01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com LOST ISLANDS OF POLYNESIA (ISLAND SKY) This voyage tells the story of Polynesia and uncovers its history and legends as we sail through the South Seas and visit the captivating islands. By wind, wave and star the ancient people of Polynesia ventured to the farthest reaches of the South Pacific. Isolated by miles of ocean over thousands of years, these, the world’s first island cultures, developed a pantheon of gods, myths and legends. The real age of European exploration did not take place until the 18th century and many of the islands we will visit have changed little since that time. Their sheer isolation has been their saving grace and apart from an influx of missionaries in the late 19th century, western culture has made few inroads into most of the islands. Join us aboard the MS Island Sky to explore the South Pacific in all its vastness, diversity and warmth and to experience the description-defying beauty of its islands, its culture and its ambience which have long attracted adventurers, explorers and travellers to its magical shores. The natural beauty of these islands is mesmerising and one of the many advantages of our small ship is the opportunity to truly venture off the beaten track where others seldom have the opportunity to explore. With this in mind we have planned our itinerary with visits to many remote and magical islands including the Islands of Kiribati where we hope to visit Millennium Island, the Northern Cook Islands and the little-known French Territory of Wallis and Futuna. With our fleet of Zodiac landing craft we can explore inlets, bird sanctuaries and land in otherwise inaccessible places and although we set sail with a set itinerary, it is often the unscheduled events that become the highlight. We will be joined by a handpicked expedition team, consisting of naturalists, marine biologists and ecologists who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during forays ashore and whilst on board. ITINERARY Day 1 London to Tahiti. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Day 2 Papeete, French Polynesia. Arrive this morning and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Spend the day at leisure to relax on board or explore independently before we sail this evening. Day 3 Bora Bora.
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01432 507 280 (within UK)
[email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com
LOST ISLANDS OF POLYNESIA (ISLAND SKY)
This voyage tells the story of Polynesia and uncovers its historyand legends as we sail through the South Seas and visit thecaptivating islands. By wind, wave and star the ancient peopleof Polynesia ventured to the farthest reaches of the SouthPacific. Isolated by miles of ocean over thousands of years,these, the world’s first island cultures, developed a pantheon ofgods, myths and legends. The real age of European explorationdid not take place until the 18th century and many of theislands we will visit have changed little since that time. Theirsheer isolation has been their saving grace and apart from aninflux of missionaries in the late 19th century, western culturehas made few inroads into most of the islands.
Join us aboard the MS Island Sky to explore the South Pacific inall its vastness, diversity and warmth and to experience thedescription-defying beauty of its islands, its culture and itsambience which have long attracted adventurers, explorers andtravellers to its magical shores. The natural beauty of theseislands is mesmerising and one of the many advantages of oursmall ship is the opportunity to truly venture off the beaten trackwhere others seldom have the opportunity to explore. With thisin mind we have planned our itinerary with visits to manyremote and magical islands including the Islands of Kiribatiwhere we hope to visit Millennium Island, the Northern CookIslands and the little-known French Territory of Wallis and
Futuna.
With our fleet of Zodiac landing craft we can explore inlets, birdsanctuaries and land in otherwise inaccessible places andalthough we set sail with a set itinerary, it is often theunscheduled events that become the highlight. We will bejoined by a handpicked expedition team, consisting ofnaturalists, marine biologists and ecologists who will share theirknowledge and enthusiasm during forays ashore and whilst onboard.
ITINERARY
Day 1 London to Tahiti.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Papeete, French Polynesia.
Arrive this morning and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Spend theday at leisure to relax on board or explore independently beforewe sail this evening.
Day 3 Bora Bora.
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One of the most stunning islands on the planet, Bora Bora’sinterior is crowned by majestic eroded volcanic formations anda distinctive black basaltic peak. A tour of the island will takeyou past colourful villages, archaeological sites and World WarII relics. Alternatively take the chance to swim from the beach orenjoy our first snorkelling opportunity in the clear waters. Returnto the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea as we sailnorth to Kiribati.
Days 4 to 6 Islands of Kiribati.
The thirty-three islands of Kiribati cover a huge area of the Pacific spreading 2,400 miles from east to west and 1,300 miles from north to south. After crossing the international date line (we are now the 25th April), with the benefit of our small ship we will spend two and a half days in the Line Islands in the south eastern corner of the republic. We hope to visit Millennium Island, named in celebration of being the first island to see in the year 2000. Made up of 39 uninhabited islets surrounding a peaceful lagoon, it contains a unique underwater environment with schools of black tail sharks, white sharks and fish playing in the shallow water. We will have the chance to swim or snorkel here and whilst on land we can look for tropical birds including the brown noddy. Flint Island is four kilometres long and less than a kilometre wide and was first spotted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520. On an island walk we will see the abundant coconut palms, which were planted in the 1870s by farmers wishing to produce copra, and the coconut crabs which can be seen everywhere on the island. Pristine Vostock Island is covered by native forest and surrounded by a coral reef. The island has no lagoon, but we hope to swim and snorkel on the reef which flourishes with many marine species. On land, during nature walks we will search for the eight species of birds
including frigatebirds, white terns and noddy as well as skinksand coconut crabs.
