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Spring 2008 Zegrahm Expeditions Tropical Pacific Cruises

October 31, 2007 on 10:49 am | In Adventure Travel, Airlines, Asia, Australia, China, Cruise Boats, Fiji Islands, Guam, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Northern, Outdoors, Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Queensland, Sailing, Samoa, Scuba Diving, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Australia, Spring Break, Sri Lanka, Surfing Resorts, Sydney, Tahiti, Taiwan, Tasmania, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, Victoria, Western |

Zegrahm & Eco Expeditions
TEL: 206-285-4000
caseym@zeco.com
http://www.zeco.com/

SEATTLE, Washington—Zegrahm Expeditions announces five unique tropical Pacific itineraries for the spring cruise season, beginning in April 2008. “Our new partnership with International Shipping Partners (ISP) and the long-term charter of the 122-passenger luxury expedition vessel, Clipper Odyssey, gives us the opportunity to explore both famous and rarely-visited islands in this stunning region,” says Zegrahm President, Scott Fitzsimmons.

Travelers in search of paradise will step ashore to traditional ceremonial welcomes in locales as varied as French Polynesia’s remote Pitcairn and Gambier Islands, Melanesia’s Vanuatu and Trobriand Islands, and Micronesia’s stunning Yap island state. In addition to a wide variety of cultural encounters, each cruise itinerary includes snorkeling and diving expedition stops at some of the world’s premier underwater sites.

Passengers aboard the Clipper Odyssey will cruise in utmost comfort; a wide range of amenities includes spacious ocean-view cabins, lecture facilities, and gourmet cuisine. Traveling at a speed of 12-14 knots, the ship is equipped with the latest navigational equipment, a glass-bottom boat, and a fleet of Zodiacs which allows for spontaneous explorations. For 17 years the founders of Zegrahm Expeditions, along with a team of world-class lecturers, have been leading small groups of adventure travelers to the most remote corners of the globe.

Faces of Melanesia – Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands & Papua New Guinea

24 April – 12 May 2008

This rarely visited corner of Oceania highlights idyllic islands and isolated villages, each with a unique set of customs and welcome ceremonies, punctuated by traditional costumes and masks. These cultural encounters complement prolific wildlife viewing. Adventurers will snorkel or dive among magnificent coral reefs, discover fascinating endemic bird species, and experience echoes of World War II while surveying these captivating islands.

Best of Melanesia & Micronesia – Papua New Guinea, Trobriand Islands, Yap & Palau 08 – 24 May 2008

This is a voyage to the far frontier of the western South Pacific. Travelers will observe the traditions of Melanesian and Micronesian peoples, including Rabaul’s fabulous fire dancers and Yap’s enormous stone currency. Hike through exotic tropical landscapes, snorkel and dive nearly every day among more than 1,400 fish species, and even swim in a magical lake full of sting less jellyfish.

Pearls of the Pacific – Line Islands: Hawaii to Tahiti 27 August – 12 September 2008

The gentle Pacific trade winds whisk travelers southwards from Hawaii to the very remote Line Islands of Kiribati, where snorkeling and birding opportunities abound at exquisite uninhabited islands. Also visit the world’s largest atoll, Christmas Island, then continue to French Polynesia to explore some of the world’s most majestic and lush volcanic islands—Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti—which have captivated explorers and sailors for hundreds of years. Can be combined with Polynesian Idylls.

Pearls of the Pacific – Polynesia Idylls: Tahiti, Tuamotus, Pitcairn & Marquesas

11 – 29 September 2008

Polynesia is the perfect blend of tiny, uninhabited atolls and the iconic islands of paradise-seekers. The waters are warm and clear for snorkeling and springtime in the southern hemisphere means lovely breezes for our nature walks through lush forests. Visit the Gambier Islands, the most remote island chain in French Polynesia, and Pitcairn Island, famous for the HMS Bounty mutineers who settled there. Can be combined with Line Islands.

South Sea Odyssey: Tahiti, Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji 27 September – 13 October 2008 or 11 – 27 October 2008

For a perfect overview of the South Pacific’s Polynesian and Melanesian natural and cultural highlights, voyage to several island groups, including Tahiti and the Society Islands—inspiration for Paul Gauguin and James Michener; the quintessential paradise, the Cook Islands; and remote Wallis and Futuna. The islanders throughout the area are famous for their friendly, welcoming hospitality. Snorkeling and diving are superb, and adventurers will have the privilege of viewing remote virgin reefs, colorful corals and fish, and possibly even humpback whales.

Seattle-based Zegrahm Expeditions Inc., founded in 1990, is a leading adventure travel company specializing in small-ship cruises, tours, and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world. Lead by expert guides and lecturers, Zegrahm itineraries are carefully crafted and all-inclusive, feature deluxe accommodations, and operate in all seven continents. For more information, please access http://www.zeco.com/