2022-09-02
2025-01-01
from$ 43300 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Ship
National Geographic Resolution
National Geographic Resolution
City
Palau to Papeete
Palau to Papeete
Special Offers
2022-09-02
2025-01-01
Overview
Travel to some of the most far-flung tropical islands in the world, plying the Pacific from the archipelago of Palau to the idyllic shores of Tahiti. Among the wispy atolls of Chuuk and Kiribati, trace the history of war in paradise, exploring the battle sites and shipwrecks of World War II. Encounter a range of remarkable cultures, including the Chamorros of Guam and the handful of residents descended from the first English settler of Palmerston Island. Enjoy leisurely days on turquoise seas and immerse yourself in a dazzling marine world while snorkeling and kayaking among pristine reefs.
Departures
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive in Palau and check into a room at our group hotel. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing in the evening. On day 2, after breakfast at the hotel, join us on an island tour before embarking National Geographic Resolution in the late afternoon. (Day 2: B,L,D)
One of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet, the Pacific archipelago of Palau is home to an aquatic wonderland of more than 1,300 species of fish and some 700 species of corals. Spend the day discovering Palau’s dazzling undersea world or choose an adventure on land. (B,L,D)
As we set a course for Guam, settle into life aboard the ship. Enjoy discussions with our naturalists about the wonders that await and spend time on deck, scanning the horizon for seabirds and whales. (B,L,D)
Today we explore Guam, the largest of the Mariana Islands. With a dynamic mix of cultures and over 4,000 years of intriguing history, this isolated landmass has much to discover. Spend the day exploring Guam’s remote beaches and familiarize yourself with the island’s unique Chamorro culture which is a melting pot of American, European, Asian, Spanish, and Micronesian heritage. (B,L,D)
During two days at sea, we traverse 550 nautical miles en route to Micronesia. Enjoy leisure time and attend expert-led talks about the history of Pacific wayfinding and navigation, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the islands we will visit. Join our naturalists on deck to identify the seabirds that follow us as we sail east. (B,L,D)
The vast selection of WWII artifacts still found in the Chuuk State after five decades are testament to the unique history of the Micronesian Islands— visible propellers, torpedoes, cave networks, planes and ships abound. We see the waterside monument to those who died in the massive American air attack of 1944. Snorkel among Chuuk’s renowned WWII shipwrecks, now blooming with corals. Spot wildlife on rain forest walks, past waterfalls and deserted beaches, and become acquainted with the everyday traditions of the islands, largely unchanged over the centuries. Then, spend a day at sea en route to Pohnpei—a tropical Micronesian paradise with much to discover. Explore the island’s mysterious Nan Madol ruins— UNESCO-recognized marvels that have puzzled historians and archaeologists for decades. Discover Pohnpei’s pristine mangrove forests and stunning undersea life as we traverse the island before continuing our course east toward Kiribati. (B,L,D)
We begin our exploration at Butaritari Atoll, an isolated island first discovered in the early 1600s. Home to resident traders during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the island was also the site of several foreign occupations during World War II. We’ll explore the island’s unique history and we’ll set out on walks to discover the four different species of mangrove that only grow on this particular island. The following day, we land at Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati and one of the most populous locations in the otherwise isolated Western Pacific. Spend the day exploring the island’s cultural and colonial history, as well as its role in World War II. (B,L,D Daily)
Choose from an array of shipboard activities as we sail toward Tokelau. Attend a photo workshop with our National Geographic photographer, treat yourself to a massage or a wellness class, or compete for prizes in a Geo Bee. After three days at sea, arrive at Tokelau, easily one of the most inaccessible places in the world. Learn of the islanders’ strong Polynesian culture, and discover the undersea by snorkel. (B,L,D)
Today we let nature be our guide as we discover the pristine Cook Islands. Perhaps snorkel among colorful coral, or choose to kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the warm, crystal waters. Conditions permitting, visit Palmerston Island, home to fascinating locals, many of whom are descendants of the island’s original settlers. (B,L,D)
Enjoy the rhythms of shipboard life as we continue our course east. Soak up the views from one of the infinity-style hot tubs or saunas; enjoy a stretching session in the glass-walled yoga studio; and attend engaging presentations on a range of subjects, from ancient Polynesian navigators to talks from our photography team on how to organize and share your images. (B,L,D)
Encircled by a single fringing reef, and sharing a common lagoon, Ra’iatea and Taha’a are islands well worth exploring. One of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, Marae Taputapuatea was a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawai’i and New Zealand. Watch from on deck as we navigate lagoon channels en route to Taha’a, then go ashore at our private motu and explore both above and under water. (B,L,D)
Arrive in Papeete and take a tour of Tahiti before your overnight flight home. (B,L)
Itineraries are subject to change.
National Geographic Resolution
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Built: 2020 A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A twin to National Geographic Endurance, she is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities. The luxury of comfort on expedition. National Geographic Resolution comfortably accommodates 126 guests in 69 outside-facing cabins. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes range from the 140-square-foot solo cabin to the 430-square-foot category 7 suite. Fifty-three of the 69 cabins, including all 12 of the solo cabins, will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light. Comfort & convenience in every room. Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Cabins are equipped with expedition command centers with tablets and USB/mobile device docking, TVs, Wi-Fi connections, and hair dryers. Dining. Food served aboard is fresh, local, and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the lounge deck. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served on the observation deck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you. Public Areas: Two restaurants, a Chef’s Table for small group dining, Observation Lounge with bar, gym, Wellness area, infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, library, main lounge with full service bar, 24-hour beverage, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area; plus, an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, and an “open bridge” for access to our captain, officers and the art of navigation. Meals: Two restaurants, featuring local, sustainable choices and unassigned seating for flexible, inclusive dining; plus a Chef’s table for intimate, small group dining. Main restaurant has 270º views, and the Observation deck restaurant features lighter, made-to-order fare. Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and video chronicler, an internet cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by our wellness specialists and features a glass-enclosed yoga studio, gym, treatment rooms and spa relax area, and high- and low-heat saunas with ocean views. Expedition Landing Craft. Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 14 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use are 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat. Remotely Operated Vehicle. Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean. Kayaks. National Geographic Resolution will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity. Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch. Underwater camera. Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in polar regions, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colorful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrive in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment. Video microscope. Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures. Hydrophone. This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system. Electronic charts. An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge. Open bridge. You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. National Geographic Resolution's open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers. Snorkeling gear & wetsuits. On warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling, you’ll select a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that remain yours for the duration of the expedition. There’s no need to pack and tote your own gear, although guests who prefer to are welcome to bring their own.
Highlights
• Be among the few to explore the secluded beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs of remote atolls alive with unusual endemic flora and fauna like tiny whistling green pigeons and rare mangroves • Discover the unique isolated island cultures: Guam’s Chamorro melting pot and Tokelau’s Polynesian heritage. Meet friendly inhabitants. Visit important UNESCO sites like French Polynesia’s Marae Taputapuatea and Pohnpei’s Nan Madol ruins • Walk in the footsteps of brave soldiers and explore shipwrecks at historic World War II sites in the Chuuk State and Butaritari Atoll, with vestiges including propellers, torpedoes, and cave networks • Experience the energy and diversity of Tarawa, where half of Kiribati’s population resides, and Papeete, the meeting point of cultures from surrounding archipelagos • Visit Pohnpei, a tropical Micronesian paradise with mangrove forests and stunning undersea life
Map
