Discover the Secrets of Melanesia
Discover the Secrets of Melanesia
Discover the Secrets of Melanesia
17 Days Starting in Cairns QLD, Australia and ending in Port Vila, Vanuatu
Visiting: Cairns, Port Moresby, Louisiade Archipelago, D'entrecasteaux Islands, Trobriand Islands, Muyua Island, Bougainville Island, New Georgia, Nissan Island, Malaita, San Cristobal, Nendo, Torres Islands, Espiritu Santo, Ambrym, Port Vila
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
Heritage AdventurerGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians, Meat, Dairy Free etc, Gluten
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Sail into a world few will ever experience where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us into their world as we as we explore the rich history, iconic WWII sites, cultures and wildlife of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on this 17- day authentic expedition cruise.
Delve into the culturally rich Trobriand Islands, sometimes called the 'Islands of Love' where indigenous culture continues unchanged for countless generations. Explore the coral-fringed islands of the Louisiade Archipelago and the volcanic wonders of the D'Entrecasteaux Islands, named after the French Explorer Antoine d'Entrecasteaux who discovered them while looking for La Perouse, where sheer mistcovered peaks, wild untamed rivers and rainforest join bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. Experience the biological wonderland and rare endemic species on remote Woodlark Island and spend a fascinating day exploring Bougainville Island.
Enjoy incredible cultural encounters on Loh Island, join Malaita's Kwaio people in a sacred dance and observe the ancient Rom Dance on Ambrym Island. Discover one of the conservation jewels of the South Pacific on Tetepare Island and snorkel Marovo Lagoon - the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. Visit villages on culturally-rich Malaita Island traditional Malaitan shell-money is still made, used as a dowry and worn as a status symbol. Experience a kaleidoscope of cultures as we explore Vanuatu, where more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken. With over 80 habitable islands, islanders have closely guarded their own cultures and languages. Our expedition embraces some of these cultures and languages, as we explore one of the happiest places on the planet.
Throughout Melanesia there are spectacular reefs, which are home to masses of fish and coral gardens of every colour. These waters offer some of the greatest marine diversity and snorkelling in the world and everybody will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty beneath the waves. Whether you are snorkelling or swimming, this ocean aquarium is waiting to be explored and discovered.
For birders, this itinerary offers once-in-a-lifetime species on remote islands where few have been before, and endemic birdlife such as the Solomon Sea Eagle, or the Vanikoro White-eye, may be seen. The birding potential is exceptional, and to allow birders to maximise the opportunities on the expedition there is an optional specialised birding programme with customised excursions.
This expedition includes the option to join a sea kayaking excursion with an expert guide. Kayakers are rewarded with tranquil, tropical settings and are a source of fascination to the locals who often paddle their canoes out to join them, and invite them back to their villages.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns, Australia
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in the urban tropical paradise of Cairns, gateway to natural wonders the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, and transfer to your hotel where our group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Cairns To Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Location: Port Moresby
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before boarding your flight to Port Moresby, the bustling gateway and capital of Papua New Guinea where village and urban life exist side-by-side. Enjoy a visit to the National Museum and Arts Center, exhibiting one of the finest collections of primitive art in the world before boarding Heritage Adventurer this afternoon. The captain and expedition team will
be waiting to greet you on arrival and show you to your cabin. You will have time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to introduce your expedition
team and our voyage plans.
Day 3 & 4: Louisiade Archipelago, Deboyne & Tagula Islands
Location: Louisiade Archipelago
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a morning at sea we arrive during the early afternoon in the Louisiade Archipelago which stretches some 400 kilometres along the northern rim of the Coral Sea and is one of the great island arcs of the South Pacific. Rarely visited by outsiders, this area is a wonderland of literally hundreds of islands, lagoons and extensive barrier reefs and home to the seafaring Dobu people. With two days set aside for exploration there will be opportunities to snorkel, perhaps encounter the Manta Rays that are known to frequent these waters at recognised feeding stations or find a Japanese A6M2 Zero, the main fighter plane of the Imperial Japanese Navy, sitting intact in the shallows. Tagula Island is the largest in the archipelago and where we will focus our attention during the second day in the archipelago, a goldrush in 1889 brought the island to the world’s attention but today it is the rich tropical forest and endemic wildlife which we will seek including the Tagula Honeyeater and Butcherbird plus
endemic frogs and lizards.
