Journey Across the Remote Pacific

Depart on an overnight flight, crossing the International Date Line. Arrive in Palau on Day 2 and check into a room at our group hotel. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing in the evening. On Day 3, after breakfast at the hotel, join us on an island tour before embarking National Geographic Resolution in the late afternoon. (Day 3: B,L,D)

One of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet, the Pacific archipelago of Palau is home to an aquatic wonderland of more than 1,300 species of fish and some 700 species of corals. Spend the day discovering Palau’s dazzling undersea world or choose an adventure on land. (B,L,D)

As we set a course for Guam, settle into life aboard the ship. Enjoy discussions with our naturalists about the wonders that await and spend time on deck, scanning the horizon for seabirds and whales. (B,L,D)

Today we explore Guam, the largest of the Mariana Islands. With a dynamic mix of cultures and over 4,000 years of intriguing history, this isolated landmass has much to discover. Spend the day exploring Guam’s remote beaches and familiarize yourself with the island’s unique Chamorro culture which is a melting pot of American, European, Asian, Spanish, and Micronesian heritage. (B,L,D)

During two days at sea, we traverse 550 nautical miles en route to Micronesia. Enjoy leisure time and attend expert-led talks about the history of Pacific wayfinding and navigation, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the islands we will visit. Join our naturalists on deck to identify the seabirds that follow us as we sail east. (B,L,D)

The vast selection of WWII artifacts still found in the Chuuk State after five decades are testament to the unique history of the Micronesian Islands—visible propellers, torpedoes, cave networks, planes and ships abound. We see the waterside monument to those who died in the massive American air attack of 1944. Snorkel or dive among Chuuk’s renowned WWII shipwrecks, now blooming with corals. Spot wildlife on rain forest walks, past waterfalls and deserted beaches, and become acquainted with the everyday traditions of the islands, largely unchanged over the centuries. 

Then, spend a day at sea en route to Pohnpei—a tropical Micronesian paradise with much to discover. Explore the island’s mysterious Nan Madol ruins—UNESCO-recognized marvels that have puzzled historians and archaeologists for decades. Discover Pohnpei’s pristine mangrove forests and stunning undersea life as we traverse the island before continuing our course east toward Kiribati. (B,L,D)

We begin our exploration at Butaritari Atoll, an isolated island first discovered in the early 1600s. Home to resident traders during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the island was also the site of several foreign occupations during World War II. We’ll explore the island’s unique history and we’ll set out on walks to discover the four different species of mangrove that only grow on this particular island.

The following day, we land at Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati and one of the most populous locations in the otherwise isolated Western Pacific. Spend the day exploring the island’s cultural and colonial history, as well as its role in World War II. (B,L,D Daily)

Choose from an array of shipboard activities as we sail toward Tokelau. Attend a photo workshop with our National Geographic photographer, treat yourself to a massage or a wellness class, or compete for prizes in a Geo Bee.

After three days at sea, arrive at Tokelau, easily one of the most inaccessible places in the world. Learn of the islanders’ strong Polynesian culture, and discover the undersea by snorkel or scuba. (B,L,D)

Today we let nature be our guide as we discover the pristine Cook Islands. Perhaps snorkel among colorful coral, or choose to kayak or stand up paddle board in the warm, crystal waters. Conditions permitting, visit Palmerston Island, home to fascinating locals, many of whom are descendants of the island’s original settlers. (B,L,D)

Enjoy the rhythms of shipboard life as we continue our course east. Soak up the views from one of the infinity-style hot tubs or saunas; enjoy a stretching session in the glass-walled yoga studio; and attend engaging presentations on a range of subjects, from ancient Polynesian navigators to talks from our photography team on how to organize and share your images. (B,L,D)

Encircled by a single fringing reef, and sharing a common lagoon, Ra’iatea and Taha’a are islands well worth exploring. One of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, Marae Taputapuatea was a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawai’i and New Zealand. Watch from on deck as we navigate lagoon channels en route to Taha’a, then go ashore at our private motu and explore both above and under water. (B,L,D)

Arrive in Papeete and take a tour of Tahiti before your overnight flight home. (Day 26: B,L)