WildWings Media Resources -November 05 - The Western Pacific Odyssey

THE WESTERN PACIFIC ODYSSEY

A month long voyage takes quite some planning hence the departure dates for this new, unique 33-day voyage have been set for spring 2007. Designed and developed by wildlife tour operator, WildWings, the Western Pacific Odyssey sailing northwards from Auckland, New Zealand to Kagoshima, Japan, focuses on an area of the Pacific Ocean relatively unexplored by keen sea watchers until now.

The cruise onboard the cosy and comfortable 48-passenger expedition ship, the ‘Spirit of Enderby’, includes many sea-days travelling through waters rich in seabirds highly desired by UK birdwatchers and where over 30 species of cetacean occur (many of them in the Britain Trench) including Bryde’s and sperm whales, Gray’s, Cuvier’s and, most likely, Blainville’s beaked-whales.

Expedition stops at exotic tropical islands such as New Caledonia, Solomon, Caroline and North Mariana give the non-birders an opportunity to explore and to snorkel, while the birders concentrate on the endemics - the unique Kagu of New Caledonia being one of the star species. Other interestingly named species such as the midget flowerpot, the bare-eyed white-eye and the Micronesian megapode may be spotted during the voyage. And, the fact that the roviana rails on the Solomon Islands are only seen just before dark could explain why they managed to remain undescribed until 1991.

Landings are not allowed on the Japanese island of Torishima but cruising close to the island should produce one of the seabird highlights of the trip – the short-tailed albatross.

All cabins onboard the ‘Spirit of Enderby’ have portholes or windows and plenty of storage space for a month’s luggage. The ship has a bar/library/lounge and a dedicated lecture hall with informal dining in two dining rooms. Inflatable zodiacs are used for the landings and cruises.

Departure from Auckland on 26 March 2007 – disembarking in Kagoshima, Japan on 27 April 2007.

Price from £3999pp sharing a twin cabin. Price includes voyage with accommodation as booked, all meals onboard the vessel, all shore excursions, lectures and services of WildWings and ship’s expedition team, pre-cruise dinner in Auckland, group transfers ship/airport in Japan. Price excludes international flights.

Due to the length of the voyage, two individual sectors will be offered. New Zealand to the Solomon Islands 26 March to 8 April 2007, and Solomon Islands to Japan 8-27 April 2007. From £1915 per person sharing a twin cabin (excluding international flights).