Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TIKOPIA
DEAR ADVENTURER
The islands of Melanesia elicit a lexicon of superlatives, both for natural beauty and cultural
wealth. Th is is a favorite voyage among our past travelers and high demand enables us to
continue offering this exceptional opportunity to experience the time-honored traditions of
isolated cultures and communities whose ways of life are unique to this rarely visited corner
of Oceania.
Aboard the exclusively chartered Clipper Odyssey we explore four diverse off-the-beaten-path
island countries—Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea—where
viewing the prolific wildlife both on land and under water, complements stunning cultural
encounters. Magnificent volcanoes, coral-wreathed shores, lush foliage, and pandanus-fanned
sands envelope the local villages of Melanesia. We are greeted by the residents with colorful
ceremony: Trobriand islanders clad in traditional costumes—graceful women in red brush
skirts, men in feathered headdresses—dance out their elaborate welcomes… Hypnotic
rhythms on giant slit-gong drums are pounded out by the young men of Ambryn… Energetic
Kitava dances showcase and celebrate the annual yam harvests… and school children dressed
in tapa cloth sing their greetings in lovely Tikopia… These are the faces of the warm people
of this sublime region, their candor and expressiveness as captivating as the splendid natural
setting of their island homes.
In the surrounding tropical waters, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet, we have the oppor-
tunity to snorkel or dive on nearly every day of our voyage. Explore pristine reefs of hard and
soft corals, from delicate seafans to staghorn formations, where colorful sponges, flower-like
anemones, and giant tridacna clams edged with iridescent blue mantles flourish. Whether you
prefer to snorkel in crystalline shallow waters, stay dry in the Odyssey’s own glass-bottom-
boat, or join our dive master over a reef drop-off, the variety and color scheme of the native
sea life is simply astonishing. These waters also echo the turbulent history of World War II in
numerous wrecks and surplus war materiels now smothered in corals. A highlight for divers is
the exploration of the USS President Coolidge, a famed sunken troop supply ship.
Birding throughout the islands also offers spectacular abundance and variety. We’ll search
for such unusual species as the yellow-bibbed lory on Tikopia and the Santa Cruz ground
pigeon and thicket warbler on Espiritu Santo, in addition to the more easily spotted greater
frigatebird, white-tailed tropicbird, and red-footed booby.
Don’t miss this remarkable adventure to islands where the outrigger canoe has right-of-way
on the marine highway and wristwatches are only an adornment. I hope you will join me,
along with a stellar team of expedition staff and lecturers, for a comprehensive exploration of
this remote, diverse, and fascinating region of the western South Pacific.
Kindest regards,
Jonathan Rossouw
Zegrahm Director
© Jack S. Grove
© Jack S. Grove
FACES OF MELANESIA
FIJI, VANUATU, SOLOMON
ISLANDS, PAPUA NEW
GUINEA
Aboard the Clipper Odyssey
November 18 – December 6, 2010 | 19 Days
© Jack S. Grove
SOLOMON ISLANDS SNORKELERS
Thursday, November 18, 2010
MAP NOT TO SCALE
USA / Fiji
Friday, November 19
M Day lost crossing the International
E
L Date Line
A
Ambrym Island, Vanuatu
Kennedy
Guadalcanal Wednesday, November 24
SANTA CRUZ
fly to USA
Friday, November 26
Tikopia Tikopia Island, Santa Cruz Islands,
an e
Solomon Islands
Espiritu Santo BANKS Saturday, November 27
ISLANDS
Utupua Island
Rano Sunday, November 28
SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN Luganville Ambrym Santa Ana Island
Thursday, November 18, 2010 sail toward the islands of Vanuatu, formerly
USA / Fiji known as the New Hebrides.
