South Pacific Small Ship Cruises

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South Pacific

One of the most culturally fascinating regions in the world

Papua New Guinea | Solomon Islands | Vanuatu | Indonesia | Philippines

Save up to 20% per person on select cruises when you book by 30 April 2025.*

Experience a feast for the senses with hypnotic music, traditional dances and magnificent natural wonders that leave you spellbound. Aboard our luxury expedition ship, Heritage Adventurer, explore the remote, tucked-away corners of the Pacific, where larger ships can't go. Wake up to far-flung uninhabited islands with golden-sand and pristine forest canopies, and meet locals whose spirit will touch your heart. From warm hospitality and dazzling cultural traditions to coral reefs teeming with marine life, each day is an epic adventure of discovery. Whether you have a passion for indigenous cultures, wildlife, photography, history or you're simply an adventurous spirit, these expeditions offer an unparalleled travel experience.

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Explore the South Pacific

with Heritage Expeditions

About Heritage Expeditions

Ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world’s best-kept secrets.

Experience

For 40 years, Heritage Expeditions has pioneered voyages to some of the most wild and biologically rich regions on the planet. Our mission is to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel.

Expert Team

Our team of naturalists, historians, biologists and ornithologists bring an enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to our expeditions, both in the field and onboard our ship during our lecture series.

Our Ship

Our new flagship, the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer, combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating with an international flair and luxury amenities. Guests enjoy spacious suites, elegant common areas and cuisine prepared by top chefs.

Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer, formerly known as MS Hanseatic, is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Originally designed for 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 travellers ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, and with a fleet of 14 Zodiacs to maximise the adventure. Savor daily international gourmet cuisine from talented chefs across two lavish restaurants, and settle into spacious and well-appointed accommodations each night. Enjoy 360-degree views and comfortable sun loungers on the Observation Deck, relax in the Observation Lounge with library, bar and panoramic views, and reinvigorate in the heated salt water pool, well-equipped gym, hot tub, sauna and steam room. 

 

Technical Specs

Year Built: 1991

Shipyard: Rauma, Finland

Classification: Lloyds 1AS, GL E4

Accommodation: 140 guests

Length: 124 metres

Cruising Speed: 12 knots

Zodiacs: 14

South Pacific 2025-2026 Cruises

Join us on one of these extraordinary voyages

Indonesian Explorer: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea

18 DAYS

29 Sep 2025 Save 5% + Free Flight*
Denpasar, Bali to Madang, Papua New Guinesa to Cairns, Australia

6 Oct 2026 Save 15% + Free Flight*
Bali, Indonesia to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to Cairns, Australia

Back-to-Back Savings: Book this cruise + Discover the Secrets of Melanesia and save 15-20% per person.

Aboard Heritage Adventurer

  • Enjoy the unforgettable of swimming with the gentle Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih
  • Bay Visit Komodo National Park - land of the Komodo Dragon
  • Discover Jacques Cousteau's "underwater nirvana" Wakatobi National Park
  • Explore the forgotten tropical paradise of Raja Ampat
  • Snorkel pristine coral gardens looking for Dugong, Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays and Pygmy seahorses
  • Discover ancient rock in hidden caves on rarely visited islands
  • Brilliant birding with up to 14 species of Bird-of-paradise including Red Bird-of-paradise, Wilson's Bird-of-paradise, Magnificent Bird-of-paradise and Lesser Bird-of-paradise
  • Swim with thousands of stingless jellyfish and explore caves
  • Trek into the lush rolling hills and tropical rainforest of the Arfak Mountains
  • Thrilling cultural encounters at villages largely cut off from the outside world
  • Discover WWII relics and snorkel Japanese warplane wrecks
*Save 5% on the cruise rate (excluding landing fees) and get a free flight from Madang, PNG to Cairns, Australia for 2025 departures. Save 15% on the cruise rate (excluding landing fees) and get a free flight from Port Moresby, PNG to Cairns, Australia for 2026 departures. Must book by 30 April 2025, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other promotions. Applies to 2025 & 2026 cruises only.
Book the Indonesian Explorer and Discover the Secrets of Melanesia back-to-back in 2025 and save 15% per person (excluding landing fees), or in 2026 and save 20% per person (excluding landing fees). Must book by 30 April 2025, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other promotions.

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Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands & Vanuatu

17 DAYS

15 Oct 2025  Save 5% + Free Flight*
Cairns, Australia - Madang, Papua New Guinea - Port Vila, Vanuatu

22 Oct 2026  Save 15% + Free Flight*
Cairns, Australia - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - Port Vila, Vanuatu

Back-to-Back Savings: Book this cruise + Indonesian Explorer and save 15-20% per person.

