anne's journeys - Secrets of Bali Hai Luxury Cruise of Vanuatu

The Secrets of Bali Hai 6 day luxury cruise program is an invitation to explore Vanuatu on board a small ship alongside expert guides who escort guests deep into the interior to uncover the region's wildlife and stunning scenery. You may participate in specialised expeditions like trekking, kayaking and village tours... or. ..choose to relax with a good book from the library on a steamer chair in the sun. Island Escape Cruises are all inclusive; luxury bouique accommodation, onboard chef prepared meals, exclusive shore excursions, snorkel equipment, kayaks and small boat exploration, fishing equipment and guides. A full bar service applies.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: SUNDAY
After an arranged pickup from your Santo resort or the airport board the ship in Luganville Harbour at 4.30pm and begin settling into shipboard life. The ship departs at 5.00pm.

Champagne is served prior to our departure for the short cruise to nearby Aese Island where we are at anchor for the afternoon. Spend time swimming off the white sand beaches, beachcombing, kayaking or snorkeling .
This evening you will enjoy relaxing on the aft deck while watching the sun go down over Santo. Welcome to paradise - Island Escape style!

DAY 2: MONDAY
After breakfast we venture up the Riri river to visit the famous blue holes. At the river mouth we are transferred to dugout canoes for the 30 minute paddle up river. An unforgettable experience where we snorkel and swim in pristine fresh water springs. Return to the ship for lunch and then set sail for Champagne Beach, often described as the most beautiful beach in the world.

Enthusiastic guests are welcome to join our guide in one of the boats and cruise up the coast hoping to experience the excitement of landing a trophy fish along the way. We anchor inside Hogg Harbour and from here explore the numerous bays and coral islands.

DAY 3: TUESDAY

We spend the day here swimming, beachcombing and relaxing. Maybe explore by kayak the amazing coral formations that abound. There are also further local land tours available.

Captain's dinner onboard tonight before we sail at midnight for Asanvari on the Island of Maewo. On route we pass the island of Ambae with its active volcano and for those awake, the sight at night is truly amazing.

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY
We arrive early morning at Lolowai where in the shelter of the harbour there is breakfast served on deck. After lunch we are taken ashore at Asanvari and met by Chief Nelson and his string band.

The villagers perform the local custom dance and then offer a number of activities which you may join. In the bay there's fabulous snorkelling, great walks and a beautiful waterfall.

The local yacht club is also a must see and maybe mingle with owners of visiting yachts. We spend the night at anchor in this magical bay.

DAY 5: THURSDAY
After a lazy morning we make for Devils Rock on the island of Ambae, called "Bali Hai" by James Mitchener in his novel "Tales of the South Pacific".

The anchorage here is spectacular. Vertical volcanic cliffs and deep emerald green waters. This is a favourite for kayaking or cruising with the guided boats.

We stay here for the rest of the day and dinner is served under the stars. While you sleep away your last night aboard we make our way back to the island of Santo.

DAY 6: FRIDAY
Wake to the views of Aore island where we've anchored just off shore. For those energetic enough to end their cruise with a final adventure we whisk you away to Million Dollar point. This is the famous site where American forces dumped machinery at the end of WW2. We actually snorkel over the point where the machinery is still in an amazing state of repair.

Brunch is served at 9:00 before we return to Luganville Port.

Disembark from 11:00 am. Transfers are provided to the airport or local hotels.

COST:
Expedition Cabin - NZ$2995.00 per person share triple
Expedition Cabin - NZ$3690.00 per person share twin
Staterooms - NZ$3950.00 per person share twin
Owners Cabin - NZ$4195.00 per person share twin
Bridge Deck Cabin - NZ$4475.00 per person share twin

For single supplement rates an additional 50% will apply.

DEPARTURE DATES 2010:
May: Sunday 9th, Sunday 23rd, Sunday 30th
June: Sunday 6th, Sunday 20th, Sunday 27th
July: Sunday 6th, Sunday 28th, Sunday 25th
August: Sunday 1st, Sunday 15th, Sunday 22nd Sunday 29th
September: Sunday 12th, Sunday 19th

For bookings and full conditions contact Anne

Rates are subject to currency fluctuation and availability at time of booking.

*In Association with Travel Managers Group*
TAANZ Bonded & IATA License