MelanesiaOnboard the Silver Discoverer

October 23 – November 10, 2017

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Photos: (Cover) Welcome Dance, Baining Fire Dancer, Yellowback Fusiliers

Diversity is the catchphrase on this Melanesian adventure—both

above and below the crystal-blue waters. From the thousand living

languages, to the astoundingly varied coral gardens; from some of

the world’s most active volcanoes to interesting historical sites. Join

Apex on this 19-day expedition to Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and

Papua New Guinea, where delights await every traveler interest.

Snorkelers and divers can visit some of the best coral reefs on Earth.

Birders can look for several endemic species, including the Solomon

Island Sea Eagle and Melanesian Megapode. History buffs can

enjoy retracing the footsteps of explorer Captain Cook and

examining artifacts from the famed Kula Ring. Step aboard the

Silver Discoverer and delve into the vibrant cultures and landscapes

of these many storied islands.

Expedition Over view

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Monday, October 23: Port Vila, Vanuatu Arrive in Port Vila, the capital and largest city of the archipelago of Vanuatu, where you will be met and transferred to the Warwick Le Lagon Hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Gather this evening to meet your fellow adventurers and Apex expedition team for a welcome dinner and briefing.

Tuesday, October 24: Port Vila Port Vila is on the island of Efate and your day’s explorations are dedicated to exploring beyond the city. The island offers several good snorkel and dive sites for underwater enthusiasts who may even run into some Dugongs along the way. Birders will delight in exploring the island’s tropical rain forests in search of the coveted Red-bellied and Tanna Fruit Doves. Return to the Warwick Le Lagon Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Wednesday, October 25: Port Vila / Embark Silver Discoverer Spend a final morning relaxing at your hotel before transferring to the Silver Discoverer for lunch. After settling into your cabin, be out on deck as you set sail in the late afternoon with a toast to the adventures ahead.

Thursday, October 26: Aniwa Island and Tanna Islands Aniwa is a small coral atoll in the southernmost province of Vanuatu. Here, volcanic activity has formed a reef quite recently, and a unique one, as it is growing on top of a lava flow. Swim, snorkel and dive among coral in countless colors and a great variety of reef fish, from Moorish Idols to White-tip Reef Sharks. This afternoon, visit Port Resolution on nearby Tanna Island to get a taste of local culture. Enjoy a dance ceremony and explore the village, before an evening trek up Mount Yasur—its activity was first recorded by Captain James Cook in 1774, and has continued uninterrupted since. Depending on its activity level, you may be able to hike to the

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Photos: Musical Performance, Warwick Le Lagon Hotel Grounds, Common Lionfish

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top and look into the crater. Small explosions and clouds of fumaroles and ash are often observed. Plan to be there at nightfall, when the volcanic activity turns into a breathtaking fireworks display.

Friday, October 27: Makura Island Enjoy a leisurely morning with lectures from your onboard experts before reaching Makura, in Vanuatu’s central Shefa Province. Makura is quite small, but is the peak of an old volcano whose rim remnants are believed to be neighboring islands Emae and Mataso. Visit the small village and pristine beaches in the northwest of the island, then snorkel and dive, or join a hike to the top of the island.

Saturday, October 28: Ambrym Island Early this morning, gaze upon the west coast of Ambrym, one of the most volcanically active islands of the New Hebrides volcanic arc. Go ashore on one of its black sand beaches, near the village of Ranon. There, be treated to the very special Rom dance, which is usually only performed during men’s secret society meetings. Enjoy one of the local string bands and hope to see some of Vanuatu’s sand drawings. Although some might simply see them as aesthetically pleasing drawings, UNESCO has recognized them as a local “writing” system and inscribed them on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Sunday, October 29: At Sea Enjoy a day cruising the Coral Sea, looking for sea birds, dolphins, and whales as we head northwest toward the Solomon Islands. Attend lectures to prepare you for this upcoming destination—learn about the Solomons’ flora and fauna, the early history of European exploration in the area, and the fascinating anthropological work done in the region.

