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FROM NOUMEA TO PALAU

Noumea - Palau

Expedition Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Palau - the magic of small, hidden Pacific gems

  • Offers in the SILVER fare
  • 19.03.25 to 07.04.25|19 days

  • HANSEATIC inspiration

  • INS2504

  • International Trip

Noumea - Palau

19.03.2025 to 07.04.2025|19 days

from € 13.190

19 days Cruise p.p.

What to expect

The highlights of this cruise

  • The Pacific for pioneers: twice in the spring of 2025 (additional date: cruise INS2505)
  • Rituals, rhythms and rainforests: every day a new kaleidoscope of creation
  • Zodiac rides to vibrant snorkelling hotspots and along narrow tributaries deep into the green jungle
  • Enjoy the South Seas feeling – surrounded by exotic vegetation and an ocean in every shade of blue
  • Welcome ceremonies, dances and customs: sometimes “warlike”, sometimes friendly – always surprising
  • At anchor

  • Are you well travelled and looking for a destination that will make a real impression? With fascinating talks and travel reports, your team of experts on board will get you in the mood for this exotic wonderland. The legendary Solomon Islands open the door to the Garden of Eden with remote beaches and often mysterious cultures. On Nendo, you will be greeted by the village elder and swept away by traditional dances. On a Zodiac landing on the beach of Santa Ana Island, look forward to an impressive welcome ritual by the village “warriors”, brandishing their spears. Off Roderick Bay you will explore the wreck of the "World Discoverer" in a Zodiac. At over 2,300 m (7,546 ft), Mount Popomanaseu dominates the island of Guadalcanal. Honiara – the capital of the island kingdom – boasts delicate inlay work on its eaves, gables and canoes.
  • Standing in Australia’s shadow, the unspoilt island state of Papua New Guinea seems to have been almost forgotten by civilisation. This picture-book world is filled with colour, from the azure sky to the turquoise sea and lush green jungle. Equally vibrant are the cultures of the numerous tribes, with enigmatic rituals and hundreds of languages. Words will escape you when you visit the Louisiade Archipelago. Enjoy true South Seas feeling when the Zodiacs take you to the beach to swim and snorkel. Feel like an explorer when the HANSEATIC inspiration calls at volcanic Fergusson Island. A walk with your experts will lead you through dense eucalyptus forests to hot springs and geysers. Swimwear and snorkelling equipment will be as much a part of your visit to the Trobriand Islands as the masks, grass skirts and feathers worn by the locals.
  • The Trobriand Islands are also called the “islands of love”. Will your heart beat here for the masks, grass skirts and feathers worn by the inhabitants? Or how about a rendezvous with the fabulous underwater world? A declaration of love for village traditions opens up Kitawa to you: the custom of exchanging rings continues to this day here, with bracelets and necklaces made from mussels. After a welcome ceremony with beautifully adorned dancers on Kaileuna, the second largest island in the archipelago, you will gain an insight into the yam houses.
  • With the robust motorised rubber boats, you will explore the region of Tufi – with its green fjord landscapes, rugged stretches of land and active volcano Mount Victory. The remote coral atoll Tambiu Island is full of originality and mystery as well. The Zodiacs will take you into a world where communal life is celebrated in colourful ceremonies.
  • The modern city of Madang will prove a real contrast to unspoilt nature and will be your starting point for a flight to the Goroka Highlands1, home of the “mudmen”. Delve into the culture of these former warriors.

  • Your thrilling experiences continue on a Zodiac ride on the Sepik River: travel through lush green forests on lateral canals and be greeted by the colourfully adorned residents of Kopar. Pioneering spirit fills the air again when your ship heads for the small settlement of Vanimo – once a station for merchant ships belonging to Indonesian princes and still inaccessible by land.
  • Bring your expedition to a fantastic conclusion in the island state of Palau, which has over 300 islands. Swim, snorkel and let your spirits soar: enjoy daydreaming on Koror and soak in this paradise – for example, on a scenic flight over the island world1 or a boat trip through the “floating gardens” of the Rock Islands1. Your memories will be as varied as the colours displayed by the many regions visited.

1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
2 See below for alternative travel package from arrival point with day room.

Arrival and departure options

    • Sun, 16.03.2025

      Scheduled flight from Germany to Sydney

      Optionally bookable

    • Mon, 17.03.2025

      Two overnight stays with breakfast

      Optionally bookable

    • Tue, 18.03.2025

      City tour with lunch

      Optionally bookable

    • Wed, 19.03.2025

      Flight to Noumea

      Optionally bookable

    • Mon, 07.04.2025

      Tour with lunch2
      Scheduled flight from Koror to Germany

      Optionally bookable

    • Tue, 08.04.2025

      Arrival in Germany

      Optionally bookable

Extend your trip

  • Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.

  • Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.

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western pacific for pioneers

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western pacific for pioneers

Look forward to picture-perfect island experiences, a pure Robinson Crusoe feeling and adventures with the Zodiacs ahead. Far from the classic routes and off the beaten track, remote Pacific paradises ignite your passion for discovery. Authentic, in-depth encounters with mysterious cultures far removed from our times inspire you repeatedly and provide insights into isolated life.

Price special

Limited offer: Travel for the best price in the SILVER fare

For this cruise, offers in the SILVER fare are available. You will find these under "Prices & Booking" after selecting the respective suite/cabin.

Attractive combination discount

Extend your stay with the previous cruise INS2503 and save € 1,200 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare).

Included Services

Expedition and information
  • All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
  • Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
  • Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
  • Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
  • In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
  • Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
  • Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
  • Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
  • International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
All around carefree
  • German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
  • Harbour and airport fees
  • Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the fares PLATINUM and GOLD
Spa and fitness
  • Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
  • OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)