Swan Hellenic- Asia Pacific 2023

Island worlds a world apart Expedition

Cruises of the Asia Pacific region

See what others don’t

Some people see things as they are, others look further. Let us take you on a journey, that will change the way you see the world. Sail to some of the most incredible, remote destinations on the planet. When you travel with us, the wonders of the world take on a richer hue.

Over 70 years of cruise expertise

That’s how long we’ve been navigating the world’s waters. Swan Hellenic is built on a passion for exploration, a reputation for safety and professionalism of the highest standard.

Boutique ships

Just you and nature, that’s how you’ll feel on our 5 star contemporary Scandinavian inspired ships. With open-plan design, panoramic views and a focus on wellness, they’re the perfect place to relax, recharge and explore.

Intuitive service

When it comes to anticipating your needs, no request is too big or too small. To us, personal and unobtrusive service means everything from making sure you’re fully equipped for an Arctic excursion to remembering your favourite gin serve when it comes to predinner drinks.

Enriching cultural expeditions

Once, we travelled to educate – professors, scientists, researchers. Over the years, we’ve developed a deep knowledge of the world. Today, we use this knowledge to create immersive cultural experiences that take you to the heart of a place.

Brown monkey, Indonesia

A culture of care for people and planet

Swan Hellenic has always been passionate about our planet’s rich environmental and cultural heritage. It’s in our name and nature, and it's what inspires us to experience the world’s wild unspoilt places and explore its rich and diverse cultures, ancient sites and civilisations.

Proud member of

Responsible Cruising

We are committed to preserving the beauty of the world we explore for future generations, taking urgent and innovative concrete action to reduce our environmental footprint.

Our focus areas

Swan Hellenic’s sustainability policies are fully compliant with and exceed the cruise industry global standards governing its safety, environmental and labour aspects. In line with the UN sustainable development goals, we are focusing on the following 6 key areas.

Climate Action

Exploring the globe, we constantly encounter dramatic evidence of global warming and climate change. This strengthens our resolve to take urgent action - within our organisation and in the destinations we travel to - to combat their causes and mitigate their effects.

Tribal dance event, Papua New Guinea

Life in the Water

With our strong seafaring heritage, we are committed to the responsible use of marine resources for sustainable development. This is vital in promoting and conserving the health and biodiversity of the Earth’s waters.

Legacies of the Land

We strive to preserve the natural and cultural landmarks that our expedition cruises explore, promoting and advancing the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and historic sites for future generations.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Dynamically inclusive companies and societies are key to sustainable development. As the pioneer of cultural expedition cruising, we welcome adventurers of every age, gender, orientation, nationality and interest to explore worldwide. We promote gender equity and women and girls’ empowerment worldwide, and have strong internal policies that ensure our employees enjoy equal opportunities of employment and professional development, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sexual orientation, functional ability and political view.

Thriving Communities

We build strong connections with the communities that host our cultural expedition cruises, respecting their cultural and environmental integrity, while partnering with them to generate positive impacts.

Quality Education

Education and research empower human potential. Proud of our roots in British academia, we work to support regional research initiatives, ensuring access to inclusive and equitable education and providing lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Never repeated. Always exceptional.

Every Swan Hellenic sailing is an experience unto itself. Although we have an expertly designed programme for each cruise, we are always open to the unexpected. And the unexpected usually finds us.

Whether that’s a migrating pod of whales feeding in an inlet that takes us slightly off course, a hungry polar bear devouring his first meal of the season on a lonely iceberg or an impromptu village celebration; these are the stories that are retold for generations.

You can also design your own bespoke cultural expedition cruise with our Grand Voyages. Combine two or more of our cruise itineraries and see the world your way. Our elegant staterooms have plenty of storage – ideal for longer trips. Embark on the voyage of a lifetime and experience the wonders of our planet on your own unique journey.

Women at a Wedding, Suva (Fiji)

Exploring with head and heart

Swan Hellenic pioneered cultural expedition cruising in 1954, when we accompanied members of the Hellenic Society around the famous sites of ancient Greece in the company of eminent classicists.

Aboriginal, Papua New Guinea

Explore

Every Swan Hellenic cruise is the same today as it always was, combining geographical exploration with cultural and scientific discovery. We don't just take you to explore the most extraordinary places on earth. We bring you the company of like-minded people and renowned experts, who offer eye-opening lectures and are on hand for informal questions and discussion throughout your cruise.

Experience

So when you choose Swan Hellenic to see what others don’t – you can be sure you’ll do so with a full perspective and real insight into the history, cultures, wildlife, flora, geology and geography of the place. Briefings before each disembarkation and recaps afterwards supplement our lectures and talks, stimulating a relaxed social environment that encourages the sharing of experiences.

Enrich

At the same time, every Swan Hellenic cruise is also full of opportunities for you to develop your creative passions, with professionals on board to support you in photography and more. A library completes the picture, with a multitude of books on every subject, for you to take your interests to another level. It’s the depth of these other dimensions that’s unique to Swan Hellenic, making us the first choice of adventurous minds worldwide.

Learn from the best

Renowned in their respective fi elds, our onboard experts have unparalleled knowledge of the regions we visit.

From historians to naturalists, meteorologists to ornithologists, our friendly experts will offer you incredible insight into the wildlife, history and geology of the places we visit. Tap into their expertise via our extensive lecture programme, or feel free to interact with them throughout your trip. On board our boutique ship, you’re likely to grab a coffee with an expert, birdwatch on the deck alongside an accomplished ornithologist, or chat with them over dinner — they’re more than happy to share their knowledge with you!

Geologists

Everyone loves a beautiful landscape. But understanding its geology and how it was formed will change your perspective forever.

Photographers

Chat to our expert photographers and learn how to best capture movement and light in the extraordinary destinations we visit.

Historians

Our historians will enrich your expedition experience with incredible stories and unmatched knowledge of the places we visit.

Ornithologists

Will you be lucky enough to spot a snow petrel? Learn from our ornithologists and be inspired to identify the incredible birds you’ll see.

Marine Biologists

As you encounter whales, dolphins and other marine species, you can consult our marine biologists for fascinating anecdotes.

Expedition Leaders

In charge of your excursions, these leaders will make sure you get the best opportunities to experience amazing wildlife and landscapes.

Activity Leaders

From kayaking excursions to hiking trips, you can count on our experienced activity leaders to guide you to remote, inaccessible destinations.

Naturalists

Charles Darwin may not be on board, but our experts will give you a new understanding of organisms, habitats and the natural world.

