The Authentic Cruise Company

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From Fiji to Micronesia

with Ponant
Feb. 22, 2027 - Mar. 09, 2027
16 days9 ports

At the edge of the Pacific, time seems to be standing still. In Vanuatu, in the Salomon Islands and in Micronesia, ancestral cultures shape a magical universe on the water. Sail from island to island, marvelling at the power of these territories formed by the sea and fire, by song and dance, and share unique moments with the local communities. The immaculate beaches and crystal-clear lagoons reveal another spectacle: exceptional sea beds, sometimes hiding surprising vestiges, tragic witnesses of the conflicts that marked the region.

  • Asia
  • british isles
  • Cambodia
  • Cherry Blossoms
  • Cruise
  • denmark
  • Dining
  • europe
  • family
  • France
  • French Riviera
  • iceland
  • ireland
  • Italian Riviera
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Luxury Cruise
  • Monaco
  • Monte Carlo
  • scotland
  • Seabourn
  • Seabourn dining
  • Spring
  • The Mekong
  • Vietnam
  • wine

Itinerary

Day 1: Lautoka
Day 3: Ambrym
Day 4: Ureparapara Island
Day 6: Santa Ana Island
Day 7: Roderick Bay
Day 9: Rabaul, Bismarck Archipelago
Day 13: Chuuk (ex Truk)
Day 14: Pulap Island
Day 16: Guam
Day 1: Lautoka

North of Nadi through sugarcane plantations and past the Sabeto Mountains is Lautoka, nicknamed the Sugar City for the local agriculture and its big processing mill. With a population of around 50,000, it’s the only city besides Suva and, like the capital, has a pleasant waterfront. It’s the sailing point for Blue Lagoon and Beachcomber Cruises but is otherwise unremarkable for tourists, itself having few hotels and fewer good restaurants. Locals recommend the city as a less-expensive place to shop for clothing, but note that it can take as long as 45 minutes to drive here. Legend has it that Lautoka acquired its name when two chiefs engaged in combat and one hit the other with a spear. He proclaimed “lau toka” (spear hit) and thus the future town was named.

Day 3: Ambrym

Unlike Espiritu Santo with its raised coral reefs and white sand, Ambrym is a volcanically active island with dark sand beaches. Ambrym is known as the island of magic and is the source of five local languages that all evolved on Ambrym. This handful of languages contributes to the well over 100 languages of Vanuatu. Some of Ambrym’s magic takes place in the lush greenery of the local community of Ranon. Here the people perform a very special and traditional ‘Rom’ dance. Participants prepare their masks and costumes in secrecy and the dance is reserved for special occasions.

Day 4: Ureparapara Island
Day 6: Santa Ana Island

Port Mary is the name of the bay adjacent to Ghupuna, the main village in Santa Ana. A bright white sand beach with huge shade-giving trees runs along the shoreline in front of the tidy village. The houses here are made with local materials and most are built on stilts. Islanders generally welcome visitors with traditional songs and dances performed by members of the three different villages on Santa Ana. Some local people will also set up stands offering souvenirs for purchase. The Solomons are best known for strings of traditional shell money and elegant carvings based on local stories and legends.

Day 7: Roderick Bay

Roderick Bay is a hidden cove on the northwestern side of Ngela Sule, a small verdant green island, and would be just like hundreds of similar coves in the Solomon Islands were it not for a shipwreck in the shallows of the bay. A small native village is located just around the corner from the ship and the locals offer a friendly welcome. Lianas from shore are beginning to encase the boat’s hull and seem to drag her back towards the forest. Snorkeling around the wreck provides a view of how the hull is now becoming a thriving artificial reef.

Day 9: Rabaul, Bismarck Archipelago

Rabaul, the former provincial capital, has quite a remarkable location. The town is inside the flooded caldera of a giant volcano and several sub-vents are still quite active today! The fumes of the volcano Tavurvur can be seen continually and the town suffered greatly during the last major eruption of 1994 when some 80% of the houses collapsed due to the ash raining down onto their roofs. Rabaul has a Volcano Observatory sitting atop the town’s center, monitoring the 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. A small museum opposite the bunker used by Yamamoto during World War II shows exhibits relating to Rabaul’s local, German, Australian and Japanese past from the 19th century to Papua New Guinea’s independence in the 1970s.

