iExplore Bridging the Equator: Micronesia(Trip #66145)

Tour Overview

Tiny islets, mangrove-canopied channels, and emerald lagoons distinguish our Federated States of Micronesia cruise. Our travels through Micronesia begin in Guam, aboard the intimate expedition vessel Clipper Odyssey. Cruise to the nearby Caroline Islands and explore the traditional island group of Yap where villagers welcome us with drums and dances. On uninhabited atolls, naturalist-led walks reveal profuse birdlife and rare botanicals. Snorkel and dive kaleidoscopic coral reefs teeming with fish, and WWII ship wrecks in Truk Island Lagoon. In lush Pohnpei, explore 92 megalithic man-made islands, once the residence of royalty.

WHAT TO EXPECT
For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs and tenders for diving and snorkeling activities and nature walks (staff and crew members will be on hand to assist). Opportunities for drift snorkeling and diving offer an exhilarating but challenging way to experience the underwater realm. You must be able to walk moderate distances, unaided, over beaches and sometimes rough terrain. Temperatures will range from the low 70s to the high 80sºF.

As on all Zegrahm voyages, you will travel with experienced leaders and a renowned lecture team of naturalists and historians who will add insight to both the cultural and natural riches you will encounter. We will mail you a complete list of recommended clothing and a suggested reading list approximately five months prior to departure. Participants will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities these expeditions offer if they travel with a spirit of adventure.

CLIPPER ODYSSEY
The Clipper Odyssey is a 110-passenger luxury vessel, ideally suited for expedition cruising. She carries a fleet of Zodiacs, which allows us to land anywhere nature or curiosity dictates, and a glass-bottom boat, giving us a topside-look at the undersea world. All cabins have an ocean view, safe, minibar, individually controlled heat/air conditioner, in-room music system, and sitting area with sofa. Passengers can track the progress of their voyage on the Global Positioning System broadcast in each cabin. Beds can be configured for twin or queen-size sleeping arrangements. All cabins have an en suite bathroom with shower. The Clipper Odyssey maintains a gourmet kitchen, providing American and international specialties. Facilities on board the Clipper Odyssey include a dining room, lounge, small library and gym, outdoor pool, massage room, and gift shop. An elevator services all passenger cabin decks. The Clipper Odyssey has an infirmary staffed by a registered physician and a sophisticated telecommunications system permitting Internet access and telephone and fax communication with any location around the world. Ship registry: Bahamas.

EXPEDITION LEADERS

John Yersin
John is a microbiologist who worked in the industry for 33 years investigating the impact of industrial wastes and products on the environment. The tools of his trade included diving, hovercraft piloting, and powerboat driving. He conducted marine, freshwater, and terrestrial surveys and then reported the results. Since retirement, John has done consultant work, taught powerboat handling, and worked as a fitness instructor. His extensive experience in powerboat and Zodiac driving makes John an asset to our team. Having spent a lifetime in environmental sciences, he is a keen environmentalist with some sympathy for industry. John's interests are wide ranging and include swimming and physical fitness, motorbikes, wine tasting, and good food. Any free time is used restoring old bikes and building kit cars.

Jonathan Rossouw
Zegrahm & Eco Expeditions Director Jonathan Rossouw is a medical doctor by profession; however, his lifelong passion for wildlife led him to trade in his stethoscope for binoculars and take up a full-time career in the expedition travel industry. Since 1997 he has guided wildlife expeditions throughout the globe, and has gained experience with over 7000 bird species and 700 mammal species in the process. Jonathan has co-authored birding site guides to Southern Africa and Madagascar, and his guidebook Where to Watch Birds in Uganda is widely acclaimed as one of the finest site guides ever published. Jonathan is equally enthusiastic about mammals and coral reef fishes as he is with his specialties, birds and reptiles; indeed, he has an infectious curiosity and passion for all aspects of natural history. This serves him in good stead as he leads travelers on expeditions to all seven continents and scouts new destinations for Eco-Expeditions.

Giovanna Fasanelli
As a young girl growing up in South Africa, Giovanna spent holidays wading through the tidal pools off the eastern coast. Watching the cult classic movie, The Big Blue, clinched her love of all things marine and after moving to Australia, pursued a B.S. in Marine Biology. Today, Giovanna works on an Australia fishing and adventure show, Escape with ET. As a dive master she has traveled extensively with experience in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Palau, and has been involved in numerous documentary projects on the Great Barrier Reef, including satellite tagging of tiger sharks and green turtles in the Coral Sea. She has a deep love of sharks and wishes to involve her future with the proactive protection of these animals around the world.

