Day 1 - Monday - Apr 17, 2023
| Papeete, French Polynesia |
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This morning, enjoy breakfast at your leisure and spend some time exploring the resort while adjusting to island time. Meet your fellow travelers for lunch and then join a tour of Tahiti before embarking the ship in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 2 - Tuesday - Apr 18, 2023
| Makatea, French Polynesia |
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An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. Spend the day exploring limestone caves and grottos with your expedition team and local guides, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds, then snorkel among colorful fish on the nearby reef. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Wednesday - Apr 19, 2023
Day 4 - Thursday - Apr 20, 2023
| Fakarava, French Polynesia |
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Day 5 - Friday - Apr 21, 2023
| Tahanea, French Polynesia, France |
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Today we begin our exploration of the "Dangerous Archipelago" in Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Explore the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift snorkel. From here, your captain and expedition leader will determine our next spot for exploration. In true expedition mode, we will visit some of the Tuamotus' most remote islands, taking the opportunity to explore them by land and by sea. Navigate reefs and islets as we make our way east and explore one of French Polynesia's many uninhabited atolls such as Tahanea. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Saturday - Apr 22, 2023
| Captain's Choice, United States |
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Day 7 - Sunday - Apr 23, 2023
| Captain's Choice, United States |
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Day 8 - Monday - Apr 24, 2023
| Mangareva, French Polynesia |
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Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with onboard naturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book. We 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 the ship's naturalists. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Tuesday - Apr 25, 2023
| Pitcairn Islands, Pitcairn |
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Day 10 - Wednesday - Apr 26, 2023
| Henderson Island, Pitcairn |
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Day 11 - Thursday - Apr 27, 2023
Day 12 - Friday - Apr 28, 2023
We begin our exploration at the famed Pitcairn Island. Many of the mutineers of the legendary H.M.S. 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. We 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 spotting frigatebirds and boobies or snorkeling among spectacular reefs. Diving is available for guests on the National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Saturday - Apr 29, 2023
As we voyage east toward Easter Island, head up to the bridge to watch for wildlife and observe expert navigation at work as our skilled captain and officers sail these historic waters. There'll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, workout in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day, onboard naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Sunday - Apr 30, 2023
Day 15 - Monday - May 1, 2023
Arrive in Easter Island where you will disembark and check into the Nayara Hangaroa (or similar) for two nights. Explore volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. Board the flight to Santiago, Chile, and check into the Mandarin Oriental Santiago (or similar) for one night. The next day, take a tour of Santiago and transfer to the airport in the evening for flights home. (Days 16-17: B,L,D; Days 18-19: B,L)