Aboard Heritage Adventurer

  • Discover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
  • Be some of the first travellers in over two decades to return to the spectacular island of Bougainville
  • Superb snorkelling in crystalline waters Mangrove Zodiac cruise in search of Dugong and crocodiles
  • Meet friendly local villagers – remarkable and diverse cultural visits from island to island
  • A Naturalist and Marine Biologist will also be on this expedition
  • Exceptional birding including Manus Friarbird, Mussau Monarch, Superb Pitta, Roviana Rail, Solomon Sea Eagle, Beck's Petrel, Vanikoro White-eye, Kolombangara Monarch, Vanuatu Megapode and White-headed Fruit Dove
  • Visit isolated Ambrym - ‘island of volcanoes' and home to traditional Rom dance
  • Swimming at iconic Champagne Beach
*Save 5% on the cruise rate (excluding landing fees) and get a free flight from Madang, PNG to Cairns, Australia for 2025 departures. Save 15% on the cruise rate (excluding landing fees) and get a free flight from Port Moresby, PNG to Cairns, Australia for 2026 departures. Must book by 30 April 2025, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other promotions. Applies to 2025 & 2026 cruises only.
Book the Indonesian Explorer and Discover the Secrets of Melanesia back-to-back in 2025 and save 15% per person (excluding landing fees), or in 2026 and save 20% per person (excluding landing fees). Must book by 30 April 2025, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other promotions.

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Asian Island Odyssey: Remote Islands of the Philippines & Indonesia, Taipei to Darwin

19 DAYS 

9 Jun 2025
 25 Jun 2026 Save 15%*

Taipei, Taiwan to Darwin, Australia
Aboard Heritage Adventurer

  • Discover tropical islands, snorkel pristine reefs, visit historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters
  • Explore Taiwan’s Yehliu Geopark's surreal honeycomb and mushroom rock formations, and fascinating Gold Ecological Park
  • Visit the 19-kilometre-long canyon Taroko National Park and Marble Gorge with its 300 feet high marble walls
  • Swim and snorkel with Whale Sharks at Gorontalo, Indonesia
  • Explore the 'eight wonder of the world', Bohol Island's Chocolate Hills
  • Discover Banda Neira's Spice Islands history and explore the iconic Fort Belgica, a five-sided fortress from 1611 with pending World Heritage status.
  • Tojoman Lagoon/Sohoton Jellyfish Sanctuary
  • Spot the critically endangered Crested Black Macaque with its pink rump and jet-black mohawk, and the world's smallest primate, the saucer-eyed Tarsier
  • Discover Indonesia’s secret paradise Kei Kecil Island and postcard perfection of Ngurbloat Beach
  • Experience thrilling cultural exchanges at villages where traditional life continues unchanged
  • Samar Island Natural Park, the Philippines' largest lowland rainforest – a remote paradise with caves, pristine beaches and home to a multitude of plant and animal species
  • Rare bird sightings – Knobbed Hornbills, Kingfishers, Sulawesi Myna, Lorikeets and Maleo birds...
*Book by 30 April 2025, new bookings only, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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For all voyages, exact landings depend on weather and ice conditions and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed; however, our 40+ years of experience in operating expeditions mean that we are well equipped to make the most of the conditions at the time. Past trip logs and species lists are available for all expeditions. 

What our travellers are saying:

Indonesia

What a fantastic trip! Not only did we get to five islands way off the beaten track, never before visited by a commercial expedition boat, but the friendliness and welcome, culture, activities, birds and freedom to roam made every stop unforgettable. And the hospitality on board was superb, meeting new friends - even getting to suggest special dishes. Looking forward to travelling with you again.

Indonesia

What an amazing trip! We visited remote communities that had rarely and in some cases never had visitors before. The welcomes were amazing and it was a real privilege being able to be part of such an experience. This was our 2nd trip with Heritage and it exceeded expectations. They are a true expedition company with great leaders and guides - we have no hesitation in recommending them.

Melanesia

Thanks for a truly wonderful trip. A great insight into the lives of the people of PNG, the Solomon islands and of Vanuatu. Wonderful snorkelling opportunities. A great crew! Thank you Aaron for your very capable and calm leadership. Thanks to Suzanne for your knowledge of local customs and the informative notices pinned up daily. Katrin for looking after our hospitality needs so well and the chefs for great food! Also a great bunch of fellow travellers!!

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