{"id":3799528,"date":"2021-06-25T01:41:58","date_gmt":"2021-06-24T23:41:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=3799528"},"modified":"2026-03-03T11:02:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T10:02:28","slug":"expedition-story-melanesia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/expedition-story-melanesia\/","title":{"rendered":"Expedition Story from the Shores of Melanesia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px||40px||true|\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Few places on Earth can match the incredible diversity of cultures present in <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/papua-new-guinea-vanuatu-solomon-islands\"><strong>Melanesia<\/strong><\/a>, with the greatest language density compared to land mass on Earth. This region in the Pacific is made up of four countries \u2013 <strong>Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands<\/strong> and <strong>Papua New Guinea<\/strong>, plus <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/new-caledonia\"><strong>New Caledonia<\/strong><\/a> and parts of <strong>Indonesia<\/strong>. PONANT guests, Annette and John, tell us all about their exciting Melanesia expeditions.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/annette-john-900\u00d7600-compressor.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dannette-john-900\u00d7600-compressor\u201d title_text=\u201dannette-john-900\u00d7600-compressor\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>You decided to embark on some voyages through Melanesia with PONANT \u2013 what was it that intrigued you about this part of the world and made you want to visit?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Honestly, we had no intention of visiting Melanesia until reading a glossy PONANT brochure. Years ago, we had visited Vanuatu but not ventured to other Melanesian areas. It was <strong>a split second decision that we will never regret!<\/strong> Having already journeyed to a few <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/cruises?pred-facet-themes%5B%5D=EXPEDITION\">polar areas<\/a> with PONANT, we knew the style of <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/expeditions\"><strong>expedition cruising<\/strong><\/a> and loved the concept of the (warmer) island and underwater adventures described. At that stage, the cultural aspect was a secondary factor \u2013 needless to say, that changed.<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>How would you describe the places you visited in Melanesia?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Idyllic islands, isolated villages, happy villagers, diverse cultures, underwater adventures, deserted beaches, unique birdlife, dramatic landscapes and fascinating geology\u2026 the list is truly endless.<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\u201dText\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>What interesting cultural encounters did you experience in Melanesia?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>At each village we would land by <strong>Zodiac\u00ae<\/strong> and be guided to the village where we would respectfully wait for the <strong>chief\u2019s welcome<\/strong>, watch an <strong>exchange of gifts between our captain and the chief,<\/strong> and be <strong>entertained by song and dance.<\/strong> Often, there were more aspects to the welcome and no two were ever the same. As fascinated as we were with the local populations, they were also curious about us. The children were intrigued by our pale skin, fair hair and strange photographic equipment dangling around our necks! The sheer joy of sharing photos from the back of our screens was something to remember. Our lifestyle was a stark contrast to their village life \u2013 it was a <strong>humbling experience<\/strong>. The <strong>warmth and enthusiasm of the local people<\/strong> was infectious. Another humbling encounter was again with a large group of children. Staff had taken cold water with ice in a cooler (for guests originally). The ice was a hit! The kids were spellbound as they had never seen ice. I had to give a science lesson to my little local guide, as the concept of something frozen was so foreign. <strong>Touching, tasting and watching ice melt was a magical experience to share.<\/strong><br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=\u201dGalerie\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d100%\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\u201d3799539,3799535,3799538,3799534,3799536,3799537\u2033 posts_number=\u201d6\u2033 show_title_and_caption=\u201doff\u201d show_pagination=\u201doff\u201d module_class=\u201dgal-col\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text admin_label=\u201dText\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Did you learn anything surprising or unusual from your Expedition Team about Melanesia?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>We were very lucky to have travelled with many of the <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/expeditions?layer=equipe\">expedition team<\/a> members on previous voyages, so it was great to see some familiar faces! Each member has at least one specialty to bring to the table. John and I were always early for <strong>lectures<\/strong> (with gin &amp; tonic in hand!) knowing that we would come away with many <strong>snippets of new knowledge<\/strong>. Our English-speaking team <strong>each had their specialties<\/strong> and were able to pass on their <strong>encyclopaedic understanding of this area<\/strong>, often unusual and always entertaining. Walks through the forests, villages and beaches were an extension of the lectures and the guides exuded <strong>enthusiasm and excitement<\/strong>, tempered only by care and concern for every guest.<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\u201dText\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>What ship did you sail on and how did you find the onboard experience?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>We sailed on one of the small EXPLORER ships \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruise-ships\/le-laperouse\"><strong><em>Le Lap\u00e9rouse<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. We have sailed to many regions on PONANT\u2019s slightly larger <a href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruise-ships\">Sisterships<\/a> and found it to be a similar wonderful experience. <em>Le Lap\u00e9rouse<\/em> had a very cosy feel but with all the usual luxurious amenities. We felt very much \u2018at home\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\u201dText\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>What was the most memorable moment of your voyages?