Susan B.M. Langley
Susan is the State Underwater Archaeologist for the Maryland Historical Trust. She received her B.A. in anthropology from the University of Toronto and her M.A. and Ph.D. in archaeology from the University of Calgary. She is a Dive Safety Officer for the state of Maryland and is a Master Scuba Diver Trainer through PADI. Her long-standing interest is updating international and national heritage protection legislation, to which end she often consults and advises UNESCO. She has published numerous academic articles in journals and books as well as educational materials for government agencies, including the National Parks Service. Susan teaches classes and seminars on marine archaeology and works as a consulting archaeologist for various projects as well as developing public education programming for use in interpretive centers, schools, and outreach programs. She also raises bees and is a master spinner who gives demonstrations and presentations on textiles of cultural and historical importance.

Charlie Livesey
A native Tasmanian with a degree in environmental studies, Charlie is a nature conservation specialist with a passion for the marine environment. He began his career as a park ranger with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, then worked as a marine park ranger in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. In 2007 he returned to Tasmania as Conservation Programs Manager for the Tasmanian Land Conservancy which aims to protect and enhance Tasmania’s biodiversity and natural heritage. In addition to working as a frequent expedition team member, Charlie is a keen photographer and scuba diver.

Julie Christensen
During Julie’s tenure leading travelers around the world she has visited all seven continents. Aboard a variety of expedition vessels such as Le Levant, Le Ponant, and the Clipper Odyssey she has traveled to the Russian Far East and Alaska; the numerous countries rimming the Mediterranean, Black, and Baltic Seas; Central America; Micronesia and Melanesia; the Middle East; and India. During several of our past voyages, Julie has been integral to the success of the expedition team due to her calm, decisive, and affable nature. With a special interest in Spanish and Latin American cultures, Julie earned a B.A. in Spanish from Western Washington University. Before officially embarking on a career in adventure travel, Julie biked across the United States; now, when she isn’t traveling, Julie makes her home in Seattle.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: August 26-27, 2010
USA/Honolulu, Hawaii- Guam
Depart on your independent flight to Guam via Honolulu. Day lost crossing the International Date Line. Arrive in Guam the evening of August 27th. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Overnight: Guam

