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Download our The Galapagos Islands 2012 brochure, featuring incredible wildlife adventures in Darwin’s Islands aboard the tall ship Mary Anne. Or request a print copy to be sent by mail.
If you haven’t done it yet, now’s the time! A climb to the roof of Africa is a “high” in more ways than one, and you’ll celebrate your achievement with a fantastic wildlife safari in Africa’s Eden.
SPECIAL EVENT
Total Solar Eclipse in the South Pacific
A Voyage from Fiji to New Caledonia and Vanuatu
Eclipse and Cruise Program aboard the Paul Gauguin
November 10-20, 2012
![Total Solar Eclipse in the South Pacific route-map](javascript:routeMap("/images/trips/pacific/fiji/evnewcal-map.jpg");)
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $5795 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 11 days |
| Arrive: | Lautoka, Fiji |
| Depart: | Lautoka, Fiji |
| Lodging: | 10 nights aboard the Paul Gauguin describe |
| Meals: | All meals from dinner on November 10 through breakfast on November 20 |
| Activity: | Snorkeling, Cultural Adventures, Small Ship Cruising |
| Trip Level: |
Optional shore excursions including nature walks, cultural exploration, snorkeling, and sea kayaking
explain
|
Highlights
- Dramatic total solar eclipse at sea with 3 minutes of totality!
- Expert astronomers as well as a cultural anthropologist and marine biologist to enrich our voyage
- Seldom-visited, beautiful Polynesian islands of Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu
- The 5-star Paul Gauguin, with its luxurious ocean-view staterooms
The selected eclipse site lies within the zone of low cloudiness that stretches eastward from the Australian coast. Total cloud cover averages a little over 50% in the area, but about half of this tends to be semi-transparent. The frequency of thick opaque cloud is very low—only 20% according to long-term satellite observations. Weather in the region tends to be made up of clumps of convective clouds, a characteristic that will allow us to make use of the ship’s mobility and satellite images of the area to avoid any cloud patches that might linger on eclipse day.J. Anderson—NASA Eclipse Meteorologist
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
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*Call Now!
This program has proven to be remarkably popular and at this time is almost entirely full. We urge you to call right away to check the remaining availability, or to put your name on the waitlist.
Booking Discount:
Discount varies with cabin category, ranging from $2,500 to $9,000 per person! See Dates & Prices tab for more information.Join us for a unique cruise departing from Fiji for a magical rendezvous with the total solar eclipse of November 2012! For this special occasion, we have chartered the M/S Paul Gauguin, a highly-rated, luxurious 332-passenger ship expressly built for sailing the South Pacific. Our eclipse-viewing location south of the seldom-visited islands of New Caledonia will provide over three minutes of “totality” (almost a full minute longer than what eclipse viewers will experience in or near Australia). A total solar eclipse is reason enough for the journey, but our voyage also features some of the South Pacific’s loveliest islands, from New Caledonia’s Ile de Pins, a snorkeler’s paradise, to Vanuatu, an archipelago of jewel-like islands. Getting to such a remote locale involves significant travel, but aboard the wonderful Paul Gauguin, we do so in the comfort of a five-star floating resort. As we travel, our expert astronomers and other guest speakers provide informative talks on eclipses, astronomy, marine biology, and the intriguing cultures of the Pacific. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting cruise!
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
November 10, 2012
Lautoka, Fiji
Morning arrival at Nadi International Airport, then embark on the Paul Gauguin and depart from Fiji.
November 11-13
At Sea / Ile des Pins, New Caledonia
After two days at sea, during which we enjoy introductory lectures by our team of experts, we arrive at Ile des Pins (“Isle of Pines”), first discovered by Captain James Cook in 1774. Surrounded by the spectacular turquoise waters of the New Caledonia Barrier Reef, the island, often called the “jewel of the Pacific,” is an idyllic spot with its white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and tall Araucaria pines. A favored spot for divers, it’s hard to believe this was once a penal colony for political prisoners from France! Today there are about 2,000 inhabitants, with the local indigenous Kunies making up 95% of the population. Our activities here include a choice of water sports—swimming, snorkeling, and sea kayaking—as well as visiting the island’s villages.
