Exploring the remote islands of Melanesia and Micronesia independently can be challenging which is of course what makes the region so alluring to the genuine traveller, but also why travelling aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration is the ideal way to discover the beauty and diversity of the region. Made up of hundreds of remote islands which are perhaps less familiar than their faraway neighbours such as Hawaii and Polynesia, it is a true paradise both above land and below its crystal-clear waters. During this expedition you will experience the description-defying beauty of the islands and atolls along with their culture and ambience which have long attracted adventurers, explorers and travellers to their enchanting shores. The islands we call at are certainly not on the mass tourism circuit and their beauty and customs are relatively unscathed by the modern world. Exploring with the onboard fleet of Zodiacs will provide the freedom of spontaneity to land on otherwise inaccessible beaches and encounter some truly remote and fascinating communities.
Sailing from New Caledonia to Taiwan by way of Vanuatu and through the island groups of Micronesia, we will experience the culture and traditions of this wonderous region in all its vastness, diversity and warmth. One of the many advantages of exploring by small ship is the opportunity to truly venture off the beaten track where others seldom can and from these remote island paradises we will partake in centuries-old cultural traditions, enjoy nature walks inland and swim and snorkel in the warm waters from isolated, palm fringed beaches. The itinerary has been planned to include visits to many remote and exquisite islands including Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo, home to a magnificent array of flora and fauna and beautiful beaches, the isolated Marshall Islands where from the moment you step foot you will feel like Robinson Crusoe, and Palau with its ancient villages and ruins.
We are delighted to be working with our associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and their five-star vessel, the Hanseatic Inspiration for this expedition which promises to be a unique experience bringing with it spectacular natural experiences in a world far away from the stresses of modern life. You will be joined on board by an expert expedition team, consisting of naturalists, marine biologists and ecologists who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during forays ashore and on sea days when you can also pass the time looking for wildlife on deck, attend lectures, or simply relax on board enjoying the facilities.
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Itinerary
Please note that with the exception of Zodiac excursions, shore excursions are not included in the price and details of what excursions will be available along with prices will be sent to passengers three months before departure.
Day 1 London or Manchester to Brisbane, Australia.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Brisbane.
Arrive this evening and transfer to our hotel for a two night stay.
Day 3 Brisbane.
Today is free to explore Brisbane at your own pace or maybe relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Day 4 Brisbane to Noumea, New Caledonia.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Noumea. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration for embarkation before we sail this evening.
Day 5 At Sea.
Discovering the new and unfamiliar in the vastness of the Pacific also means spending time at sea. On such days the team of experts provide fascinating background information and talks whilst you can also relax and enjoy the comfort and service on board.
Day 6 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu.
Our first island stop is the island nation of Vanuatu. Espiritu Santo is the largest of Vanuatu’s islands with some of the most beautiful beaches, amazing blue holes, caves and renowned snorkelling. We will make our way to the white sanded Champagne Beach, inviting you to snorkel or swim in the clear waters.
Days 7 to 9 At Sea.
For the next three days we continue our journey towards the more remote islands of the Pacific, crossing the equator as we sail. The lecture programme continues on board and there is also time to relax on deck.
Day 10 Butaritari, Kiribati.
Located in the Gilbert group of islands Butaritari was the first trading capital of Kiribati in the 19th century and also a temporary home to Robert Louis Stevenson. As the ship drops anchor in the crystal-clear waters we will have a magical welcome as locals greet us with traditional ceremonies and dances before we take the chance to explore the island.
Days 11 to 13 Marshall Islands.
It is hardly possible to emphasise a single highlight among the many dream destinations on this expedition. No matter which turquoise lagoons and small bays the Zodiacs take you to – when you set foot on the Marshall Islands, you will feel like Robinson Crusoe. The widely scattered atolls and over 1,000 islands are still undiscovered by tourists and we will find rare species, mysterious rituals and lush jungle. We hope to visit Mili Atoll, home to sea turtles and coconut crabs whilst the American administration had a strong influence on life on Majuro Atoll. Jaluit Atoll, with a land mass of 11 square kilometres surrounded by a lagoon that spans almost 700 square kilometres offers a sense of total isolation.