Day 3: August 28, 2010
Guam- Embark Clipper Odyssey
The morning is at leisure before lunch at our hotel. We have a short tour of this fascinating island before boarding the Clipper Odyssey in the late afternoon.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 4: August 29, 2010
Cruising the Pacific Ocean
Our lecturers introduce us to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), formerly the Caroline Islands, whose long colonial history includes administration by the U.S. after WWII. Many of the islands of Yap State are so remote that the traditional villages are nearly untouched by tourism.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 5: August 30, 2010
Yap, Federated States of Micronesia
Today experience the many facets of Yap Island. Explore its villages via motorcoach with our lecturers and a local guide. Walk along ancient stone pathways, past fields of taro, and through dense forests to observe stone foundations from previous cultures. Visit a pebai, community house; view wunbey, the flat stone platforms where the elder men of the village hold meetings; and photograph Yap’s famed stone money, the biggest and heaviest money in the world. Or, choose to take a kayaking tour and explore the inner reefs and mangroves of the island, or dive the wondrous reefs of Yap. In the afternoon we hope to snorkel and dive at close range with manta rays. Magnificent leviathans with wingspans 7 – 14 feet across, the mantas are in Yap daily to feed and have their gills groomed by cleaner wrasses.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 6: August 31, 2010
Sorol Island
This morning watch for green turtles as our Zodiacs zigzag through coral reefs and shallow sandbars to land on a white sand beach. On this tiny uninhabited island, groves of coconut palms adorn the lagoon shore as sooty terns and white-tailed tropicbirds soar overhead. Snorkel over a coral drop-off or enjoy a dive in deeper waters populated by large pelagic fish. We spend the afternoon cruising the Pacific Ocean and enjoying the many amenities the Clipper Odyssey has to offer.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 7: September 1, 2010
Ifalik Atoll
We may spot common bottlenose dolphins playing in our wake as we approach Ifalik. This classic tiny circular atoll, with only three islets, represents the most authentic aspects of Micronesia’s traditional state, Yap. The chiefs are intent upon maintaining cultural integrity—motor-powered boats are banned within the lagoon, as are televisions in the village. Our expedition leader goes ashore to sit in the large A-frame men’s house with the village elders to respectfully request their permission for our visit. Ashore, the islanders show us their thatched-roofed houses set under shady trees. After lyrical dances by grass-skirted women, we are free to wander and admire the island handicrafts, including unique fish hooks fashioned from golden-lipped pearl shells. In the afternoon choose to snorkel, dive, sail in one of the handsome outrigger canoes, or go birding with our ornithologist. We may spot a large monitor lizard hiding in the coconut palm fronds, a Micronesian starling or wandering tattler, or come face-to-face underwater with a goldring surgeonfish or the giant green Napoleon wrasse.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 8: September 2, 2010
Lamotrek Atoll
Be on deck as we enter the large, stunning lagoon of Lamotrek Atoll. Once ashore local dancers perform a welcome ceremony and share faluvwa, a local coconut wine that is enjoyed widely in Micronesia. In the afternoon we snorkel from the beach over stunning coral gardens full of colorful reef fish including lionfish, pipefish, and moray eels. Divers venture via Zodiac to the edges of the reef, keeping an eye out for black-tipped reef sharks and other pelagics.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 9: September 3, 2010
Satawal Island
Our captain expertly guides the ship near the reef and waits as we join our historian and ornithologist for walks on shore. The village maidens, adorned in lava-lava skirts, their skin tinted by turmeric, present welcoming dances. Meet the exuberant young boys of the island, whose skills in tropical waters are so fine-tuned that they seem “half-fish.” The men of Satawal, famed for their mastery of ocean navigation without the use of instruments, still voyage between the islands of Micronesia in outrigger canoes, steering by the sun, stars, and swells.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 10: September 4, 2010
Pulap Atoll
Both Pulap village and Tamatam village are known for their skilled navigators, whose expertise also shines in the construction of long canoes made of breadfruit wood. Older canoes are hand-sewn with traditional sennit, and may feature the silhouette of a black frigate bird on the bow. With the chief’s permission, wander at leisure through this traditional village; locals may be pleased to give us a ride in an outrigger sailing canoe. Snorkel, dive, beachcomb, or sit under a palm tree to enjoy the afternoon on a perfect islet with a shallow aquamarine lagoon to our right and the deep indigo Pacific to our left.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 11: September 5, 2010
Chuuk (Truk) Island
This spectacular and enormous coral- fringed lagoon shelters 15 high islands of volcanic origin. The dramatic scenery ranges from lush rain forests and waterfalls, to deserted beaches and small villages. Chuuk’s lagoon is a world-renowned paradise for wreck divers. In 1944, American bombers sunk 60 Japanese Imperial Navy vessels and aircraft, which sheltered here—the armada visible today in an intriguing and vast museum-like underwater environment of unparalleled mystery. Nature has transformed these wrecks into a wonderland, colonized by a mosaic of corals, sponges, anemones, and sea fans, which are the playground of fish by the thousands and can be explored by both divers and snorkelers. Zodiacs whisk us to idyllic white sandy shores and dazzling coral reefs teeming with life, while birders search the palm-laden islets for seabirds in this lagoon of astonishing variety and extravagant natural beauty.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 12: September 6, 2010
Oroluk Atoll
This classic atoll’s ring of coral has only a few islets around its perimeter, and is inhabited by a family of eight who show us their gardens of hibiscus, banana, and sweet potato. A short forest walk takes us past taro to a copra processing area. Beachcomb along the lovely shoreline keeping an eye out for hawksbill and Pacific green sea turtle nests, while birders look for ruddy turnstones, black noddies, white-tailed tropicbirds, and Micronesian starlings. Snorkeling and diving are superb, with the chance to spot black-tipped reef sharks and coral trout.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 13: September 7, 2010
Pohnpei
Pohnpei is a high volcanic island, with dense rain forests filled with towering trees, elegant ferns, tumbling waterfalls, and luxuriant mosses. Choose to visit the extensive WWII ruins on Lenger Island with our historian, with time to snorkel along rich reefs or to spot the Pacific golden-plover and Pacific reef heron. Or, hike along an upland nature trail where we glimpse the Pohnpei lory, Micronesian pigeon, and Pohnpei flycatcher. Another option is a full-day tour to Pohnpei’s famed archeological site, Nan Madol, a National Historic Landmark. We explore the 92 megalithic man-made islands, once the residence of the royalty and priests of the Saudeleurs from about the 12th to the 15th centuries.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 14: September 8, 2010
Pohnpei- Honolulu- Depart
After breakfast disembark the Clipper Odyssey and transfer to the airport for your independent flights homeward. Gain a day by crossing the International Date Line; arrive in Honolulu after midnight on September 8th. Transfer to an airport hotel for a rest before morning flights, arrive home on the 8th.

