Grande Terre Island New Caledonia Cruise from Nouméa to Koror — 20 Days

Noumea

Nouméa brings a distinctly French note to the South Pacific, with café terraces, bakeries and a broad, sunlit harbor. At Port Moselle’s morning market, local seafood and island produce offer a first taste of New Caledonia. Visit the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, designed by Renzo Piano to honor Kanak culture. Beyond town, the UNESCO-listed lagoon frames clear water, reef islands and inviting opportunities to get out on the water.

At Sea (At Sea)

Solomon Islands

Honiara, the capital, lies on Guadalcanal’s north coast, the gateway to an archipelago of more than 900 islands. The capital’s Central Market brings island produce, fish and handwoven goods into vivid view. Beyond town, the Battle of Guadalcanal left a powerful legacy, while clear-water reefs invite snorkelling and diving. Pair market browsing with wartime memorials, or arrange a guided reef excursion.

Florida Islands

The Florida Islands, also called the Nggela Islands, lie north of Guadalcanal. Forested shores, small villages and clear channels offer a quieter view of the Solomons. Snorkellers can explore reefs, while history-minded visitors may recognize names tied to the Pacific campaign, including Tulagi and Gavutu. These islands reward an unhurried day. Arrange local transport in advance, then leave time for the water, village life and views across the strait.

Honiara

Honiara sits on Guadalcanal’s northern coast, where the capital’s busy streets meet a landscape shaped by the Pacific War. At the Central Market, island produce, fish and woven goods offer a glimpse of daily life across the Solomons. The Guadalcanal American Memorial recalls the fierce campaign fought here, while nearby Bonegi beaches offer access to Japanese wartime wrecks. Beyond town, rainforest-covered hills and village roads invite exploration with a local guide.

At Sea (At Sea)

Louisiade Islands PNG (Scenic Stop)

Fergusson Island PNG (Scenic Stop)

Trobriand Islands PNG

The Trobriand Islands lie in Milne Bay Province, off Papua New Guinea’s eastern coast. Kiriwina, the largest island, is known for villages, coral beaches and gardens where yams hold deep social significance. Discover the region’s distinctive matrilineal traditions and its connection to the famed kula exchange, a ceremonial network linking islands. With local guidance, you can see how these customs remain part of community life.

Tufi PNG (Ask Travel Agent)

Tuam Island PNG (Scenic Stop)

Madang PNG

Madang sits on Papua New Guinea’s north coast, where a palm-lined peninsula reaches into a sheltered lagoon. Nearby volcanic islands and coral reefs invite snorkeling and diving; the lagoon also holds World War II wrecks. At the local market, baskets, produce and seafood offer a glimpse of daily life. Choose Madang for a quieter Papua New Guinea call, with reef adventures close to shore.

River Cruising (River Cruising)

Vanimo PNG

Vanimo sits on Papua New Guinea’s remote north coast, near the Indonesian border. Its beaches and offshore reefs offer a quieter encounter with the country than its better-known eastern ports. Surf is the town’s calling card, with seasonal swells drawing riders to the coast. Inland, forested hills frame a small working town where daily life remains part of the appeal.

At Sea (At Sea)

Koror-Palau, Palau

Koror is Palau’s commercial heart, but the real draw lies offshore. Boats from Koror reach the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO-listed maze of limestone islets. Turquoise channels and coral reefs make the area a rewarding outing. Snorkelers can explore sheltered lagoons and World War II wreck sites; divers may encounter manta rays near German Channel. Jellyfish Lake is another celebrated excursion, though access and swimming rules can change. Visit the Palau National Museum for island history and culture.