SWAN HELLENIC LUXURY CRUISES - OCEANA

Cruising the Pacific Islands

New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Solomon Islands

"We're thrilled to be partnering with Swan Hellenic and to pass along rates this good to our clients. Tracey and I are so excited, in fact, that we're doing something we've never done before — we have invited our childern along for our third trip to Antarctica. If that doesn't tell you how we feel about this one, nothing will." — Rick

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17

Days

152-192

Guests Max

Expert

Discovery Team

39

Included Meals

DAY BY DAY

Your complete itinerary — 17 days, Home to Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

This voyage sails round-trip from home through Auckland, New Zealand, crossing the South Pacific to Honiara, Solomon Islands. Some island landings and the order of ports may shift slightly based on conditions on the day.

Click the ▾ arrow on any day to see full details and included meals

1Day

Depart Home

North America · Overnight flight · March 18

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Depart on your overnight flight bound for Auckland, New Zealand — your gateway to the South Pacific and the start of an unforgettable island-hopping expedition. Auckland to Honiara route map

2Day

Continuing to Auckland

In transit · Crossing the International Date Line · March 19

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Your journey continues across the Pacific. Because you're crossing the International Date Line en route, this calendar day largely disappears in the air — you'll touch down in Auckland the following morning feeling like you skipped a day entirely.

3Day

Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand · Overnight hotel included · March 20

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Airport transfers included

Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, spread across volcanic hills and sparkling harbours. Spend the day at your own pace — browse the Auckland Art Gallery, take in Maori taonga and history at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, or wander the revitalized Britomart waterfront with its shops, cafés, and bars. For sweeping views, head up the 328-meter Sky Tower. Tonight, settle into your included overnight hotel and rest up before boarding tomorrow.

4Day

Embark in Auckland

New Zealand · Boarding SH Minerva · March 21

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Breakfast · DinnerGroup transfer to the ship included

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the pier and board SH Minerva, where every guest enjoys a private balcony or oceanview stateroom. Meet the Captain and crew, settle in, and toast the start of your South Pacific expedition as the ship sets sail this evening, bound for the open ocean. Meals: B, D

5Day

Day at Sea

South Pacific · March 22

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerLectures & onboard amenities

Settle into life at sea. Work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym, unwind in the sauna or hot tub, or sit in on a lecture from the ship's onboard experts as you cruise toward your first landfall, Norfolk Island. Meals: B, L, D

6Day

Day at Sea

South Pacific · March 23

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerLectures & onboard amenities

A second easy day at sea. Catch up on reading in the library, book a treatment at the spa, or simply relax on deck as the ship continues northwest across the Pacific. Meals: B, L, D

7Day

Norfolk Island

Australian Territory · March 24

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerShore excursion included

Halfway between New Zealand and Australia, Norfolk Island carries a striking history. Claimed for Britain by Captain Cook in 1774, it became a penal colony in 1788, and in 1856 the descendants of the Bounty mutineers were resettled here from Pitcairn. Explore the island's ruins, historic buildings, and small museums that trace this unusual past. Norfolk Island

Meals: B, L, D

8Day

Day at Sea

South Pacific · March 25

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerLectures & onboard amenities

Another restful day at sea as the ship makes its way toward New Caledonia. Take in a talk from the onboard experts, or simply enjoy the view from your private balcony. Meals: B, L, D

9Day

Isle of Pines

New Caledonia · March 26

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerShore excursion included

The Isle of Pines, in southern New Caledonia, is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise bays, and the tall pine forests that gave it its name when Captain Cook first sighted it. At Oro Bay, a natural coral pool shelters colorful fish in clear water, and near Baie de Kuto you'll find the remains of a 19th-century penal colony. Hiking trails wind through the pines up to N'ga Peak for sweeping island views. Isle of Pines

Meals: B, L, D

10Day

Lifou Island

Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia · March 27

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerShore excursion included

Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands, is often considered New Caledonia's most scenic spot, with sheltered bays, dramatic cliffs, and secluded stretches of sand like Luengoni Beach. Local Melanesian communities still live in traditional round huts, and vanilla is the island's main crop — the House of Vanilla shares its story and production. Snorkelers will find vibrant reefs near the Jokin Cliffs. Lifou Island

Meals: B, L, D

11Day

Port Vila, Efate Island

Vanuatu · March 28

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerShore excursion included

Port Vila, Vanuatu's capital on Efate Island, blends deep Melanesian roots with layers of Portuguese, British, and French influence. It's a lively, easygoing town with waterfront cafés, totem poles, and the bustling Mama's Market. Don't miss the National Museum of Vanuatu, the interactive Ekasup Cultural Village where you can join in traditional song and dance, and the Summit Gardens. Port Vila, Efate Island

Meals: B, L, D

12Day

Ambrym & Pentecost Islands

Vanuatu · March 29

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerTwo islands, one day

A two-island day in Vanuatu's volcanic archipelago. Ambrym is famed for its black-sand beaches, the twin volcanoes of Mount Marum and Mount Benbow, and villagers who still practice traditional magic and sand drawing — kava is the ceremonial drink of choice. Nearby, lush and mountainous Pentecost offers a quieter side of the country: rainforest trails, coastal villages, and kastom traditions woven into daily life, including the island's famous land-diving rites, the original inspiration for bungee jumping. Ambrym Island

