| Deck | Cabin Type | Cabin Code | Save up to | Single Cabin  | Twin Cabin | Triple Cabin | Quad Cabin | |||||
| Main Deck view | Explorer and Expedition Cabins view | 13% | $5990enquire now | $2995enquire now | N/A | N/A | ||||||
| Promenade Deck view | Ocean Staterooms view | $7390enquire now | $3695enquire now | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Bridge Deck view | Bridge Deck Suites view | 13% | $8790enquire now | $4395enquire now | N/A | N/A | ||||||
*Please note: All prices featured are in NZ dollars (unless otherwise stated), and include port taxes, government taxes and fees. Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. | ||||||||||||
Cruise Itinerary
| Day | Ports of call | Arrival | Departure |
| 1 | Port Vila | Sun, Jul 29 2012 00:00 | |
| 7 | Port Vila | Sat, Aug 4 2012 00:00 | |
| Total length of cruise: 6 - night | |||
TYPICAL ITINERARY
Sunday Arrivals. At Port Vila Airport you are met and greeted by your team and transferred to the city. Depending on flights you will be either taken directly to where the ship embarks or given time to explore Port Vila prior to you boarding the ship. Arrival prior to Sunday. Arrange accommodation and transfers in Port Vila.
Day 1 Sunday - Dinner
At 4 pm on Sunday you all meet at the charming waterfront Cafe du Village on Port Vila Harbour. The crew will transfer you by tender to "Island Passage" waiting at anchor in the Bay. Enjoy a welcome aboard cocktail and let your crew introduce you to the onboard delights of your home for the next 6 nights.
Day 2 Monday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a relaxed start to the morning, a swim and an a la carte breakfast you head north cruising towards your first destination, the beautiful Havannah Harbour. The spectacular narrow entrance at the Hilliard Channel provides great photo opportunities, and then anchor off your favourite pristine sandy beach at Lelepo Island. Experience the stunning snorkelling over the coral; a voyage of discovery in one of the tenders with the Bosun or beach combing as the sun goes down. This evening's dinner will be served under the stars on the aft deck.
Day 3 Tuesday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another glorious day at Havannah Harbour and the chance to join one of your talented fishing guides who will do his utmost to ensure the catch of your dreams ... amazing tropical Tuna, Wahoo or Mahi Mahi which your chefs will prepare for you. Lunch is served underway as you cruise the lengths of the lagoon and get up close and personal to the beaches surrounded by dense tropical jungle and dramatic volcanic cliffs. Within the lagoon there are numerous atolls fringed by coral-encrusted shallows. Swimming, snorkeling and fishing will beckon or join the shore parties to explore the nearby villages. "Island Passage" will overnight in the harbour and you enjoy the crew night with a superb BBQ buffet on the aft deck to celebrate a perfect day in paradise.
Day 4 Wednesday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You bid farewell to Havannah Harbour this morning. Guests that are "hooked" on the tropical fishing can have another chance today as the fishing tenders can follow the ship on this morning's cruise. Your destination today is Pele Island, however if the conditions permit then the Captain will make a detour north to Mataso Island. Totally untouched and remote, this tiny island and reef with its azure waters and thick tropical forestation is a destination few travellers ever experience.
Day 5 Thursday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is spent immersed in the true cultural experience of Vanuatu. The people of Pele will dance, sing and welcome you into their traditional village life. During the day the tenders run a shuttle between the ship and the shore so you can explore this remote village and get to know the friendly Chief and the people at your leisure. As the sun goes down a farewell Kava ceremony and more "kustom dance' will provide an amazing end to the day on Pele and Kakula Islands. These islands are typical of the South Seas by having white sand beaches fringed with tropical rainforest. Snorkeling, swimming and visits to the villages will make this a memorable and most relaxing day in paradise.
Day 6 Friday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another leisurely start to the day, the landing craft will make trips to the amazing coral gardens off Pele. This area is known as one of the best snorkeling spots in Vanuatu. The ship's tenders will be the perfect for exploring such a large area and underwater highlights will include spectacular drop-offs and stunning coral gardens. Turtles nest on the islands' volcanic sand beaches. Jungle walks will reveal the island's birdlife - and the afternoon snorkelers are likely to encounter turtles. Fishing is available, or perhaps swim or walk ashore, or just relax with a book on the top deck and enjoy the stunning vista. In the early afternoon you make your way back outside Havannah Harbour and South to Mele. Tonight the Island Passage crew farewell you at the Captain's cocktail party. The last night aboard is traditionally a fun affair with the guests enjoying a great night with all their new acquaintances.
