10 Night Revealing the Mysteries of Melanesia Cruise from Honiara

Ship: Le Soleal

Cruise Line: Ponant Cruises

Sailed: Thursday, Nov 23, 2023 from Honiara, Solomon Islands

Ended: Sunday, Dec 3, 2023

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Thursday, Nov 23, 2023 departure of the Le Soleal. If Ponant Cruises modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Thursday - Nov 23, 2023

Honiara, Solomon Islands

Depart: 6:00 pm

Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari language "naho-ni-ara" meaning 'facing the ara', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Discover this city, its beautiful landscape, and the significant role it played in World War II; particularly the Battle of Henderson Field, the last of the three major land offensives conducted by the Japanese in 1942.

Day 2 - Friday - Nov 24, 2023

Port Mary, Solomon Islands

Owaraha (formerly Santa Ana) is located at the eastern end of Makira (San Cristobal) and just north of the smaller Owariki (Santa Catalina). Our ship will navigate through the picturesque channel separating the islands before dropping anchor just outside Port Mary. The islanders are well known for preserving ancient traditions and producing intricate wooden carvings. Their artefacts include magnificently carved fishing floats and ceremonial bowls intricately inlaid with shells. After a short zodiac ride ashore, you will be guided through the village to an open area to witness a number of traditional performances. Afterwards, experience life in a traditional Solomon Island village or take a swim in the warm tropical waters of Port Mary.

Day 3 - Saturday - Nov 25, 2023

At Sea

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Day 4 - Sunday - Nov 26, 2023

Vanikoro, Solomon Islands

The French explorer Jean-Francois de La Perouse was stranded on Vanikoro after both his vessels struck the reefs of the island in 1788. The complete disappearance of La Perouse caught the imagination of the European public. Songs, stories, and plays were written about the possible fate of the expedition. It is believed that some of the men were killed by the local inhabitants, while the surviving sailors built a smaller vessel and left the island, but were never seen again. Those that remained on the island died before search parties arrived in 1826. Today guests have the opportunity to head ashore to the infamous location of this historical event. Enjoy a welcome and cultural performance while pondering the fate of the expeditioners.

Day 5 - Monday - Nov 27, 2023

Ureparapara, Vanuatu

Ureparapara, also known as Parapara for short, is the third-largest island in the Banks Archipelago of northern Vanuatu and formed by an extinct volcano cone that has been breached by the sea on its east coast, forming a spectacular 3 km long harbour. During your voyage, your ship will sail into the natural harbour, affording guests spectacular views from the outer decks. You will also have the opportunity to go ashore for a welcome and custom dances. An opportunity to witness life in one of the remotest parts of Vanuatu. Very few vessels visit this part of Vanuatu and the local residents are eager to welcome visitors.

Day 6 - Tuesday - Nov 28, 2023

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

At the end of the world, in the north of New Caledonia, lies Vanuatu, a little archipelago that subsists mainly from fishing and farming. It is composed of several islands, Espiritu Santo being the largest and one of the most beautiful. You can meet the people here who are very welcoming and who live in harmony with nature. Plus you'll see unimaginable landscapes formed of volcanic rocks, as well as sandy beaches and lagoons beckoning you to dive into their of turquoise waters. You'll be surprised to find, in the middle of dense vegetation, brackish water with an amazing ecosystem called "blue holes". If paradise exists, it must be here.

Day 7 - Wednesday - Nov 29, 2023

Ambrym Island, Vanuatu

The island of Ambrym in Vanuatu is often referred to as the "black island" due to its volcanic ash and because of its "black magic" steeped in mystery. In the villages, the ancient customs play a significant part in day to day living. The "man blong majik" are treated with the utmost respect and practice sorcery and magic beyond all imaginings. Ambrym prides itself on some unique characteristics, such as the magnificent tam-tams (or slit gongs) sculpted out of tree trunks, sand-drawing, black-fern masks, and local dances. The most striking custom dance is the Rom (or masked) dance - where 9-foot covertly cloaked and masked 'spirits' stomp out ancient rhythms to the beat of the tam tam.

Day 8 - Thursday - Nov 30, 2023

Malakula, Vanuatu

Malekula is the second-largest island in Vanuatu and the most diverse, culturally and linguistically, with over thirty distinct languages spoken. Some of the best custom dances come from the island. The very friendly villagers will be proud to share with you their cultural heritage. Guests will be transferred ashore for a welcome and cultural performance. Afterwards, you will have an opportunity to witness traditional village life in Malekula, with demonstrations of traditional village practices such as weaving and Kava, and purchase genuine artefacts.

Day 9 - Friday - Dec 1, 2023

Tanna, Vanuatu

A visit to Vanuatu cannot be complete without viewing the erupting Mount Yasur Volcano on the island of Tanna. It is regarded as the world's most accessible active volcano. Known for its spectacular persistent strombolian activity consisting of regular small to violent explosions, it has been in more-or-less continuous activity since Captain James Cook observed ash eruptions in 1774. Often referred to as "the lighthouse of the Pacific", the glow of the volcano apparently led Captain Cook to Tanna during the first European journey to the island. Today the volcano is considered a sacred area by members of the John Frum cargo cult, who believe their deity resides in the heart of the volcano.

Day 10 - Saturday - Dec 2, 2023

Lifou, New Caledonia

You'll land around 100 km east of Grande Terre. An ancient coral atoll atop a collapsed volcano, Lifou is today the largest and highest of the Loyalty Islands. This is an outstanding natural site, waiting to be explored: to the north, the coastline ends abruptly in sheer cliffs, while to the south lie expanses of long white-sand beaches. Lovers of wild plant life may well be tempted by a walk further inland, where the rich and authentic Kanak culture is proudly upheld by the local community.

Day 11 - Sunday - Dec 3, 2023

Noumea, New Caledonia

Perched on a peninsula between bays and hills, on the south-west coast of Grande Terre, Noumea enjoys a magnificent natural setting. The town shelters some exceptional biodiversity, thanks especially to the coastal mangroves. To feel the town's heartbeat, you can mosey in the Place des Cocotiers, where Noumeans love to gather. The Tjibaou Cultural Centre unveils the secrets of the Kanak culture. As for the Hagen Castle or the Maison Celieres, these are precious witnesses of a colonial past. But Noumea is also about sumptuous beaches.