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| Deck | Cabin Type | Cabin Code | Save up to | Single Cabin  | Twin Cabin | Triple Cabin | Quad Cabin | |||||
| Main Deck view | Explorer and Expedition Cabins view | $5990enquire now | $2995enquire now | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Promenade Deck view | Ocean Staterooms view | $7390enquire now | $3695enquire now | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Bridge Deck view | Bridge Deck Suites view | 13% | $8790enquire now | $4395enquire now | N/A | N/A | ||||||
*Please note: All prices featured are in NZ dollars (unless otherwise stated), and include port taxes, government taxes and fees. Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. | ||||||||||||
Cruise Itinerary
| Day | Ports of call | Arrival | Departure |
| 1 | Espiritu Santo | Sun, Jun 24 2012 07:00 | |
| 7 | Espiritu Santo | Sat, Jun 30 2012 21:00 | |
| Total length of cruise: 6 - night | |||
TYPICAL ITINERARY
Day 1 Sunday - Dinner
On arrival at Espiritu Santo Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to downtown where a ferry will be waiting to take you to Aore Island Resort. Once there, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and then given beach towels which you can use for the rest of the day. NB: Suggest you pack a day bag with your swimming togs and anything else you may need for the day. Oh, and if ‘swimming’ isn’t first and foremost on your ‘things to do’ list, the resort has an all-day dining menu and bar which you’re more than welcome to use.
You’ll have until 4pm to relax and use the resort facilities before you are met by a crew member who’ll transfer you by tender to the “Island Passage”. Shortly after departure, the ship will head around Million Dollar Point; aptly named for the vast amount of American war machinery under the waves, the coast of Santo beckons. Then you will have a sundown dinner on Aese Island.
Day 2 Monday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, there’s the opportunity to snorkel over a fabulous coral reef only metres from the ship. It’s an unforgettable experience - Island Escape’ll take you up current in the tender, so that you can drift over gardens of coral inhabited by a myriad of tropical fishes.
On the same day, you’ll venture up the Riri River in a dugout canoe to discover the miraculous blue holes – deep, clear freshwater springs that bubble up into the river. You’ve never seen the colour blue quite like this. A refreshing swim is almost compulsory! The rest of your day can include as much activity as you wish: sightseeing from the tenders; exploring the shoreline; perhaps a trip with one of your fishing guides. Or simply relaxing in a steamer chair as you adjust to “island time “and get pampered “Island Passage” style. Tonight will be spent at anchor off the pristine beaches of Mavea Island
Day 3 Tuesday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After enjoying another one of chef’s indulgent breakfasts there's still time for a swim or a walk before you make your way north through even more beautiful island, arriving in Hog Harbour in the late afternoon.
For those onboard keen to experience the thrill of fishing "tropical style" this is the first opportunity. Your guides in the fishing tender will shadow the ship up the coast in search of the game fish that the area is known for. On the right day the results can be spectacular with tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi often landed.
The views as you cruise north are unforgettable. If conditions are right some of your local friends will deliver a basket of local lobster. The evening sunset brings the day to a close with the Captains Dinner.
Day 4 Wednesday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, your Vanuatu Cruise Adventure will see you landing on world famous Champagne Beach - said to be the most beautiful beach in the world - which promises the bluest water, whitest sand and greenest jungle - it's just breathtaking. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, kayak and chat with the local pareu sellers. Later today you cross the straits to explore Maewo and Pentecost.
Day 5 Thursday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You’re welcomed into the village of Asanvari, which is situated above a beautiful lagoon at the southern end of Maewo. This intriguing settlement has a charismatic leader known simply as ‘Chief Nelson’.
In Asanvarai you’ll get a look at the ni-Vanuatu way of life. You’ll also get to know their sense of humour because smiling and laughing are major pastimes here. You can watch a custom dance, chat with the locals, learn how to cook lap-lap, walk to the village gardens, and visit a beautiful waterfall or snorkel in the protected lagoon. And make sure you check out the Asanvari Yacht Club. When you arrive back on board, it’s time for the Captain’s Cocktail Party.
Day 6 Friday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, the ship gets underway to sail south to Wali. You are greeted by the villagers in traditional wear and led to the edge of the forest where the 60 metre high land diving tower has been constructed from palm trees that are lashed together with flax. The land dive ceremony is preceded by the local women wailing and dancing is a semi-hypnotic trance. There are usually 8 jumpers and the ceremony lasts for around 90 minutes. You will leave in awe. You then move down the coast to Waterfall Village. Your local host will introduce you to the wonderful people of South Pentecost. You’ll be taken into the village as if you were part of it. From the Chief’s heartfelt welcome to your traditional Vanuatu kava farewell, you’ll be enthralled. All your guests agree that this is a very special place. Your last dinner aboard is served on the village. Late in the evening you get underway with the trade winds on your quarter, passing between Bokissa and Aore Islands as you head back towards Santo. This is a day you will remember for years to come.
Day 7 Saturday - Breakfast
A Continental Breakfast is served before you disembark at 9.00am. You’re free to use the facilities at Aore Island Resort before you’re transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Transfers to the airport are provided.
Please note the itinerary is subject to change due to weather/sea conditions.
OVERVIEW
Espiritu Santo and it’s nearby islands have Vanuatu’s tallest mountains, the South Pacific’s most delicious beef, the world’s most beautiful beach and arguably some of the world’s most primitive villages.
Island Passage will show you these amazing islands of northern Vanuatu on this comprehensive 6-night Vanuatu Adventure Cruise onboard the “Island Passage”. You will visit villages that rarely see cruise ships or western civilization and take home memorable and fun experiences of your cruise and of the wonderful Ni-Vanuatu people. These cruises visit the world famous land diving each Friday morning. A live show not to be missed.
The cruises are all inclusive with spacious en-suite accommodation, all onboard chef prepared meals, juices, water, espresso coffee, tea, exciting shore excursions, snorkel equipment, kayaks and small boat exploration, onboard leader, fishing equipment and guides. A full bar service is provided.
INCLUSIONS
Included in Your Cruise Price:
- En-suite accommodations - all outside cabins
- All included shore excursions as described
- Onboard professional cruise leader
- Use of all tenders, kayaks, snorkel and fishing gear
- All onboard chef-prepared cuisine
- Complimentary coffee, tea, juices, water or soft drinks
- All port charges, taxes, fees and onboard services
| Vessel: Island Passage | Length: 140ft |
| Beam: 39.00ft | Draft: 7.00ft |
| Cruising speed: 12kn | Engine: 2x Kelvin Marine TASC8 |
| Crew: 8 | Fresh water: 40,000 litres |
| Gross Tonnage: 496 | Onboard Currency: |
| Air Conditioning | All Meals Included |
| BBQ | Free Use of Fishing Equipment |
| Free Use of Kayaks | Helicopter |
| Library | Phone and Fax Facilities |
| Professional Chef | Satellite TV |
| Security Safe |
OTHER INFORMATION
The 42 metre (140 feet) 'Island Passage' is unique in that other vessels of her size carry more than double the 20 passengers that she can accommodate. This gives passengers much more room to relax. She is also licensed for 200-day passengers.
Amenities
The vessel has all the amenities that you would expect of a much larger cruise ship, including:
* Main Dining Room
* Large Saloon Lounge
* Sundeck and BBQ
* Helicopter carried onboard
* Expedition boats carried on-board
* Phone and Fax facilities
* Satellite TV
* Security safe
* Fully stocked cocktail bar and Wine cellar
* Air Conditioning
* Library including videos and books
There are three expedition boats onboard. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty craft are extremely safe. The design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. They also carry 3 smaller tenders for use by passengers to explore areas away from the ship. There are also kayaks carried on board.
Crew
The 'Island Passage' operates with a crew of up to 8 and is registered as a New Zealand vessel under NZ Safe Ship Management. She has a tonnage of 496 GRT.
About the Helicopter
"ISLAND PASSAGE" carries a helicopter onboard.
With seating for 5 passengers this is an awesome way of extending your cruise experience.
Take flights to local vineyards, golf courses, a spot of heli-fishing or a flight to any of the numerous scenic delights along our route.
ABOUT Island Escape Cruises
Being born in Auckland and spending considerable amounts of my spare time cruising and fishing the Hauraki Gulf by yacht, I have over the years developed a real passion for this spectacular region, that covers 3,500,000 acres of pure natural paradise.
