15-night Roots of the Pacific – Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia Cruise

December 21, 2024

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Orion

Auckland/Brisbane

Vacation Offer ID 1491966

Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.

From $13,786

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Overview

Ship Info

Activities & Services

Staterooms

Deckplans

The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.

Cruise Inclusions

15-nights accommodations
All meals aboard ship
And more

Available Add-Ons

Optional roundtrip airfare.
Optional pre or post cruise nights.

Destination Guide
Suggested Shore Excursions

Destination	Arrival	Departure
Cross International Dateline	12/22/2024	12/22/2024
Air Travel Air Travel 12/23/2024 Depart the U.S. and arrive in Auckland on Day 3. Transfer to our hotel for check in and lunch, and relax this afternoon before a welcome briefing in the evening to meet your fellow travelers. (Day 3: L,D),	12/23/2024	12/23/2024
Auckland Auckland 12/23/2024 Depart the U.S. and arrive in Auckland on Day 3. Transfer to our hotel for check in and lunch, and relax this afternoon before a welcome briefing in the evening to meet your fellow travelers. (Day 3: L,D),	12/23/2024	12/23/2024
Auckland Auckland 12/24/2024 Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We'll stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D),	12/24/2024	12/24/2024
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 12/24/2024 Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We'll stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D),	12/24/2024	12/24/2024
Auckland Auckland 12/24/2024 Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We'll stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D),	12/24/2024	12/24/2024
Waitangi Waitangi 12/25/2024 The Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands, boasting an abundance of wildlife and fascinating history. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of immeasurable cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and learn of the historical events for which these grounds are remembered. (B,L,D),	12/25/2024	12/25/2024
At Sea At Sea 12/26/2024 Take advantage of a full day at sea to settle into the relaxed pace of life onboard. Visit the Bridge to study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by the onboard experts. (B,L,D),	12/26/2024	12/26/2024
Norfolk Island Norfolk Island 12/27/2024 Explore Norfolk Island, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774. Covered in dense forests of pines, it was initially valued as a ready source of ship-building lumber. Later, it became a British penal colony and then a settlement for Pitcairn Islanders, who themselves were descendants of the mutineers from the famous Bounty. Explore the ruins of the prison and enjoy walking around the main settlement at Burnt Pine. Later, take a long nature hike in Norfolk National Park to look for the endemic tree ferns and land birds. As we depart, look for large groups of seabirds alongside the dramatic island scenery. (B,L,D),	12/27/2024	12/27/2024
At Sea At Sea 12/28/2024 Relax on deck as we make our passage to Melanesia or attend talks by our expert expedition and photo teams. (B,L,D),	12/28/2024	12/28/2024
Ile des Pins Ile des Pins 12/29/2024 Swim or snorkel in the beautiful Oro Natural Pool or walk through a beautiful rainforest to the site of Queen Hortense's Cave, filled with limestone features and a variety of tropical vegetation. Alternatively, take a hike to the summit of N'Ga Peak to see incredible views over the island and the surrounding sea or join our naturalists for a birding walk through the dense canopy of the forest. (B,L,D),	12/29/2024	12/29/2024
Port Vila, Vanuatu Port Vila, Vanuatu 12/30/2024 Clear into Vanuatu at Port Vila. Later, go ashore at Lelepa to visit Vanuatu's first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we'll be welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and enter the impressive Fels Cave. (B,L,D),	12/30/2024	12/30/2024
Lelepa Lelepa 12/30/2024 Clear into Vanuatu at Port Vila. Later, go ashore at Lelepa to visit Vanuatu's first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we'll be welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and enter the impressive Fels Cave. (B,L,D),	12/30/2024	12/30/2024
Ambrym Island Ambrym Island 12/31/2024 Ambrym is known for its active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive ashore to witness the striking Rom dance, traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits, this is a cultural experience specific only to this island. (B,L,D),	12/31/2024	12/31/2024
Espiritu Santo Island Espiritu Santo Island 01/01/2025 Captain James Cook named the islands of Vanuatu the "New Hebrides" because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland's coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II, or enjoy a serene canoe paddle to the Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle. (B,L,D),	01/01/2025	01/01/2025
Lo Island Lo Island 01/02/2025 Arrive to the small village on Loh Island by Zodiac, meandering along a beautiful mangrove lagoon. Meet the lovely villagers and experience some of the local kastom dances. Hike across the island to a cave and look for wildlife along the way. If conditions permit, snorkel in along the beautiful fringing reef of the island. (B,L,D),	01/02/2025	01/02/2025
Fenualoa Fenualoa 01/03/2025 Visit Fenualoa, which is part of the Reef Islands in the northwestern province of Temotu. On shore we will be greeted by the local islanders and enjoy a tour of their village before snorkeling or swimming in the brilliant blue waters of the reef. (B,L,D),	01/03/2025	01/03/2025
Utupua Island Utupua Island 01/04/2025 Located in the Santa Cruz Island group, Utupua is a high volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon and a fringing coral reef. Travel by Zodiac to the village of Nimbau for a welcome song and dance performance. Take a walk through the village with the locals and see a display of their fantastic fishing canoes. Take a Zodiac ride along the shores, lined with dense mangroves and boasting a variety of wildlife. (B,L,D),	01/04/2025	01/04/2025
Santa Ana Island Santa Ana Island 01/05/2025 On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we're greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes, body paint, and masks. Walk across the small island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan. (B,L,D),	01/05/2025	01/05/2025
Honiara Honiara 01/06/2025 Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will overnight at a local hotel. (B,L),	01/06/2025	01/06/2025
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 01/06/2025 Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will overnight at a local hotel. (B,L),	01/06/2025	01/06/2025
Air Travel Air Travel 01/06/2025 Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will overnight at a local hotel. (B,L),	01/06/2025	01/06/2025
Brisbane Brisbane 01/06/2025 Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will overnight at a local hotel. (B,L),	01/06/2025	01/06/2025
Brisbane Brisbane 01/07/2025 Depart this morning for your flight home, arriving the same day. (B),	01/07/2025	01/07/2025

