Experience Micronesia with your private expert guide, premium accommodation & luxury cruise. Board your cruise ship for an extraordinary voyage combining some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving spots, World War II battle sites, shipwrecks, isolated coral atolls and remote island cultures far from the tourist mainstream. Visit outlying islands where visitors are a rarity, even today. Join friendly villagers to absorb their rhythmic, pulsating, traditional dances. From virgin forests and the unique birdlife in Tingwon to the cultural traditions of Manus and Yap, the Japanese ship graveyard of Truk Lagoon and the great reef systems scattered across Micronesia, and ending with the famed Rock Islands of Palau, you will be enthralled as we explore the oceanic wonder that is Micronesia. Available Cruise Departure Dates: Nov 26, 2012

Rabaul is a township in East New Britain province, Papua New Guinea. The town was the provincial capital and most important settlement in the province until it was destroyed in 1994 by falling ash of a volcanic eruption. As a tourist destination, Rabaul is popular for scuba diving and for snorkelling sites and a spectacular harbour; it had been the premier commercial and travel destination in Papua New Guinea and indeed in the wider South Pacific during much of the 20th century until the 1994 volcanic eruptions.

A private vehicle with driver will transfer you between hotel and airport.

Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort offers business and leisure travellers a true experience of East New Britain. Located on the site of the original Kokopo Hotel and nestled along the coastline of Blanche Bay, the hotel boasts sweeping views of New Ireland, the unspoiled Duke of York Islands and the mighty volcanoes surrounding Rabaul town.  Once you are captured by the spirit of this Island Paradise you will not want to leave.

Overnight at Kokopo Beach Bungalow.

This half day tour explores the surrounding area of the Kokopo Village.  On this tour visit some of the area highlights including Bitapaka Commonwealth War Graves, Kokopo War Relics Museum, Queen Emma Steps, Vunapope Catholic Cathedral, and the Kokopo Market. If time permits visit the Malmaluan Lookout, the Japanese Peace Memorial, and the Toma Lookout.  Interact with the local villagers to catch a glimpse into their daily lives.

Overnight at Kokopo Beach Bungalow.

This tour explores the Gazelle Peninsula of Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Visit in and around the town of Rabaul, stopping to see the famous Japanese Barge Tunnel, the Rabaul Volcano logical Observatory, a Submarine base, Admiral Yamamoto's Bunker & Historical Center the Tavurvur Hot Springs, and some Japanese Airplane wreckage.  Tour the Kokopo Village, and visit the remains and historical sites of WWII.  Along the way visit some of the other highlights including the Bitapaka Commonwealth War Graves, Kokopo War Relics Museum, Queen Emma Steps, Vunapope Catholic Cathedral, and the Kokopo Market. If time permits visit the Malmaluan Lookout, the Japanese Peace Memorial, and the Toma Lookout.  Interact with the local villagers to catch a glimpse into their daily lives.

Overnight at Kokopo Beach Bungalow.

Cruise the western Pacific Ocean waters, which surround the thousands of islands in Micronesia.  Explore parts of the world still largely unexposed to the mainstream traveler, including hotspots for snorkeling, shipwrecks and remote island cultures. 

A private vehicle with driver will transfer you between hotel and port.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel!
After embarkation, meet some of your fellow cruise passengers and get settled in.

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers. The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

A formal traditional welcome will take place before any other activities can be undertaken, in accordance with local cultural protocols. After this ceremony the local villagers will display various aspects of their culture. Local guides will also offer a village walking tour of around one hour in duration. In the afternoon you'll take advantage of the island's white sand beaches and surrounding reef systems. Swimming and snorkelling will be available weather and conditions permitting.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Before departing Papua New Guinea waters for Micronesia your cruise ship will enter Lorengau Harbour on Manus Island for offical clearance procedures. This is a clearance stop only.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Begin your evening by joining your fellow travellers in the Leda Lounge for a pre-dinner drink and a briefing on tomorrow’s destination and Shoreside Expedition options by one of the Expedition Team.

The Restaurant opens at 7:00pm, though there is no rush, allowing you to dine when and with whom you choose. In warmer climes it is possible to reserve a table for dinner under the stars with full table service, be it a romantic table for 2 or a celebration for 20. After dinner you will find a duo in the Leda Lounge playing a selection of music ideally suited to conversation over a cognac, or dancing should the mood take you.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Today you continue cruising to your next destination Truk Lagoon. Relax at the jacuzzi on the sun deck, or make your way to the hub of social life, the lounge on deck 3.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Once the cruise vessel has completed clearance formalities into Micronesia, you'll be exploring the main island of Moen and its significant WWII History. Remnants of Japanese artillery will be seen near Nefo Cave, which was used by the Japanese to house the guns guarding one of the main entry points to the lagoon. Other fortifications and remnants of the Japanese occupation such as lighthouse they built used for navigation purposes can be seen during your tour. The afternoon will see you board a Zodiacs to select one of the many small islets in the lagoon to enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the clear blue waters.