Day 5: D’Entrecasteaux Islands
Location: D'entrecasteaux Islands
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awake this morning in the volcanic island chain of D’Entrecasteaux Islands. One highlight will be exploring the island’s geothermal area with hot springs and bubbling mud pools surrounded by lush vegetation. Nearby we snorkel among thousands of colourful coral and fish attracted by underwater hot springs flowing through small vents in the ocean floor which send bubbles towards the surface. Described as like “swimming in champagne” the water is incredibly clear and the
marine life is renowned for its abundance and the spectacular sizes the coral grows to. We also plan to visit Dobu Island, this small island is a critical link in the Kula Ring which was famously
investigated and described by the anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski.
Day 6: Trobriand Islands
Location: Trobriand Islands
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Positioned in the Solomon Sea and historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. During our visit
we will enjoy picture postcard white sand beaches, colourful villages, aquamarine water and enchanting marine life. Meet the Trobriand islanders and experience energetic, time-honoured
dances that celebrate fishing and the seasonal yam harvest. Learn about the history of the ‘Kula Ring’, a circular pattern of ceremonial trade relationships that bind the islands of Milne Bay and eastern Papua New Guinea together in a long-established network of friendship. These islanders are also renowned for the exquisite quality of their ebony wood-carvings, often decorated with mother-of-pearl shell inlays. We take to the water and snorkel among kaleidoscopic coral reefs populated by Parrotfish, Neon Damsels and other brilliantly-hued species.
Day 7: Woodlark Island
Location: Muyua Island
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Blessed with both biological and mineral treasure troves and more than 2,000 years of human culture, Papua New Guinea’s remote outpost Woodlark Island and its people are caught up in the push and pull of conservation versus mining. Its local community remains one of the few self-sufficient, subsistence-based populations in the world while its flora and fauna, left to evolve in seclusion on this unique rainforest island, include more than 40 species found nowhere else on Earth, with scientists predicting many more still awaiting discovery. Recent discoveries include a new species of frog and lizard. At loggerheads with this Woodlark has also been deemed one of the largest and most profitable gold mine developments of recent years. During our time here we plan to enjoy village visits and look for some of the island’s unique wildlife including the IUCN Red List endangered Woodlark Cuscus, endemic lizards, plants, amphibians and insects, and perhaps even discover new species.
Day 8: Bougainville Island
Location: Bougainville Island
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we discover the treasures of Bougainville, long isolated and in a strange way protected due to the conflict which swirled around its shores. High on many travellers’ wish lists, this autonomous region within Papua New Guinea magnificently marries rugged, jungled terrain with amazing coral reefs offshore and is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region both above and below the water. Lying to the east of the country’s mainland and north of the Solomon Islands, it comprises two main islands and several outlying islands and atolls making it both remote and hard to reach, but perfect for exploration by expedition ship. Discover Bougainville’s strong ties and connections with the Solomon Islands, which is reflected in their music, culture and language.
Day 9: New Georgia Islands, Solomon Islands
Location: New Georgia
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The volcanic New Georgia Islands are found in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands and are characterised by extensive reefs and lagoons, rugged terrain and an abundance of rivers. Nature enthusiasts will relish landing on Kolombangara Island, where we plan to visit the Imbu Rano Eco Lodge and Conservation Area which protects the islands central peak and search for the rare Roviana Rail along with other endemic bird species. Snorkel the wreck of a US NAVY Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat (carrier version) WWII plane off a nearby tiny island where the surrounding reefs are home to some of the highest fish counts in the world. Stock up on the local currency to purchase the wood or stone carvings the people of the Western Province are so famous for.