I lived in Tokyo for ten years while I was the owner and operator of an International Shipping Line. This period away from New Zealand only fed my passion further. Having been fortunate to travel many times to most corners of the world I believe the Hauraki Gulf is one of the most sensational snapshots of nature to be found anywhere. I eagerly looked forward to visiting my home country on business trips to enjoy brief encounters with the Gulf and rekindle my love of the region.
After retiring from the Shipping business in 2002 and returning to New Zealand I was presented with the opportunity of building a new business that would allow travellers from all corners of the world to experience this fantastic paradise. Three years in the planning took the Operator to a stage where the Operator was almost committed to building a luxury waterside lodge in the Gulf. However, the shortcomings of a stationery venue soon became obvious. With 3,500,000 acres to explore the Operator needed mobility together with the ability to offer flexible and seasonal scheduling for travellers.
A further two years later the daughter of the owner launched the purpose built 500-ton luxury expedition ship “Island Passage”. She is fitted with three levels of spacious accommodation and caters for only 24 guests, carries a professional crew of 8 together with specialized fishing and exploration guides.
For the travellers to fully experience the areas where they travel, the Operator has onboard a twin-engine 6-seat helicopter, six tenders and kayaks for ventures away from the Mother-ship to intimately explore the magnificent scenery or to fish the rivers, bays, and channels.
The Operator invites you to join the expeditions. Come along and relax, be pampered, be spoilt, be amazed.
Bridge Deck Suites
- Offering the best views on the ship, the two Bridge Deck Suites open directly onto the bridge deck. Each cabin is individually air-conditioned with SKY TV, DVD/CD, movies on demand, writing desk, easy chair, super king bed and extra-large bathroom.
Explorer and Expedition Cabins
- Located on the main deck, our Expedition cabins give you a choice of triple, twin, or queen accommodation. All feature individual air conditioning, TV, DVD/CD, movies with sea views from the portholes.
Ocean Staterooms
- On the same level as the saloon, alfresco bar and dining room, the Staterooms have large picture windows and doors opening directly onto the promenade deck. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning, TV, DVD/CD, movies, writing desk and either queen or twin single beds.
Island Passage
Main Deck
Explorer and Expedition Cabins
- Located on the main deck, our Expedition cabins give you a choice of triple, twin, or queen accommodation. All feature individual air conditioning, TV, DVD/CD, movies with sea views from the portholes.
- Cuisine on the 'Island Passage' is designed to be a delectable experience. Fresh produce and Pacific inspired flavours are essential ingredients.
- Our signature dishes include: freshly caught Kingfish - a revered sport-fish that could have been caught with your very own hands, and giant green-lip mussels served to your liking.
- You can't go past our "heli-picnics" for an unforgettable way to enjoy a variety of seafood including: shrimp, squid and baked fish. There are also plenty of other mouth-watering dishes to savour including our famous "Hauraki Ribs" and exquisite lamb racks. Fresh vegetables and garden salads are never in short supply either!
- Our chefs are more than happy to prepare any special dishes. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance so that we can accommodate you.
- Dining times
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and coffee and tea is available 24 hours a day.
Standard hours are:
* breakfast from 7:00-8:30am
* lunch at 12:30pm and
* dinner at 7:00pm. - Meal times may vary according to the day's activities but we will always advise of times through the daily bulletins.
- The Rangitoto Dining Room is the main dining area and situated on the Promenade deck. There are 2 large tables, each seating 12 guests.
- On the aft deck there is a large barbeque and 2 teak tables to encourage alfresco dining. The indoor-outdoor licensed bar is located in this area and is a wonderful spot to share tales with your fellow adventurers.
Located on Promenade Deck deck
Bars and Lounges
- Perfect place to relax and unwind with your fellow travellers after a busy day on the water.
Located on Promenade Deck
Scenic Flight
- With seating for 5 passengers this is an awesome way of extending your cruise experience.
- Take flights to local vineyards, golf courses, a spot of heli-fishing or a flight to any of the numerous scenic delights along our route.
Located on Bridge Deck
Library
- Don't feel like water sports today? Then relax with a book from the library.
Located on Main Deck
Island Passage Photos
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THIS CRUISE
Terms of booking on this website
Information disclaimer
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