Optional:
Certified Divers will be able to purchase dive packages, organized through local operators to explore the famous underwater fleet of Chuuk Lagoon.
Minimum numbers apply.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

A traditional welcome from the local people is expected today, including singing and dancing. You will have the opportunity to visit the local village and investigate life on this remote atoll. In-water activities may be available dependant on local conditions on the day.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Another expedition style stop, you will board the Zodiacs to land and explore Ifalik. A significant cultural event with interactions between the local villagers and cruise passengers is expected.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Once again the Zodiac fleet will get a workout, and there will ample opportunity for swimming and snorkelling on the atolls reef systems today. Bird watchers will be rewarded with the chance to undertake some bird watching this morning before the day heats up too much.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Your included island expedition today has a focus on the culture of the Yap people. You will experience colourful and lively cultural performances and learn about the traditional handicrafts of the local people. There will also be opportunities to purchase local made products today during the tour. The local woven fabrics, reminiscent of similar fabrics found further to the south in Indonesia, is a particular local highlight.

Optional:

Fishing Expedition - half day (minimum numbers apply).
Fishing in the deep, clear waters of Yap produce yellowfin and skipjack tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, rainbow runner, barracuda, red snapper, grouper and trevally amongst others. A half day fishing expedition with a local charter boat can be purchased today.

Sea Kayak Expedition - half day (minimum numbers apply).
A half day sea kayaking expedition around the Yap lagoon, gliding through mangroves and past villages is available for purchase today. Kayaking offers peace and tranquility as the kayak slices through the clear, warm waters. The pace is easy going, however you will need to paddle your own kayak.

Certified Scuba Dive - half day (minimum numbers apply).
Certified divers will be able to purchase a SCUBA dive today with a local dive operator. Dive sites will vary on local conditions on the day, but world class reef dive sites are abundant.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Swimming and snorkelling is the highlight of today, with usually crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. There will be snorkel tours and if conditions permit the crew will explore the possibility of doing some drop offs at the edge of the reef for competent snorkelers. You will also undertake a short walk to observe the island's birdlife.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Today your included expedition will visit the Palau Cultural Centre to learn more about this exciting, lively culture. Palau’s matrilineal culture is intriguing, the women's role symbolizes that of land as a source of food and direct link to family inheritance. A person's community standing is determined by his relationship to his mother's family, The women choose the chiefs and have the power to rescind them. You will witness cultural performances today, and there will be some free time for shopping or independent exploration.

Optional:
Certified divers will have the opportunity to purchase scuba dive packages today with a local dive operator (minimum numbers apply).

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (12N) .

Today you'll arrive at the port in Bali, where you will disembark from your ship, and say farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

Harbor transfer with private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

Start the day with a visit to Kerta Gosa, or Hall of Justice, built in 18th century in Klungkung. It is beautifully laid out within a moat and provides an exquisite example of the Klungkung style of painting and architecture which can be seen in their ceiling murals. Continue through spectacular views of terraced rice fields to Besakih temple, located on the slope of Mount Agung, Bali highest volcano. It is called Mother Temple of Bali as it houses ancestral shrines for all Hindu Balinese and a complex of nearly 24 temples. Our next stop is Kintamani where you can enjoy your lunch with a breathtaking view over the caldera lake, Danau Batur. Driving down, we arrive in the bottom of a lush green valley, where the Gunung Kawi temple, Bali largest ancient monument is located. It consists of 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) – memorials cut out of the rock face in imitation of actual statues and stand in 7m-high sheltered niches cut into the sheer cliff face. Our last stop will be Goa Gajah.

Witness this theatrical experience. The "Cak" or "Kecak" dance is the well-known “monkey dance” which is originally derived from a sacred sanghyang dance, it has subsequently been added to and adapted, incorporating scenes from the story of Ramayana. The Kecak dance is an amazing cacophony of interlocking sounds – 100 men, representing the Ramayana’s monkey army sit in concentric circles and chant. Their arms are thrown up to the skies, fingers outstretched, but the sounds and gestures have no meaning other than to drive out evil.

The Pita Maha is etched into the hillside that overlooks the Tjampuhan valley in Ubud. The Resort and Spa encompasses 24 villas that are spacious and elegantly designed in an Balinese style to anticipate every conceivable need. Immersed into the hillside overlooking the Tjampuhan valley in Ubud, the 5-star hotel Pita Maha Resort & Spa offers a holiday of wellbeing, leisure activities and Balinese culture on the enchanting Island of the Gods, Bali. Named after the artistic association that nurtured creative talents during the 1930's, Pita Maha means 'great shining' and today this boutique resort is an icon that showcases local artistry and design elements.

Overnight at Ubud - Pita Maha Resort and Spa (4.5*).

Start your cultural trip with a visit to Tohpati, which is known for its batik and continue to Celuk, the center of exquisite silver works and Mas, for fine woodcarvings. Enter Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali with many fine art galleries, and a home to a score of local and foreign artists. One of them is Agung Rai Museum of Art which has an extensive collection of paintings by Balinese, Indonesian and foreign artists in classic Balinese and contemporary styles. Afterwards, you can test your bargaining skill at Ubud art market prior to a visit to Puri Saren Agung whose royal family ruled Ubud from the late 1800’s until 1917.

Overnight at Ubud - Pita Maha Resort and Spa (4.5*).

Benoa Wharf transfer with private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .