Over the years, as our expedition cruise program has expanded, we have had many requests for a small ship voyage of discovery to the islands of the South Pacific. We feel that the Pearls of Polynesia voyage, on board the M.V. Spirit of Oceanus, with its spectacular island itinerary will provide everyone with a remarkable South Pacific experience.

Our South Seas adventure begins in Tahiti where we board our ship. Our first destination will be Huahine, “The Garden Island”, in French Polynesia where archaeologists have found that human habitation goes back over 1,300 years. Small villages with groves of almond and acacia trees dot the coastline, and over 200 marae stone temples are waiting to be explored.

We’ll spend a couple of days in the Cook Islands, where we will meet the descendants of the English ship carpenter, William Marsters, who arrived in 1863. They still speak Old English, with a distinct Gloucester accent. Atiu, “the Land of Birds” is an outer island that is off the beaten track and home to traditional Atiuans. If we are lucky, we may see the one of the rarest birds in the world, the Kakerori Flycatcher.

During our voyage, we’ll spend leisurely days at sea as we cruise between islands. This is the time to embrace the warm, salty air of the vast blue Pacific from the comfort of a deck chair, mingle with friends, or attend a lecture from one of the expert natural history and cultural guest speakers.

Then it’s on to Apia, the capital and only city of Samoa, where writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last years of his life. The largest island in Polynesia is Savai’i, where we’ll explore ancient Samoan ruins, roaring waterfalls, virgin rainforest, white beaches, black lava fields, massive volcanoes and traditional Samoan life. We’ll then follow in Captain Cook’s steps and visit the “friendly islands” of Tonga and enjoy a variety of activities with the local villagers.

Our cruise will continue to Taveuni, a strikingly beautiful island with Fiji’s most pristine, mist-enshrouded rainforest. Here, in Bouma NP, we hope to see Red Shining Parrot, Streaked Fantail and Giant Forest Honeyeater. On Kioa Island, the 300 residents of this unique, isolated Polynesian community will entertain us with an astonishing performance of dances and songs.

We’ll sail to the small island of Beqa where we’ll watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesmen walk over searing hot stones in a fire-walking ceremony before enjoying world-class snorkeling in Beqa’s crystal clear waters. All good things seem to come to an end, and our South Pacific adventure is no exception, when we arrive in Viti Levu, Fiji.

Why not leave the North American winter and join Quest President, Barry Griffiths, in Polynesia? The South Pacific is dappled with some of the world’s most remote and spectacular islands where the culture is as warm, colourful and enchanting as the surrounding natural world.

Please Note: As with all of our expedition cruises, weather, ice or other conditions may require that changes be made to our itinerary and certain shore excursions cancelled or altered.

Itinerary

(B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)


Day 1 Thurs. Feb 12
Arrive Tahiti
On your arrival, you will be transferred to the InterContinental Resort for overnight.
o/n InterContinental Resort, Tahiti

Day 2 Fri. Feb 13
Tahiti
Aita pea pea – no problem! That’s the attitude in Papeete, a place once immortalized by Gauguin and Michener. Enjoy a tour of Tahiti before boarding our ship, the M.V. Spirit of Oceanus.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, D)

Day 3 Sat. Feb 14
Huahine, French Polynesia
Huahine is known as “The Garden Island” due to its lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery. We’ll disembark for a tour of well-preserved ancient maraes, or platforms where rituals were once performed.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)


Day 4 Sun. Feb 15
At Sea
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Day 5 Mon. Feb 16
Atiu, Cook Islands
Atiu is known as “Land of the Birds,” and you’ll find out why.  Participate in a birding excursion.  You’ll have an up-close view of nesting birds and, with luck you may spot one of the very rare Kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher) now being re-established.  Explore the island by local truck, and meet the local villagers, watching them perform traditional dances, and visiting their ancient marae sites.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Day 6 Tues. Feb 17
Palmerston, Cook Islands
This tiny island is only one square mile in size and was settled by an Englishman named William Marsters in 1863. It has a tiny population of 50 citizens who are all descendants of Marsters and his three Polynesian wives. Olde English – with a distinct Gloucestershire accent – is still spoken on the island. We’ll visit with island residents and enjoy a barbeque, weather permitting.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Day 7 Wed. Feb 18
At Sea
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Day 8 Thurs. Feb 19
Apia
In Apia, you’ll have time to visit Vailima, the home built by Robert Louis Stevenson, where he lived his last years. See the Botanical Garden Reserve and take tea at Aggie Grey’s Hotel, an inn that catered to American soldiers during World War II.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Day 9 Fri. Feb 20
Savai’i, Western Samoa
Savai’i is one of the largest islands in Polynesia but also one of its least populated. Here nature rules, and you’ll delight in the rainforests, lava coast, caves, and blowholes. An excursion to the Falealupo Preserve lets you view the most biodiverse part of the rainforest as you stroll along a walkway through the forest canopy.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Sat. Feb.21 CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE – LOSE THIS DAY