Day 10: Nissan Island
Location: Nissan Island
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Uninhabited for 150 years, this rugged island cloaked in rainforest and fringed with coral reefs is home to one of the Solomon Islands’ leading community-driven conservation projects Tetepare Descendants’ Association. Receiving international recognition for its conservation and archaeological significance, three species of turtle, including the endangered leatherback, nest on its beaches while other species inhabiting the island and surrounding waters include dugong, the world’s largest skink, endemic Tetepare White-eye and many more. A highlight of our voyage, this afternoon we plan to explore and snorkel Marovo Lagoon – the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. Breath-catching both above and below the water, Marovo features a unique, double-barrier reef surrounding the extinct volcanoes of the main central islands and lightfilled cave systems teeming with marine life. Globally outstanding marine biodiversity, coral reefs, estuarine and island complexes, mangrove forests, and sea grass beds await exploration.
Day 11: Malaita
Location: Malaita
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mountainous Malaita is home to one-third of the Solomon’s total population and features pristine rivers and unexploited tropical forests. This morning we plan to explore the clear and calm waters that surround the island. In the afternoon we have been invited by the world-renowned Kwaio People, led by Chief Esau, to discover their traditional way of life which the community have fiercely guarded alongside their ancestral lands. This invitation represents a rare privilege and is made possible by our ongoing connection with the community and our assistance with the
development of innovative community conservation programs. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend time in the company of some of the most authentic, yet innovative,
communities in the region.
Day 12: Makira
Location: San Cristobal
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Makira is the most easterly of the main islands in the Solomon’s archipelago. This morning we anchor in the calm waters of Star Harbour. Join the naturalists for a Zodiac exploration of the
abundant mangrove forests that line the shores, and take a short walk to Makira’s south coast where the villagers live much as they have for millennia. We spend time with the locals, who share with us their traditional song and dance. If we are lucky, the local boys might be surfing on their hand-carved palm wood boards.
Day 13: Nendö, Temotu Province
Location: Nendo
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nendö is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie to the south-east of the Solomon Islands. The Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira unsuccessfully attempted to establish a colony in 1595. Biologically these islands share more in common with Vanuatu. It is also the home of red feather money, sourced from the Scarlet Honeyeater. Watch the manufacture of red feather money, and join the locals in dances which reverberate through the ages.
Day 14: Torres Islands, Vanuatu
Location: Torres Islands
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we sail to the rarely-visited pacific paradise and culturally
rich Torres Islands, Vanuatu’s northernmost islands. A collection
of four main islets fringed with white sand beaches, clear azure
waters, volcanic rock and cliffs topped with lush tangled jungles
our destination is Loh Island. After a warrior escort and welcome
from the Chief we will experience the thrilling and rarely witnessed
cultural wonder of the lēh-temēt – vibrant ritual headdresses known
as temēt (primordial spirits) used during special singing and dancing
ceremonial rituals. The colourful headdresses are regarded by the
villagers as having the highest of supernatural powers and are
destroyed immediately at the end of the dance ceremony. We will
then have time to enjoy tours of the village, surrounding island or snorkel
Loh’s incredible underwater world.
Day 15: Espiritu Santo
Location: Espiritu Santo
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we explore Vanuatu’s largest Island, Santo; location of James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Indulge in a swim in the crystalline waters of Champagne Beach with its famed powdery white sand. This afternoon we will enjoy Zodiac cruises to the iconic blue holes of Santo. For those with an interest in the history of the island, there is a visit to Luganville and Million
Dollar Point.
Day 16: Ambrym
Location: Ambrym
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will visit Ambrym, renowned as the island of volcanoes and magic throughout Vanuatu. We plan to head ashore at Ranon on the northern coast where the traditional Rom dance is still practised and custom carving is alive and well. A walk through the forest brings us to the ‘arena’ where masked dancers emerge from the forest. The forests of Ambrym offer some excellent walks to go in search of the local birds and plants, accompanied by our naturalists. This afternoon enjoy a final snorkel excursion.
Day 17: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Location: Port Vila
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive into Port Vila this morning and disembark. Upon disembarking a transfer to your central city hotel or the airport will conclude your voyage. To allow time for disembarkation procedures we do not recommend booking flights from Port Vila before midday.
Ship Details
Heritage Adventurer
Ship Overview
Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.
Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.
Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
Heritage Adventurer
Draft:
4.97 metres
Shipyard:
Rauma, Finland
Year Built:
1991
Maximum Speed:
15 knots
Gross Tonnage:
8,378gt
Engines:
3,940 horsepower (x2)
Length:
124 metres
Zodiacs:
14
Beam:
18 metres
Classification:
Lloyds 1AS, GL E4
Cruising Speed:
12 knots
Accommodation:
140 guests
Range:
8,600 nautical miles
Deck Plans
Deck Plan
Deck Plan
Cabins
Deck 5 Superior
Superior Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Worsley Suite
Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Main Deck Triple
Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Single
Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Triple
Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Deck 4 Superior
Superior Cabins on Deck 4 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Heritage Suite
Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, free laundry, US$100.00 per person SPA credit, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Main Deck Single
Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
What's Included
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Discovery fund
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one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
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pre voyageflight Cairns to Port Moresby
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post cruise transfers
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all on board ship accommodation with meals
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house beer
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wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all shore excursions and activities. Programme of lecturesby noted naturalists.
What's Not Included
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All items of a personal nature
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laundry
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drinks
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gratuities. International/domestic flights unless specified above
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visas
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extensions and travel insurance.
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Kayaking
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birding
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and all items of a personal nature
Check out our Q&As
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes, we have passengers joining from all over the world
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, visas will need to be organised at your own cost
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, local guides speak English
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, flights will need to be organised at your own cost
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What fitness level is required?
Guests are required to have a reasonable level of fitness in order to participate in landings. While not strenuous, travellers who participate on excursions must be able to climb a ship-side gangway, get in and out of Zodiacs and be able to stand unaided. Each landing and excursion caters to all fitness levels ranging from easy to challenging, ultimately each guest is able to decide how active or relaxing their voyage is.
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Is any clothing included?
Thermally-insulated Muck Boots are provided for use on all our Southern Ocean voyages while guests travelling to the Ross Sea are supplied with an Antarctic grade jacket during their time in Antarctica.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies
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Is there a doctor on board?
Yes, on Heritage Adventurer there is an on board doctor with a small infirmary and on many voyages a First Responder will travel with guests on excursions. Heritage Explorer does not have a doctor on board, however our crew are trained in first aid.
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Are drinks included?
Yes, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on all Heritage Expeditions voyages. Complimentary drinks can also be enjoyed during special events on board while bar purchases can also be charged to your stateroom.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Travelling with Heritage Expeditions is to travel responsibly. As biologists and ornithologists, we are intimately aware of the many issues that confront animals and their habitats, the world's oceans and isolated ethnic groups. We also take action: we actively contribute to the conservation of the places we visit in several ways; we 'buy local' and employ locally; we make sure that travellers are respectful of local customs and traditions; and we dispose of waste responsibly.
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Is there a gym on board?
Yes, Heritage Adventurer has a gym, pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and Spa on Deck 7. While there is no gym on Heritage Explorer, guests have plenty of opportunity to stretch their legs on shore or take the kayaks out, weather permitting.
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What is the onboard currency?
Heritage Adventurer operates in US$ while Heritage Explorer is NZ$.
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Does a single supplement apply?
Heritage Adventurer has 20 dedicated single cabins (12 x Main Deck Single Staterooms on Deck 3 and 8 x Superior Single Staterooms on Deck 5). Heritage Adventurer also has the option of guests sharing in our Main Deck Triple (Deck 3) and Superior Triple (Deck 5) Staterooms. There may also be the option to share a Deck 4 or Deck 5 Superior Stateroom with another solo-travelling guest of the same gender. Heritage Explorer has 2 dedicated single cabins, Wandering, and if these are booked there may be availability to book a Salvin’s Twin/Double or Buller’s as a single at 1.8 times the published per person rate.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985.
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Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi available on both ships. Heritage Adventurer has a connection via satellite and vouchers can be purchased from reception. Wi-Fi is included on Heritage Explorer.
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Are all excursions included?
Yes, all standard excursions are included in the voyage cost. All you will need to pay for on board is anything of a personal nature, laundry, drinks and gratuities.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Heritage Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of heritage expeditions charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.