12-night Rites and Relics – Fiji Firewalking, Vanuatu Volcanoes, and Beyond Cruise

January 3, 2025

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Orion

Brisbane/Nadi

Vacation Offer ID 1491967

Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.

From $10,362

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Overview

Ship Info

Activities & Services

Staterooms

Deckplans

The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.

Cruise Inclusions

12-nights accommodations
All meals aboard ship
And more

Available Add-Ons

Optional roundtrip airfare.
Optional pre or post cruise nights.

Destination Guide
Suggested Shore Excursions

Destination	Arrival	Departure
Cross International Dateline	01/04/2025	01/04/2025
Air Travel Air Travel 01/05/2025 Depart the U.S. and arrive in Brisbane, Australia, where we check into our hotel. Join a welcome briefing this evening to meet your fellow travelers.,	01/05/2025	01/05/2025
Brisbane Brisbane 01/05/2025 Depart the U.S. and arrive in Brisbane, Australia, where we check into our hotel. Join a welcome briefing this evening to meet your fellow travelers.,	01/05/2025	01/05/2025
Brisbane Brisbane 01/06/2025 Have breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took places. Then, embark National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D),	01/06/2025	01/06/2025
Air Travel Air Travel 01/06/2025 Have breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took places. Then, embark National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D),	01/06/2025	01/06/2025
Honiara Honiara 01/06/2025 Have breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took places. Then, embark National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D),	01/06/2025	01/06/2025
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 01/06/2025 Have breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took places. Then, embark National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D),	01/06/2025	01/06/2025
Honiara Honiara 01/06/2025 Have breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took places. Then, embark National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D),	01/06/2025	01/06/2025
Santa Ana Island Santa Ana Island 01/07/2025 On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we're greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes, body paint, and masks. Walk across the small island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan. (B,L,D),	01/07/2025	01/07/2025
At Sea At Sea 01/08/2025 Take advantage of a full day at sea to settle into the relaxed pace of life on board. Watch for marine life from the deck, study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by our experts. (B,L,D),	01/08/2025	01/08/2025
Espiritu Santo Island Espiritu Santo Island 01/09/2025 Captain James Cook named the islands of Vanuatu the "New Hebrides" because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland's coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II. Alternatively, enjoy a serene canoe paddle to the Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle. (B,L,D),	01/09/2025	01/09/2025
Ambrym Island Ambrym Island 01/10/2025 Ambrym is known for its active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive ashore to witness the striking Rom dance, traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits, this is a cultural experience specific only to this island. (B,L,D),	01/10/2025	01/10/2025
Lelepa Lelepa 01/11/2025 Ride Zodiacs to Lelepa to visit Vanuatu's first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we'll be welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and enter the impressive Fels Cave. (B,L,D),	01/11/2025	01/11/2025
Port Resolution Port Resolution 01/12/2025 On Tanna Island, visit the friendly community in Port Resolution in the shadow of Mt. Yasur. Experience some of the local traditions and dances, as well as locally made handicrafts. Sample the strong, local kava made for special celebrations. (B,L,D),	01/12/2025	01/12/2025
At Sea At Sea 01/13/2025 Relax on deck as we make our passage from Vanuatu to Fiji or attend talks by our expert expedition and photo teams. (B,L,D),	01/13/2025	01/13/2025
Beqa, Fiji Beqa, Fiji 01/14/2025 More than 300 islands make up the remote volcanic archipelago of Fiji and we will be exploring here for three days. After entering the large lagoon of Beqa, come ashore at the lovely Lawaki Beach Resort, a rustic and beautiful place to spend the day. Take a boat ride and hike through across the island to a local village. Taste local fruits and snorkel off the beach in the beautiful Beqa Lagoon. Beqa is considered the traditional "home" of the Fijian firewalker. Witness this dramatic ceremony and the incredible strength and discipline required to perform it. (B,L,D),	01/14/2025	01/14/2025
Taveuni Island Taveuni Island 01/15/2025 Taveuni, Fiji's third largest island, is known as "The Garden Island" for its rich vegetation, which includes several species found nowhere else in the world. Head inland to discover the waterfalls of Bouma National Heritage Park and search for species such as orange fruit doves, endemic silktails, fantails, and parrots. Visit the village of Waitabu to meet the local people, taste locally harvested fruits and prepared baked goods, and see a dance performance by some of the talented local children. (B,L,D),	01/15/2025	01/15/2025
Dravuni Island Dravuni Island 01/16/2025 Join the ship's naturalists for a beautiful scenic hike to see some of the incredible vistas and the rich variety of bird life. Explore the lovely village of Dravuni, or snorkel and dive in the refreshing Fijian water, rich in marine life. Enjoy a quiet exploration of the lagoon by stand-up paddleboard or kayak. (B,L,D),	01/16/2025	01/16/2025
Lautoka Lautoka 01/17/2025 Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then, transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home or choose to extend your stay and check into a hotel. (B,L),	01/17/2025	01/17/2025
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 01/17/2025 Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then, transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home or choose to extend your stay and check into a hotel. (B,L),	01/17/2025	01/17/2025
Nadi Nadi 01/17/2025 Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then, transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home or choose to extend your stay and check into a hotel. (B,L),	01/17/2025	01/17/2025

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Orion

Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in New Zealand, Australia, French Polynesia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Mediterranean to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. National Geographic Orion's elevated maneuverability allows for navigation of inshore waters, secluded bays, and sinuous rivers–practically anywhere accessible by sea.

Ship Highlights

All accommodations are outside, and most cabins feature oversized picture windows that connects with the passing views
The spacious lounge is the heart of expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours
Relax in the comfort of Orion’s main or observation lounges
Public Spaces such as Library, Bar and Theatre affords stunning 270º views

Ship Statistics

Maiden Voyage: 2003
Registry: Germany

Passenger Capacity: 102

Dining

Bars & Lounges

Onboard Activities

Outdoor Activities

Wellness

Stateroom Amenities

Bath Amenities/Toiletries
Bath Robes
Hair Dryer
In-Stateroom Movies
Minibar and/or Refrigerator
Private Safe
Sitting Area
Suites

Entertainment

Classes and Workshops
Guest Lecturers
Internet Access
Internet access is available at an additional charge, and there are several ways to get online. A laptop is available in the library with internet connection. Internet access is also available in your cabin via an Ethernet cable using your own laptop. If your laptop is wireless enabled, you may use it anywhere in the observation lounge or the main lounge. A satellite phone is available for phone calls at additional charge, and an Iridium satellite phone is also available for emergency use.

Oceanview

Oceanview Stateroom (01) $10,362

Category: 01

Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck.

Oceanview Stateroom (02) $12,778

Category: 02

Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck.

Oceanview Stateroom (1S) Call for pricing

Category: 1S

Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck.

Suite

Suite with Window (03) $14,982

Category: 03

Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. The main lounge is the social heart of the ship, on this deck, along with the outdoor café where breakfast & lunch are served.

Deluxe Suite (04) $16,647

Category: 04

Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Suite with French Balcony (05) $20,272

Category: 05

Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Suite with Window (3S) Call for pricing

Category: 3S

Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Prices are per person and include cabin fare, taxes, fees, excursions and all meals while onboard.  Airfare is available at an additional charge unless otherwise stated.

Price is per person, double occupancy.

Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals , nonalcoholic beverages* aboard ship and meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of taxes and service charges, and services of our expedition staff.
*Alcoholic beverages except super-premium brands and crew tips now included on Explorer and Orion.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

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