Zegrahm Expeditions - Melanesia, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu aboard the Island Sky
from 12 to 27 September 2020 with Jann Porter
Zegrahm Expeditions is celebrating 30 years in expedition travel and to commemorate this milestone in their history, they’re celebrating with four Signature Voyages that embody the spirit of exploration and expedition travel. When their founders started the company in 1990, they were committed to crafting innovative and industry-leading itineraries for curious explorers and their original mission remains Zegrahm’s core focus three decades later.
I’ve travelled with a number of their expedition staff over the years and they’re excellent. The trip they all rave about is Melanesia and Zegrahm is definitely the leader here.
Stretching from New Guinea to Fiji, Melanesia encompasses thousands of islands and a rich variety of cultures. On this voyage you’ll discover remote island communities where ancient traditions are preserved and visits from outsiders are few and far between. You’ll also explore Melanesia’s marine world—a pristine haven for three-quarters of the world’s coral species and an astounding 3 000 species of fish.
As this is one of the Signature Voyages to celebrate their 30 years, they will have 3 of their founding members on the cruise as well as a phenomenal expedition team including Brad Climpson and Rich Pagen who a few of us have travelled with. I’ve decided it’s too good an opportunity to miss so I’ll be hosting a group of Cruise Options clients to celebrate our 21st birthday.
With an expedition team of 13, Zegrahm can meet the expectations of a cross section of clients giving you the opportunity to be very active or to explore at a more leisurely pace. There will be a lot of options every day including short, medium and long walks; opportunities to visit villages on a daily basis accompanied by knowledgeable lecturers; birding walks and hikes; snorkelling from anchored out boats daily; often two islands a day with options to do a lot at each place.
The Island Sky is a spacious 100-guest expedition vessel; it’s not luxurious but has a down to earth family feeling. Public spaces include a large lounge, elegant bar with piano, library, single- seating dining room and a rear sun deck where meals are served in pleasant weather. All staterooms have an ocean view and feature a sitting area, en-suite bathroom, flat-screen television, spacious wardrobes, small refrigerator, and dressing table.
Balconies are available in Categories 5, 6 and the Owners Suite.
Prices are in US Dollars and availability is very limited.
A 25% deposit is required to secure a booking and the balance will be due 120 Days before departure.
The prices include daily activity options including Zodiac cruises, snorkelling, nature walks, and cultural tours; gratuities; accommodations; world-class lecture and expedition team; all soft drinks, teas & coffees; all meals including soft drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner.
Expedition Highlights
- Join us on an award-winning journey that reveals the extraordinary diversity of Melanesia and its people.
- Receive warm welcomes from friendly locals and witness time-honoured ceremonies that include hypnotic drumming, melodic bamboo panpipes and elaborately-costumed dancers.
- Snorkel or dive over pristine coral reefs populated by a variety of tropical fish.
- Search for striking endemic birds, including the Solomon Island sea eagle, buff-headed coucal and Melanesian megapode.
- Stroll through tiny villages and isolated island communities for a glimpse of traditional life on these idyllic islands.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394