Botanists

Identify plant life at sea and on land with our expert botanists, and get insights into our ecosystems and climate.

River kayaker aerial view

Endless ways to spend your day

There’s no such thing as a typical day with Swan Hellenic. We bring you endless possibilities to tailor every moment to your interests and mood, so you’ll always have your dream day on board.

Plan your perfect day

6am

Waking comfortably refreshed in your stateroom, early risers can join the team on deck for an early morning breakfast. Breathe in the invigorating Pacific air as you sip your fresh tea or coffee. What a wonderful way to prepare for the day's adventures exploring a treasure trove of fascinating cultures and spellbinding landscapes.

7am

Early risers have the time to take a fitness class or workout in our gym. Refuel with a light continental or substantial cooked breakfast - a perfect foundation for the action-packed day ahead.

8am

Prepare yourself for today's shore excursion as we disembark at one of our remote, off-thebeaten-track Pacific ports, many of which are only accessible to smaller cruise ships. Our expert-led cultural expedition tours will immerse you in the planet’s most remote communities and oldest natural landscapes – get ready to experience sights, sounds and flavours that go beyond the imagination.

12pm

Back on board, you’ll have the time to share experiences over lunch, whether snacking in the Club Lounge or savouring something a little more substantial in the Swan Restaurant or Pool Bar & Grill.

2pm

There may be time after lunch for another shore excursion at our current port of call. Delve into local culture, uncover some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth or listen to the extraordinary tales of the explorers and mutineers that sailed these seas long ago.

4pm

Indulge in our High Seas High Tea or retreat to the comfort of your stateroom for a movie on your flatscreen TV. Sweat it out in our stunning panoramic sauna, take a dip in the pool, take a mindfulness class, or pop to the salon for a relaxing treatment.

6.30pm

Each evening a member of our expert team or a guest lecturer will talk you through the day's highlights. We will then discuss the shore excursion plans for the following day.

7pm

Time to enjoy the pleasures of elegant dining where our chefs have prepared international delights along with wines chosen by our sommelier.

9.30pm

End a perfect day with your favourite drink and a wonderful piano performance. Or head out to the deck for some stargazing under the clear night sky.

All-inclusive experience

We've taken care of the finer details, allowing you to focus your full attention on your cultural expedition cruise experience. Our cruise fares are allinclusive, so there are no surprise extras or unexpected gratuity bills. Relax in the full knowledge that all you have to do is have a wonderful time.

Enhance your experience

• Return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation

• Group transfer from the airport to the hotel the day before embarkation, from the hotel to the cruise port on embarkation day and from the cruise port to the airport on disembarkation day

• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard

• All meals onboard

• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category

• 24-hour room service

• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day

• Lecture programmes by our experienced guest speakers

• One selected shore excursion per port of call

• Standard WiFi

• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

• Selected expedition activities led by our expedition team

A timeless voyage

The lands and islands of the Asia Pacific region have been calling the hearts of brave and curious adventurers since maritime exploration began. This is a place of contrast and wonder. New Zealand’s pristine and majestic landscape is punctuated with volatile volcanoes and fierce thermal springs. The thousands of remote islands that are spread across the South Pacific have evolved in isolation for many years, resulting in some of the most incredible and biodiverse habitats on the planet.

And then there are the people. From Japan’s fusion of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity and Papua New Guinea’s cultural wonderland to the legendary tales of mutineers and castaways, the human stories here are just as extraordinary as the mysterious natural wonders that have intrigued mankind for millennia.

Cruises of the Asia - Pacific region

Itinerary

From⇢To Ship Days Departure

New Zealand in Depth Dunedin⇢Auckland SH Minerva 13 11 Mar 2023

Pacific Islands: New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Solomon Islands Auckland⇢Honiara SH Minerva 13 23 Mar 2023

Papua New Guinea Honiara⇢Jayapura SH Minerva 16 4 Apr 2023

New Guinea Island Odyssey Jayapura⇢Bitung SH Minerva 12 19 Apr 2023

The Philippines Explored Bitung⇢Manila SH Minerva 10 30 Apr 2023

Far East Asia Discovery Manila⇢Kobe SH Minerva 11 9 May 2023

Japan Across the Ages Kobe⇢Kobe SH Minerva 12 19 May 2023

Far East Asia Discovery Kobe⇢Manila SH Minerva 11 30 May 2023

South East Asia from Island to Island Manila⇢Benoa SH Minerva 15 9 Jun 2023

Secrets of Indonesia Benoa⇢Darwin SH Minerva 12 23 Jun 2023

Ancestral lands of the Great Barrier Reef Darwin⇢Carins SH Minerva 11 13 Aug 2023

Pearls of the South Pacific Cairns⇢Lautoka SH Minerva 18 23 Aug 2023

Paradise Isles of Polynesia Lautoka⇢Papeete SH Minerva 15 9 Sep 2023

Pacific Islands of Myth & Legend Papeete⇢Valparaiso SH Minerva 23 22 Sep 2023

New Zealand in Depth

11 – 23 Mar 2023 SH Minerva

Dunedin - Auckland 13 days

New Zealand (Aotearoa in Māori) has the kind of scenery that really does need to be seen to be believed. From the mysterious deep waters and towering peaks of Milford Sound and Napier’s fertile vineyards to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands, all of it demands the highest levels of adoration. The people here are charming and resilient all at once, which no doubt comes from life atop a volcanic island. Māori culture runs deep throughout the country and is an integral part of life in New Zealand. And the natural environment here is ancient, beautiful and like nowhere else on earth.

Sunrise at Milford Sound in New Zealand

5 Unmissables

Learn about Māori and settler history at Te Papa Tongerewa, New Zealand’s national museum in Wellington.

Visit the place where Captain James Cook first landed in New Zealand in 1696 during his voyage of discovery across the South Pacific.

Sail along the deepest fjord in the South Island, Doubtful Sound – also known as the ‘Sound of Silence’.

Admire the unusual Art Deco buildings in Napier, constructed after a major earthquake in 1931.

The sub-tropical Bay of Islands at the very north of New Zealand offers pleasant climes and beautiful shores but is also a historically significant site, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British and Māori in 1840.

James CookStatue in Christchurch

Extraordinary Encounters

New Zealand has no native land mammals - its bird and marine populations were left to evolve and thrive for millennia in isolation. The result was is an array of endemic, unusual and somewhat unlikely critters. Many of New Zealand’s native species evolved with no predation threat. This meant that many species became extremely vulnerable (and in many cases, extinct) when land mammals such as cats, stoats and possums were introduced by settlers.