Day 13: Chuuk (ex Truk)

Chuuk Lagoon, also previously known as Truk Lagoon is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The cluster of 16 much-eroded volcanic islands have mangrove swamps along their coasts with rich rainforests in the central mountainous areas. The islands are hugely popular with scuba divers thanks to the incredibly interesting shipwrecks which have become foundations for new reef growth.

Day 14: Pulap Island

Pulap is an atoll consisting of three islands located in the Pattiw group in the Caroline Islands. The three islands are, Pollap in the north, Tamatam in the south, and Fanadik at the western fringe of the reef. The island is surrounded by a number of ghostly shipwrecks that are virtually intact, submerged underwater. This makes for great diving expeditions where you can explore the reef and its incredible marine life as well as the shipwrecks.

Day 16: Guam

Situated in the western Pacific Ocean lies Guam, the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago. There is a wealth of history in Guam, it was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. Captured by Japan in 1941, it was retaken by the US 3 years later. Come to the end of your expedition in Guam where you can enjoy local culture and visit the historic landmarks.

Region Banner

Ship features

Owner's Suite

Owner's Suite

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Private return transfer
  • Priority boarding
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and a basket of fruit every day
  • A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
  • A living/dining room with a sofa, an armchair, a TV, a 4-seater table and sliding courtesy door
  • A bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub
  • A one-hour spa care for one person in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
  • A private 9 m² balcony
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Owner's Suite
Prestige Suite

Prestige Suite

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and a basket of fruit every day
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
  • A lounge with a sofa convertible to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, a TV and a sliding courtesy door
  • Two bathrooms: one with a shower and one with a bath
  • A private 8 m² balcony
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Owner's Suite
Prestige Suite
Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and a basket of fruit every day
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
  • An armchair and a sofa (167 x 70 cm)
  • A bathroom with bath
  • A private 5 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
Owner's Suite
Prestige Suite
Deluxe Suite
Superior Stateroom

Superior Stateroom

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • One king-size bed or two single beds (180 x 200 cm) and TV
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A window (except for stateroom 300: a round porthole only)
Owner's Suite
Prestige Suite
Deluxe Suite
Superior Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom

Prestige Stateroom

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
  • A bathroom with bath (except staterooms 605 and 625: with shower)
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
Owner's Suite
Prestige Suite
Deluxe Suite
Superior Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom
Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe Stateroom

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A window and a panoramic glazed swing door

Ponant

Ponant is renowned for offering luxury yacht expeditions that blend French art de vivre with unique itineraries. Their cruises visit both well-known ports and lesser-explored destinations, accessible only to smaller ships. As a leading luxury polar cruise operator, Ponant provides expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and beyond.
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START NOW

Get in touch with our team to start planning

Our team will get back to you to provide you more information.

Need support now? Call and speak to a member of our team today for more details on +44 (0)1491 528 988 or email info@authenticcruises.co.uk.

    Banner Image

    From Fiji to Micronesia

    with Ponant
    Feb. 22, 2027 - Mar. 09, 2027
    16 days9 ports

    At the edge of the Pacific, time seems to be standing still. In Vanuatu, in the Salomon Islands and in Micronesia, ancestral cultures shape a magical universe on the water. Sail from island to island, marvelling at the power of these territories formed by the sea and fire, by song and dance, and share unique moments with the local communities. The immaculate beaches and crystal-clear lagoons reveal another spectacle: exceptional sea beds, sometimes hiding surprising vestiges, tragic witnesses of the conflicts that marked the region.

    • Asia
    • british isles
    • Cambodia
    • Cherry Blossoms
    • Cruise
    • denmark
    • Dining
    • europe
    • family
    • France
    • French Riviera
    • iceland
    • ireland
    • Italian Riviera
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Luxury Cruise
    • Monaco
    • Monte Carlo
    • scotland
    • Seabourn
    • Seabourn dining
    • Spring
    • The Mekong
    • Vietnam
    • wine

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Lautoka
    Day 3: Ambrym
    Day 4: Ureparapara Island
    Day 6: Santa Ana Island
    Day 7: Roderick Bay
    Day 9: Rabaul, Bismarck Archipelago
    Day 13: Chuuk (ex Truk)
    Day 14: Pulap Island
    Day 16: Guam
    Day 1: Lautoka

    North of Nadi through sugarcane plantations and past the Sabeto Mountains is Lautoka, nicknamed the Sugar City for the local agriculture and its big processing mill. With a population of around 50,000, it’s the only city besides Suva and, like the capital, has a pleasant waterfront. It’s the sailing point for Blue Lagoon and Beachcomber Cruises but is otherwise unremarkable for tourists, itself having few hotels and fewer good restaurants. Locals recommend the city as a less-expensive place to shop for clothing, but note that it can take as long as 45 minutes to drive here. Legend has it that Lautoka acquired its name when two chiefs engaged in combat and one hit the other with a spear. He proclaimed “lau toka” (spear hit) and thus the future town was named.

