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Rediscover Paradise - Fiji to Guam
MS Hanseatic - April 9 - 26, 2012
Voyage HAN1206
Even the HANSEATIC will be sailing this route for the first time, and it will also fill those
with astonishment who believe that they already know the South Seas. Discover islands which are
barely discernible on conventional maps. Encounter people and cultures that have little in
common with our civilisation. And get closer to paradise than ever before.
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Vanuatu, the Island Kingdom of
Happiness
According to a British study, the inhabitants of Vanuatu
are the happiest people in the world. Maybe you will feel the same, looking at
the Mele Cascades Waterfalls* near Port Vila after having hiked
there along winding paths. The insights into the cultural heritage of
Vanuatu in the village of Jarofa* will involve a fascinating encounter with
bushmen who will show you how to survive in the wilderness of the
rainforest.
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Solomon Islands - from Battlefield to Natural Paradise
Welcome! On
Nendoe, you will be greeted by the village elder. The village itself lies at
the end of a demanding but rewarding walk through the forest. Alternatively, let
the beach entice you to go swimming and snorkelling. There is also an excellent
diving area all around Gizo Island. Ashore, besides the bustling markets,
you will come across inquisitive parrots in a forest reserve. Kennedy
Island, named after the US president who ran aground here with his crew in
1943, is a bird reserve. This magical islet with its pure white beach seems to have
come straight from a picture postcard. Little Pirumeri Island will give you
a big welcome. Although just 3.4 km long and 2.6 km wide, there is far more scope
here for dancing, singing and true hospitality than
elsewhere.
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Papua New Guinea - Volcanoes for the Emperor
Rabaul was once the headquarters of the governor of German New Guinea.
Originally planned with beautiful avenues and gardens, the town was destroyed on
several occasions by volcanic eruptions and during the war. You will discover
Rabaul and its history* on a visit to the volcanological
observatory, the Japanese tunnel systems and the Kopopo war museum. A
helicopter flight over the volcanic landscape* will offer you
amazing views of the active volcanoes Tavurvur and Matupit. Tabar
Island is also a former German colony where you will encounter the masters
of canoe building and ornate Malangan carving. |
Micronesia - a Cornucopia of Pacific Magic
There are few people who
have ever heard Kapingamarangi being spoken. You will become familiar with the
sound of this language when you go ashore on Kapingamarangi, which is famous
for its handicrafts. The 40 islands of the Nukuoro atoll have been arranged
in an almost perfect circle by a whim of nature. On the largest island of the same
name, you will find out a great deal about life in this remote corner of the world.
Around 800 years ago a highly advanced civilisation arose on the island of
Pohnpei . In the ruined city of Nan Madol*, you will encounter
gigantic megalithic structures on artificially built islands which served as ritual
centres and dwelling places. Yet another South Seas paradise is revealed on the
small island of Oroluk. Its population is a single figure number, which is
why things are all the more lively below the surface of the sea - a dream come true
for snorkelers. Satawal belongs to the Yap Islands and is the birthplace of
outstanding seafarers who sailed across the Pacific in outrigger canoes navigating
only by the stars and waves. During your visit you may well find money beside the
road which no one picks up for a good reason: Yap's legendary Rai stones include
coins with a diameter of up to four metres. From Apra Harbor on Guam, your
flight will take you back to your home country, which now seems much further away
than "only" 20,000 km.
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A change in itinerary may become necessary on this expedition. The captain will
decide on the best possible alternatives depending on local conditions.
*These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities
listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to changes. |
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Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
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