Depart on your independent overnight flight
to Nadi, Fiji. Tuesday, November 23
Ambrym Island, Vanuatu
Friday, November 19 Captain Cook was one of the earliest
Day lost crossing the International explorers to view the magnificent volcanoes
Date Line that dominate the twin-peaked island of
Ambrym. Going ashore, our captain is
Saturday, November 20
presented with a ceremonial yam—in the
Nadi, Viti Levu, Fiji / Lautoka / Embark
same tradition of hospitality that greeted
Clipper Odyssey
Captain Cook. We witness palm-leaf-clad
After an early morning arrival, we check in
dancers with elegantly carved headdresses
to our hotel dayrooms and enjoy a morning
before exploring traditional Linbul Village.
at leisure before lunch. In the afternoon set
Ambrym is known for its fern carvings and
out for an island exploration, including a visit
slit-gong drums, some carved from enormous
to The Garden of the Sleeping Giant, started
breadfruit tree trunks.
by the late actor Raymond Burr in 1977,
and showcasing more than 2,000 varieties of In the afternoon we snorkel, dive, or view
orchids. We also visit the Vei Sei Sei village, from the glass-bottom-boat, coral heads that
then stop for magnificent island views at rise from a black-sand ocean floor, while
Vudu Lookout. In the city of Lautoka on the from the beach the birders search for the
western, “sunshine coast,” of Viti Levu, Fiji’s elusive megapode.
largest island, we embark the Clipper Odyssey.
Sunday, November 21 Wednesday, November 24
Expedition Stop in Fiji Rano Island
Enjoy the warm clear waters and colorful Off the coast of Malekula Island, Vanuatu’s
marine life surrounding the Fiji Islands during second largest island, is Rano Island. With the
our first opportunity to snorkel or dive on scent of hibiscus and red ginger in the air we
this voyage. take a leisurely walk to a village that welcomes
us with many dances including the famous
Monday, November 22 mask dance of Rano. Afterwards under the
At Sea cool shade of banyan and fig trees, we learn
Relax onboard today and learn about the about the local culture, including cooking,
natural history and cultures of the islands that snake charming, and even magic. After
await us from our accompanying lecturers. We lunch on board the ship we snorkel or dive
Clownfish
© Al Lombana
© Jack S. Grove
TIKOPIA
© Thomas Baechtold
the clear blue waters surrounding the island intact. This Polynesian-settled island lies in
keeping an eye out for long-nosed butterfly- Melanesia, yet its people are descendants of
fish and sea cucumbers. Tongan and Wallis Island settlers. School
children clad in tapa cloth harmonize songs
Thursday, November 25 of welcome, followed by enthusiastic dances
Luganville, Espiritu Santo Island by the young men of the village. We pay
This morning we have many options to homage to the island’s four paramount chiefs
explore Luganville and its environs. WWII who hold court from their leaf-covered huts.
history unfolds as we inspect relics of this
large American base—view Quonset huts Tikopia is the southernmost of the Solomon
and downed bombers, or choose to visit Nekat Islands. An extinct volcano, the island has a
village and participate in a traditional kava crater lake at its center and fertile soil for crop
ceremony. Divers set out on an unforgettable cultivation; yams, sago, taro, bananas, and
dive over the USS President Coolidge which breadfruit trees grow in profusion. Walking
sank in 1942; a tapestry of corals encrusts to the lake we are likely to spot fairy terns,
the wreck offering a haven for fishes. Our
cardinal honeyeaters, and yellow-bibbed
naturalists accompany birders and hikers on
lories. Islanders display exquisite handicrafts
an excursion inland. Espiritu Santo is famed
such as woodcarvings and model outrigger
for its 50 species of birds, including the very
canoes. Enjoy an afternoon wandering
rare mountain starling and thicket warbler,
the lovely beach or snorkel on the edge
found only at high elevations; the chestnut-
of the reef where we may spot up to 60
bellied kingfisher; and the yellow white-eye.
species of fish, including the bright yellow,
Conditions permitting, we snorkel at Million long-snouted coralfish.
Dollar Point, where the Allies jettisoned large
quantities of surplus war materiel into the Saturday, November 27
sea. Fish and other marine life have made Utupua Island
their homes among the wrecks, including A lagoon and barrier reef surround the rarely
baby chevron barracuda, and numerous other visited island of Utupua where Zodiacs take
small fry. us down a fjordlike channel into its heart.
