Coral Expeditions has announced a series of new voyages in 2021 aptly named, ‘Small Islands of the World’. Islands hold a special place in the heart of the traveller. Each island is a world of its own, with unique geography, flora and fauna, legends and stories. What better way to travel than to sail around the world calling on the most fascinating small islands known to man?
The Island series started with a sold-out collection of voyages on the new Coral Geographer from Singapore via Sri Lanka and the Maldives to the islands off the edge of Eastern Africa – Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar and Zanzibar.
Launching now is a collection featuring the isles of the Southern Pacific (including Tahiti, the Marquesas and Pitcairn), Micronesia and New Guinea (Yap, Chuuk Lagoon, Palau), Japan (Saipan, Iwo Jima and the Ryukyu chain) and the Philippines (Catanduanes, Biri and Palaui).
According to Group General Manager, Mark Fifield, the launch of the new itineraries represents the next stage of growth for the Australian company.
“We will step ashore in some of the most rarely seen places on earth such as Pitcairn Island in the Pacific, which is so remote that the HMAV Bounty mutineers who sought refuge here in 1790 expected never to be found. Walk the site in the Philippines where the Explorer Magellan met his end 500 years ago. Sail past Mount Suribachi, the setting for the famous ‘flag raising’ photograph of World War II. Step ashore at Ogasawara Island, known as the “Galapagos of the East” due to its unique ecosystem. These are special places that are difficult to reach except by hardy expedition ship.”
Fifield continues: “Our new state-of-the-art ships Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer are designed and built to our exacting specifications. Their size, amenities and capabilities represent the perfect balance between being large enough for blue-water ocean voyaging yet having a small and intimate ship feel to maximise our guest experience.”
Poised for further development, Coral Expeditions hints toward further sailings in 2022 including a continuation of sailings to other ‘Small Islands of the World’ for Coral Geographer.
“This year we will also be celebrating our 35th anniversary – the future is looking bright.” says Fifield.
South Pacific Islands onboard Coral Geographer
Coral Geographer will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Polynesians, known as some of the world’s greatest navigators, who crossed the vast Pacific Ocean guided only by the stars, the wind, and the tide. Along the way, share in warm encounters with local islanders and hear stories about their seafaring and village life. Admire Polynesian art and artefacts and wander the lush vegetation of frangipani and palm groves populated by exotic birdlife and explore the protected lagoons and spectacular shores of remote atolls.
- 12-nights Madang (PNG) to Honiara (Solomon Islands) departing 8 October 2021
- 15-night Honiara (Solomon Islands) to Apia (Samoa) departing 21 October 2021
- 14-nights Apia (Samoa) to Papeete (Tahiti) departing 5 November 2021
- 20-night Papeete to Papeete (Via Tuamotus, Pitcairn and the Australs) departing 10 December 2021
- 14-night Papeete to Papeete (via Marquesas & Tuamotus ) departing 10 December 2021
- 14-night Papeete (Tahiti) to Nuku’alofa (Tonga) departing 24 December 2021
Asian Cruises
Small Islands of New Guinea and Micronesia onboard Coral Geographer
Voyage through remote island trails to discover ancient tales of indigenous sea people and hear stories of WWII exploits. Discover relics of battles, and snorkel over the ghost fleet of Chuuk Lagoon. Experience warm welcomes from the traditional islanders and gain an in-depth admiration for the intricate craftwork and artefacts they create. Explore the lush vegetation of frangipani and palm groves backdropped by jungle-cloaked volcanic spires, and the protected lagoons and spectacular coral atolls. Swim among the ethereal and harmless Medusa jellyfish at Palau, and spot rare bird species in some of the most remote locations in the world.
- 11-nights Darwin to Palau departing 13 August 2021
- 18-nights Palau to Kavieng departing 25 August 2021
- 12-nights Kavieng to Cairns departing 12 September 2021
- 12-nights Cairns to Madang departing 26 September 2021
Small Islands of Japan onboard Coral Adventurer
Enter Japan’s island realms from the south through Guam and the historic outposts of Saipan and Iwo Jima following the fascinating small islands through the Ryukyu arc before disembarking at Tokyo. Along the way, enjoy guided nature treks in remote UNESCO World Heritage sites including mountainous Ogasawara Islands, the “Galapagos of the Orient”, traverse the vine bridges in remote Iya Valley, walk amongst cedar forests at Yakusugi and explore ancient lava tubes at Jeju Island. Sail past remote active volcanic islands and discover rare seabird nesting habitats, accompanied at sea by migrating whales, playful dolphins and giant green sea turtles. Along the way, experience the rich history of Japan’s cultural past in traditional Kimono workshops, Taiko drumming performances, Soba noodle making, a thoughtful tea ceremony, and the energetic Awa ‘fool’s dance’.
- 16-nights Darwin to Guam departing 17 September 2021
- 14-nights Guam to Tokyo departing 4 October 2021
- 14-nights Tokyo to Nagasaki departing 19 October 2021
- 16-nights Nagasaki to Keelung departing 2 November 2021
Small Islands of the Philippines aboard Coral Adventurer
Journey from the towering marble valleys of Taroko Gorge in Taiwan and into the limestone karst islands of the Philippines, where hidden beaches are overlooked by craggy green-mantled ridges. Discover a Spanish colonial history that has left mysterious forts and ruins across the islands and explore the remote outer islands where snorkelling reveals an abundance of marine life. Finally, our voyages traverse the exciting coast of Borneo, where remarkable wildlife experiences of orangutans, sun-bears, gibbons and numerous native birds await.
- 16-nights Keelung to Manilla departing 19 November 2021
- 16-nights Manilla to Singapore departing 5 December 2021
With a history of innovation spanning 35 years, Coral Expeditions is one of Australia’s longest-running and most awarded expedition cruise operators. Coral Expeditions offers expedition cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, The Kimberley, Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land, Papua New Guinea, Spice Islands, Raja Ampat, New Zealand, the Islands of the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean including islands at the edge of Africa.