November 14
Eclipse At Sea
The total solar eclipse of 2012 offers few viewing opportunities, given the extremely remote region of the South Pacific through which the path travels. But from our viewing site at sea, south of New Caledonia, we will observe totality for over three minutes (only one minute less than the maximum possible), with the sun almost 40° above the horizon at mid-eclipse! Since only a small portion of the path of totality falls on land (in Australia, near sunrise), our trip may well give 2012 eclipse chasers their longest possible experience under the moon’s shadow. Our guest astronomers will be with us to guide us through this spectacular phenomena.
Local Contact Times for our planned viewing position at 26° 44.85' S 166° 46.51' E:
1st contact: (eclipse begins) 06:57:25 altitude: 26°
2nd contact: (totality begins) 08:01:25 altitude: 40°
3rd contact: (totality ends) 08:04:27 altitude: 40°
4th contact: (eclipse ends) 09:16:52 altitude: 57°
Duration of totality: 3 minutes and 2 seconds
November 15
Noumea, New Caledonia
On the large island of Grande Terre, the third largest in all the South Pacific, we call at New Caledonia’s capital of Noumea, whose name means “sunrise” in one of the local languages. Often referred to as the “land of eternal spring,” Noumea enjoys a pleasant semi-tropical climate and a fascinating fusion of Melanesian and French cultures. There are a great many activities available today, from a leisurely exploration of the town and its trendy boutiques to a visit to the nearby Amedee Marine Reserve, a wide variety of sports and water activities, and exploring some of the nearby bays with their translucent aquamarine waters.
November 16
Ile de Mare, New Caledonia
We head to the Loyalty Islands, a group of high coral atolls east of Grande Terre. Today’s stop is at Ile de Mare, a lush island with steep coral cliffs plunging into the sea. While Noumea had a strong French flavor, these outlying islands are Melanesian (Kanak) in character. Mare is known for its friendly inhabitants, whose elders keep alive the legends of this ancient people. Luxuriant beaches interrupt the lines of cliffs, and the snorkeling in the island’s sheltered bays is among the best in all of New Caledonia.
November 17
Ile de Lifou, New Caledonia
Northwest of Ile de Mare is Ile de Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands and the world’s largest atoll. Lifou’s geography is diverse, with sparkling lagoons, pine-covered hills, enormous limestone caves and caverns (important to the island’s mythology), impressive white-sand beaches considered among the best in the world, and rich coral reefs that are home to extraordinary marine life. The snorkeling here is superb, with excellent visibility in protected bays.
November 18
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Vanuatu, an archipelago of some 350 islands, isolated rock outcrops, and sand-covered isles, has 14 larger islands. Our cruise itinerary includes Efate Island, with its black-and-white sand beaches, thick rainforests, coconut plantations, and waters teeming with game fish. Port Vila, the attractive capital and the center of the country’s trade, is spread out on hillsides surrounding a horseshoe-shaped bay. Our activity options here may include learning about historic Vanuatu lifestyles or visiting the local market brimming with produce and handcrafted items. You can mail a postcard from the world’s only underwater post office, visit World War II ruins, walk through lush rainforest or, as always, enjoy a plethora of water activities.
November 19-20
At Sea / Disembark in Lautoka, Fiji
After a day at sea, we return to Fiji for disembarkation, and depart for home on the evening flight. You can also extend your stay in lovely Fiji.
Sailing Schedule
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart | |
| 1 Sat, Nov. 10, 2012 | Lautoka,Fiji | 18:00 | ||
| 2 Sun, Nov. 11 | At Sea | |||
| 3 Mon, Nov. 12 | At Sea | |||
| 4 Tue, Nov. 13 | IIe des Pins, New Caledonia | 07:30 | 12:00 | |
| 5 Wed, Nov. 14 | Eclipse at Sea | |||
| 6 Thu, Nov. 15 | Noumea, New Caledonia | 08:00 | 22:00 | |
| 7 Fri, Nov. 16 | IIe de Mare, New Caledonia | 07:00 | 18:00 | |
| 8 Sat, Nov. 17 | IIe de Lifou, New Caledonia | 07:00 | 12:00 | |
| 9 Sun, Nov. 18 | Port Vila, Vanuatu | 08:00 | 17:00 | |
| 10 Mon, Nov. 19 | At Sea | |||
| 11 Tue, Nov. 20 | Lautoka | 07:00 |
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Departures & Leaders
Nov 10-20, 2012
Guest Lecturers
This voyage will feature a full program of enrichment lectures, adding to your understanding of eclipses and other astronomical topics, as well as the culture and natural history of the South Pacific. We will be joined on board by two expert astronomers, as well as an experienced anthropologist and our own marine biologist, Ethan Daniels.
