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ITINERARY: 20 DAYS
DEC. 3 AND 4: U.S./PAPEETE, TAHITI,
FRENCH POLYNESIA
Depart for Papeete, arriving in the late
evening, and transfer to our hotel, the
Intercontinental Tahiti. The next day, take
a guided tour of French Polynesia’s capital
city, including the the Musée de Tahiti et
des Îles and the Paul Gaugin Museum. Stroll
the waterfront before boarding the National
Geographic Orion. (D)DEC. 5: BORA BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Jutting out from an aquamarine lagoon ringed
with tiny islets, Bora Bora’s angular volcanic
crags are a spectacular sight. Explore the
island’s slopes and shores with naturalists
by 4x4, on foot, or by bicycle. Don your mask
and fi ns to snorkel or dive amid clownfi sh,
sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays. Choose
to hike to the summit of Mount Paihia for
unparalleled views. (B, L, D)DEC. 6–11: TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO/AT SEA
On the uplifted atoll of Makatea, encounter
a raw geology of coral and limestone cliff s,
deep caves, and landscapes of riddled rock.
Wander through early 20th-century phosphate
mines, swim in an underground grotto, or
go on a bird walk in search of the endemic
fruit dove. Then sail to Fakarava, part of a
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive
welcome with traditional dancers, learn about
the pearl industry and see a 19th-century
church built out of coral. Snorkel the reefs
or ride the current into the lagoon on a
world-famous drift-dive. On Raroia, meet the
local community and hear the tale of the epic
voyage of the Kon-Tiki—which ended on these
reefs. Navigate jewel-like islets during a day
at sea on our way to Pukarua, where we’ll
be greeted with traditional dances. Meet the
friendly people of this remote atoll, and learn
about their traditional lifestyle. (B, L, D Daily)DEC. 12 AND 13: MANGAREVA, GAMBIER
ISLANDS/AT SEA
Famous for its black pearls, Mangareva is
the largest of the Gambier Islands. Snorkel
and dive, meet islanders to learn about their
culture and the missionaries who made theirhome here, and go on a hike with our natural-
ists. Then relax on board during a day at sea.
(B, L, D Daily)DEC. 14–18: PITCAIRN ISLANDS/AT SEA
Many of the mutineers of the legendary
Bounty made their home on Pitcairn Island in
the late 18th century, and about 50 of their
descendants still live here today. Visit the
gravesite of mutiny leader Fletcher Christian,
and see the Bounty’s anchor, salvaged in- Our next stop is the World Heritage site
of Henderson Island. On hikes and Zodiac
excursions, discover four endemic bird
species and fascinating geology. Spend a
day on Ducie Atoll, watching for frigatebirds
and boobies and snorkeling or diving among
spectacular reefs that are part of National
Geographic's Pristine Seas Project.
(B, L, D Daily)
DEC. 19–22: EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO,
CHILE/U.S.
Disembark and check into Hotel Hangaroa
for two nights. Then set out into a landscape
of volcanic calderas, jagged lava fi elds, and
sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal
moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-
lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine
these statues and discuss their meaning and
creation, and visit burial sites, quarries, and
intricately carved ceremonial altars. After time
to explore on our fi nal morning, fl y to Santiago
to connect to your overnight fl ight home.
(B, L, D; B, L)A green sea turtle.OCEANIA
TRIP DETAILS
DATES: 2014: Dec. 3–22
EXPEDITION COST:
Category 1 $17,930
Located on Main Deck with large oval windows
Category 2 $20,770
Located on Main Deck with large oval windows
Category 3 $24,550
Located on the Upper Deck–suite with window
Category 4 $26,870
Located on the Bridge Deck–deluxe suite
with window
Category 5 $31,990
Located on the Bridge Deck–suite with
balcony
Category 6 $36,990
Located on the Bridge Deck–owner's suite
with balcony
See Orion photos and deck plan on page 60.
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
For a single cabin, add $8,960 in Category
1 and $12,280 in Category 3.Airfare is not
included in the expedition cost. Economy
airfare from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti
and return from Santiago, Chile is $2,600
(subject to change).Bora Bora,
Society Islands