 7 - Enjoy a relaxing day at sea

Day 8 - Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

There were approximately 100,000 army personnel stationed here during WWII. You can still see military relics and military construction. There is an intact shipwreck (22,000 tons, President Coolidge) that is accessible to scuba divers. At one time the military dumped huge amounts of surplus equipment into the sea.

Day 9 - At sea

Day 10 - Utupua Island, Solomons

This island has a beautiful barrier reef and lagoon. You will arrive in a Zodiak boat and see the natives farming their gardens. A short hike will give you a jaw dropping view of the Island and it's barrier reef. There is some great snorkeling on the barrier reef.

Day 11 - Santa Ana Island, Solomons

This is a step back in time as the natives will often great you with songs and beautiful costumes when you arrive. You will find tremendous carving done here. In the afternoon you can enjoy snorkeling or diving. If you don't want to spend time in the water enjoy a tour of the island.

Day 12 - Savo Island & Nggela island, Solomons

This is a small volcanic (dormant) island found off Guadalcanal. There was an important battle fought here in WWII. The Japanese attacked US & Australian forces here which started a campaign for troups to retake the Solomon Islands. You will go ashore early to watch native villagers collect eggs which are layed in the sand. This is an important food source for them.

Day 13 - Morovo Lagoon, Solomons

This is the world's largest double barrier lagoon. This is an absolutely fabulous area to dive and snorkel. Enjoy a wet landing where you can meet the villagers and learn of their life. They are expert carvers.

Day 14 - Ghizo & Kennedy Islands

Enjoy lunch at Gizo harbour and Kennedy Island, where John Kennedy's boat was split in half by a Japanese Destroyer during WWII. You can enjoy some spectacular snorkeling or walk around the tiny island.

Day 15 - Enjoy a relaxing day at sea

Day 16 - Stop at Rabaul, PNG (stay on ship overnight)

This harbour is surrounded by six volcanoes making a beautiful view. You can enjoy great views from the Volcano Observatory but a helicopter flight kicks it up a notch. You will be able to view the affects of the 1994 eruptions which destroyed more than half of the area. There are WWII relics everywhere here. You can even explore Admiral Yamamoto's bunker and touch a wrecked Japanese Betty Bomber. In the evening you will be able to enjoy the Baining Fire Dancers.

Day 17 - Disembark at Rabaul, optional charter flight to Cairns Australia

This is a wonderful trip. I hope you have the time and money to take it.