Day 10 Sun. Feb 22
Niuatoputapu, Tonga
The Tongan people have a reputation for being the friendliest South Sea Islanders, and we’ll have a chance to decide for ourselves as we visit their village and meet the people. If you like, hike around the barren lava flows, or swim or snorkel in the pristine waters.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Day 11 Mon. Feb 23
At Sea
As we cruise between islands, our Exploration Leader and other on board experts will brief us on the natural history and cultures we are about to visit.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Day 12 Tues. Feb 24
Taveuni / Kioa, Fiji
Taveuni is a strikingly beautiful island with Fiji’s most pristine, mist-enshrouded rainforest. Here, in Bouma NP, we hope to see Red Shining Parrot, Streaked Fantail and Giant Forest Honeyeater. On Kioa Island, the 300 residents of this unique, isolated Polynesian community will entertain us with an astonishing performance of dances and songs.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Day 13 Wed. Feb 25
Beqa, Fiji
Watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesmen walk seemingly painlessly over searing hot stones reaching 1200°F in a firewalking ceremony, a tradition passed down through generations. For two weeks before the event, chosen participants eliminate coconut from their diet and segregate themselves from females in order to “purify” themselves before practicing the ancient art. There is world-class snorkeling in Beqa’s beautiful waters.
o/n M.V. Spirit of Oceanus (B, L, D)

Day 14 Thurs. Feb 26
Viti Levu, Fiji
Today we disembark the ship. A day room awaits us at the elegant Westin Resort Denarau. Freshen up before an afternoon tour of Lautoka, the sugar city, surrounded by the azure Pacific Ocean on one side and green-gold sugar cane on the other. Transfer to the airport for our overnight flight home. (B)

Please Note:
Although every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary within the limits of weather, safety and time constraints, it is possible that some changes to the itinerary and certain planned shore excursions may occasionally occur.

CRUISE COSTS

Costs are per person, from Tahiti:
Superior Cabin:        US$6199
Majestic Cabin:        US$6449
Premium Cabin:      US$6949
Classic Cabin:         US$7599
Explorer Cabin:       US$8799
Grand Titan Cabin: US$9799

Please Note:
1.The cruise cost includes ship taxes and port fees.
2.You can save up to $800 per person, when you book and pay in full early. (Save $600 when you book and make deposit by June. 13, 2008. PLUS, save an additional US$200 when you pay in full by June 13, 2008). All savings are per person.
3.A fuel surcharge may be added.


CRUISE COST INCLUDES:
• One night pre-cruise accommodation in Tahiti, in double occupancy
• One day room accommodation in Westin Resort Denarau, Fiji, in double occupancy
• Accommodations on M.V. Spirit of Oceanus, as selected, in double occupancy
• Onboard ship gratuities, ship taxes and port fees
• Transfer from airport to group hotel in Tahiti (if arrive on Day 1)
• Ground transportation from group hotel to ship and vice versa
• Transfer from group hotel to airport in Fiji (if depart on Day 14)
• Meals as listed in itinerary
• Activities as listed in itinerary
• Services of Quest Leader, Barry Griffiths, with a minimum of 10 Quest participants
• Services of Expedition Staff and Crew

CRUISE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Return airfare from your home to Tahiti and from Fiji to your home
• Fuel surcharges on ship or flights, if applicable
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and bar expenses
• Phone calls, and items of a personal nature / Optional activities
• Any transfers not listed above
• Additional transportation required due to any emergency situation
QUEST GROUP PART OF 120 PASSENGER VESSEL


Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of US$1000 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. Please complete the reservation form in the Quest Nature Tours’ brochure and mail it to our office.

Gratuities
All shipboard gratuities are included in the price.