The area surrounding Dunedin is the wildlife capital of New Zealand. The region is home to many rare and protected species including one of New Zealand’s five species of kiwi, the New Zealand fur seal, the northern royal albatross, the takahe, the South Island kaka, the ancient tuatara lizard and multiple penguin species.

Live it!

Ulva Island Nature Walk Stewart Island | New Zealand

Take a twenty-minute water taxi ride from Stewart Island to the beautiful, pristine Ulva Island. This uninhabited wildlife sanctuary is one of the few remaining predatorfree areas in New Zealand, and many rare native birds thrive here. Join your knowledgeable wildlife guide on an informative walk through the forest.

Included

Napier - E-bike Winery tour Napier | New Zealand

Begin your tour at the heart of Napier, famed for its Art Deco architecture. Set off along the Pacific coast, passing the quaint seaside village of Ahuriri before heading towards the Ahuriri Estuary. Here you’ll have the chance to visit the Department of Conservation Wildlife Sanctuary and observe the protected birdlife.

Optional Stepping Out

Seals at Allans Beach (Dunedin), New Zealand

Maori

Zodiac Snorkelling Kayaking

Pacific Islands: New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Solomon Islands

23 Mar - 4 Apr 2023 SH Minerva Auckland - Honiara 13 days

The South Paci fi c is one of the most idyllic places on earth. This is a place where reality far exceeds anything you can conjure up in your mind. Imagine sugary, white beaches, swaying palm trees, diving or snorkelling among multicoloured shoals, and encounters with the local cultures and traditions on wildly beautiful islands. This corner of the world is the perfect destination for keen photographers and marine biologists, divers and scuba divers, World War II history enthusiasts and those who dream of disappearing over the horizon to faraway lands. Join us as we sail across vast expanses of majestic ocean to deserted atolls, pristine lagoons and bustling ports in comfort and style.

Solomon Islands

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Lata, Nendo Island

5 Unmissables

Listen to the Water Music Women on Champagne Beach and be mesmerised by this unique form of music making.

See the smouldering twin volcanoes of Ambrym, Mt. Marum and Mt Benbow, securing the island’s status as Vanuatu’s sorcery centre.

Enjoy the traditional songs and dances performed by the Ghupuna Village sing-sing groups. Experience an atmosphere of festivity and meet the local chiefs who will invite you to explore their villages.

Walk around traditional fish markets, with the Honiara fish market being a real highlight. See the locals do their daily shop; stocking up on local produce, fish and beetle nut.

Explore Espiritu Santo’s Millennium Cave in Vanuatu, snorkel over WWII wrecks or explore the stunning east coach beaches with their inviting blue holes.

ISLAND LIFE

Over 900 islands, half of which remain uninhabited, make up the Soloman Islands

GO WHERE OTHERS DON’T Vanuatu is one of the least visited countries in the world, with only around 95,000 visitors each year

Extraordinary Encounters

Most of the extraordinary encounters in this part of the world are to be had underwater. The South Pacific is a haven for divers, scuba divers and marine biology enthusiasts. The Solomon Islands is particularly special. Thanks to its remoteness, the underwater environment here is largely unspoilt. The few that get to explore this submarine paradise will be rewarded with WWII wrecks, caves, coral gardens and immense biodiversity of marine life. The waters around the Solomon Islands seas provide breeding grounds and migratory pathways for 1000 reef fish species, dolphins, rays, sharks and six of the world’s seven marine turtles. There are few better places on earth to experience life below the waves.

Live it!

Land Diving Ceremony

Pentecost Island | Vanuatu

An incredible spectacle, this traditional male rite of passage involves leaping from a 30-metre wooden structure with nothing but vines to catch participants before they hit the ground. Watch in absolute awe as the locals perform this ‘test of faith’ to show reverence and thanks to the gods. Included

Rentapao River Kayaking

Port Villa | Rentapao

On this exhilarating two-hour guided tour, experience Vanuatu’s rainforest and village life by kayak. Paddle down the serene river surrounded by lush vegetation. Stop to enjoy a swim in the river, or for those still looking to burn energy, leap in from the riverside Tarzan rope. Optional

Stepping Out

Traditional land diving (Nangol) tower

Zodiac Snorkelling

Papua New Guinea

4 - 19 Apr 2023 SH Minerva Honiara - Jayapura 16 days

Discover the remote island nation of Papua New Guinea, or PNG, a vastly diverse country with more than 850 indigenous languages. Start on New Britain island before exploring tiny islands in the Bismarck Sea and the northern coast of New Guinea Island. Discover a world of active volcanoes with their fl ooded caldera, tropical islands, thick rainforest and river swamplands where the many tribes live among the varied landscapes. Observe the incredible and diverse birdlife that has evolved predator-free on these remote islands. Snorkel these balmy waters where exceptional marine life lives among reefs and wrecks of sunken WWII ships and fi ghter planes.

Young indigenous

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• 9 Crown Island

• 10 Madang

• 11 Manam Island

• 12-13 Sepik River

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5 Unmissables

Witness the captivating Baining Fire Dance, unique to the Baining people who live in the mountain forests of East New Britain.

Sail past Kennedy Island, also known as Kasolo Island. The tiny islet was named after John F. Kennedy who once swam to this island after his ship was rammed by a Japanese destroyer during World War II.

Venture into one of the largest and most biodiverse river basins in the Asia Pacific region as we sail along the mighty Sepik River.

Meet the Tami islander artists and wood carvers, renowned for creating intricately decorated bowls that are famous the world over.

Witness a traditional ‘singsing’ – an elaborate festival held in villages all over Papua New Guinea featuring theatrically choreographed dance and vocal performances.

LET’S TALK

HOODED PITOHUI

This native Papua New Guinean bird is one of the world’s few known poisonous birds

Extraordinary Encounters

Birds are king in Papua New Guinea. Thanks to its lack of predators and abundance of diverse habitats, PNG is home to over 780 bird species (including 76 endemic species). The birds of PNG have adapted to a variety of environments from the remote highlands to the scattered islands and islets.

The biggest draw for avian enthusiasts is undoubtedly the exotic and entrancing birds of paradise. These endemic birds were first caught on film by a captivated Sir David Attenborough in 1996, and have been a lifelong passion of the world’s most famous naturalist. These extraordinary creatures are elusive and therefore a rare sight.

Live it!

Baining Fire Dance

Rabaul | Papua New Guinea

Witness this dramatic celebratory display performed by the Baining people. A traditional part of all kinds of community ceremonies, from the celebration of birth to the beginning of harvest season, watch Baining men dance and jump over red hot coals wearing elaborate masks.

Included

Bailem Valley Flying Cultural Tour

Jayapura | Soloman Islands

Take a flight into the heart of the Papuan Highlands. The villagers here were isolated from the rest of the world for centuries. Take part in a traditional pig feast, observe cultural performances and watch a dramatic re-enactment of a warrior battle.

Optional

Stepping Out

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Traditional tribal dancer

Zodiac Snorkelling

New Guinea Island Odyssey

Sail through the crystalline waters of Raja Ampat and West Papua, the richest biodiverse marine habitat on the planet. These 1,500 or so jungle-woven islands spread across some 40,000 square kilometres of the ocean contain roughly 1,000 known coral species and more than 1,200 types of reef fi sh. Raja Ampat means ‘four kings’ and refers to the islands of Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool, and these islands are very different from the rest of Indonesia. Small marsupials live in the trees and with over 500 species of bird – it’s a twitcher’s paradise. The diving and snorkelling here is some of the best in the world, with the glory of this underwater paradise accessible only to the adventurous few.

East Misool, Raja Ampat Regency

5 Unmissables

Explore Wayag Island, offering a spectacular and unusual landscape of limestone sea stack formations coated in a blanket of lush tropical forest.

Meet Afo, the world’s oldest clove tree. Located on Spice Island, Afo is thought to be over 400 years old.

See the ochre rock paintings on the cave walls in Raja Ampat’s Misool Island, thought to be anywhere between 3,000 – 5,000 years old.

Snorkel in the Coral Triangle, home to 76 per cent of all known coral species in the world - a haven for marine diversity.

Visit the fascinating West Papua regional capital of Manokwari and enjoy its diverse mix of tribal Papuan customs and modern Indonesian cultures.

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Extraordinary Encounters

Birds of paradise are considered the most dramatic and beautiful birds on the planet, with the jungles of Papua New Guinea home to most of the 50 or so known species.

These strange yet attractive birds have been a lifelong passion for one of the world’s most famous naturalists, Sir David Attenborough, who famously captured them on film for the first time in 1996.

Known for their bright colours and elaborate mating rituals, catching sight of one of these rare and extraordinary creatures is a memorable event indeed.

Live it!

Ternate Ancient Kingdom Tour Ternate | Indonesia

Once one of the most powerful territories in medieval Maluku, this volcanic city harbours a fascinating past. On this informative guided tour, we’ll visit lava fields, ancient forts, historical palaces and the world’s oldest clove tree. Included

Birds of Paradise Trek Raja Ampat | Indonesia

Join your expert bird guide on an early morning guided trek into the jungle in search of these extraordinary birds. Listen to the sounds of birds and insects as the jungle awakens with the rising sun - an unforgattble experience.

Optional

Stepping Out

Fort Kalamata, Maluku

Bird of paradise

Zodiac Snorkelling Kayaking

The Philippines Explored

30 Apr - 9 May 2023 SH Minerva Buting - Manila 10 days

From Indonesia’s laid-back North Sulawesi to the endless green islands of the Philippines, this incredible corner of Southeast Asia offers a diverse range of experiences, landscapes and wildlife. Swim with whale sharks in beautiful bays, observe adorable tarsiers on an evening wildlife tour and snorkel with serene manta rays. The fascinating Corregidor Island offers a sobering insight into the region’s Word War II past. With its fantastic cuisine and famously inviting hospitality, you won’t want to leave this paradisal haven in a hurry.

Kayaking adventure, Philippines

NATIONAL TREASURES

The largest pearl in the world was found in the Philippines - the country remains an important source of South Sea pearls

NATURE WINS

The Filipino Island of Camiguin is the only island on the planet with more volcanoes than towns

5 Unmissables

Visit the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, mounds of limestone formations left over from coral reefs during the Ice Age.

Swim to the foot of the extraordinary Catandayagan Falls on Ticao Island, plunging 30-metres down a vertical rock cliff into the turquoise waters of the Masbate Pass below.

Explore Apo Reef, located off the west coast of Mindoro. Here, snorkelers and divers can find sharks, turtles, barracuda and Māori wrasse in the waters.

Visit the fascinating offshore island fortress of Corregido, located 40km southwest of Manila. It was here that a handful of Filipino and American patriots resisted the onslaught of the Japanese during the Pacific Theatre.

Sample delicious Adobo, the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, and some of the other fantastic cuisine borne out of the many cultures that shaped the history of the country.

PHILIPPINES

Extraordinary Encounters

The Philippine tarsier is the smallest primate in the world, is very shy and notoriously cute. These nocturnal creatures have giant eyes, often appearing far too big for their tiny bodies, adding to their irresistibility. Their adorable appearance has unfortunately caused problems for the species.

Once a popular choice for animal exhibits and the exotic pet market, things are thankfully getting better for this very sensitive animal. With its incredible sense of hearing, noise is a source of extreme stress for the tarsier and consequentially they do not do well in captivity.

In the Tangoko Nature Reserve, these remarkable creatures can be observed in their natural environment. As they are nocturnal, they can only be spotted at night.

Live it!

Corregidor Island Tour Corregidor Island | Philippines

Learn about the features that once made this island a formidable defence site, and listen to remarkable stories of escapes, invasions and underground rendezvous.

Included

Whale Shark Encounter

Limasawa Island | Philippines

Swim with giant whale sharks off the coast of Limasawa Island. The largest fish in the world, we’ll search for these gentle giants on Zodiac boats before diving alongside them.

Optional

Stepping Out

Philippine tarsier

Ruined building on Corregidor island

Zodiac Snorkelling

Far East Asia Discovery

9 - 19 May 2023 | 30 May - 9 Jun 2023 SH Minerva Manila - Kobe 11 days

Enjoy the beauty of the Philippines, an island nation where palm-lined beaches meet sublime bays. From laid-back beach vibes to spirited urban centres, the Philippines is a southeast Asian archipelago made up of 7,641 tropical islands and inhabited by some of the world’s friendliest people. In Japan’s Amami islands, we discover an archipelago that was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom for nearly 200 years. Further afield we’ll discover iconic temples, beautiful gardens and sombre memorials.

Floating Torii gate at Miyajima

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5 Unmissables

See the stormproof houses of The Philippine’s Batane Islands. Built by the indigenous Ivatan people, they are positioned slightly underground with onemetre-thick limestone walls and grass roofs.