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Orion

Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in New Zealand, Australia, French Polynesia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Mediterranean to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. National Geographic Orion's elevated maneuverability allows for navigation of inshore waters, secluded bays, and sinuous rivers–practically anywhere accessible by sea.

Ship Highlights

All accommodations are outside, and most cabins feature oversized picture windows that connects with the passing views
The spacious lounge is the heart of expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours
Relax in the comfort of Orion’s main or observation lounges
Public Spaces such as Library, Bar and Theatre affords stunning 270º views

Ship Statistics

Maiden Voyage: 2003
Registry: Germany

Passenger Capacity: 102

Dining

Bars & Lounges

Onboard Activities

Outdoor Activities

Wellness

Stateroom Amenities

Bath Amenities/Toiletries
Bath Robes
Hair Dryer
In-Stateroom Movies
Minibar and/or Refrigerator
Private Safe
Sitting Area
Suites

Entertainment

Classes and Workshops
Guest Lecturers
Internet Access
Internet access is available at an additional charge, and there are several ways to get online. A laptop is available in the library with internet connection. Internet access is also available in your cabin via an Ethernet cable using your own laptop. If your laptop is wireless enabled, you may use it anywhere in the observation lounge or the main lounge. A satellite phone is available for phone calls at additional charge, and an Iridium satellite phone is also available for emergency use.

Oceanview

Oceanview Stateroom (01) $13,786

Category: 01

Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck.

Oceanview Stateroom (02) $16,720

Category: 02

Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck.

Oceanview Stateroom (1S) Call for pricing

Category: 1S

Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck.

Suite

Suite with Window (03) $19,378

Category: 03

Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. The main lounge is the social heart of the ship, on this deck, along with the outdoor café where breakfast & lunch are served.

Deluxe Suite (04) $21,398

Category: 04

Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Suite with French Balcony (05) $25,778

Category: 05

Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Suite with Window (3S) Call for pricing

Category: 3S

Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Prices are per person and include cabin fare, taxes, fees, excursions and all meals while onboard.  Airfare is available at an additional charge unless otherwise stated.

Price is per person, double occupancy.

Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals , nonalcoholic beverages* aboard ship and meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of taxes and service charges, and services of our expedition staff.
*Alcoholic beverages except super-premium brands and crew tips now included on Explorer and Orion.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

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