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>One memorable moment from the six weeks away? That is a tricky question!<\/p>\n<p>We had planned to walk on the volcano on Tanna, but due to torrential rain, the Expedition team were able to arrange an alternative overnight outing. We don\u2019t know how they can plan new excursions with such precision in such a short time! We had the most astonishing experience on <strong>Pentecost Island<\/strong>. Only a lucky few are able to see the <strong>Vine (or land) diving ritual<\/strong> performed. It is heart stopping!<\/p>\n<p>Without spoiling it for future guests, another memorable excursion was in a <strong>dug-out canoe paddling through the fjords to a village<\/strong>. Every canoe was a floral extravaganza! It was a first \u2013 the <strong>villagers themselves organised every moment<\/strong> of the excursion. Our Expedition team warned us of potential hiccups but it was a string of fun moments \u2013 one after another.<\/p>\n<p>Then there was the <strong>waterfall flowing out of the forest and into the ocean<\/strong> \u2013 not even on a map. It was documented in 1606 and we were possibly the <strong>second ship to ever pass by<\/strong>. Similarly, we were probably the second ship (after Captain Cook) to navigate one channel. There are many advantages with travelling on a <strong>small expedition ship<\/strong>.<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=\u201dGalerie\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d100%\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\u201d3799544,3799540,3799541,3799542,3799543,3799545\u2033 posts_number=\u201d6\u2033 show_title_and_caption=\u201doff\u201d show_pagination=\u201doff\u201d module_class=\u201dgal-col\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text admin_label=\u201dText\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Would you consider Melanesia a \u2018must-visit\u2019 destination? If so, why?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Melanesia was an unexpected potpourri of warm welcoming <strong>people<\/strong>, interesting and diverse <strong>cultures<\/strong> and mind-blowing <strong>scenery<\/strong>. We were not sure what to expect but it <strong>exceeded all that we had hoped for.<\/strong><br>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\u201dText\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Where are you planning to travel to next?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>We have planned to visit <strong>the <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/the-kimberley\">Kimberley<\/a><\/strong> as we love that area and hope to see more of our incredible homeland. Later, we are booked for another voyage sailing around the northern region of <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/papua-new-guinea-vanuatu-solomon-islands\"><strong>Papua New Guinea<\/strong><\/a>, hoping to swim with <strong>whale sharks<\/strong>. When we are able to fly a little further afield, we have <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/spitsbergen\"><strong>Svalbard<\/strong><\/a> on our very long wish list!<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/solomons-ship-900\u00d7600-compressor.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dsolomons-ship-900\u00d7600-compressor\u201d title_text=\u201dsolomons-ship-900\u00d7600-compressor\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/h3>\n<p>Photo Credit: \u00a9 Annette &amp; John Eldershaw<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dPUSH\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/push-trobriands-600\u00d7600-compressor.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dflamingos-push-600\u00d7600\u2033 title_text=\u201dpush-trobriands-600\u00d7600-compressor\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d445px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d max_height=\u201d445px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-90px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d text_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_margin=\u201d10px||20px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|||20px|false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d25px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d border_width_left=\u201d5px\u201d border_color_left=\u201d#26afc2\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]Melanesia Voyages[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]Discover this fascinating part of the world with us.<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/fascinating-flamingos\/\u201d url_new_window=\u201don\u201d button_text=\u201dVIEW VOYAGES\u201d button_alignment=\u201dleft\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our guests tell us all about their incredible cultural experiences from their Melanesia expeditions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3799549,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"900px\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_2_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" custom_padding=\"40px||40px||true|\"]<blockquote>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Few places on Earth can match the incredible diversity of cultures present in <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/papua-new-guinea-vanuatu-solomon-islands\"><strong>Melanesia<\/strong><\/a>, with the greatest language density compared to land mass on Earth. This region in the Pacific is made up of four countries - <strong>Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands<\/strong> and <strong>Papua New Guinea<\/strong>, plus <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/new-caledonia\"><strong>New Caledonia<\/strong><\/a> and parts of <strong>Indonesia<\/strong>. PONANT guests, Annette and John, tell us all about their exciting Melanesia expeditions.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/annette-john-900x600-compressor.jpg\" alt=\"annette-john-900\u00d7600-compressor\" title_text=\"annette-john-900x600-compressor\" align=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" link_font=\"||||on||||\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_color=\"#334556\" header_4_font_size=\"22px\" header_4_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_5_font=\"|700|||||||\" header_5_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_5_font_size=\"18px\" header_5_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_6_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_6_font_size=\"16px\" header_6_line_height=\"1.4em\" text_orientation=\"justified\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\"]<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/h3>\r\n<h4><strong>You decided to embark on some voyages through Melanesia with PONANT - what was it that intrigued you about this part of the world and made you want to visit?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nHonestly, we had no intention of visiting Melanesia until reading a glossy PONANT brochure. Years ago, we had visited Vanuatu but not ventured to other Melanesian areas. It was <strong>a split second decision that we will never regret!<\/strong> Having already journeyed to a few <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/cruises?pred-facet-themes%5B%5D=EXPEDITION\">polar areas<\/a> with PONANT, we knew the style of <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/expeditions\"><strong>expedition cruising<\/strong><\/a> and loved the concept of the (warmer) island and underwater adventures described. At that stage, the cultural aspect was a secondary factor \u2013 needless to say, that changed.\r\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" link_font=\"||||on||||\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_color=\"#334556\" header_4_font_size=\"22px\" header_4_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_5_font=\"|700|||||||\" header_5_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_5_font_size=\"18px\" header_5_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_6_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_6_font_size=\"16px\" header_6_line_height=\"1.4em\" text_orientation=\"justified\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\"]<h4><strong>How would you describe the places you visited in Melanesia?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nIdyllic islands, isolated villages, happy villagers, diverse cultures, underwater adventures, deserted beaches, unique birdlife, dramatic landscapes and fascinating geology\u2026 the list is truly endless.\r\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" link_font=\"||||on||||\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_color=\"#334556\" header_4_font_size=\"22px\" header_4_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_5_font=\"|700|||||||\" header_5_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_5_font_size=\"18px\" header_5_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_6_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_6_font_size=\"16px\" header_6_line_height=\"1.4em\" text_orientation=\"justified\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\"]<h4><strong>What interesting cultural encounters did you experience in Melanesia?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nAt each village we would land by <strong>Zodiac\u00ae<\/strong> and be guided to the village where we would respectfully wait for the <strong>chief\u2019s welcome<\/strong>, watch an <strong>exchange of gifts between our captain and the chief,<\/strong> and be <strong>entertained by song and dance.<\/strong> Often, there were more aspects to the welcome and no two were ever the same. As fascinated as we were with the local populations, they were also curious about us. The children were intrigued by our pale skin, fair hair and strange photographic equipment dangling around our necks! The sheer joy of sharing photos from the back of our screens was something to remember. Our lifestyle was a stark contrast to their village life - it was a <strong>humbling experience<\/strong>. The <strong>warmth and enthusiasm of the local people<\/strong> was infectious. Another humbling encounter was again with a large group of children. Staff had taken cold water with ice in a cooler (for guests originally). The ice was a hit! The kids were spellbound as they had never seen ice. I had to give a science lesson to my little local guide, as the concept of something frozen was so foreign. <strong>Touching, tasting and watching ice melt was a magical experience to share.<\/strong>\r\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=\"Galerie\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"100%\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\" locked=\"off\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\"3799539,3799535,3799538,3799534,3799536,3799537\" posts_number=\"6\" show_title_and_caption=\"off\" show_pagination=\"off\" module_class=\"gal-col\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"900px\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" link_font=\"||||on||||\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_color=\"#334556\" header_4_font_size=\"22px\" header_4_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_5_font=\"|700|||||||\" header_5_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_5_font_size=\"18px\" header_5_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_6_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_6_font_size=\"16px\" header_6_line_height=\"1.4em\" text_orientation=\"justified\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\"]<h4><strong>Did you learn anything surprising or unusual from your Expedition Team about Melanesia?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nWe were very lucky to have travelled with many of the <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/expeditions?layer=equipe\">expedition team<\/a> members on previous voyages, so it was great to see some familiar faces! Each member has at least one specialty to bring to the table. John and I were always early for <strong>lectures<\/strong> (with gin & tonic in hand!) knowing that we would come away with many <strong>snippets of new knowledge<\/strong>. Our English-speaking team <strong>each had their specialties<\/strong> and were able to pass on their <strong>encyclopaedic understanding of this area<\/strong>, often unusual and always entertaining. Walks through the forests, villages and beaches were an extension of the lectures and the guides exuded <strong>enthusiasm and excitement<\/strong>, tempered only by care and concern for every guest.\r\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" link_font=\"||||on||||\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_color=\"#334556\" header_4_font_size=\"22px\" header_4_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_5_font=\"|700|||||||\" header_5_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_5_font_size=\"18px\" header_5_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_6_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_6_font_size=\"16px\" header_6_line_height=\"1.4em\" text_orientation=\"justified\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\"]<h4><strong>What ship did you sail on and how did you find the onboard experience?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nWe sailed on one of the small EXPLORER ships \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/le-laperouse\"><strong><em>Le Lap\u00e9rouse<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. We have sailed to many regions on PONANT\u2019s slightly larger <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/the-ponant-fleet\">Sisterships<\/a> and found it to be a similar wonderful experience. <em>Le Lap\u00e9rouse<\/em> had a very cosy feel but with all the usual luxurious amenities. We felt very much \u2018at home\u2019.\r\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" link_font=\"||||on||||\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_color=\"#334556\" header_4_font_size=\"22px\" header_4_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_5_font=\"|700|||||||\" header_5_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_5_font_size=\"18px\" header_5_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_6_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_6_font_size=\"16px\" header_6_line_height=\"1.4em\" text_orientation=\"justified\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\"]<h4><strong>What was the most memorable moment of your voyages?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nOne memorable moment from the six weeks away? That is a tricky question!\r\n\r\nWe had planned to walk on the volcano on Tanna, but due to torrential rain, the Expedition team were able to arrange an alternative overnight outing. We don\u2019t know how they can plan new excursions with such precision in such a short time! We had the most astonishing experience on <strong>Pentecost Island<\/strong>. Only a lucky few are able to see the <strong>Vine (or land) diving ritual<\/strong> performed. It is heart stopping!\r\n\r\nWithout spoiling it for future guests, another memorable excursion was in a <strong>dug-out canoe paddling through the fjords to a village<\/strong>. Every canoe was a floral extravaganza! It was a first \u2013 the <strong>villagers themselves organised every moment<\/strong> of the excursion. Our Expedition team warned us of potential hiccups but it was a string of fun moments \u2013 one after another.\r\n\r\nThen there was the <strong>waterfall flowing out of the forest and into the ocean<\/strong> \u2013 not even on a map. It was documented in 1606 and we were possibly the <strong>second ship to ever pass by<\/strong>. Similarly, we were probably the second ship (after Captain Cook) to navigate one channel. There are many advantages with travelling on a <strong>small expedition ship<\/strong>.\r\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=\"Galerie\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"100%\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\" locked=\"off\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\"3799544,3799540,3799541,3799542,3799543,3799545\" posts_number=\"6\" show_title_and_caption=\"off\" show_pagination=\"off\" module_class=\"gal-col\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"900px\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" link_font=\"||||on||||\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_color=\"#334556\" header_4_font_size=\"22px\" header_4_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_5_font=\"|700|||||||\" header_5_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_5_font_size=\"18px\" header_5_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_6_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_6_font_size=\"16px\" header_6_line_height=\"1.4em\" text_orientation=\"justified\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\"]<h4><strong>Would you consider Melanesia a \u2018must-visit\u2019 destination? If so, why?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nMelanesia was an unexpected potpourri of warm welcoming <strong>people<\/strong>, interesting and diverse <strong>cultures<\/strong> and mind-blowing <strong>scenery<\/strong>. We were not sure what to expect but it <strong>exceeded all that we had hoped for.<\/strong>\r\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" link_font=\"||||on||||\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_color=\"#334556\" header_4_font_size=\"22px\" header_4_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_5_font=\"|700|||||||\" header_5_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_5_font_size=\"18px\" header_5_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_6_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_6_font_size=\"16px\" header_6_line_height=\"1.4em\" text_orientation=\"justified\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\"]<h4><strong>Where are you planning to travel to next?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nWe have planned to visit <strong>the <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/the-kimberley\">Kimberley<\/a><\/strong> as we love that area and hope to see more of our incredible homeland. Later, we are booked for another voyage sailing around the northern region of <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/papua-new-guinea-vanuatu-solomon-islands\"><strong>Papua New Guinea<\/strong><\/a>, hoping to swim with <strong>whale sharks<\/strong>. When we are able to fly a little further afield, we have <a href=\"https:\/\/au.ponant.com\/destinations\/spitsbergen\"><strong>Svalbard<\/strong><\/a> on our very long wish list!\r\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/solomons-ship-900x600-compressor.jpg\" alt=\"solomons-ship-900\u00d7600-compressor\" title_text=\"solomons-ship-900x600-compressor\" align=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||||false|false\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"900px\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\" locked=\"off\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" text_orientation=\"justified\" custom_padding=\"0px||40px||false|false\"]<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/h3>\r\nPhoto Credit: \u00a9 Annette & John Eldershaw\r\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"PUSH\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"||0px||false|false\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"#334556\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"|50px||50px|false|true\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/push-trobriands-600x600-compressor.jpg\" alt=\"flamingos-push-600\u00d7600\" 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