A recent convert to the joys of cruising, I set sail earlier this year on a 17-day expedition-style cruise to the heart of remote Pacific islands with Ponant, aboard Le Soleal.
From Fiji we sailed west to the delightful Vanuatu Islands and visited a village on the island of Ambrym, with its fascinating traditions of sorcery and spirits. More traditions were witnessed in the Solomon Islands, stunningly beautiful with its idyllic white-sand beaches.
We also visited the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, a unique group of islands that are ecologically and geographically part of the Solomon Islands, but actually part of Papua New Guinea.
On to Micronesia, a scattering of over 600 islands and atolls in the heart of the northern Pacific, an area is very rich in Second World War history. The shores of Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon and Pulap Island retain traces of a tragic past and a unique Underwater Military Museum is the resting place of wrecks from Japan’s military air and sea fleets. A diver’s dream, snorkellers can also view an enormous Japanese battleship and WWII Zero fighter, lying a few metres below the surface in crystal clear water. A timely reminder of the terrible human cost of war.
The atolls of Ifalik also offer incredibly rich underwater scenery, but of a natural variety, while, on land, Lamotrek Island offers white sandy beaches and coconut trees, and villages that exude deep-rooted traditions.
Our cruise ended in Guam, the biggest volcanic island of the Mariana Islands, renowned for its tropical beaches, WWII history, and Spanish colonial heritage.
I have to say the itinerary was wonderful, taking us to some incredible and unique places. Some of the islands see less than 1000 visitors a year and were true paradises, with warm and welcoming people.
It was an amazing and unique experience, and after spending the last 50 years travelling to all corners of the earth, I cannot recommend this cruise enough.
Glimpses of a disappearing world.
Notes from the journey:
• My cabin was extremely well designed, and the bed was extremely comfortable
• I was very impressed with the captain (Antione Paquet) who was wonderfully hands-on throughout the cruise. It is the first time I have ever been greeted personally by the captain at embarkation; he was a fantastic ambassador for Ponant
• Most of the crew were likewise excellent and the mainly Filipino wait staff and sailors were superb, as was the barman Cyrus on the outside top deck who was a delight. Friendly and always smiling, he could not do enough for his guests
• The French food on board was good and plentiful, especially the breads and desserts, as my waistline sadly will confirm!
• The shore excursions were great…I did every single one and was very happy with the experience, especially those done by zodiac to islands/for snorkelling which were all top class
• Le Soleal is a modern 264-guest ship embracing the spirit of yachting, taking you to remote and idyllic locations in elegant luxury combined with cutting-edge technology.