Visit UNESCO-listed Vigan, the bestpreserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Established in the 16th century, it is reminiscent of a fairy tale.

Discover the deep and unusual history of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom and its influence on Okinawa’s culture today.

Explore Miyajima, sacred to the Japanese since the inception of the first shrine on the island over 1,500 years ago. The present-day Itsukushima-jinja shrine is one of the island’s greatest attractions.

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Designed by Kenzō Tange and inaugurated in 1955, it is now a national and international symbol of peace.

JAPAN

LET’S TALK

There are over 175 languages spoken in the Philippines, however, most people speak English (making it the 5th largest English-speaking nation in the world)

ISLAND NATION

Japan has over 6,800 islands, and more than 90% of those are uninhabited

Extraordinary Encounters

The island of Miyajima in Japan is home to more than a thousand, exceptionally friendly, sika deer. According to local folklore, the deer were once considered sacred messengers from the gods. Until 1637, killing one was punishable by death. They’re still protected today, but now with a slightly more lenient sentence.

Given how long these deer have lived on the island, it comes of no surprise that they are quite confident that they belong here! Bold and curious, it’s not unusual to find one rooting through your backpack for food. They freely roam the streets and residential areas, and although they are a novel sight, it is advised not to encourage their inquisitive behaviour or looting tendencies.

Live it!

Vigan

Heritage Tour

Vigan | Philippines

Explore this beautiful town with your private guide. Wander back through time as you explore the cobbled streets and old mansions. Conclude your fascinating tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a festive cocktail.

Included

Makishi Market Visit and Cooking Class

Naha, Okinawa | Japan

Enjoy a taste of Okinawa on this half-day culinary adventure. Making your way to the Makishi Public Market, you’ll select your ingredients before beginning your traditional Okinawan cooking class.

Optional Stepping Out

Sika deer at Kasuga Taisha in Nara

Miyako Soba Noodles

Zodiac Kayaking

Japan Across the Ages

19 - 30 May 2023 SH Minerva Kobe - Kobe 12 days

From neon-lit cities and jagged skyscrapers to Shinto shrines, ancient forests, and exquisite gardens, Japan is a land of complete contrasts - yet it all just seems to work beautifully. Sail around the Seto Inland Sea and East Sea (Sea of Japan), including the western end of Honshu island, Kyushu and Yakushima islands, with a short hop to South Korea. From poignant memorials in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to friendly cities and striking nature, experience this varied region on board our boutique expedition ship and discover a country where the unique fusion of deep-rooted tradition and cuttingedge modernity is intriguing and appealing in equal measure.

Confucius Temple in Nagasaki,

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5 Unmissables

Explore Miyajima, sacred to the Japanese since the inception of the first shrine on the island over 1,500 years ago. The present-day Itsukushima-jinja shrine is one of the island’s greatest attractions.

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Designed by Kenzō Tange and inaugurated in 1955, it is now a national and international symbol of peace.

Wander around the beautiful Korakuen Garden in Okayama, created around 300 years ago by the Ikeda family who once ruled the city, and observe the carp-filled ponds, waterfalls, bridges, tea houses and cherry trees.

Visit the Chofu Mori Residence, one of the few places in Japan that had the honour of accommodating the Emperorthe room where Emperor Meiji stayed 112 years ago remains unchanged to this day.

Discover Mastue Castle, one of only a dozen original castles in Japan. Completed in 1611, its main tower has survived fires, earthquakes and the antifeudal demolitions of the Meijo Period.

NATURE WINS Although Japan often conjures up images of neon-lit cities, 67% of the country is covered in forest

LIVE LONG Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with an average lifespan of 83.6 years

Extraordinary Encounters

Yukashima National Park’s unique ecosystem hosts an abundance of endemic plants and animals. The climate here ranges from subtropical to cool temperate, which harbours all kinds of vegetation, from sub-tropical trees down at the coastline to chinquapin and laurel at the higher elevations. The famous Jomonsugi lives in the park – this cedar tree is said to be one of the oldest in the world and is estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old.

The region is also home to several endemic animals including the Yaku-shika (subspecies of the sika deer) and the Yakushima macaque. Yakushima Island is also an important nesting ground for loggerhead turtles.

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1993, Yukashima National Park is a nature lovers’ paradise.

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Discover Miyajima Miyajima | Japan

Explore Miyajima Island on a short walking tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine. Dating back to the 6th century, the shrine’s red torii (gate) is one of the most recognisable sights in Japan. At high tide, the shrine and torii appear to float in the sea - an extraordinary thing to witness.

Included

Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge Hiking Yakushima Island | Japan

Join an experienced guide on a hiking tour of the beautiful and biodiverse Yakushima Island. Explore gorges and waterfalls, learn about the ancient forest and its inhabitants and cross thrilling suspension bridges. Don’t forget your camera; every step here is a visual delight.

Optional

Yakushima macaque

Yakushima Island

South East Asia from Island to Island

Around 25,000 islands make up the combined nations of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. This is the home of some of the most fascinating cultures and friendliest people on earth. From gorgeous beaches and spectacular caves in The Philippines, head to Malaysia and get a taste of Borneo’s tropical rainforests. Cross the Celebes Sea to Sulawesi and discover Indonesia’s islands, where each shows a different side to the cultural melange that de fi nes this part of the world.

Bali, Indonesia

9 - 23 Jun 2023 SH Minerva

Manila - Benoa | Bali, Indonesia 12 days

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• 2 Boracay Island

• 3 Puerto Princesa

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• 7 Tolitoli

• 8 Balikpapan

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• 10 Banjarmasin

• 11 Bawean Island

• 12 Surabaya

• 13 Tanjung Harbour & Gili Genteng

• 14 Celukan Bawang

• 15 Benoa

NASI LEMAK

5 Unmissables

Discover Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on Palawan. Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’, it is a hub of biodiversity.

Visit Agnes Keith House, former house of American author Agnes Keith and her British husband Harry. The preserved dwelling now displays stories and artefacts that tell the couple’s story, including details of the three years they spent in a Japanese prison camp during WWII.

Enjoy Tolitoli, the sleepy regional capital of Central Sulawesi. This predominantly Muslim town is one of the friendliest places in Indonesia.

Explore the iconic Lok Baintan Floating Market, where the largely female merchants sell their produce from traditional ‘jukung’ boats and the main form of currency is the trading and bartering of goods back and forward.

