2022-09-02
2025-01-01
from$ 18620 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Ship
National Geographic Resolution
National Geographic Resolution
City
Saigon to Koror
Saigon to Koror
Special Offers
2022-09-02
2025-01-01
Overview
Set sail on a journey that will take you through the global center of marine biodiversity—the Coral Triangle. Learn about the conservation struggles and triumphs in this vast region. Experience the stunning beauty both above and below the sea as you snorkel or dive along the healthy seawalls and reefs or kayak through the crystalline bays and vibrant mangroves. Meet the locals along the way who have fascinating histories and have relied on the sea and its bounty for centuries; step back in time as we learn about some of the fiercest battles of the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Departures
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive in Saigon. Transfer to our hotel upon arrival and meet your fellow travelers at our welcome reception this evening. (D)
Check out of the hotel and set off to discover Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, the city was officially renamed after the North Vietnamese captured the city in 1975—though the new name hasn’t quite caught on. Trace history on a tour of the most important city in southern Vietnam. View the former American Embassy and visit the Reunification Palace and the Saigon Central Post Office, one of the most iconic buildings in the city. At the Vietnam History Museum, browse exhibits that illustrate the evolution of Vietnam’s cultures. Then stop at two important pagodas, the Jade Emperor and the 18th-century Giac Lam, where Buddhist monks still live and worship. This afternoon embark the National Geographic Resolution. Be out on deck to take on the views of lush deltas and rural villages as we leave the modern city behind. (B,L,D)
The 16 islands of the Con Dao Archipelago are characterized by jungle-covered mountains and gorgeous beaches—and nearly 80 percent of their land and sea has been declared a national park. Con Son is the largest island and the only one that is inhabited. During the French colonial era, the island served as a political prison and later, the Saigon regime imprisoned dissenters here using the infamous “tiger cages.” While its difficult past has earned the islands recognition as a national historical site, they are now celebrated for their natural beauty and biodiversity. We will have opportunity for hikes on the inner island trails, Zodiac cruises and kayaking through the mangroves, photographing the vast array of plant and birdlife, and just soaking up the splendor. (B,L,D)
This morning head inland to Mount Kinabalu National Park. Known as a cloud forest, the dense jungle is teeming with rushing streams, orchids, small mammals and the bizarre carnivorous pitcher plants. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the region is one of the most important ecosystems in the world. We’ll head to the park headquarters and then venture out to explore surrounding trails. This beautiful region is home to over 250 species of birds. Be on the lookout for laughing thrushes, babblers and the spectacular Whitehead’s broadbill. (B,L,D)
Sail to the northeast coast of Borneo and the town of Sandakan, our starting point for visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. The center opened in 1964 and was the first of its time – created to rehabilitate baby orangutans who were orphaned due to the destruction of their natural habitat. This protected forest reserve is now home to approximately 70 orangutans. The facility provides medical care for these great apes and helps to get them back into the wild as safely and quickly as possible. Following our time at the center, we’ll also visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Also created for bears displaced by deforestation, the center also rescues bears that were held in captivity and mistreated and provides them with safe forested environments. (B,L,D)
Indonesia is known for its amazing biodiversity and undersea life and Bunaken Marine Park does not disappoint. Located off of northern Sulawesi Island within the Coral Triangle, this reserve was one of the first in the country and has been a success story in protecting the natural beauty and wildlife. Snorkel and dive along sea walls that are bursting with healthy coral and hundreds of colorful fish; kayak in the mangroves, keeping a watchful eye out for colorful reptiles like the Pacific bluetail skink or the beautiful Sulawesi hanging parrot. Green and hawksbill sea turtles can also be found in healthy numbers. It will be a day of amazing sights both above and below the sea. (B,L,D)
Enjoy the National Geographic Resolution’s many amenities as we spend time at sea. Soak in the ship’s infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, take in panoramic views from the rooftop observation deck, and enjoy talks from our onboard experts and learn about the amazing wildlife and geology that we are experiencing on our journey. (B,L,D)
A fascinating blend of WWII history and the natural beauty of the Rock Islands, Palau is truly an island paradise. Tour Peleliu Island and walk amongst the ruins of the Japanese camp and explore the gun buildings, tanks and planes left from long ago. Or choose to have an otherworldly and snorkel in Jellyfish Lake—one of the Seven Biological Wonders of the World. The lake is landlocked, and the jellies have lost their ability to sting. After experiencing a significant dip in the population, the jellyfish have made a substantial recovery in recent years. You’ll glide through hundreds of golden and moon jellyfish. We’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel and dive along the healthy seawalls, reefs and wrecks. Overnight on board the National Geographic Resolution. (B,L,D)
Disembark today and continue exploring the natural beauty of Palau. Following lunch check in to our hotel for an afternoon of relaxation and dinner under the stars. Flights home depart in the early morning hours. (Day 12: B,L,D)
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
• Spend time in the company of the reclusive sun bear—the smallest of the bear family—and the gentle giants of Borneo: orangutans. • Explore the winding streets of Saigon and its eclectic blend of modern skyscrapers, Buddhist temples and bustling markets • Attend onboard lectures where our staff share their knowledge of this fascinating and diverse region. They share stories of the diverse island cultures that thrive on many of the small islands and the lengths the countries have gone to protect the natural world • Hike to the center of Eil Malk Island in Palau where you’ll be rewarded with the beauty of Jellyfish Lake and a serene swim with hundreds of jellyfish who have lost their ability to sting • Take advantage of the National Geographic Resolution’s state-of-the-art amenities, from wellness programs and spa treatments to gourmet dining options and wine tastings
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