Monday, October 30: Santa Ana, Solomon Islands Today, the ship will enter Port Mary, the bay in front of Ghupuna, Santa Ana’s (or Owaraha’s, in the local language) main village. After a short welcome on the beach, then head to the athletic field to be entertained with traditional songs and dances by members of the island’s three villages. Enjoy a walk through the tidy village, with its palm-thatched houses on stilts and two sizable Protestant churches. The late morning will be spent on the beach in front of Ghupuna, swimming, snorkeling or diving in the pleasant, warm waters. In the afternoon Silver Discoverer will continue westward, while your lecturers introduce you to your next destination.

Tuesday, October 31: Mbike Island and Roderick Bay Be out on deck in the morning as we approach the Sandfly Passage to reach Mbike, a small privately owned island in the Florida Islands (part of the Solomons). Once on Mbike, a picture-perfect beach will invite you to swim and snorkel, while the extensive coral reefs, teeming with tropical fish and exceptional dive sites, will beckon our divers, as well. Underwater delights include Feather Stars and colorful nudibranchs, Vase Sponges and sea fans, Lionfish and octopus. Embark a Zodiac for a snorkel safari into nearby Roderick Bay, surrounded by beautiful small islands with forested hills. This afternoon, cruise westward to reach the Solomon Islands’ Western Province.

Wednesday, November 1: Njari Island The small coral cay of Njari has one of the highest counts of fish and coral varieties in the Indo-Pacific. Dock nearby and take Zodiacs ashore. Playful dolphins may

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Photos: Mount Yasar Erupting; Rom Dance, Ambrym Island; Mudmen, Santa Ana; Idyllic Beach

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accompany you on your way. Snorkeling and diving here have revealed such treasures as Damsel Fish, Blue-green Chromis, Parrot Fish, Trigger Fish, and huge numbers of Anemone, or Clown Fish. Coral gardens of staghorn and finger corals, and beautiful large coral fans line the reef. Return to the ship for lunch and head west for Papua New Guinea.

Thursday, November 2: At Sea / Rabaul, Papua New Guinea Attend lectures on a variety of topics about Papua New Guinea and New Britain, a large, mountainous island off mainland Papua New Guinea. In the late afternoon, the ship will enter Blanche Bay on New Britain’s east coast and pass the impressive Tavurvur Volcano. Set off this evening to see the Baining Fire Dancers, a highlight of any visit to the township of Rabaul. Of all the ceremonies and rituals performed in Papua New Guinea, the Baining people of New Britain offer one of the most captivating. Male dancers in large, elaborate masks that depict animal and bush spirits circle a giant bonfire in a ritual that builds to a crescendo through the night. Return to the ship in the late evening and set sail.

Friday, November 3: Garove Island Garove is one of the largest of the volcanic Witu Islands off northern New Britain. Copra, the dried meat of the coconut that’s used to extract coconut oil, is produced in large amounts on Garove, as is cocoa. Enter the island via the flooded remains of an ancient caldera. This afternoon, the ship will anchor inside the caldera, surrounded by steep and lush, green cliffs. Be greeted by outrigger canoes, which will lead us ashore to the rhythms of a “sing-sing.” Follow the local village performers to the school, and then to the church for a presentation of traditional dances. Afterwards, hikers might want to trek to the higher levels of the village for scenic views.

Saturday, November 4: Tami Island The Tami Islands are a small archipelago belonging to Papua New Guinea’s Morobe Province. Tami Islanders are known for their elaborately carved, oblong-shaped wooden bowls, cult figure carvings, and ornate ceremonial masks. The small community of islanders live simply, and Kala Village has just a single primary school and small medical aid post. The “sing-sing” here is loud and punctuated by the beating of ‘kundus’, hand-held hollowed wooden drums with monitor lizard skin at one end. The beaches and reefs also have much to offer snorkelers and divers, including large schools of bright surgeonfish.

Sunday, November 5: Kafure Village, Tufi Tufi, located on the southeastern peninsula of Cape Nelson in Papua New Guinea’s Oro Province, is situated on a tropical fjord and surrounded by uncharted coral reefs. Take Zodiacs into the smooth waters of the Kwapurina Fjord and transfer to local wooden dugout canoes. With local villagers as your oarsmen, float under canopies of ancient mangrove forests, which are home to Tufi’s wide range of colorful birds and butterflies. Return to the entrance of the fjord and Kafure Village, where the villagers will welcome you with traditional dance and song. Tufi natives are known to wear tapa cloth, made from the bark of mulberry trees from the local forest. There will be an opportunity to observe the making of tapa before a leisurely afternoon on one of the local beaches to swim, snorkel and dive.

Photos: Pink Anemonefish, “Sing-sing”, Tami Island Drummer, Canoe Exploration

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Monday, November 6: Fergusson and Dobu Islands Fergusson is one of the biggest and most mountainous of the D’Entrecasteaux Islands in Milne Bay Province. Here, birders are in for a treat as they may spot Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots, and the stunning Curl-crested Manucode. Fergusson is famous for its DeiDei geyser—natural hot springs that periodically “erupt” with vapor steam. Villagers will accompany us to the hot springs, where they will tell ancestral tales about this natural display of power. This afternoon, visit the smaller Dobu Island. Neighboring islands feared the Dobu Islanders because they were believed to be great sorcerers. The risk is well worth it, however, due to the area’s spectacular underwater offerings—healthy coral gardens cover the sea floor and boast a large diversity of Butterflyfish. Snorkelers and divers can look for many different species of echinoderms, including the blue Linckia Sea Star, feather stars, and sea cucumbers.

Tuesday, November 7: Samarai Island Samarai, on the southern tip of Papua New Guinea, was once a bustling trading port. In fact, this tiny island was once the second largest city in Papua New Guinea. The town, now in ruins, once held attractive colonial buildings, churches, schools, and even a movie house. At the onset of the War in the Pacific (1941 to 1945), Samarai was evacuated and many of the buildings were purposely destroyed to keep Japanese forces from moving in. In 2006, the island was declared a National Historical Heritage Island, and there are hopes that some of the buildings may be restored. Coming into the jetty by Zodiac might be slightly surreal—it’s one the most modernized communities we’ll come across on this voyage, and quite densely populated compared to the surrounding islands. Explore the village’s splendid market. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell cocktail hour and dinner as we sail toward Australia.

Wednesday, November 8: At Sea This leisurely day at sea will be spent crossing the Coral Sea one last time. Stroll the outer decks looking for dolphins and other cetaceans, and join the expedition team to recap the journey.

Thursday, November 9: Cairns, Australia Be on deck early this morning as we arrive in Cairns. Enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking the Silver Discoverer. Spend the day exploring the Daintree Rainforest, then enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight at the Shangri-La Hotel.

Friday, November 10: Cairns / Depart Transfer to the airport for early morning flights home.

Photos: Fergusson Hot Springs, Woman on Samarai Island, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Children in Papua New Guinea

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Expedition Map

A – Por t V ila

B – Aniwa & Tanna Islands

C – Makura Island

D – Ambr ym Island

E – Santa Ana Island

F – Mbike Island & Roderick Bay

G – Njari Island

H – Rabaul

I – Garove Island

J – Tami Island

K – Tuf i

L – Fergusson & Dobu Islands

M – Samarai Island

N – Cairns

By Ship

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Peter HarrisonPeter Harrison has led expeditions throughout the world, from the Arctic to the Antarctic and everywhere in between. Peter has written and illustrated over a dozen books, of which Seabirds: An Identification Guide, is considered the bible of seabird identification. In addition to being a professional birder, entrepreneur, artist, author and screenwriter, Peter has devoted much of his time to conservation efforts. In recognition of his outstanding work in natural history, Peter was honored with the title, Member of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. More recently Peter received the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ prestigious Conservation Gold Medal Award. This honor is bestowed upon one individual each year in recognition of their support and dedication to wild bird protection and global habitat conservation. Exploration and discovery remain a driving force for Peter and it is safe to say that with Peter leading the charge, adventure always abounds.

Jonathan RossouwJonathan Rossouw is one of the world’s most experienced expedition leaders, having guided wildlife trips in over 150 countries on all seven continents. He combines a legendary energy and enthusiasm with a broad knowledge of all aspects of natural history, gained from three decades spent in the pursuit of the world’s mammals, birds, reptiles and coral reef fishes. Indeed, having seen over 8,000 species of birds, 800 mammals and 2,000 coral reef fishes, he will likely experience more species of vertebrate animals than anyone in history! A medical doctor by training, Jonathan was born and raised on South Africa’s east coast. He started a birding travel company in South Africa before joining Peter Harrison and Shirley Metz, to assist in expanding their global portfolio of natural history destinations. An accomplished photographer, Jonathan’s images have appeared in many books and magazines, and he has co-authored birding site guides to Uganda, Southern Africa and Madagascar.

Russ EvansA sixth-generation Falkland Islander, Russ has strong ties to the ocean and spends most of his time at sea in various roles, but leading expeditions remains his first love. Russ left the family farming enterprise to pursue a career crewing and skippering commercial work boats. An avid outdoorsman with a keen sense of place and a passion for wildlife and photography, Russ jumped at the chance to work as a general naturalist and Zodiac driver on an expedition cruise in 2003. The rest, as they say, is history, and Russ now leads small-ship expedition cruises all around the globe. With his boundless energy and boyish penchant for fun, Russ makes any adventure delightfully unforgettable.

Your Expedition Leaders

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Giovanna FasanelliA life-long love affair with the sea propelled Giovanna into the world of marine biology, conservation, underwater photography and natural history documentaries. Whilst completing her marine biology degree at Australia’s James Cook University, Giovanna worked at an underwater film company during which time she gained experience tagging Tiger Sharks and Green Turtles in the Coral Sea and assisting with film production. This opportunity spawned a decade-long career in television, presenting the latest developments in aquaculture and fisheries science. Though Giovanna’s training is principally in the marine realm her passion for wilderness and animals has driven her to explore habitats around the world from Snow Leopards in the Himalayas to Komodo Dragons in Indonesia and Mountain Gorillas in Uganda. Fast approaching 100 countries visited, Giovanna has extensive experience as a guide and naturalist all over the world. A talented photographer and skilled writer, Giovanna’s work is regularly featured in several magazines.

Shirley MetzShirley Metz’s careers and accomplishments have spanned the globe. Shirley became a certified diver at age 16 and while at the University of Hawaii did shark research earning her degrees in Marine Biology and Communications. She met her first husband in Hawaii with whom she founded Hobie Sports. She also developed several active clothing lines and consulted to companies such as The North Face. In 1988 Shirley visited Antarctica and became inspired to work in Antarctic conservation. To raise awareness, she became a member of an international expedition that would attempt to ski 800 miles from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole. On January 17, 1989, the nine-member expedition arrived at world’s end; Shirley made history and her way into the Guinness Book of Records as the first woman to ski overland to the South Pole. A member of the Explorers Club and The Society of Woman Geographers, Shirley continues to raise awareness and support for environmental and cultural projects.

“Our lives have been enriched

by the 17 journeys we have

undertaken with the Apex team

leaders. Simply put, no one

does expedition travel better.”

– Jim M., California

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Adventure travellers can explore the remote archipelagos of the vast Pacific aboard the sleek, 120-guest Silver Discoverer. She’s the perfect platform for viewing these untamed landscapes, with all ocean-view suites and plenty of deck space, so that a breaching whale or pod of dolphins can readily be viewed. Silver Discoverer’s shallow draft allows her to navigate closer to shore, and with a fleet of 12 Zodiacs guests can land on isolated shores and explore varied ecosystems, up-close and in-depth.

Melanesia 2017 onboard the Silver Discoverer

Vessel Specifications Length ....................................... 338 feet Width ........................................... 51 feet Speed ....................................... 14 knots Tonnage .........................................5,218 Guests ............................................... 120 Crew .................................................... 96 Refurbished ...................................2014 Passenger Decks ..................................5 Registry ................................... Bahamas

All Suites Include: Twin beds or queen-sized bed with premium mattresses; fine Pratesi bed linens and down duvets; refrigerator stocked with your preferences; Radio/Alarm with iPod docking station; writing desk; wardrobe with personal safe; hair dryer; flat screen television with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming; plush robes and slippers.

Suite Categories Per Person Rates

Solo – ExplorerSolo – ViewSolo – Vista

Solo – Veranda

$14,990$16,360$20,740

$25,110

$24,820$20,320

$16,820$13,320$12,220

Medallion SuiteVeranda Suite

Vista SuiteView Suite

Explorer Suite

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MelanesiaOctober 23 – November 10, 201719 Days Trip Length

Port Vila, Vanuatu Start

Cairns, Australia End

Expedition Details

IncludedIncluded in the price of your Apex expedition are all accommodations as noted in the itinerary; meals, activities and

excursions; all gratuities; complimentary room service onboard the vessel; select wines and premium spirits onboard

the vessel; local beer and wine with dinner in Port Vila and Cairns; services of five Apex Expeditions leaders, as well as

the full onboard lecture team and expedition staff; local guides; airport transfers; permits; entrance fees; and taxes.

Not IncludedNot included in the price of your Apex expedition is any airfare; airport departure taxes; passport and/or visa fees;

excess luggage charges; select premium wines and liquors; travel insurance (Trip Cancellation and Interruption, as well

as Emergency Medical and Evacuation insurance, are highly recommended); items of a personal nature (phone calls,

laundry, souvenirs, etc.); onboard spa and salon services; and independent travel arrangements pre- or post-trip.

Payments & Terms25% of the trip cost will confirm your place on the expedition. The final balance is due 150 days prior to departure.

All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Per person pricing is based on double occupancy.

The Solo Rate is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations and is subject to availability.

If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same

gender. However, if a roommate is not available, the published Solo Rate will be charged. Upon confirming your

reservation you will be required to pay the published Solo Rate, if we are able to pair you with a roommate, the

applicable difference will be refunded at the time that final trip payment is due for all participants. Please note that

solo accommodations are limited and cannot always be guaranteed throughout. For our full set of Terms & Conditions,

please visit our web site at www.apex-expeditions.com/about/terms-conditions

One-of-a-kind adventures to the world’s most fascinating places. Join us.

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Deck Plan - Silver Discoverer

MedicalCentre

309

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The Restaurant

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The Discoverer Lounge

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Pool

BarPool Grill

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Lobby

Zodiacs

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The Explorer Lounge

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The Bridge

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DECK 3 Restaurant

Medical Center

DECK 4 Explorer Lounge Lobby/Reception

DECK 5 Pool

The Grill Discoverer Lounge

DECK 6 The Bridge

DECK 7 Beauty Salon

Massage Room Fitness Center

Sun Deck

Explorer Suite

View Suite

View Suite

Vista Suite Veranda Suite Medallion Suite

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Suite Details - Silver Discoverer

408 sq. ft, including Private Balcony (27 sq. ft.)

• Teak style balcony, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors

• Living room with sitting area • Laundry service

• Wifi available (fees apply)

Suite Layout

280 sq. ft, including Private Balcony (35.5 sq. ft.)

• Teak style balcony, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors

• Sitting room • Wifi available (fees apply)

Veranda Suite

186 sq. ft • Two portholes (15.75 in. diameter)

• Sitting area • Wifi available (fees apply)

Medallion Suite

181 sq. ft • One view windows (35 in. x 24 in.)

• Sitting area • Wifi available (fees apply)

View Suite

269 sq. ft • Two view windows (35 in. x 24 in.)

• Sitting area • Wifi available (fees apply)

Vista Suite

Explorer Suite

Suite diagrams and deck plans are for illustration purposes only.

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Melanesia October 23 – November 10, 2017

Person 1: (Primary Contact)

Passport Name:

Preferred Name:

Date of Birth:

Email Address:

Mailing Details:

Address:

City: State: ZIP Code: Country:

Phone: Fax:

Double Solo Cabin Category Preference

Person 2: (If applicable and at same address, otherwise please submit a second Reservation Form.)

Passport Name:

Preferred Name:

Date of Birth:

Email Address:

Deposit Information:

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Charge my deposit to my: VISA MasterCard American Express

Card #: Expires: CCV Code:

Name on Card:

Signature:

Please return this completed form to Apex Expeditions. E-mail: info@apex-expeditions.com or Mail: 4130 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Reser vation Form