Visit Singaraja, Bali’s second-largest city and home to sacred Buddhist temples, Dutch colonial buildings and a pretty waterfront area.

PHILIPPINES

Thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Rim of Fire, Indonesia is a very geothermally active part of the world, home to over 400 volcanos

Malaysia’s delicious national dish, nasi lemak, consists of coconut milk rice which is traditionally served with anchovies, cucumbers, peanuts, boiled egg and chilli paste ⇢ Starting from $ 12,913 per person in double Oceanview Stateroom occupancy

BLOWING OFF STEAM

Extraordinary Encounters

Borneo’s ancient rainforest is one of the most unique and biodiverse places on the planet. In addition to the orangutan, the forest here is a natural habitat for the Borneo elephant, proboscis monkey, Bornean clouded leopard, sun bear and so much more. Of course, the most famous resident is the endangered orangutan.

The word ‘orangutan’ translates from the Malay language as ‘person of the forest’, an apt name for a species that shares over 96 per cent of its DNA with humans. Borneo is one of only two natural habitats for the orangutan (they also live in Sumatra) and there are thought to be less than 105,000 left in the wild. The best way to see these magnificent animals is to offer support to local rehabilitation sanctuaries that care for orphaned or injured orangutans.

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Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Sandakan | Malaysia

Support the work of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SOURC), which welcomes injured and orphaned orangutans for rehabilitation before returning them to the forest. Watch the older residents on the feeding platform or visit the orphaned youngsters in the outdoor nursery.

Included

Underground River Tour

Puerto Princesa | Philippines

Experience one of the world’s longest underground rivers on this thrilling full-day adventure. After exploring the national park, you’ll board your outrigger canoe and travel into the underground cavern. Along the way, you’ll see spectacular rock formations, massive chambers and perhaps a few bats and birds.

Optional

Stepping Out

Sumatran Orangutan

Puerto Princesa, underground river

Zodiac Snorkelling

Secrets of Indonesia

With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a beguiling mixture of rich natural heritage and cultural ways of life. Beginning on Bali’s tranquil southern side, we track down tropical jungles and marine life before exploring rugged volcanic landscapes harbouring centuriesold temples and coral reefs. Our voyage then takes us to remote islands where we’ll encounter Komodo dragons in the monsoon forest before visiting thatched-roof villages on more far- fl ung islands in the Indian Ocean.

Mount Bromo, Probolinggo, Indonesia

Benoa | Bali, Indonesia - Darwin, Australia 12 days

5 Unmissables

Travel through East Java’s beautifully surreal landscapes and keep an eye on the horizon as the blanket of lava sands gives way to the smouldering Mount Bromo.

Explore the Island of Sumba, offering an insight into an intriguing tribal culture. Visit centuries-old villages with their homes constructed of pointed, thatched roofs.

Hike Inspiration Point in Kelimutu National Park for incredible views of the three sacred lakes below.

Observe the traditional ways of life of the Alorese. Marvel at the unusual homes on the island of Alor and their pyramid-style construction.

Step ashore the mysterious Savu Island, which few people know of. The traditional sarongs that are woven on the island are often emblazoned with Dutchstyle motifs, inspired by artefacts that were traded back in the colonial era.

Extraordinary Encounters

It is said that a mystical princess who lived on a remote island once gave birth to twin sons, one human, and one giant lizard. The twins learned to live together on the ‘island of dragons’, now known as Komodo Island. Some still believe that the immortal princess regularly returns to visit her son’s descendants – a population of the largest reptiles in the world.

There are around 5,000 Komodo dragons within Komodo National Park. These giant lizards are more than three metres long and weigh over 90kg. The adult’s salvia is said to contain 50 strains of bacteria, used to poison its prey in one bite. You’ll be able to observe these unbelievable animals from a safe distance with our expedition team and local guides.

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Komodo Dragon Discovery

Komodo Island | Indonesia

Explore Komodo National Park on the lookout for Komodo dragons in the company of expert guides and rangers. This endemic species fascinates zoologists and scientists with its isolated evolution and unique features.

Included

Mount Bromo Probolinggo | Indonesia

Experience Indonesia’s most active volcano at close range as you hike to the top with an experienced guide. Take in the summit's incredible views of the surrounding Mount Batok and Mount Semeru.

Optional

Stepping Out

Komodo Dragon

Pink Beach, Komodo Island

Zodiac Snorkelling

Ancestral Lands and the Great Barrier Reef

13 - 23 Aug 2023 SH Minerva Darwin - Cairns 11 days

Travel through a world where time becomes meaningless. From the Cobourg Peninsula’s haunting Victorian Settlement and the ancient ways of Elcho Island’s Yolngu people to the primaeval Daintree Rainforest, those who venture to this remote corner of Australia will gain a new appreciation for what it means to be ‘old’. Even the fl ora and fauna here are prehistoric, evolving for millions of years far out of sight of the rest of the world. And not just on land. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s best example of an ancient underwater ecosystem and is the largest coral reef on earth. Snorkel through this underwater paradise taking in the wonderfully diverse marine life. Onshore, explore the pristine beaches and coastlines of this land that time seemingly forgot.

Kakadu National Par, Australia

5 Unmissables

Sail to the Cobourg Peninsula, a largely inaccessible corner of Australia, and visit the haunting ruins of Port Essington, known today as ‘Victoria Settlement’.

Visit the Yolngu Aboriginal-owned art centre on Elcho Island, established to encourage Yolngu artists to share their culture and earn an income from their art making.

Explore the remote Thursday Island, a charming tropical island home to some interesting historical buildings, a 19thcentury fort, the world’s smallest cathedral and the fascinating Gab Titui Cultural Centre.

Experience the unique traditions of the seafaring Torres Strait Islanders. This complex culture incorporates Inidegnous Australian, Papuan and Austronesian elements, with distinct differences between each island.

Discover the Daintree Rainforest, one of the world’s oldest tropical forests. A protected UNESCO World Heritage site, it reaches from Mossman through Cape Tribulation to Cooktown and is home to an incredible variety of plant, animal, insect, bird and reptile life.

WET SEASON Arnhem Land has a tropical climate and receives almost 13-metres of rain over

Extraordinary Encounters

Arnhem Land and the Great Barrier Reef are home to an extraordinary variety of native wildlife. There are vast expanses of varying ecosystems containing everything from wetlands and coastal shorelines to ancient rainforests and flood plains.

The saltwater crocodile has been roaming these lands for over 200 million years. This primaeval predator can grow up to six metres in length and is considered one of the most dangerous species in the world. This all makes for a very impressive spectacle when viewed from the safety of your expedition cruise ship.

