Fiji & Vanuatu Voyages of Discovery 2009 programme

During August and September 2009 Tallship Soren Larsen will arrive at the Pacific islands of Fiji and Vanuatu for three cruises under sail to magical islands and communities of this remote achipelago.

Join the ship's crew to be part of an unforgettable adventure.

• V289 Fiji to Vanuatu via the Yassawa isles Sun 2 Aug to Thu 20 Aug 2009
  
• V290 Vanuatu Banks Islands, Santo northwards Sun 23 Aug to Thu 10 Sept
  
• V291 Vanuatu Discovery. Santo to Vila Sun 13 Sept to Thurs 24 Sept

Yasawa islands of Fiji to Vanuatu 2 Aug-20 Aug
Fiji -Yasawas This exceptionaly beautiful island group is a days sail from Lautoka, where we'll meet the village chiefs, hear fantastic Fijian island singing and snorkel on the stunning coral gardens off the white sand beaches.
After 3-4 days in Fijian waters we sail westwards to Vanuatu on a four day blue water passage with the excitement of experiencing the ship sailing before the tropical trade winds.

Formerly named The New Hebrides by Captain Cook, Vanuatu, which gained independence in 1980, is one of the most culturally diverse groups in the South Pacific.

The Banks Islands - Sun 23 Aug to Thu 10 Sept
Our first voyage commences from the island of Espiritu Santo, a short internal air flight from Pt Vila, and explores the northern Banks islands - the most inaccessible in the group. Named by Captain Cook in honour of Sir Joseph Banks they stretch 60-100 miles from Santo. These rugged and mysterious islands are entirely untouched by modern tourist development and this voyage will be a truly unique chance to see an area beyond the normal reach of other travelers.

Most nights will be at anchor as sailing distances between the islands are perhaps only 20-70 miles. We will usually weigh anchor early each morning and aim to arrive at our next anchorage by early afternoon although there will be the chance for a couple of overnight sails between the islands.

When at an anchorage we use Soren's 17 ft inflatable boat for runs to the beach to explore ashore. The ship has masks and snorkels for all those who want to swim from the ship.

On this voyage we reach as far north as Ureparapara, there the anchorage is inside the huge breached crater of the island volcano and spectacular walls make for a strenuous but rewarding hour’s climb through the jungle to the crater rim. Visiting the well established village at Urepaprapa we shall be welcomed by the Chief of the comunity and see custom dancing displays, meet the villagers and have the chance to buy wood carvings.

We will aim to return via the little visited western side of Santo, where at village communities are still producing Lapita pottery, in a direct living link to the ancient PPacific mariners. We finish back that Aore island, off Luganville and For those interested in scuba diving here is the famous wreck dive on the USS Coolidge and Million Dollar point. Dives can be arranged with local operators. Read about this voyage V290 in more detail here

Villages - we will be visiting some fairly remote places, and we are fortunate to be able see the life in their village communities. People live in traditionally built bamboo and thatch houses, cook by heated stone ovens and are without electricity. They are extremely welcoming of visitors even though our lifestyles are literally worlds apart.

Central Vanuatu Voyage -
Sun 13 Sept to Thu 24 Sept 2009
This voyage will commence at Espiritu Santo. We will head east andthe south working our way between bays and achorages through the island chain to Pt Vila on Efate.

Tacking across the south east trade winds means we shall sail to anchorages and villages on the west side of Maewo, Penetcost and Ambrym, following much the same track as Cook’s Resolution did when he charted the islands on his second Pacific voyage in 1774.

Ritual and custom, ancestor worship and local cults, dancing and drumming and colourful ceremony are part of everyday village life here. Melanesian ritual and creative custom varies greatly from one island to another and one of the most exciting aspects of this cruise is the contact and exchange with the open and friendly islanders.

We'll vist Malekula, Epi and the Mescalyne islands before reaching our destination, the modern captial Port Vila.

Read about this voyage
V291 in more detail here

You will be joining the ship as participating Voyage Crew, helping set sail and steer the vessel between destinations. No previous experience is required and people of all ages join the ship from all over the world for this authentic Pacific experience.

Berth Price is UK £ 1250 per person for 11 nights or £ 2050 for 18 nights in twin or four berth cabin inclusive of all meals, use of ship's safety equipment, boats , snorkels - prices converted to local currency at time of booking.

Read of the experiences of those on previous Vanautu voyages; these accounts and pictures come unedited from those onboard :
- Vanuatu Picture Gallery and Mia's account
- Austrian Voyage Crew Emil's Banks Islands Top ten
- Canadian crew Noreen's Photo gallery and account of the Banks islands

Read Prevoius Voyage Logs and links to past years archive OR the lastest Voyage Blog

Getting there:
We can advise the best route from Europe or North America for flights and can book flight/accommodation packages from New Zealand - and a stop over in Auckland is a popular way of starting your voyage for those on long haul flights. Contact us for package costs or to discuss plans.

Also see Air Vanuatu
Air New Zealand | Qantas | Air Caledonie | Polynesian Air | Air Pacific |