Day 7 At Sea.
Crossing back across the International Date line we have a dayat sea as we sail to the Cook Islands (date remains the 27thApril).
Days 8 to 10 Northern Cook Islands.
Over the next three days we will explore some of the mostremote islands in the Cook Islands which are only serviced byirregular flight services and occasional cargo ship visits.Penrhyn, named after the ship “Lady Penrhyn” which sighted theisland in 1788, is the largest atoll in the Cook Islandscomprising a ring of coral made up of 53 islets, 48 milesaround, protecting a huge lagoon. The lagoon is home toabundant marine life including black tip sharks and bonefish,and fishing remains the main source of income for theislanders. We will have the chance to meet the villagers andlearn about life in this remote region. Meanwhile Manihiki Islandis just four square kilometres in size but home to a number ofpearl farms. Meeting the local farmers, we will learn about thecultivation of the pearls, swim in the clear waters or take a strollaround the island. Pukapuka, the most westerly of the CookIslands is actually closer to Samoa than Rarotonga and has itsown distinct customs and culture. We will learn about theharmonious lives of the islanders, swim in the lagoon or searchfor some of the wildlife on a nature walk.
Day 11 At Sea.
During our day at sea we will cross the International Date Lineand lose a day as we head to Samoa. Join our lectureprogramme or else find a spot to relax on deck.
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Day 12 Apia, Samoa.
Arrive this morning in Apia (on the 3rd May), the capital ofSamoa which is regarded as the heart of Polynesia and wherewe will be guaranteed a warm welcome. Leaving the city behindwe will make our way to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museumlocated in the house where the author spent his final years andafterwards we can explore the 12 hectares of Botanical Gardensand possibly take a swim in the freshwater swimming hole.Those feeling active may also wish to walk to his grave, situatedon Mount Vaea offering wonderful views over the island.Returning to Apia we can spend some time shopping in theMaketi Fou, visit the museum of Samoa or learn about localtraditions at the Cultural Village.
Days 13 & 14 Wallis & Futuna.
Well off the beaten track, Wallis and Futuna are part of thesmallest of France’s three South Pacific territories and sit on thethreshold of Polynesia and Melanesia. Wallis is isolated from itsneighbours geographically, culturally and politically with stronghistorical connections to Tonga. Here we will explore the interiorof the island visiting Mata Utu Cathedral, the crater lakes ofMount Lulu Fakahega and the recently excavated fort atTalietumu. Nearby Futuna has closer links to Samoa and herewe will discover the famous Church of Pierre Chanel, a peculiarchurch with a stepped tower erected to honour Polynesia’s firstand only Catholic Saint. Later we will enjoy nature walks on thebeaches to take in the amazing scenery and wildlife.
Day 15 Taveuni, Fiji.
Today we visit the ‘Garden Island of Fiji’. The nature lovers can take a four-wheel drive to Dos Voeux Peak where at the summit we will be treated to fantastic views of Taveuni and across to Lake Tagimoucia. Here we will see the tropical plants, palms
and rainforest and we hope to spot spectacular birdlife such asorange-breasted doves, silktails, ferntails and parrots.Alternatively, join a walking trip to the Bouma Heritage Park tosee some of the waterfalls and enjoy a swim. The view from thehighest waterfall is spectacular. Our cultural tour will give theopportunity to witness lifestyles in a traditional Fijian village andsee cooking demonstrations. In the afternoon we will head toone of the neighbouring islands for some snorkellingopportunities.
Day 16 Fiji to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for ourscheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 17 London.
Arrive this morning.
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
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YOUR SHIP: ISLAND SKY
YOUR SHIP: Island Sky
VESSEL TYPE:
LENGTH:
PASSENGER CAPACITY:
BUILT/REFURBISHED:
With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel ofher size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MSIsland Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriouslyappointed public areas and spacious outside decks.There is a high ratio of crew to passengers- the friendly crew of75 crew and Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners,having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passengervessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a smallship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea,you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosingthe vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select aship with endless entertainment and impersonal service orcome with us where peace, high quality service and attention todetail are the order of the day. We promise there will be noorganised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of theusual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is moreakin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in thelounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative portbriefings from our cruise director and of course good food whichmay be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After aday ashore you will return to the comfort
and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship. Your SuiteOnboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their
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own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance thetraditional maritime style making the passenger accommodationan inviting and relaxing place to be. Your SpaceThe spacious and finely decorated public roomsinclude a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will beprovided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where apianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar alsofeatures a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library isthe perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked withreference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visitingalong with a selection of games and two computers withinternet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are alsoplaced in the library depending on local availability. There isalso WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rearsun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade,a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxingwith a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and furtherobservation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers onboard with appointments made on request. Your DiningAnother benefit of a small ship is the quality of thecuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Wherepossible and when it meets his high standards, the chef willobtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the dayfrom a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the wellstocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus.
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