Day 14 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we continue our journey across the Pacific.
Days 15 to 21 Caroline Islands.
Many of the remote Caroline Islands cannot even be located on a map. This part of the Pacific is almost forgotten by the world today, but the onboard experts know a lot about the former colonial influence, the turmoil of two world wars and the indigenous flora and fauna. Kosrae is a gem comprising jungle and mangroves – dominated by a volcano in the centre that is more than 600 metres high. The second-largest of the Caroline Islands, Pohnpei’s landscape is characterised by jagged mountains covered in rainforest and over 40 rivers running down from the highlands. There will be an optional visit to the ancient ruined city of Nan Madol, shrouded in mysticism and built on more than 90 man-made islands which leads you into the heart of lush vegetation. Ulul is one of the many coral islands on this expedition that receive few foreign visitors whilst the friendly inhabitants of the untouched island of Lamotrek will transport you to another world with their traditional dances.
Days 22 & 23 Yap Island.
Yap is also extremely remote, an island on which people lead highly traditional and simple lives. On a choice of optional tours you can marvel at the round stone money banks in front of the houses or take a kayak tour through the mangroves to explore an undisturbed ecosystem. Meanwhile, the use of the Zodiacs provides rare glimpses of life on a remote islet. Meet the only human living on Ngulu Atoll or enjoy this idyllic setting as you swim or snorkel.
Days 24 to 26 Palau.
The “Floating Garden” of Palau is a dream world. Many tiny islands emerge from the blue-green ocean like mushrooms covered in plant life. To allow you to fully immerse yourself in this wonder and peace the ship will stay for two nights. Plenty of time, for example, for an optional boat trip through the Rock Islands or optional guided snorkelling tour. Bizarre limestone cliffs are overgrown with thick vegetation and a colourful diversity of species lives in shimmering coral. On an optional scenic flight over the island world, you can see this paradise from a completely different perspective.
Days 27 to 29 At Sea.
Spend three days at sea as we make our way across the Philippine Sea to Taiwan. Maybe join a lecture, reminisce with your fellow travellers about the remarkable places visited or find a spot on deck to watch the world go by.
Day 30 Keelung, Taiwan to London or Manchester.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London or Manchester.
Day 31 London or Manchester.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
23 April to 23 May 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £19795 | £18795 |
2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £20495 | £19495 |
3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £21995 | £20995 |
4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £22995 | £21995 |
5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £22995 | £21995 |
6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £23495 | £22495 |
7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £24495 | £23495 |
8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £25295 | £24295 |
9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | £28295 | £27295 |
10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | £37995 | £36995 |
2 Panoramic cabin for sole use | £27995 | £26995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHI230425
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Brisbane with breakfast • 26 nights aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on a full board basis • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Zodiac excursions • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities • Transfers • Landing fees • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, optional shore excursions (details will be available to pre-book three months before departure and payment will be made on board), visa for Marshall Islands & Micronesia, lunch on days 3 & 4 and dinner on days 2 & 3, drinks with meals aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration.
Important Information. A visa is required for visits to the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia. These are currently processed on arrival and are not required to be arranged in advance. A complimentary eVisitor Visa is required for Australia and processed prior to arrival. Further information regarding visa requirements will be provided to booked passengers 12 weeks prior to departure. Flights schedules are yet to be released at the time of going to print and the itinerary may change on their release.
Please note that all bookings (including those made by Commodore Club members) are subject to a 20% deposit and that the balance payment will be due 150 days before the date of departure. Please also note that between 149 and 70 days before the date of departure, cancellation charges shall be 40% of the total holiday price payable.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
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Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000