Revealing the Mysteries of Melanesia

Ponant invites you to discover the natural wonders of Vanuatu and New Caledonia in the Coral Sea. From Honiara to Noumea, you will set sail aboard Le Soleal on an 11-day expedition cruise into the heart of the South Pacific to discover ancestral tribes and sublime landscapes. Your ship will first reach the Solomon Islands, a tropical Eden.

Your cruise will continue to Vanuatu, often called the 'happiest country in the world', where its 83 islands showcase a palette of extremely varied landscapes. Active volcanoes, beaches bordered by palm trees, and tropical forests welcome visitors...read more to this remarkable archipelago in Melanesia. Le Soleal will provide you with the opportunity to disembark onto pristine beaches. Espiritu Santo, the archipelago's main island, promises you an unforgettable aquatic experience in an idyllic setting.

During your cruise, you will have the opportunity to visit several traditional villages, particularly on the islands of Ureparapara, Ambrym and Malekula. Their inhabitants will be happy to share with you their customs, including singing, dancing and art. In Tanna, do not miss out on exploring the imposing Mt Yasur, considered to be the most accessible active volcano in the world. Le Soleal will then take you to the sublime island of Lifou with its picture-postcard landscapes of white-sand beaches and tropical vegetation, located in the Loyalty archipelago. Your cruise will come to an end in Noumea, capital of New Caledonia.