Day 7 Saturday - Breakfast
You wake to the aromas of your last meal aboard being prepared. "Island Passage" anchors close to the Port Vila waterfront that has many small shops and a local market located next to the waterfront - perhaps the perfect opportunity to purchase local art and craft or just soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Make sure you swap addresses with your fellow adventurers and say your last goodbyes to the crew. You will be transfered ashore in the tenders at 0930.
OVERVIEW
The island group where the cruise is decorated with small tropical islands; each surrounded by soft white sand beaches and coral reefs and inhabited by people for whom time is an abundant commodity.
If you like discovering nature, pacific cuisine, taking long walks, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, meeting local people or simply lying on these magnificent, deserted, white sand beaches, then this will be the cruise for you.
The adventure cruises are all inclusive with spacious en-suite accommodation, all onboard chef prepared meals, juices, water, espresso coffee, tea, exciting shore excursions, snorkel equipment, kayaks and small boat exploration, onboard cruise leader, fishing equipment and guides. A full bar service is provided.
INCLUSIONS
Included in Your Cruise Price:
- En-suite accommodations - all outside cabins
- All included shore excursions as described
- Onboard professional cruise leader
- Use of all tenders, kayaks, snorkel and fishing gear
- All onboard chef-prepared cuisine
- Complimentary coffee, tea, juices, water or soft drinks
- All port charges, taxes, fees and onboard services
| Vessel: Island Passage | Length: 140ft |
| Beam: 39.00ft | Draft: 7.00ft |
| Cruising speed: 12kn | Engine: 2x Kelvin Marine TASC8 |
| Crew: 8 | Fresh water: 40,000 litres |
| Gross Tonnage: 496 | Onboard Currency: |
| Air Conditioning | All Meals Included |
| BBQ | Free Use of Fishing Equipment |
| Free Use of Kayaks | Helicopter |
| Library | Phone and Fax Facilities |
| Professional Chef | Satellite TV |
| Security Safe |
OTHER INFORMATION
The 42 metre (140 feet) 'Island Passage' is unique in that other vessels of her size carry more than double the 20 passengers that she can accommodate. This gives passengers much more room to relax. She is also licensed for 200-day passengers.
Amenities
The vessel has all the amenities that you would expect of a much larger cruise ship, including:
* Main Dining Room
* Large Saloon Lounge
* Sundeck and BBQ
* Helicopter carried onboard
* Expedition boats carried on-board
* Phone and Fax facilities
* Satellite TV
* Security safe
* Fully stocked cocktail bar and Wine cellar
* Air Conditioning
* Library including videos and books
There are three expedition boats onboard. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty craft are extremely safe. The design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. They also carry 3 smaller tenders for use by passengers to explore areas away from the ship. There are also kayaks carried on board.
Crew
The 'Island Passage' operates with a crew of up to 8 and is registered as a New Zealand vessel under NZ Safe Ship Management. She has a tonnage of 496 GRT.
About the Helicopter
"ISLAND PASSAGE" carries a helicopter onboard.
With seating for 5 passengers this is an awesome way of extending your cruise experience.
Take flights to local vineyards, golf courses, a spot of heli-fishing or a flight to any of the numerous scenic delights along our route.
ABOUT Island Escape Cruises
Being born in Auckland and spending considerable amounts of my spare time cruising and fishing the Hauraki Gulf by yacht, I have over the years developed a real passion for this spectacular region, that covers 3,500,000 acres of pure natural paradise.
I lived in Tokyo for ten years while I was the owner and operator of an International Shipping Line. This period away from New Zealand only fed my passion further. Having been fortunate to travel many times to most corners of the world I believe the Hauraki Gulf is one of the most sensational snapshots of nature to be found anywhere. I eagerly looked forward to visiting my home country on business trips to enjoy brief encounters with the Gulf and rekindle my love of the region.
