The Rise of Small Ship Voyages
The brand-new seafaring collection features far-flung adventures to real-life utopias on 5-star yachts and all-suite vessels hosted by renowned explorers
Leading small-group tour operator Exodus Travels has just launched Small Ship Voyages, a NEW, premium collection of cruise experiences featuring the world’s most sensational destinations. From dolphin-spotting on an HBO’s Succession-style luxury yacht in the Maldives to meeting the tribal communities of Melanesia with a National Geographic Explorer, each small ship voyage combines cultural connections, impressive landscapes and wildlife experiences with first-class accommodation, cuisine and service.
Passengers on these premium voyages will receive exclusive access to remote regions and private islands, epicurean delights, wellness treatments, and luxury lodging while sailing to far-off places such as the Seychelles and the Solomon Islands. All voyages are hosted by National Geographic Explorers, celebrated photographers, renowned marine biologists, naturalists, archaeologists, anthropologists, and ornithologists, as well as local Exodus guides with firsthand knowledge of each destination’s customs and ecology.
Here are a few of Exodus’ NEW Small Ship Voyages that will have you vacationing in high style this 2020:
NEW - Melanesia, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu
Disconnect from the modern world and unwind among remote islands on an all-inclusive, all-suite expedition ship Island Sky with Exodus’ Melanesia, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu voyage. Learn trade secrets from National Geographic Explorer, filmmaker and photographer George Kourounis as he shares stories from his first forays in the region, and join a team of renowned ornithologists, naturalists, divemasters, marine biologists, ornithologists, historians, anthropologists and archaeologists all specially selected for their expertise and love of the flora, fauna and heritage of this idyllic paradise. Discover Malagan masks, Sepik River carvings and Trobriand Island fishing vessels at the National Museum and Art Gallery. Venture into lush jungles in search of rare bird species in Papua New Guinea, take a nature walk on Tetepare, the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific, and visit the black sand nesting sites of leatherback turtles before becoming acquainted with local tribal communities on the tiny island of Tikopia.
NEW - Ultimate Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll
Uncover cultural crossroads in the Indian Ocean on Exodus’ Ultimate Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll adventure. Join Brent Stephenson, an ornithologist, wildlife photographer and National Geographic expeditions guide, plus a team of divemasters, naturalists and marine biologists aboard the stunning Le Bougainville, a luxurious, environmentally conscious vessel. Experience unique fusion delicacies, ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the maze-like Stone Town in Zanzibar, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Take a Zodiac to Assumption Island, the setting of Jacques Cousteau’s documentary The Silent World, and swim alongside over 100 species of tropical fish, including blue-ribbon eels and black lionfish. Visit the Aldabra Atoll, one of the largest atolls in the world and home to more than 100,000 giant tortoises, and beachcomb with a naturalist guide to search for robber crabs. Anchor in the pristine Alphonse Islands for a few days of birding, lagoon diving and strolls along snow-white sandy beaches before disembarking for the capital city of Mahé.
NEW - Ultimate Maldives: A Snorkeling and Diving Adventure
Board a luxury yacht for an epic exploration of a paradise beloved for its turquoise waters and Champagne-coloured beaches on Exodus’ Ultimate Maldives: A Snorkeling and Diving Adventure. Sail the lesser-visited central islands, home to reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins and hammerheads aboard the floating hotel that is Emperor Serenity. Embark on daily underwater expeditions with divemaster Mike Murphy, whose life’s work has been exploring the waters of Antarctica and the South Pacific, and Brad Climpson, a marine biologist and divemaster with over 20 years of experience of sharing the world’s underwater realms with curious travelers. With their expertise, examine thilas (pinnacles swathed in coral) up close, and observe elusive whale sharks in their natural feeding ground in Maamigili Beyru before stepping ashore for a sundowner cocktail and a local Bodu Beru drum and dance performance.
NEW - Wild & Ancient Britain with Ireland
Explore the land of giants, Jedis and Scottish kings that have inspired artists, writers and directors for centuries on Exodus’ Wild & Ancient Britain with Ireland tour. From the Star Wars: The Last Jedi film to Norse mythology to ancient tales of Irish giant, Finn McCool—discover the origins of these famed stories aboard the luxurious, purpose-built expedition ship Le Dumont d'Urville with Expedition Leader, archeologist and bird enthusiast Peter Wilson. Sail past wave-stricken cliffs and learn about the seabird colonies that frequent them from your resident ornithologist. Visit the Giant’s Causeway and its 40,000 hexegonal sea staircase, discover Neolithic monuments and a Stone Age village in the company of historians, and explore Mousa’s Iron Age Broch and the 12th-century Iona Abbey with Exodus archaeologists as you explore the best regions of the British isles.
NEW - Philippines with Palau and Taiwan
Sail into a world of mangrove forests, cobblestone streets, spectacular snorkeling and powder white beaches on this voyage through the Philippines, Palau and Taiwan. Led by Mike Messick, a fellow of the Explorers Club, travel veteran of nearly 35 years and conqueror of 195 countries, along with renowned naturalists, divemasters, marine biologists and historians, gain a deeper understanding of this multicultural destination by way of guided excursions and lectures aboard the all-suite, 100-person Caledonian Sky. Trek through the home of the world’s largest marble gorge—Taroko National Park—home to lush forests and unique flora and fauna. At Palau’s Jellyfish Lake, grab a snorkel and float alongside thousands of melon-sized stingless jellyfish. Then, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, with its 300 varieties of coral and over 600 species of fish. Hike the vertical cliffs of Coron Island, experience cultural heritage via performance and local handicrafts in Banuang Daan, and dig into street food in Taiwan’s bustling night markets.
16-days, departing February 29, 2020
Priced from $15,980 per person
NEW - Best of the Great Barrier Reef
Take off for the land beneath Down Under on an expedition to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site and world’s largest coral reef system. On this brand-new Australian voyage, head off the tourist track aboard the purpose-built Coral Expedition II, a 42-guest floating hotel with a fleet of Zodiacs and a glass-bottom boat. At the legendary Great Barrier Reef, enjoy a guided snorkel hosted by marine biologist Brad Climpson as he shares an underwater world—his laboratory and playground—teeming with marine life. Spend your days below the waves with conservation biologists and divemasters exploring gorgeous reefs and soft corals of the Ribbon Reefs and remote Osprey atoll. Swim in the territory of minke whales, learn about the Aboriginal art of Stanley Island, and hunt for Australian monitor lizards on the aptly named Lizard Island.
For more information, please visit exodustravels.com.