Program Costs
From $5795 per person, depends on cabin type. Click here for complete information by cabin category.
**Airfare is not included in Program Cost
Tour Cost Includes:
- 10 nights accommodations aboard the Paul Gauguin
- All meals aboard ship from dinner on November 10 through breakfast on November 20, with choice of multiple open-seating dining venues
- All shipboard entertainment including an educational program of lectures by our guest astronomers and other experts
- A state-of-the-art, retractable watersports platform featuring complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing and kayaking
- All onboard gratuities
- Complimentary beverages including select wines and spirits, soft drinks, bottled water and hot beverages served throughout the ship
- Complimentary 24-hour room service menu
- WiFi hotspots throughout the ship (extra access fee)
- In-suite refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water
- In-suite movie channels and DVDs
- Butler service and in-suite bar setup in Category B, A, Grand Suite, and Owner’s Suite
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
Air travel to and from Fiji; departure taxes; pre- and post-cruise arrangements including additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes and other factors; shore excursions; premium shipboard beverages; airport transfers and luggage handling; expenses of a person nature, such as passports and visa fees, medical immunizations, internet access, spa, laundry services, etc; and trip cancellation/medical insurance (highly recommended).Trip Payment Schedule*
At time of reservation: $2000
Due February 10, 2012:
50%
Due July 10, 2012:
Balance
*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*
Minimum cancellation fee: $750
From 15 months prior to departure (Aug 10, 2011): $2,000 non-refundable
From 9 months prior to departure (Feb 10, 2012): All deposits to date non-refundable
From 4 months prior to departure (July 10, 2012): 100% of cruise cost non-refundable
*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.
The Paul Gauguin
Our Trips using this Lodging:
We partner with one of the world’s premiere cruise vessels: the Paul Gauguin, a five-star ship designed specifically for sailing the South Pacific. Our ship offers an extension of the informal environment of the islands, carrying only 332 guests and offering all ocean-view staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), a choice of three open-seating dining venues, an extensive spa, and a 1 to 1.5 guest-to-staff ratio that provides a high level of personal attention. The ship’s watersports platform offers easy access to the blue Pacific so we can hop aboard a windsurfer or launch a kayak. The Paul Gauguin has been named one of the “World’s Top-Rated Small Ships” by Condé Nast Traveler readers since 1998.
Cruise Rates by Cabin Category
Per person, double occupancy
| Categories | Cruise Price | Discounted Price | Discount |
| F Porthole Stateroom | $8,295 | $5,795 | $2,500 |
| E Window Stateroom | $8,795 | $6,095 | $2,700 |
| D Balcony Stateroom | $11,795 | $7,595 | $4,200 |
| C Balcony Stateroom | $12,395 | $7,895 | $4,500 |
| B Veranda Stateroom | $15,395 | $9,695 | $5,700 |
| A Veranda Suite | $19,395 | $12,195 | $7,200 |
| GS Grand Suite | $23,395 | $15,295 | $8,100 |
| OS Owner’s Suite | $29,395 | $20,395 | $9,000 |
Government Fees & Taxes (subject to change): $90 per person. Rates are per person based on double occupancy, in US dollars. Shore excursions are optional, and not included in cruise cost. Cruise ship fuel surcharges may apply.
 Owner’s Suite Category OS 7002 Stateroom: 531 sq. ft. plus veranda
|
 Grand Suite Category GS Stateroom: 332 sq. ft. plus veranda
|
 Veranda Suite Category A Stateroom: 300 sq. ft. plus veranda |
 Veranda Stateroom Category B Stateroom: 249 sq. ft. plus veranda |
|
Some staterooms in these categories vary in size and have smaller bathrooms with shower only. |
Porthole Stateroom |
Singles/Triples: A very limited number of guaranteed single cabins are available in Category E at 150% of the double occupancy rate. Singles in all other categories are 200% of the double occupancy rate. A third person may be added to a double occupancy cabin in most categories, with the third person paying 50% of the double occupancy cruise fare. Call for availability and pricing.