After retiring from the Shipping business in 2002 and returning to New Zealand I was presented with the opportunity of building a new business that would allow travellers from all corners of the world to experience this fantastic paradise. Three years in the planning took the Operator to a stage where the Operator was almost committed to building a luxury waterside lodge in the Gulf. However, the shortcomings of a stationery venue soon became obvious. With 3,500,000 acres to explore the Operator needed mobility together with the ability to offer flexible and seasonal scheduling for travellers.
A further two years later the daughter of the owner launched the purpose built 500-ton luxury expedition ship “Island Passage”. She is fitted with three levels of spacious accommodation and caters for only 24 guests, carries a professional crew of 8 together with specialized fishing and exploration guides.
For the travellers to fully experience the areas where they travel, the Operator has onboard a twin-engine 6-seat helicopter, six tenders and kayaks for ventures away from the Mother-ship to intimately explore the magnificent scenery or to fish the rivers, bays, and channels.
The Operator invites you to join the expeditions. Come along and relax, be pampered, be spoilt, be amazed.
Bridge Deck Suites
- Offering the best views on the ship, the two Bridge Deck Suites open directly onto the bridge deck. Each cabin is individually air-conditioned with SKY TV, DVD/CD, movies on demand, writing desk, easy chair, super king bed and extra-large bathroom.
Explorer and Expedition Cabins
- Located on the main deck, our Expedition cabins give you a choice of triple, twin, or queen accommodation. All feature individual air conditioning, TV, DVD/CD, movies with sea views from the portholes.
Ocean Staterooms
- On the same level as the saloon, alfresco bar and dining room, the Staterooms have large picture windows and doors opening directly onto the promenade deck. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning, TV, DVD/CD, movies, writing desk and either queen or twin single beds.
Island Passage
Bridge Deck
Bridge Deck Suites
- Offering the best views on the ship, the two Bridge Deck Suites open directly onto the bridge deck. Each cabin is individually air-conditioned with SKY TV, DVD/CD, movies on demand, writing desk, easy chair, super king bed and extra-large bathroom.
Click to enlarge
Island Passage
Promenade Deck
Ocean Staterooms
- On the same level as the saloon, alfresco bar and dining room, the Staterooms have large picture windows and doors opening directly onto the promenade deck. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning, TV, DVD/CD, movies, writing desk and either queen or twin single beds.
Click to enlarge
Island Passage
Main Deck
Explorer and Expedition Cabins
- Located on the main deck, our Expedition cabins give you a choice of triple, twin, or queen accommodation. All feature individual air conditioning, TV, DVD/CD, movies with sea views from the portholes.
Click to enlarge
- Cuisine on the 'Island Passage' is designed to be a delectable experience. Fresh produce and Pacific inspired flavours are essential ingredients.
- Our signature dishes include: freshly caught Kingfish - a revered sport-fish that could have been caught with your very own hands, and giant green-lip mussels served to your liking.
- You can't go past our "heli-picnics" for an unforgettable way to enjoy a variety of seafood including: shrimp, squid and baked fish. There are also plenty of other mouth-watering dishes to savour including our famous "Hauraki Ribs" and exquisite lamb racks. Fresh vegetables and garden salads are never in short supply either!
- Our chefs are more than happy to prepare any special dishes. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance so that we can accommodate you.
- Dining times
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and coffee and tea is available 24 hours a day.
Standard hours are:
* breakfast from 7:00-8:30am
* lunch at 12:30pm and
* dinner at 7:00pm. - Meal times may vary according to the day's activities but we will always advise of times through the daily bulletins.
- The Rangitoto Dining Room is the main dining area and situated on the Promenade deck. There are 2 large tables, each seating 12 guests.
- On the aft deck there is a large barbeque and 2 teak tables to encourage alfresco dining. The indoor-outdoor licensed bar is located in this area and is a wonderful spot to share tales with your fellow adventurers.
Located on Promenade Deck deck
Bars and Lounges
- Perfect place to relax and unwind with your fellow travellers after a busy day on the water.
Located on Promenade Deck
Scenic Flight
- With seating for 5 passengers this is an awesome way of extending your cruise experience.
- Take flights to local vineyards, golf courses, a spot of heli-fishing or a flight to any of the numerous scenic delights along our route.
Located on Bridge Deck
Library
- Don't feel like water sports today? Then relax with a book from the library.
Located on Main Deck
Island Passage Photos
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