The region is also home to several species of turtle including the loggerhead turtle and the hawksbill turtle. The Great Barrier Reef is a prolific breeding ground for the hawksbill and the ideal place to snorkel alongside these breathtakingly beautiful animals.

Pearls of the South Pacific

Explore one of the least-visited regions on earth on a voyage through the impossibly remote Melanesia. Leaving Australia, visit Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji, visiting remote, idyllic islands, strewn across thousands of kilometres of the Paci fi c Ocean. Discover their remarkable history and culture, and explore beautiful bays, beaches, reefs, and shipwrecks in the company of an expert team. Meet people you had no idea you’d never met and encounter nature and landscapes that belong to a different world.

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• 10 Njari Island & Kennedy (Kasolo Island)

• 11 Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

• 12 Port Mary, Santa Ana Island

• 13 Lata, Nendo Island

• 14 Ureparapara Island

• 15 Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo Island

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5 Unmissables

Visit the village of Tufi, located in the beautifully scenic Fjordland area of Papua New Guinea, and meet the local villagers.

The Trobriand Islands are known as ‘the islands of love’. So you may be surprised to find that the most revered item here is the humble yam. This root vegetable is at the heart of cultural dances, politics, negotiations and community events.

Explore Espiritu Santo’s Millennium Cave in Vanuatu, snorkel over WWII wrecks or explore the stunning east coach beaches with their inviting blue holes.

Visit the Guadalcanal War Memorial, a well-maintained structure commemorating the Americans and allies who lost their lives during World War II.

Sail into the settlement Rabaul via East Britain’s Simpson Harbour. The town was built in the caldera of a volcano and has witnessed several catastrophic eruptions, the most recent being the 1994 eruption of Mount Tavurvur.

LET’S TALK

DRINK UP

Extraordinary Encounters

Although spotting Papua New Guinea’s famous yet elusive birds of paradise is usually a rare event, those who visit Dei Dei Hot Springs on Ferguson Island might be in with a little more luck.

The trail from the main village to the billowing Dei Dei Hot Springs takes visitors past the huts and gardens of the village into an area of open forest. The area is abundant with exotic plants, insects and birds. The curl-crested manucode is the most prolific bird of paradise in the forest and a common sighting. There’s also a good chance of spotting Goldie’s bird of paradise. The forest around the hot springs is home to many other bird species including the yellow-bellied sunbird, elcectus parrot, lorikeets and several finches.

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The Water Music of Vanuatu Champagne Beach | Vanuatu Ëtëtung, or water music, is a hypnotic sonic and visual experience like nothing else. This extraordinary performance involves the splashing, scooping and swirling of water to make sounds accompanied by the vocals of female singers, all moving together in a captivating pattern.

Included

Ghupuna

Village Cultural Show

Santa Ana | Solomon Islands

Arrive at Santa Ana’s main village for a welcome chorus of cultural songs, dances, and warrior displays. Participate in a traditional food preparation demonstration before joining the expedition team for a walk across the island, where we’ll visit some schoolhouses and traditional ‘spirit houses’.

Included

Stepping Out

New Guinea parrot

Ffolkloric performance

Zodiac Snorkelling Kayaking

Paradise Isles of Polynesia

On this incredibly beautiful voyage, nearly every day brings a new island and a different adventure. Discover the striking allure of tropical landscapes and the diverse ecosystems that thrive in the South Paci fi c. Explore pristine coral reefs, dive into sparkling lagoons, see thriving marine ecosystems, hike on forested volcanic peaks, and learn about local history and cultures on engaging shore excursions.

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• 6 Apia, Opolu Island

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• 8 Suwarrow Atoll

• 9 Rakahanga Atoll

• 10 Penrhyn Atoll

• 11 At Sea

• 12 Bora Bora

• 13 Taha'a

• 14 Moorea

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5 Unmissables

Experience traditional Fijian hospitality with a hearty bula (welcome). You may be offered a sip of ‘kava’, a ceremonial drink - by accepting this you are warmly accepted as part of the community.

Visit the ruins of the former Tongan settlement, Talietumu on the island of Wallis. Talietumu was the last Tongan holdout before they were defeated in the area.

Discover the Cook Islands, consisting of 15 volcanic islands and coral atolls. Circular in shape, they surround deep turquoise lagoons with calm, pristine waters - ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Live the Bora Bora dream. Mount Otemanu’s volcanic peak looks over this palm-fringed island where Polynesian culture can be seen at its most vibrant.

Explore Polynesian fishing villages where you may be welcomed with a dance, ukulele, drumming or conch shell playing performance.

ISLANDS

Extraordinary Encounters

Samoa’s Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is a protected marine area, run by a local caretaker family who are passionate about their conservation work. From Palaolo Deep you can swim across the shallow reef towards the drop of the natural aquarium, and this is where you will understand why this protected area is such a special place.

The vibrant wall of coral encloses this underwater treasure trove, home to a rich diversity of marine life including sea turtles, reef sharks and an abundance of tropical fish. Take your snorkel out and spend the afternoon watching the creatures of the sea go about their daily lives.

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Moorea Island Drive Moorea | French Polynesia

Spend half a day exploring this beautiful island with a knowledgeable local guide. Learn about its highly developed pre-Christian history and discover its ancient stone temples and marae ruins.

Included

Bouma National Heritage Park Somo Somo | Fiji

Spend a full day on the garden island of Taveuni, Fiji’s third-largest island. Hike through paradise, visit beautiful waterfalls and enjoy sublime views across this spectacular land.

Optional

Stepping Out

Exploring the sea, Polynesia

Traditional Samoan dancer

Zodiac Snorkelling

Pacific Islands of Myth & Legend

The faraway islands of the Pacific conceal forgotten stories, perplexing wildlife and some of the most remote lands on the planet. Many of these distant nations reveal fascinating pasts, where people, cultures and landscapes have entranced explorers, writers and artists for generations. From the welcoming French Polynesians and Easter Island’s iconic giant heads to the mysteries of remote Robinson Crusoe Island, this stretch of the Pacific is a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be discovered.

