Explore lost civilizations amid idyllic, seldom-seen isles while sailing from the remote and enigmatic Easter Island, one of the most isolated landfalls of Polynesia, to Tahiti through the “low islands” of the Tuamotu Archipelago and the historically significant Pitcairn Islands. See the legendary moai statues up close, walk the length of untouched tropical beaches, meet the descendants of HMS Bounty mutineers, and drift dive or snorkel through an atoll pass.
- Dive or snorkel the stunning reefs of Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the Pitcairn Islands, one of the world's most unspoiled reef systems
- Delve into the intriguing lost culture of Easter Island and examine ancient burial sites and towering moai with an archaeologist
- Trace the legend of the ill-fated H.M.S. Bounty from Tahiti to Pitcairn Island, where descendants of its mutineers still live today
- Explore the unusual geology and wildlife of Henderson Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Look for frigatebirds and boobies or snorkel among spectacular reefs at Ducie Atoll
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Arrive in Santiago, Chile, and transfer to the Mandarin Oriental Santiago (or similar) located in central Santiago. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception.
Early the next morning, board a flight to Easter Island where you will check into the Nayara Hangaroa (or similar) for two nights. Over the next two days, explore volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues–the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation. Visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. On Day 4, embark National Geographic Resolution. Dinner is served on Day 1; breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on Days 2-4.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As you set sail and journey west from Easter Island, head up to the bridge to watch for wildlife and observe expert navigation at work as the skilled captain and officers sail these historic waters. There is also time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym and browse through the library. Each day the naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your exploration at the famed Pitcairn Island. Many of the mutineers of the legendary HMS Bounty made their home here in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect–a combination of English "sailor speak" and Polynesian phrases. Visit the gravesite of the last surviving Bounty mutineer, John Adams, and see the Bounty's anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. Discover the island's four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna and fascinating geology. At Ducie Atoll, spend time looking for frigatebirds and boobies or snorkel among spectacular reefs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with naturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book. Then arrive at Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands, with its interesting history and beautiful lagoon. Venture underwater to snorkel, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the missionaries who made their home here or go on a hike with naturalists.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A day at sea brings you to the furthest reaches of the Tuamotu Archipelago, where the captain and expedition leader will determine the next spot for exploration. In true expedition mode, you'll visit some of the Tuamotus' most remote islands, taking the opportunity to explore them by land and by sea. Navigate reefs and islets as you make your way west and explore one of French Polynesia's many uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Continue to Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Snorkel the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. A makatea is a raised coral atoll that is tilted due to plate tectonics. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day exploring the island's limestone caves and grottos with our expedition team and local guides, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
National Geographic Resolution
| Passenger Capacity | 126 |
|---|---|
| Built | 2020 |
A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A twin to National Geographic Endurance, she is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.
The luxury of comfort on expedition. National Geographic Resolution comfortably accommodates 126 guests in 69 outside-facing cabins. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes range from the 140-square-foot solo cabin to the 430-square-foot category 7 suite. Fifty-three of the 69 cabins, including all 12 of the solo cabins, will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light.
Comfort & convenience in every room. Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Cabins are equipped with expedition command centers with tablets and USB/mobile device docking, TVs, Wi-Fi connections, and hair dryers.
Dining. Food served aboard is fresh, local, and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the lounge deck. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served on the observation deck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you.
Public Areas: Two restaurants, a Chef’s Table for small group dining, Observation Lounge with bar, gym, Wellness area, infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, library, main lounge with full service bar, 24-hour beverage, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area; plus, an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, and an “open bridge” for access to our captain, officers and the art of navigation.
Meals: Two restaurants, featuring local, sustainable choices and unassigned seating for flexible, inclusive dining; plus a Chef’s table for intimate, small group dining. Main restaurant has 270º views, and the Observation deck restaurant features lighter, made-to-order fare.
Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and video chronicler, an internet cafe and laundry.
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by our wellness specialists and features a glass-enclosed yoga studio, gym, treatment rooms and spa relax area, and high- and low-heat saunas with ocean views.
Expedition Landing Craft. Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 14 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use are 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat.
Remotely Operated Vehicle. Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean.
Kayaks. National Geographic Resolution will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity. Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch.
Underwater camera. Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in polar regions, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colorful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrive in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment.
Video microscope. Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures.
Hydrophone. This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system.
Electronic charts. An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge.
Open bridge. You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. National Geographic Resolution's open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers.
Snorkeling gear & wetsuits. On warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling, you’ll select a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that remain yours for the duration of the expedition. There’s no need to pack and tote your own gear, although guests who prefer to are welcome to bring their own.