Among the marshy mangrove trees we
Friday, November 26 learn about an ecosystem that is a beehive
Tikopia Island, Santa Cruz Islands, of biological activity. Follow a local dugout
Solomon Islands canoe along a narrow waterway to see where
Tikopia is legendary—a remote tropical the Nembao villagers plant their prolific
paradise where traditional customs remain vegetable gardens.
© Cynthia Gneiser
© Greg Gulik
© Cynthia Gneiser
Brahminy Kite Santa Ana island
Bodaluna Anemonefish
© Thomas Baechtold
© Sergey Frolov
© Jeff Gneiser
New Guinea together in a long-established have the chance to snorkel or dive in the
network of friendship. surrounding marine-rich waters. We also
Enjoy an afternoon snorkel off a pristine visit a tranquil seaside fishing village where
sandbar or an adventurous dive off the outer women and children still wear traditional
reef where we may see turtles, groupers, and dress, and visit a hot spring and mud pool
wrasses in warm clear waters. surrounded by lush vegetation.
© Natalia Baechtold
© Jack S. Grove
Price: $3,480 per person, double occupancy; $780 single supplement (limited number of
singles available).
NOTE: Space is limited to 34 participants. Please contact our office for an exact itinerary. For
terms and conditions, cancellation policies, and air fare, please refer to the main voyage.
© Ain Avik
For more information on our itineraries in 2010 visit www.zeco.com or request a calendar
from our office at 1-800-628-8747 or 206-285-4000.
what to expect
For most activities, a relatively moderate level You will travel with experienced leaders and
of exertion is required. You will need to climb a renowned lecture team of naturalists and
into and out of Zodiacs and tenders for diving historians who will add insight to both the
and snorkeling activities and excursions ashore cultural and natural riches you will encounter.
(staff and crew members will be on hand We will mail a complete list of recommended
to assist). Ashore, you must be able to walk clothing and a suggested reading list to you
moderate distances, unaided, over beaches approximately five months prior to departure.
and sometimes rough terrain. Average daily Participants will most enjoy the remarkable
temperatures will range from the lower to the opportunities this expedition offers if they
upper 80sºF throughout our itinerary. travel with a spirit of adventure.
© Sergey Frolov
EXPEDITION LEADERS
Our team of expert leaders and lecturers serves to bring a comprehensive educational component
to your adventure through lectures, guided excursions, and daily recaps.
Jeff Gneiser (Expedition Leader) – Mountaineer, ski instructor, sailor, and scuba diving
professional—all of these titles describe Jeff’s ability to share the outdoors with others. After
earning a bachelor of science degree in computer/electrical engineering from the University of
Colorado, Jeff returned to the travel industry as a dive instructor and expedition leader. In the
past decade, Jeff has earned his 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard Captain license, Medic First Aid
Instructors ticket, and traveled to the far corners of the earth.
Ian Cooke – A native of England, Ian’s background is deeply seated in practical ornamental
horticulture. After graduating from Pershore College of Horticulture in the Cotswold’s, Ian ran
his own business, building residential gardens and providing insight and direction to private and
corporate clients. He has lectured on board ships around the world. When he’s not traveling, Ian
lives in Tennessee and is a consultant on a wide range of ornamental horticultural initiatives.
Giovanna Fasanelli – As a young girl growing up in South Africa, Giovanna spent holidays
wading through the tidal pools off the eastern coast. Watching the cult classic movie, The Big
Blue, clinched her love of all things marine and after moving to Australia, pursued a B.S. in
Marine Biology. Today, Giovanna works on an Australia fishing and adventure show, Escape with
ET. As a dive master she has traveled extensively with experience in Australia, New Zealand,
Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Palau, and has been involved in numerous
documentary projects on the Great Barrier Reef.
Suzanne Noakes – From her home in Australia Suzanne has traveled the globe for more than
20 years and has developed a particularly deep understanding of the people, cultures, flora,
and fauna of Papua New Guinea and the Melanesian and Micronesian nations. She has led
many trips in the South Pacific and is the director of a company active in developing tourism
destinations throughout the Asian Pacific region, including ecolodge operations to protect
wildlife in Indonesia. Suzanne’s expertise, energy, and rapport with local people make her a
memorable leader.
Julie Christensen (Cruise Director) – During Julie’s tenure leading travelers around the
world she has visited all seven continents. Aboard a variety of expedition vessels such as
Le Levant, Le Ponant, and the Clipper Odyssey she has traveled to the Russian Far East and
Alaska; the numerous countries rimming the Mediterranean, Black, and Baltic Seas; Central
America; Micronesia and Melanesia; the Middle East; and India. During several of our past
voyages, Julie has been integral to the success of the expedition team due to her calm, decisive,
and affable nature.
© Thomas Baechtold
RESERVATION FORM
(preferred name)
(preferred name)
Address
E-mail Fax
Scuba Diving: Limited to 16 Advanced Open Water (AOW or equivalent) certified scuba divers.
You must complete two open water dives within the 12 months prior to the trip’s departure.
I am/will be an AOW certified scuba diver and I intend to dive on this program.
(Name)
I am/will be an AOW certified scuba diver and I intend to dive on this program.
(Name)
I/We have read and understand the enclosed Terms & Conditions for this program, and
agree to abide by them.
Signature Date
Signature Date
Please complete and return this Reservation Form with your deposit of 25% per person of the program fare to:
426 425
424 423
422 421
420
418
416 415 516 515 BRIDGE
INFIRMARY
414 413 514 513
311 412 411 512 511
310 309 410 409 510 509 SUITE
308 307 408 407 508 507 608 607
306 305 406 405 506 505 606 605
304 303 404 403 504 503 604 603
302 301 402 401 502 501 602 601
RECEPTION
PROMENADE
PROMENADE
SHOP
GYM
DINING MAIN LIDO
LOUNGE 652 653
ROOM LOUNGE
650 651
LIDO
BAR
LIBRARY
& BAR
POOL
RATES
CATEGORY RATE CATEGORY RATE
Category 1 $10,480 Category 6 $14,580
Category 2 $10,980 Suite $17,580
CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 4
Category 3 $11,880 Single/Cat 2 $17,580
CATEGORY 5
Category 4 CATEGORY
$12,7806 SUITE
Single/Cat 3 $18,880
Category 5 $13,680
Limited singles available at the quoted single rates beverages, e-mail/Internet/fax/telephone charges;
above. Additional singles may be available at 1.7 scuba diving fees and equipment where required.
times the share rate (suite not applicable).
Air Fare: A tentative flight schedule is available
Included: Accommodations in our hotels and on upon request. Zegrahm Expeditions will contact
board Clipper Odyssey as outlined in the itinerary; you approximately 180 days prior to the departure
all onboard meals; all group meals on land; group of this program to finalize your flight plans. As of
transfers; services of the expedition staff, including September 2009, the approximate economy air fare
lectures, briefi ngs, slide/fi lm shows; all group as listed in the itinerary is $2,189 for Los Angeles /
activities and excursions; landing and port fees; all Nadi – Port Moresby / Brisbane / Los Angeles.
gratuities. Post- voyage extension includes all of Airfare for optional post-voyage extension is
the above. $1,525 for Port Moresby / Karawari / Ambua /
Port Moresby. Additional fares from other cities
Not Included: All air transportation; excess baggage will be quoted as needed.
charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; transfers
for independent arrivals and departures; passport All rates are per person, quoted in U.S. dollars, and
and/or visa fees; travel insurance; items of a personal must be paid in U.S. dollars. Rates and itineraries
nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic are subject to change.
© Andrew Ahl
FACES OF MELANESIA
FIJI, VANUATU, SOLOMON ISLANDS,
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Aboard the Clipper Odyssey • November 18 – December 6, 2010
Optional post-voyage extension to Papua New Guinea
CLIPPER ODYSSEY