55-night History, Culture & Isles of Oceania Cruise

Known as the "Happy Isles," the Solomons are one of the best-kept secrets in the Pacific. These are islands of great natural beauty from jungle-clad peaks and active volcanoes to dashing waterfalls, misty rainforests, turquoise lagoons, and brilliant coral reefs. The islands' variety of cultures and customs is also striking. In Honiara, backstreet quonset huts and an occasional, rusty wreckage provide grim reminders of World War II; over 25,000 Japanese and American soldiers were killed or wounded on Guadalcanal. Honiara has been the capital of the Solomon Islands since Tulagi was devastated during World War II.

Known as the "Happy Isles," the Solomons are one of the best-kept secrets in the Pacific. These are islands of great natural beauty from jungle-clad peaks and active volcanoes to dashing waterfalls, misty rainforests, turquoise lagoons, and brilliant coral reefs. The islands' variety of cultures and customs is also striking. In Honiara, backstreet quonset huts and an occasional, rusty wreckage provide grim reminders of World War II; over 25,000 Japanese and American soldiers were killed or wounded on Guadalcanal. Honiara has been the capital of the Solomon Islands since Tulagi was devastated during World War II.

Kitava is one of the many islands to the east, off Kiriwina, the heartland of theTrobriand Islands. The majestic coral cliffs are popular with climbers and the the Inakebu cave is not to be missed by adventure seekers. The village is tucked in a horseshoe inlet surrounded by sparkling white sand, and the ocean is bordered by a reef to shelter a picturesque lagoon with magnificent coral gardens filled with marine life.
 

Rabaul and it's Harbor is to the New Guinea islands as the Metro is to Paris. Tokua airport is the gateway to the islands region. Rabaul is surrounded by friendly native villages and the local dialect is called Kuanua and its people are called Tolai's.

Garove Island is the largest of the Witu (Vitu) Islands, and contains the Garove volcano, which has a three mile caldera that opens to the sea.

A tiny, shimmering island rising out of an azure sea, Gaferut is the archetypal South Pacific atoll. Like many atolls, Gaferut is an important and isolated site for bird and turtle nesting. Birders can expect to see three species of boobies, two species of noddies and three species of terns, including the elegant fairy tern.

Known as the "Happy Isles," the Solomons are one of the best-kept secrets in the Pacific. These are islands of great natural beauty from jungle-clad peaks and active volcanoes to dashing waterfalls, misty rainforests, turquoise lagoons, and brilliant coral reefs. The islands' variety of cultures and customs is also striking. In Honiara, backstreet quonset huts and an occasional, rusty wreckage provide grim reminders of World War II; over 25,000 Japanese and American soldiers were killed or wounded on Guadalcanal. Honiara has been the capital of the Solomon Islands since Tulagi was devastated during World War II.

The biggest draw for divers to the Island is the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, a WWII troop carrier sunk by friendly mines in 1942. For adventure seekers, a trip to the Millennium Caves filled with bats and sparrows is well worth your time. There are many shops on the main road in town, and there are a good number of local craft stores and restaurants, as well.

Travel across the International Dateline and step forward or backward in time one day.

An hour and a half flight from Papeete, rectangular-shaped Fakarava is a charming village, home to most of the atoll's 248 inhabitants. The only other - sort of - settlement (10 people ) is on Tetamanu Motu Islet located opposite the lagoon next to the smaller but prettier pass. Fakarava's immense lagoon has several black pearl farms, idyllic white sand beaches and is peppered with small islands, homes to many breeds of nesting birds oblivious to visitors.

Adamstown is a remote island located in the South Pacific; and is not only the capital, but also the only settlement town of the Pitcairn Islands. This tropical paradise is located furthest away from any other inhabited regions or continents. Being made up of clear sandy beaches and rugged terrain landscape, Adamstown offers the perfect relaxation experience.

Ducie Island is a small island atoll in the South Pacific. The Island is home to an abundant variety of birdlife and is closely monitored so as to not introduce new plants and wildlife to the Island. The island is quiet and rarely visited, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy exploring the island's colorful lagoon, and coral beach.

Alexander Selkirk Island is located off the coast of Valparaiso; the islands actually pertain to the Valparaiso Region. The island was founded by Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish pirate known for his refutation of authority. With an average temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, this island is perfect for any pirate or visitor.

Robinson Crusoe Island is one of three islands in the Juan Fernandez archipelago located off the coast of Chile. In 1705, the sailor Alexander Selkirk – more famously known by the island that bears his name, was marooned and spent five years in solitude, thus inspiring Daniel Defoe to write his classic novel. Today, the island is actually a national park and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve because of the varied flora and fauna on the island. The islands 500 inhabitants are mainly sustained by fishing the local waters. This island is amazingly beautiful and undoubtedly will inspire any visitor to wish they were stranded on this emerald isle.