Meals: B, L, D

13Day

Champagne Beach

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu · March 30

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerBeach day included

Champagne Beach, on Espiritu Santo, is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the South Pacific — fine white powder meeting brilliantly turquoise water. It earns its name from the way the seawater fizzes and bubbles at low tide, a quirk of volcanic activity beneath the bay. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging under the palms. Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo

Meals: B, L, D

14Day

Tegua Island

Torres Islands, Vanuatu · March 31

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerShore excursion included

Tegua is a tiny, half-moon-shaped coral island in the remote Torres Group, roughly 650 miles north of Efate. Few visitors ever make it here, and life moves slowly. Rising sea levels have already forced villagers — sometimes called the world's first climate change refugees — to relocate to higher ground on the island's interior, making this a rare and moving stop. Tegua Island

Meals: B, L, D

15Day

Lata, Nendo Island

Solomon Islands · April 1

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerShore excursion included

Nendo, also known as Ndeni or Santa Cruz Island, sits in the remote southeastern Solomons and is the largest island in the Santa Cruz archipelago. Its culture stands apart from the rest of the Solomons — villagers still grill fish on hot stones and live in traditional jungle dwellings. The island is especially known for Tevau, its traditional "red feather money" woven from scarlet honeyeater feathers. Lata, Nendo Island

Meals: B, L, D

16Day

Santa Ana Island

Solomon Islands · April 2

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerShore excursion included

Tiny, inhabited Santa Ana (Owaraha) sits just east of San Cristobal, a verdant coral island with peaceful white-sand beaches and small inland lakes. Villagers here are proud of their heritage and often welcome visiting guests with traditional song and dance in bright costume, alongside displays of ornate wood carving. Reefs just offshore teem with tropical fish. Santa Ana Island

Meals: B, L, D

17Day

Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Solomon Islands · Disembarkation · April 3

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Breakfast included

Your voyage ends in Honiara, the Solomon Islands' capital on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal. The city grew up around a US military base during and after WWII, and its US War Memorial offers a thoughtful look back at that history — nearby Bonegi Beach hides sunken WWII wrecks just offshore. Disembark after breakfast and bid farewell to the crew and the friends you've made along the way. Ask Rick and Tracey about extending your stay before flying home. Meals: B

Have a Question or Ready to Reserve Your Cabin?

Rick and Tracey answer every enquiry personally — usually within a few hours

Email Rick & Tracey to Book

— or —

Prefer to talk? Call us at 224-285-7476

We're cruise specialists, not a call center — you'll always speak with Rick or Tracey directly

Route Overview

Auckland to Honiara – Sail through the heart of the South Pacific

One included pre-cruise night – Auckland, New Zealand

SH Minerva – Only 152 Guests

Experience the South Pacific onboard the boutique expedition ship SH Minerva through five countries. Explore fascinating ports of call from New Zealand's Norfolk Island to the coral shores of New Caledonia, the volcanic islands of Vanuatu, and the remote atolls of the Solomon Islands. Experience island culture, snorkel vibrant reefs, uncover WWII history, and more on your thirteen-night cruise. This voyage concludes in Honiara, Guadalcanal's storied wartime capital.

Special Group Discount Pricing From:

$11,650

Per person, Any Balcony

Truly inclusive luxury expedition voyage aboard SH Minerva

Contact Rick & Tracey to book

DEPART FROM HOME ON

March 18, 2027

14 Days · 13 Nights

Auckland → Honiara

SH Minerva

New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Solomon Islands Map

Click to enlarge

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✔ All meals onboard

✔ Complimentary beer, wine & spirits, any time

✔ 24-hour room service

✔ One selected shore excursion at every port of call

✔ All expedition landings

✔ Lecture programs by expedition team & guest speakers

✔ Gym, sauna & pool

✔ 24/7 self-service laundry

✔ Group transfers & one pre-cruise night in Auckland

✔ Gratuities, port taxes & Wi-Fi included

WHY BOOK WITH RICK & TRACEY?

✔ Personal service from first call to final travel documents

✔ Expert advice on the right cruise, ship and cabin for you

✔ Firsthand destination expertise in New Zealand, your voyage's gateway

✔ Rick & Tracey have sent thousands of travelers across all seven continents

✔ Rick & Tracey have visited all seven continents — at least twice

✔ Access to exclusive offers and added value not available to the public

✔ We're available before, during and after your trip — always a real person

Rick & Tracey
Your Travel Experts

✔ Special exclusive group pricing · No fees, no markups!

Exclusive Pricing

Exclusive Non-Public Rate

Private group rates on this Swan Hellenic South Pacific departure — not published on our site or anywhere else online.

Your private rate is available on request, or view it directly on our private rates page.

Private Balcony

Best available Balcony stateroom & below

Cabin Features

269 sq ft cabin with private balcony with seating for two
Two single beds or a double bed
Bedroom with separate living room area
Flame-effect fireplace
Luxurious bathroom, robes & slippers
Smart HDTV with satellite entertainment
Stocked complimentary minibar
In-room safe
Individually controlled air conditioning
Complimentary 24-hour room service
Complimentary self-service laundry
Gratuities, port charges & Wi-Fi included

Ship	Route	Public Fare	Save Up To	Single	3rd/4th Guest	Details
MinervaBuilt 2021	New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Solomon IslandsMarch 21 – April 3, 2027 · 13 nts	$13,850	$2,200	+50%	Adult pays 50% · Minor pays 35%	View Rate → Inquire