    Day 3: Ambrym

    Unlike Espiritu Santo with its raised coral reefs and white sand, Ambrym is a volcanically active island with dark sand beaches. Ambrym is known as the island of magic and is the source of five local languages that all evolved on Ambrym. This handful of languages contributes to the well over 100 languages of Vanuatu. Some of Ambrym’s magic takes place in the lush greenery of the local community of Ranon. Here the people perform a very special and traditional ‘Rom’ dance. Participants prepare their masks and costumes in secrecy and the dance is reserved for special occasions.

    Day 4: Ureparapara Island
    Day 6: Santa Ana Island

    Port Mary is the name of the bay adjacent to Ghupuna, the main village in Santa Ana. A bright white sand beach with huge shade-giving trees runs along the shoreline in front of the tidy village. The houses here are made with local materials and most are built on stilts. Islanders generally welcome visitors with traditional songs and dances performed by members of the three different villages on Santa Ana. Some local people will also set up stands offering souvenirs for purchase. The Solomons are best known for strings of traditional shell money and elegant carvings based on local stories and legends.

    Day 7: Roderick Bay

    Roderick Bay is a hidden cove on the northwestern side of Ngela Sule, a small verdant green island, and would be just like hundreds of similar coves in the Solomon Islands were it not for a shipwreck in the shallows of the bay. A small native village is located just around the corner from the ship and the locals offer a friendly welcome. Lianas from shore are beginning to encase the boat’s hull and seem to drag her back towards the forest. Snorkeling around the wreck provides a view of how the hull is now becoming a thriving artificial reef.

    Day 9: Rabaul, Bismarck Archipelago

    Rabaul, the former provincial capital, has quite a remarkable location. The town is inside the flooded caldera of a giant volcano and several sub-vents are still quite active today! The fumes of the volcano Tavurvur can be seen continually and the town suffered greatly during the last major eruption of 1994 when some 80% of the houses collapsed due to the ash raining down onto their roofs. Rabaul has a Volcano Observatory sitting atop the town’s center, monitoring the 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. A small museum opposite the bunker used by Yamamoto during World War II shows exhibits relating to Rabaul’s local, German, Australian and Japanese past from the 19th century to Papua New Guinea’s independence in the 1970s.

    Day 13: Chuuk (ex Truk)

    Chuuk Lagoon, also previously known as Truk Lagoon is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The cluster of 16 much-eroded volcanic islands have mangrove swamps along their coasts with rich rainforests in the central mountainous areas. The islands are hugely popular with scuba divers thanks to the incredibly interesting shipwrecks which have become foundations for new reef growth.

    Day 14: Pulap Island

    Pulap is an atoll consisting of three islands located in the Pattiw group in the Caroline Islands. The three islands are, Pollap in the north, Tamatam in the south, and Fanadik at the western fringe of the reef. The island is surrounded by a number of ghostly shipwrecks that are virtually intact, submerged underwater. This makes for great diving expeditions where you can explore the reef and its incredible marine life as well as the shipwrecks.

    Day 16: Guam

    Situated in the western Pacific Ocean lies Guam, the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago. There is a wealth of history in Guam, it was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. Captured by Japan in 1941, it was retaken by the US 3 years later. Come to the end of your expedition in Guam where you can enjoy local culture and visit the historic landmarks.

    Region Banner

    Ship features

    Ponant

    Ponant is renowned for offering luxury yacht expeditions that blend French art de vivre with unique itineraries. Their cruises visit both well-known ports and lesser-explored destinations, accessible only to smaller ships. As a leading luxury polar cruise operator, Ponant provides expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and beyond.
    Back To Top
    START NOW

    Get in touch with our team to start planning

    Our team will get back to you to provide you more information.

    Need support now? Call and speak to a member of our team today for more details on +44 (0)1491 528 988 or email info@authenticcruises.co.uk.