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Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
The islands and the continents of the tropical and subtropical Pacific spread across the largest ocean basin in the world and, separated from the outside world and each other by vast distances, developed distinct art and cultures. Their shores harbor fascinating birdlife amid splendid vegetation, and the waters surrounding them are some of the clearest in the world, presenting outstanding snorkeling and diving.
|  | | Circumnavigation of New Guinea - Part I: Wewak to Port MoresbyDeparts: March 16, 2009 Exotic and ultimately diverse, New Guinea never fails to astound travelers with its landscapes and fascinating cultures. Join us for a two-part expedition circumnavigating the world’s second-largest island. Afloat and ashore, these voyages dazzle with unforgettable images: sky-piercing volcanoes, idyllic coral islets, thatched-roof villages, kaleidoscopic reefs teeming with marine life, the exuberant traditional welcomes of Asmat warriors and Melanesian villagers, soaring white-tailed tropicbirds, and the sweet scent of frangipani. | |  | | Circumnavigation of New Guinea - Part II: Port Moresby to WewakDeparts: March 29, 2009 Exotic and ultimately diverse, New Guinea never fails to astound travelers with its landscapes and fascinating cultures. Join us for a two-part expedition circumnavigating the world’s second-largest island. Afloat and ashore, these voyages dazzle with unforgettable images: sky-piercing volcanoes, idyllic coral islets, thatched-roof villages, kaleidoscopic reefs teeming with marine life, the exuberant traditional welcomes of Asmat warriors, soaring white-tailed tropicbirds, and the sweet scent of frangipani.
| |  | | Beyond Rapa Nui: Easter Island, Pitcairns, Tuamotus, Marquesas, TahitiDeparts: October 1, 2009 Our luxury adventure travel cruise begins in Easter Island, with its mysterious stone statues (moai). From Easter Island, aboard Clipper Odyssey, explore Pitcairn, the Tuamotus, and Marquesas before concluding with the seductive charm of Moorea and Tahiti. Discover the World Heritage Site of Henderson Island in the Pitcairns, a remote world of endemic birds and plants; the Tuamotus, famed for their pearls, azure lagoons, and superb underwater vistas; and the Marquesas, their hallmark jagged peaks draped in lush foliage, where exuberant hospitality is demonstrated by dancers. Throughout our voyage, experience the natural riches and cultural wonders in the company of our exceptional field leaders. | |  | | Pearls of Polynesia: Tahiti, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Napuka, Bora BoraDeparts: October 18, 2009 Explore paradise in the iconic islands of French Polynesia, from Tahiti's soaring volcanic peaks to the tiny and ancient atolls of the Tuamotus. On this South Pacific cruise, dazzling lagoons and warm translucent waters offer sublime snorkeling and diving; ashore, walk on pink sand beaches and through lush verdant landscapes. Our exploration of the Marquesas reveals a natural wonderland of botanical diversity while a conch-shell trumpet welcome ashore is, simply, unforgettable. Invitations to tour villages and homes, along with ceremonial dances, songs, and drumming make our Polynesia travel experience unforgettable. | |  | | Hidden Gems of the South PacificDeparts: November 13, 2009 Discover the South Pacific on our one-of-a-kind itinerary through paradise. We set sail from Tahiti for an in-depth exploration of the islands and remote atolls of the legendary South Pacific, ending in Fiji. Our cruise includes Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Wallis and Futuna. Join expert leaders, naturalists, marine biologists, and ornithologists as we step ashore on idyllic isles to meet Polynesia's warm and welcoming people, hike through lush volcanic landscapes, and snorkel or dive sapphire waters teeming with marine life. | |  | | Wild Edge of the Pacific I: Voyage 1 - Fiji to Chatham IslandsDeparts: November 26, 2009 Join us for our first-ever exploration of the wild and isolated South Pacific Islands of Kermadec and Chatham. Explore Raoul, Macauley, and Curtis Islands—home to one of the world's rarest plants, a soaring tree fern. Huge populations of breeding seabirds include allied shearwaters and black-winged petrels, and snorkeling and diving opportunities reveal more than 145 species of fish that call this extensive marine reserve home. We visit New Zealand's north island to witness Maori culture and historical sights, then travel to Chatham Island with its towering cliffs, rugged coastline, dense forests, and remote farms. Join our expert naturalists in the discovery of these remote islands of the Pacific. | |  | | Wild Edge of the Pacific: Voyage 2 - Chatham Islands to FiordlandDeparts: December 8, 2009 New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands are a paradise for nature lovers and a place of pilgrimage for birders. The wild Chathams boast 18 unique bird species and the tiny cluster of Bounty Islands are noted for cliff-nesting Bounty Island shags. The Antipodes are home to half the world's population of erect-crested penguins, and in the Sub-Antarctic Islands dusky dolphins, sperm whales, legendary yellow-eyed penguins, southern royal albatross, petrels, and sooty shearwaters are highlights. The scenic splendors and magnificent geography of the World Heritage areas of Doubtful, Dusky, and Milford Sounds of New Zealand make a fitting finale. | |  | | New Zealand for the HolidaysDeparts: December 19, 2009 Cruise New Zealand, a land of dramatic landscapes and fascinating cultural history. On New Zealand’s South Island, we set sail aboard the Clipper Odyssey in beautiful Milford Sound, calling at Stewart Island and following the coast northward with stops in Dunedin, Kaikoura and Marlborough Sounds. On the North Island, we enjoy the artistic, cultural, and historical treasures of Wellington and Napier, along with Rotorua’s stunning combination of Maori cultural and geothermal activity. The picturesque Bay of Islands makes a fitting finale to our most in-depth exploration of this southern wonderland yet. |
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Africa