Departure Dates

2010 Departure Date:
August 26 to September 8, 2010

Prices

2010 Prices:
Category 1: $8,980 per person.
Category 2: $9,480 per person.
Category 3: $9,980 per person.
Category 4: $10,680 per person.
Category 5: $11,480 per person.
Category 6: $12,380 per person.
Suite: $15,380 per person.
Single/Cat. 2: $15,180
Single/Cat. 3: $15,980

Limited singles available at the quoted single rates above. Additional singles may be available at 1.7 times the share rate (suite not applicable).

Inclusions:Accommodations in our hotels and on board Clipper Odyssey as outlined in the itinerary; all onboard meals; all group meals on land; group transfers; services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows; all group activities and excursions; landing and port fees; all gratuities.

Exclusions: Exclusions: All air transportation; excess baggage charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; transfers for independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visa fees; travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic beverages, e-mail/fax/Internet/telephone charges; scuba diving fees and equipment where required.

Trip Information

PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON BOARD THE CLIPPER ODYSSEY

Accounts Onboard
Upon embarkation, a shipboard account is automatically opened for your convenience. The "chit" system is used for all onboard purchases, including bar charges, gift shop purchases, laundry, medical services, communication, etc. You will sign a chit for each purchase, and the amount will be debited to your shipboard account, which is presented for settlement at the end of the voyage. The U.S. dollar is the currency used on board. Cash, traveler's checks, and Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts.

Air Conditioning and Heating
The ship is fully air-conditioned and heated throughout with individual controls in each cabin.

Baggage
Baggage is restricted only per the airlines' regulations (See Baggage Allowance section under General Information). We do recommend that you travel with soft luggage, as this is less bulky to store and storage space aboard the ship is limited. Please ensure that your baggage is clearly labeled with your name and home address and attach yellow Zegrahm Expeditions luggage tags, which will be provided with your final documents packet, to each piece of luggage. Our staff will use these tags for easy identification of group passengers and baggage.

Bar
There will be a bar on board stocked with liquor, beer, and wine. Please check the daily program for hours of bartender service. The ship carries a small, but varied, supply of fine wines and champagnes. Upon request, the service staff will be happy to retain unused portions of bottled wines ordered with your meals for consumption at subsequent seatings.

Bridge Visits
The bridge is available to visit most times throughout the day. However, the bridge will be closed to visitors during maneuvers in port, when anchoring, during periods of inclement weather, and at the captains' discretion.

Cabins and Service.
Cabins are serviced daily by your cabin attendant. If you require additional housekeeping service, please advise the reception desk.

All cabins feature an ocean view, two twin lower beds that can be made into a queen-size bed, sitting area with sofa, bathroom with tub and shower, in-room music system and intercom system for announcements, ample wardrobe space, three-sided mirror, personal safe, minibar and small refrigerator, television, and hair dryer.

Contact Information
There are three computers available for use in the Library, which have an Internet connection, via satellite, and can be used to access the web and personal e-mail accounts online. Personal laptops may also be used to access this service. The Library is the only area of the ship that has a wireless Internet connection. Cards can be purchased at Reception to utilize this service. Facilities for incoming and outgoing phone calls and faxes are also available. You will be charged for all personal communication to and from the ship.

Please be aware that due to our often remote location, all communications are subject to the availability of our satellite connection.

Daily Programs
The daily program is distributed to all cabins and posted in common areas every evening on board. The program announces the cruising schedule, lectures, and shore excursions. Weather conditions may, of course, alter the day's intended program.

Dietary Needs
Special dietary foods can be provided, but we must be notified in writing on the Personal Information Form. The galley is equipped to prepare or serve most special dietary foods except kosher cuisine.

Dining and Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining room on the A-Deck. A light buffet breakfast and lunch are also served in the Lido Lounge on the Lido Deck, with limited seating available in the adjacent Lido Bar during pleasant weather for passengers wishing to dine outside. Dinner is served only in the dining room on the A-Deck, and all dinners are prepared individually. The dining room accommodates all passengers in one seating. Table service is provided for all evening meals, and all of our meals will be open seating. Coffee, tea, and juice are available 24 hours a day in the Lido Lounge.

Electricity
The electricity on board runs at 110 volts, and outlets take standard, U.S. flat-prong plugs.

Elevator
An elevator services all passenger decks from the A-Deck to the Sun Deck.

Exercise Facilities
A gym is located on the Bridge Deck. Current equipment consists of a universal exercise machine, free weights, elliptical trainer, stationary bikes (one recumbent, one normal), and a treadmill. A 70-meter, dedicated jogging track is located on the uppermost Sun Deck.