Single Accommodation
If you wish guaranteed single accommodation on this voyage, the following single supplement will be applicable:
Superior:            US$5357
Majestic:            US$5595
Premium:           US$6070
Classic:              US$6687
Explorer:            US$7827
Grand Titan:      US$8777
If you are travelling alone and are willing to share, we will try to find a roommate for you. If we are unable, the single supplement for the type of cabin you have confirmed will apply (as noted above).

SHIP INFORMATION

We will be sailing on the M.V. Spirit of Oceanus, operated by Cruise West. All cabins are subject to availability at the time of reservation. If you have any questions about this expedition cruise, please contact Audrey Nowicki at Quest Nature Tours.

Cruise West's first oceangoing vessel is also the company’s most spacious and luxurious. Equipped with stabilizers, the M.V. Spirit of Oceanus opens up whole new horizons for our style of up-close, casual small-ship cruising.

The flagship hosts just 120 guests in comfortable outside suites, each with a picture window or porthole. The 15 suites on the Sun and Sports Decks feature private teak balconies, the first in the Cruise West fleet. Other cabin amenities unique to the M.V. Spirit of Oceanus include a walk-in closet or wardrobe, a large marble bathroom, and a lounge area. Each suite also features an in-room safe and satellite telephone access.

• 90 metres in length
• Cruising speed of 14.5 knots
• Registered in the Bahamas
• English-speaking multinational crew
• All cabins feature private facilities
• Elevator to all passenger decks
• TV monitor / VCR in each cabin
• 120 guests
• Satellite phone, email and Internet capability

The Small-Ship Advantage
Our objective is to provide up-close travel that focuses on the destination - its scenery, wildlife, natural history and culture - all in the company of limited numbers of like-minded travelers. While magnificent sweeping views are certainly abundant in every one of our destinations, it's the glory of the details, viewed close up, that bring you the most rewarding memories - cruising so close to a waterfall you can feel the mist, or seeing the barnacles on a humpback's fin.

The casual style, onboard all of our vessels, encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. And the experience is personally enriching, through onboard narratives and lectures, special local guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the library provided on each vessel.
In many of the remote waterways we visit, small ships are the only way to explore the area. We forsake the wider shipping lanes for channels just a few hundred feet wide, tie up to inner piers in tiny villages, and share waterways with local fishermen and perhaps a few private yachts.  And our ships carry inflatable excursion craft to take you to where the action is.

Your cruise on M.V. Spirit of Oceanus is not filled with elaborate distractions, sleek resorts, and packaged tours. Rather, our small ships are perfect for intimate exploration of off-the-beaten track waterways, narrow channels and tiny ports that passengers on large ships will never see. Your time is spent wisely, too. Rather than making a beeline from port to port, our Captains have the flexibility - and the inclination - to linger when nature is putting on a show, whether it's a spectacular rainbow or a rare view of wildlife.

Enjoy the small ship advantage on our Hidden Treasures of Japan voyage of discovery.

Think Casual
Our focus is always on the destination, so informality is key. After all, if there's a whale spouting off the bow, dinner will just have to wait, and you don't have to worry about getting whale spume on a tux!

When you're onboard, you'll spend most of your waking hours in the spacious public areas. Unlike many other ships, ours have open passenger access to the bow area, giving you the best views. And of course, all the lounges and dining rooms feature large view windows, as do most of our staterooms.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Cancellation Policy
All deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Quest Nature Tours immediately and in writing. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used.

Insurance
QUEST NATURE TOURS offers travel insurance for Cancellation and/or Out-of-Province Medical coverage through RBC Insurance.  Since participants on any Quest tour are often travelling in remote places and on active vacations, all should have travel insurance either issued by us or someone else. If you are purchasing travel insurance from Quest, then the policy MUST be purchased within two weeks of booking.  Your RBC travel insurance policy takes effect on the date it has been issued in our office.  If you have any questions regarding exclusions or any other specific issues in your intended travel insurance coverage, please call RBC Insurance directly at 905-791-8713 or 1-800-387-4357. Please call Audrey at the Quest office if you would like a quote on insurance.

Travel Documents
You will require a passport for this trip. Please make sure that it is valid for at least six months after the date of your return home. It is advisable to take a photocopy of the information page of your passport and keep it in a separate part of your luggage. We also recommend leaving a copy with your contact person at home. If you lose your passport, this will make it easier to replace.

Canadian and U.S. nationals do not require a visa for Tahiti and her islands as long as the visit is for tourism purposes and the stay is less than a month.