Shared Cabins: Participants traveling by themselves and wishing to share a cabin at double occupancy rates may request a roommate. We will do our best to match you with another single traveler. If this is not possible a forced single supplement rate of 125% of the per person rate for that cabin category will apply. Single travelers matched up by Wilderness Travel may be assigned to a cabin in Categories C, D, E, or F, and must be prepared to pay 125% of the rate for any of those categories to have your reservation confirmed, in the event we cannot match you with a roommate.
Shore Excursions: A full program of optional shore excursions will be available at each port of call. These activities are not included in the cruise price and can be reserved and paid for aboard ship. Off-ship activities mentioned in the itinerary are presented only as examples and are at additional cost.
Deck Plan
- Denotes staterooms with choice of queen bed or twin bed configurations. All other staterooms are queen bed configuation.
Terms & Conditions
Reservation and Cancellation Policy:
To reserve your place, please complete and mail a Wilderness Travel trip application along with a deposit of $2,000 per person. For immediate confirmation, call us at 1-800-368-2794 and charge the deposit to your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card.
Payment Schedule
At time of reservation: $2,000
Due 9 months prior to departure (Feb 10, 2012): 50% of land cost
Due 4 months prior to departure (July 10, 2012): Balance
Cancellation Policy
Minimum cancellation fee: $750
From 15 months prior to departure (Aug 10, 2011): $2,000 non-refundable
From 9 months prior to departure (Feb 10, 2012): All deposits to date non-refundable
From 4 months prior to departure (July 10, 2012): 100% of cruise cost non-refundable
If we are able to resell your cancelled cabin by July 10, 2012, your deposits will be refunded less the minimum cancellation fee of $750 per person. Cancellations must be in writing by email, fax, or mail. We reserve the right to treat the reservation as cancelled if payments are not received when due.
Air Travel and Extensions
International air travel is not included in this program. Information about booking your flights will be provided approximately one year before departure. Paul Gauguin Cruises will offer flights on Air Pacific, which will include transfers and dayrooms on November 10 upon arrival in Fiji, and a half-day tour, dayrooms, and transfers for departure on November 20. Resort packages in Fiji will also be available.
Special Notes: Wilderness Travel and Paul Gauguin Cruises have signed an agreement for the partial charter of the Paul Gauguin. However, the agreement will not take full effect until April 15, 2011, and until that time, reservations for this program cannot be guaranteed. In the unlikely event that this program cannot be operated for any reason, whether due to the charter agreement failing to take effect or to other reasons that are beyond the control of the operators, the refund of all payments received shall release Wilderness Travel, Inc. from any liability.
All astronomers and other guest experts named in this brochure are confirmed at the time of publication. If any speaker must cancel, Wilderness Travel will attempt to provide, but cannot guarantee, a suitable replacement.
In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term, and more specifically, at the time of the voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of the brochure printing, which is well in advance of departure. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if fuel prices increase significantly prior to the time of the voyage, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.
Please note that Wilderness Travel and Paul Gauguin Cruises have extensive experience in the greater French Polynesian region, but the Paul Gauguin does not normally operate in Melanesia. A great deal of research and planning has gone into the design of the itinerary, but as a one-time only event it must be considered somewhat exploratory. While we anticipate a fully successful cruise, participants should approach the trip with a spirit of flexibility and adventure befitting the nature of the trip.
Our Guest Speakers
Here are the Guest Speakers scheduled for this Special Event (please note that speaker assignments are subject to change).
Guest Speakers
Rick Fienberg, PhD, is the American Astronomical Society’s Press Officer and Education & Outreach Coordinator. He previously spent 22 years at Sky & Telescope magazine, the last eight as Editor in Chief. He’s a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Holly Gilbert, PhD, is the Associate Director for Science in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. She earned her BA in physics from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and her PhD in theoretical astrophysics from the University of Oslo, Norway. Before ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Mark Eddowes came to Tahiti in 1988 as a graduate student in anthropology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. The following years were spent studying the prehistory of Polynesia, and prospecting, mapping, and excavating sites in the archipelago. He learned French and Tahitian, the latter ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Ethan Daniels came by his interest in marine biology and conservation during the summers of his youth in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After graduating from Bucknell University in 1994, he entered the University of Guam Marine Lab, concentrating on the behavioral ecology of reef fishes. While working ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips