Passage through Polynesia
An expedition from Tahiti to Fiji aboard the MS Island Sky
- 16 April 2020
The name Polynesia means ‘many islands’ and no one could argue with the suitability of this title. There are islands of low lying coral with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and contrasting volcanic mountainous structures of lush, incomparable beauty. On the more remote islands, villages are still composed of thatched houses, set amongst the shade of the breadfruit and coconut trees. Many islands are important nesting grounds for seabirds and sea turtles and the lagoons are breeding grounds for countless species of fish.
From the Polynesian paradise of Tahiti we travel to the Cook Islands and Tonga with visits to a number of the smaller islands such as Atiu, with only 560 residents, and uninhabited Tofua. Meet local villagers, learn about Polynesian culture and its many ancient rituals and experience a wide range of unique flora and fauna.
The only comfortable way to explore this intriguing region is by sea and we are fortunate in having one of the finest and best equipped expedition vessels in the world for our explorations. Helping us understand all the wonders we will encounter will be our expedition team who will accompany us ashore and enlighten us with their onboard talks. With our fleet of Zodiac landing craft we will explore inlets, lagoons and land in otherwise inaccessible places.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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What To Expect…
Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule will be changed to maximise your experience, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and to provide you with an idea of what to expect, below are some extracts from ship’s logs from previous expeditions:
Palmerston, Cook Islands: What a wonderful surprise Palmerston proved to be. The island is delightful, as close to a paradise coral atoll as it is possible to get. The 60 residents have no form of transport other than small motorcycles so there is no need for roads, only sandy tracks. A welcoming group gave us coconuts to drink from. A minister conducted a service of welcome and the mayor gave a short speech before accepting materials for the school we had brought with us. Islanders staged a dance programme, largely performed by schoolchildren who took us off in small groups to see the village afterwards. We visited Lucky School, the solar farm which supplies the majority of the island’s electricity, and chatted to islanders in their homes. Our time was our own and we gained a great impression of life which is devoid of most modern facilities such as television. Lunch was on board, although a few people chose to stay ashore. The Duke’s Pool is a popular swimming spot which we descended upon in the afternoon. People enjoyed snorkelling, sunbathing, further exploration of the island or watching the red-tailed tropicbirds and great frigate birds which drifted low over our heads. We left Palmerston with regret: it had been a taste of the simplest life imaginable, with sweet children who displayed a non-worldliness and innocence long lost in western society.
Atiu, Cook Islands: We would spend three days in total exploring the Cook Islands and our first stop was Atiu where Captain Cook landed on the west side of the island in 1775. Today we were offered a choice of two local tours. The first was a wildlife tour led by local Birdman George (accompanied of course by our own Birdmen Tony and Brent) and the second a cultural tour with a variety of guides who would drive small groups of us around the island visiting some of the key points of interest. Over the course of the next couple of hours we visited the site where Captain James Cook is believed to have taken his first footsteps on the island as well as coffee plantations, taro patches, churches and many of us were invited to the local island homes and gardens of our guides providing even more personal insight to life on the island. Meanwhile on the eco tour, Birdman George led a convoy of three vans around the island to take a closer look at local birds and plants. Between the three ornithologists both the endemic Atiu swiftlet and the Rimatara lorikeet were spotted. In addition to these rare birds, the groups also enjoyed sightings of the chattering kingfisher resting on power lines and football posts, the lesser frigate bird and the beautiful white or fairy terns.
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Caledonian Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 - Tahiti.
Arrive this morning and transfer to Intercontinental Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay. The afternoon and evening will be at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore independently.
Day 3 - Tahiti.
After breakfast in the hotel we will embark on a full day tour of Tahiti. We will start at the Arahoho Blow Hole. This lava tube, designed by liquid lava flowing under cold and hard lava, has created a channel. When waves crash against the rocks and enter the channel the result is a powerful sea water geyser. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Museum of Tahiti and her Islands. Later this afternoon we transfer to the MS Island Sky and sail tonight.
Day 4 - Raiatea & Taha’a.
Raiatea is recognised throughout Tahiti as its “Sacred Island”, the cultural heart of all Polynesia. Local Polynesian legends say Raiatea, formerly known as “Havai” was the island of origin of great voyaging canoes that took the people as far as Hawaii. This, the second largest Tahitian isle, was the centre of religion and culture over 1000 years ago and still lends enchantment to ancient legends told to this day. This morning’s island tour will include a visit to the Taputapuatea marae which dates back over 1000 years. This afternoon we sail over to the neighbouring island of Taha’a where we plan to visit a vanilla plantation. With the rich aroma of vanilla lingering heavily in the air, Taha’a offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of the Tahitians.
Day 5 - At sea.
Relax on board as we sail to the Cook Islands.
Day 6 - Atiu, Cook Islands.
Our first stop in the Cook Islands is the small island of Atiu. With only 560 residents we will be guaranteed a special welcome. There will be the chance to join the local expert “Birdman George” on a walking tour to search for the Rarotonga monarch, chattering kingfisher, Cook Island fruit dove and Atiu swiftlets. Alternatively, discover the island on a tour which will include James Cook’s landing site from 1777, the coffee plantations and a visit to some of the local houses. After lunch on board there will be the chance to return to Atiu for a relaxing afternoon exploring from the beach or maybe enjoy a taste of the local Tumunu, a traditional drink brewed from fermented oranges.
Day 7 - Aitutaki.
This lovely lagoon is famous for its fascinating coral formations and bountiful brightly hued tropical fish. After a lively welcome this morning, join an island drive which will explore the sleepy village of Arutanga seeing the oldest church in the Cook Islands. We will see the lush forest of Nikaupara and from the top of Mount Piraki will view the bunkers built during World War II. From the top of Maunga Pu we are treated to breathtaking views of the island and lagoon. Alternatively, you may wish to join our naturalists for cruise and snorkel in the lagoon. We sail after lunch and enjoy an afternoon on board as we cruise to our next island.
Day 8 - Palmerston.
The engaging history of the William Masters family comes alive as we meet the descendants of this eccentric 19th century Englishman who took three native brides. We will be welcomed by the local officials before enjoying a walk through the village. Extremely fine handicrafts are made on this island and here the birdwatchers could catch sight of the red-tailed tropic birds. This afternoon we will have a chance to swim or snorkel from the beach where large coral blocks team with goatfish, boxfish, groupers, stingray and turtles.
Day 9 - Day at sea.
Relax on board, join a lecture in the lounge or simply find a spot on deck and watch the world go by.
Day 10 - Niue.
Niue is one of the smallest independent nations on earth at just 260 square kilometres with a population of just 1200 people. Populated since the 10th century, the first European to sight Niue was Captain Cook in 1774 but his attempts to land were refused by the inhabitants. Today we will visit the capital, Alofi Village, and stop at the Philatelic Bureau, where some of the world’s most sought-after stamps may be purchased. We will continue to Matapa Chasm, a secluded cleft in the sea cliffs, where we discover the perfect swimming hole. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 11 - Vava’u, Tonga.
After crossing the International Date Line (so it is now 27 April), we arrive this morning in the Vava’u islands, part of the kingdom of Tonga and the pretty port of Neiafu. Spend the morning independently exploring the town, maybe visit the local market or enjoy a drink in a harbourside cafe.
Day 12 - Ha’apai Islands.
Today we arrive at the Ha’apai group which consists of 62 islands comprising of lagoons, barrier reefs and active volcanoes. The islands have a rich maritime history with Abel Tasman being the first European to visit the islands in 1643 whilst Captain James Cook visited twice in the 1770s. However, the most famous event was Mutiny of the HMS Bounty which occurred between the islands of Lifuka and Tofua. It was on the island of Tofua that Captain William Bligh landed after being cast off from the Bounty with limited provisions and nautical equipment. A hostile reception from the islanders meant they quickly fled to sea again. Tropical forests grow along gentle slopes here and at the centre of the island is the volcanic crater, with a clear blue lake at its base. During the morning we hope to offer a Zodiac cruise to explore the coastline of this historic island.
Day 13 - Fulaga, Fiji.
Our first call at a Fijian island will be on Fulaga, famous for its woodcarving and the making of large outrigger canoes. Over 100 tiny islands in the Fulaga Lagoon have been undercut into extraordinary mushroom shapes and the surrounding waters are tinged with striking colours by the dissolved limestone. On arrival we hope to meet with the village elder to welcome us to the island before spending the morning using our Zodiacs to explore the rocks or find a suitable beach to land for swimming, snorkelling or beachcombing.
Day 14 - Levuka & Honeymoon Island.
The island of Levuka and the town of Ovalau has a special place in Fijian history as it was here in 1874 that the Fiji Islands were ceded to the British and also where in 1970 Fiji was declared independent again. The town is unlike any other Fijian town having retained the colonial buildings which made it the first Fijian site to be granted UNESCO status. Join a walking tour around Nasova village on the shores of the bay and visit the museum and Cession Monument, the site where Chief Cakobau signed the deed ceding Fiji to Great Britain. This afternoon we will relocate to Honeymoon Island where we can relax on the beach or join an organised snorkelling trip.
Day 15 - Fiji to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 16 - London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
16 April to 2 May 2020 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £9995 | £9495 |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £10295 | £9795 |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £10595 | £10095 |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £10895 | £10395 |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £11695 | £11195 |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £11895 | £11395 |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £13495 | £12995 |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £13495 | £12995 |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £13795 | £13295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK160420
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation on bed and breakfast basis in Tahiti • 12 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia Expedition Team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Group transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visas.
Important Visa Information: Your inbound flight will likely be via Los Angeles, an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is required for entry into the USA.
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2020/2021 Deckplan
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Caledonian Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.
What To Expect…
Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule will be changed to maximise your experience, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and to provide you with an idea of what to expect, below are some extracts from ship’s logs from previous expeditions:
Palmerston, Cook Islands: What a wonderful surprise Palmerston proved to be. The island is delightful, as close to a paradise coral atoll as it is possible to get. The 60 residents have no form of transport other than small motorcycles so there is no need for roads, only sandy tracks. A welcoming group gave us coconuts to drink from. A minister conducted a service of welcome and the mayor gave a short speech before accepting materials for the school we had brought with us. Islanders staged a dance programme, largely performed by schoolchildren who took us off in small groups to see the village afterwards. We visited Lucky School, the solar farm which supplies the majority of the island’s electricity, and chatted to islanders in their homes. Our time was our own and we gained a great impression of life which is devoid of most modern facilities such as television. Lunch was on board, although a few people chose to stay ashore. The Duke’s Pool is a popular swimming spot which we descended upon in the afternoon. People enjoyed snorkelling, sunbathing, further exploration of the island or watching the red-tailed tropicbirds and great frigate birds which drifted low over our heads. We left Palmerston with regret: it had been a taste of the simplest life imaginable, with sweet children who displayed a non-worldliness and innocence long lost in western society.
Atiu, Cook Islands: We would spend three days in total exploring the Cook Islands and our first stop was Atiu where Captain Cook landed on the west side of the island in 1775. Today we were offered a choice of two local tours. The first was a wildlife tour led by local Birdman George (accompanied of course by our own Birdmen Tony and Brent) and the second a cultural tour with a variety of guides who would drive small groups of us around the island visiting some of the key points of interest. Over the course of the next couple of hours we visited the site where Captain James Cook is believed to have taken his first footsteps on the island as well as coffee plantations, taro patches, churches and many of us were invited to the local island homes and gardens of our guides providing even more personal insight to life on the island. Meanwhile on the eco tour, Birdman George led a convoy of three vans around the island to take a closer look at local birds and plants. Between the three ornithologists both the endemic Atiu swiftlet and the Rimatara lorikeet were spotted. In addition to these rare birds, the groups also enjoyed sightings of the chattering kingfisher resting on power lines and football posts, the lesser frigate bird and the beautiful white or fairy terns.

Tour Extensions
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14th to 17th April 2020
Extend your time in Tahiti with our two night stay on the island of Moorea, this heart shaped island is situated close to the main island of Tahiti and is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the world. From our hotel base, The Manava Beach Resort & Spa (or similar) there will be the opportunity to enjoy water sports or alternatively you may wish to explore the island seeing the plantations of cotton, coffee, sugarcane and pineapples and the majestic mountains with views over the island and wonderful waterfalls. Upon check-out on 17th April, transfer to the main island and continue with the main itinerary from day 2.
Cook's Bay, Moorea
Prices per person based on double occupancy
14 to 17 April 2020 Category Price Twin £725 Single £975 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Moorea on a bed and breakfast basis, group transfers from airport to hotel and from hotel to the main island using local boats and vehicles, half day island tour.
Not Included: Travel insurance, gratuities.
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If you would like to extend your time in Fiji after disembarking the MS Island Sky, we are offering a relaxing three night stay at the Matamanoa Island Resort which is located in the Mamanuca group of islands, offshore west of Fiji’s main island, Vitu Levi. The Mamanuca islands are famous for their white sand beaches and this hotel offers an intimate and secluded experience on a small Fijian island.
Fiji
Prices per person based on double occupancy
1 to 5 May 2020 Category Price Beachfront Pool Bure Twin £1295 Beachfront Pool Bure Single £1945 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation on half board basis (breakfast and dinner), transfers to and from the resort using local boats.
Not Included: Travel insurance, gratuities, optional hotel activities
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- Nosy Mangabe / Masoala National Park
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- Aldabra Islands, Seychelles
- Zanzibar
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Itinerary at a glance
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Zanzibar
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- Aldabra Islands, Seychelles
- Farquhar Islands
- Alphonse Islands
- Amirante Islands
- Aride / Curieuse
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000