Canadian and U.S. nationals do not require a visa for the Cook Islands as long as the visit is for tourism purposes and the stay is less than a month.

Canadian and U.S. nationals who are travelling to Samoa for tourism purposes will be issued a free 60 day visa on arrival provided you hold confirmed onward tickets, a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds to support your stay.

Canadian and U.S. nationals who are travelling to Tonga for tourism purposes will be issued a visitor’s visa free of charge on arrival as long as the stay is less than a month.

Canadian and U.S. nationals who are travelling to Fiji for tourism purposes will be issued a visitor’s permit on arrival.

Note: The above information was accurate at the time of printing but may be subject to change.

Participation on Quest Tours
When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and detailed itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel.  If you wish to sign up for one of our tours, all travellers must sign the enclosed Health Statement and return it along with their reservation form and deposit.  
 
Since our small group adventures bring together people of all ages, it is very important you are aware that 'an average level of fitness and mobility is required' to undertake our programs.  At a minimum, our travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, walk over uneven and slippery terrain, climb 2-3 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage.
The minimum age to participate on a Quest tour is 16. An adult must accompany participants between the ages of 16 – 18.
 
Travellers over the age of 75 are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, as well as a Medical Advisor's Opinion, which must be signed by their physician.  This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip.  While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.  These forms will be sent upon reservation with the pre-departure package and need to be returned to the Quest office no later than 90 days prior to departure.

Flights to Tahiti / Fiji
Once this voyage has been confirmed as operating, Quest Nature Tours can assist you with booking your flights to Tahiti / Fiji for this tour. Please call Audrey Nowicki for specific details of the flight dates, times and prices.

To allow extra recovery from your long flights, you may wish to arrive into Tahiti early. Please enquire with Audrey regarding cost of extra nights at the group hotel.

Since we expect to book your flights well in advance of the departure date, please be aware that your scheduled flights, connecting times, and prices are the best available at the time your tickets are issued.

We will do our best to book your seat and meal as requested. However, it has been our experience that airlines sometimes change seating assignments after we have placed them in our Sabre computer system. Some of these changes seem to be made at the check-in counter, on behalf of early arriving passengers or when equipment is changed, and is beyond our control. We suggest that the earlier you check in for your flight, the more likely you are to get your requested or preferred seat.

Please Note:
1. Since the airlines are constantly changing their prices, the quote we give you will be subject to change until you actually confirm and book your flights with us.
2.Airlines have recently changed their requirements regarding checked and carry-on baggage. Please check your airline’s website for up-to-date information concerning weight allowances and restrictions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Barry Griffiths – Quest Naturalist
President and founder of Quest Nature Tours, Barry Griffiths has been organizing and leading nature and photo tours around the world for almost forty years. During that time he has travelled extensively and has led Quest land tours and expedition cruises to all seven continents. He is an accomplished wildlife photographer, whose photos have appeared in many international publications, an author, and a keen, all-round naturalist.

Level of Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
Some landings will be on regular piers for this voyage, and others on beaches, so anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be able to take part in all activities. Some of the shore excursions will involve a certain amount of walking, so you should bring comfortable shoes. If you have any concerns about being able to participate in this trip, please contact Audrey Nowicki for further information.

Sailing Conditions
The waters in which we will be sailing are generally calm at this time of the year. Although the M.V. Spirit of Oceanus is a very stable ship, we cannot guarantee that conditions will always be calm, and you should take precautions against possible seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this very uncomfortable condition.

Time Zone
Fiji is GMT + 12 hours.

Weather
The weather is comfortable tropical with a cooling trade wind blowing from the east south-east for most of the year. It usually drops to a whisper in the evening and picks up again by mid-morning. Maximum temperatures rarely move out of the 26°C to 31°C range all year round.

Clothing
Upon reservation, a complete list of suggested and essential clothing items will be provided to you in your pre-departure information package.

Please note:
1. The itinerary described in these notes is intended as an example only. In the event of weather changes, changes in airline schedules, logistical arrangements, or other problems, our leaders may make changes in the published itinerary.
2. Worldwide Quest International Inc. is a full service tour operator and will be pleased to arrange your flights for these tours.
3. The tour cost does not include extra expenses incurred because of weather and logistical delays, or delayed departures of chartered or scheduled aircraft.
4. Since most of our land tours and expedition cruises travel into remote areas, we strongly urge you to purchase travel insurance that will cover you for any emergency medical evacuation.