Moai statue, Easter Island

Day Visiting

• 1 Pape'ete

• 2 At Sea

• 3 Rurutu Island

• 4 Raivavae Island

• 5 Rapa, Austral Islands

• 6 Marotiri

• 7 At Sea

• 8 Mangareva Island

• 9 At Sea

• 10 Henderson

• 11 Ducie

• 12-13 At Sea

• 14-15 Hanga Roa, Easter Island

• 16-19 At Sea

• 20 Alexander Selkirk Island

• 21 Robinson Crusoe Island

• 22 At Sea

• 23 Valparaiso

5 Unmissables

Observe Tahiti in a different light on the fascinating Austral Islands, home to archeological sites, old burial grounds, excellent whale watching spots and plenty of reef islets to swim and snorkel around.

Sail close to the Bass Rocks, four desolate outcrops that are known as Marotiri to the Polynesians and are an important breeding site for seabirds.

Dive or snorkel around the Acadia 1881 shipwreck on uninhabited Ducie Atoll, explore the lagoon or spot the rare bird colonies that live in this remote place.

Come face-to-face with Easter Island’s famous giant carvings (moai). The moai are thought to have been carved to commemorate the ancestors of their creators.

Follow in the wake of castaway sailor Alexander Selkirk on a visit to Robinson Crusoe Island, the inspiration for the novel and the renaming of this island in 1966.

LET’S TALK

The inhabitants of the Pitcairn Islands speak a language called Pitkern, a mixture of English and Tahitian

PERU

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Mangareva Island Henderson Island Ducie Island Easter Island

Alexander Selkirk Island

Robinson Crusoe Island

CHILE

FRENCH POLYNESIA Papeete Valparaíso

Extraordinary Encounters

Humpback whales can be seen in the Austral Islands from August until November each year, where thousands migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the warm shallows of the South Pacific. They swim south to mate, give birth and raise their calves. The crystal-clear waters and fringing reefs of the Austral Islands offer the perfect haven for these incredible mammals to raise their young.

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Marae Taputaputatea by Le Truck Taputapuatea | Raiatea

Visit Polynesia’s sacred centre on a fascinating tour of this ancient marae complex. Explore the rest of beautiful Raiatea aboard your open-air vehicle, discovering tropical plants, flowers and trees along the way.

Included

Terevaka Volcano by Horseback Terevaka | Easter Island

Ascend Easter Island’s highest peak in style on this half-day horse-riding adventure. Ride through lush forests and open meadows before absorbing the incredible 360-degree view of the island from the top.

Optional

Stepping Out

Humpback whale mother and baby cub

Horses at a pond, Easter Island

Zodiac Snorkelling

Deck 9 Stargazing Deck

Deck 8 Gym Sauna Jacuzzi Spa Bridge

Deck 7 Shop Swimming Pool Pool Bar & Grill Club Lounge Observation Lounge

Deck 6 Premium Suites Suites Balcony Staterooms D6 Swan's Nest

Deck 5 Balcony Staterooms D5, M5 Suites

Deck 4 Reception Laundrette Swan Restaurant Oceanview Staterooms D4, M4

Deck 3 Clinic Library Basecamp Beauty Salon Expedition Lab

Your home away from home

Relax in the understated elegance of your stateroom or suite. A sophisticated blend of muted tones, natural textures and intuitive technology, the Scandi-inspired design seamlessly blends the natural world with 5-star comforts. The variety of lighting options and crackling holographic fire offer the perfect option for cozy evenings, and the floor to ceiling windows and balcony doors ensure that no sunset or suprise sighting goes unmissed.

Your perfect space

Each of our beautifully designed staterooms has everything you need for a pampered stay. Fluffy dressing gowns, spacious dressing and seating areas and ample storage, as well as a well-stocked minibar and a personal safe. The desk in your room is the perfect place to plan the next day’s adventures, and you won’t miss a wildlife sighting with your Nikon telescope. Glass-enclosed rain showers with luxury personal care products transform your ensuite into a personal spa.

Premium Suite 49m2 (528ft 2) | Sleeps 4

Premium suites feature a king size bed and separate living room with a soothing, flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower, a spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12m2 (129ft 2) private balcony.

Suite 44m2 (474ft 2) | Sleeps 4

Suites feature a king size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower and a 12m2 (129ft 2) private balcony.

Balcony

28m2 (302ft 2) | Sleeps 2/3

Balcony staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 (65ft 2) balcony.

Oceanview

19m2 (205ft 2) | Sleeps 2

Oceanview staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed with living room area and a luxurious bathroom.

Onboard stateroom suite. Suite sizes and categories vary by ship

HIROSHIMA

Life-affirming energy marks Hiroshima’s present, while the Peace Memorial remains a stark reminder of its past.

RAJA AMPAT ARCHIPELAGO

Cruise through chains of jungle-covered islands where sharks, manta rays and barracudas thrive.

SEPIK RIVER

KIMBERLEY

Aboriginal culture runs deep in this explorer’s paradise: the most arid and unforgiving frontier of Australia.

SH Minerva

On an elegant 5 star 'Scandi-design' boutique ship, immerse yourself in the scenery of a cross-continental voyage. Designed to venture off the beaten path, your expedition ship floats through New Zealand fiords, untouched tropical islands and Japanese landmarks with ease.

DUSKY & DOUBTFUL SOUND

New Zealand’s Fiordland boasts stunning views, with hundreds of cascading waterfalls during the rainy season.

Traverse this great, tropical river from Rabaul, where evidence of volcanic activity shapes the landscape.

BALIEM VALLEY

In this true highlight of Papua New Guinea, ageold beliefs remain woven through everyday life.

SANTA ANA ISLAND

A diminutive, untouched coral island in the Solomon Islands, home to two main indigenous villages.

BORA BORA

Whether you want slowpaced paradise, actionpacked adventure, or exciting nightlife, Bora Bora always delivers.

ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND

For those with literary interests: Defoe’s famous novel was partially inspired by this very island.

NATIONAL PARK

Precipitous granite giants tower over this wildly popular national park’s impressively diverse landscape.

EASTER ISLAND

Embrace the mystery of this tiny island, where the iconic Moai statues stand defiant and proud.

Discover the iconic base associated with Scott's British Antarctic Expedition (1910 – 1913).

PENINSULA

SOUTH GEORGIA

The world’s largest population of king and macaroni penguins call the ‘Galapagos of the Poles’ home.

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

TORRES DEL PAINE

ROBERT SCOTT HUT

Book your cultural expedition cruise

The Asia Pacific region has been synonymous with exploration for millennia. From the early Polynesian wayfarers and Middle Eastern traders to the first European explorers, this mysterious corner of the world continues to entice those seeking discovery and adventure.

Join the brave and curious voyagers that came before you on an inspiring journey through the extraordinary Asia Pacific.