Gift Shop
A shop stocked with gift items and toiletries is located adjacent to the Lido Lounge on the Lido Deck. There is a limited range of goods mainly local items, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, souvenirs, film, and basic toiletries. Hours of operation are posted in the daily program, and purchases will be debited to your shipboard account.

Gratuities
All gratuities for onboard staff and crew are included in the cost of the expedition.

Hair Dryer
Each cabin is equipped with a hair dryer.

Hair Salon
The ship does not offer hair cutting or hair styling services.

Identification Badges
Electronic ID badges with your name and a barcode will be provided for all participants. Upon embarkation, a digital photograph will be taken and matched to your barcode number. This identification badge all you will need to disembark and reboard the ship. When disembarking for landings or Zodiac cruises, your pass must be scanned. Upon return to the ship, your card will be scanned again and your identity verified. Passengers will not be allowed to embark the ship without a badge.

In addition to verifying that all passengers are safely on board before sailing to our next destination, this system assists us in ensuring that no unauthorized individuals board the ship.

Laundry
Basic laundry service is available on board. Please allow 24 hours turn-around time, although laundry picked up in the morning will usually be available the afternoon of the same day. Prices will be posted on board, and charges will be debited to your shipboard account, payable at the end of the voyage.

Lectures
Our onboard staff will present a series of informative lectures during the voyage. We plan to provide a lecture series that will cover all features of our expedition and the surrounding environment. These presentations are an integral part of this expedition and are designed to lend greater depth and understanding to your travel experience.

Library
A library is located on the Main Deck with books and games available for public use.

Mail
The purser handles the mailing of passengers' letters and postcards during the voyage. Postage rates and mailing instructions will be posted at reception. Mail will be sent when the ship is in port. Postage fees will be debited to your shipboard account, payable at the end of the voyage.

Massage
There is a massage therapist onboard offering personalized massages. Hours and prices will be posted onboard.

Medical Services and Special Needs
Facilities may not be available for the physically challenged traveler. If you have special needs, please contact our office directly.

A qualified physician will be on board throughout the voyage. Any applicable fees for services rendered on board will be debited to your shipboard account and presented for settlement at the end of the voyage.

Passengers requiring special medications should bring sufficient quantities to last the duration of the expedition. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment or disease, you should bring a summarized medical history as well. It is essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions inform us well before departure so we may brief the ship's staff accordingly.

If you use a hearing aid that might be turned off at night or would otherwise require special assistance in case of an emergency, please advise the reception desk at the time of boarding.

Passports
Passports will be collected upon embarkation and returned at the end of the voyage. Please bring a photocopy of your passport's information page with you to be used for currency exchange and identification on our landings.

Safety at Sea
Safety at sea is of utmost importance aboard this ship. All officers are trained in emergency procedures, and regular drills are held to instruct the crew in their emergency duties. By international law, passengers must participate in a lifeboat drill within 24 hours of sailing. Upon embarkation, all passengers will be requested to locate their life jacket in their cabin and note their lifeboat and muster station. This mandatory lifeboat drill will be scheduled as soon as is convenient for the expedition leader and captain.

Life preservers are mandatory on Zodiac excursions. All passengers must have their life preserver secured properly before leaving the ship to board the Zodiac.

While the ship is your temporary home, it is also a mobile one, and it is essential that you take certain safety precautions. Here are some basic rules:
· Always turn on lights before moving about in a dark cabin.
· Walk, never run, aboard the ship, and be extra careful when walking on wet or icy decks.
· Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles, especially when walking on deck.
· Avoid large, open areas during rough weather, especially outside decks and the bridge. Do not move about unnecessarily.
· During particularly rough weather hold on to handrails in stairways, be very careful in the bathroom, never hold a door by its frame in case the ship's movement causes the door to close on your hand, and secure all baggage in your cabin and any loose items in your bathroom or on shelves, bureaus, or desks.

Shipboard Amenities
Shipboard facilities include a small library, gym, outdoor swimming pool, lounge, infirmary, and gift shop.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is permitted outside on deck in designated areas only. There is a no-smoking policy throughout the interior of the ship. When smoking on outside decks, please do not throw cigarettes over the side of the ship.

Valuables
Please try and leave any nonessential valuables at home. Zegrahm Expeditions is not responsible for the loss or theft of any jewelry, cash, etc. You are encouraged to use the personal safe is provided in each cabin.

Water
The ship's water supply provides potable water, but passengers are asked to practice conservation at all times.

Zodiacs
Zodiacs are the favored means of transportation, and the ship has a fleet that will be used for landings in suitable areas. Their flat-bottom design permits these craft to land directly onto beaches. You can expect, nonetheless, to wade through shallow surf to reach the shore during wet landings.

Zodiacs cruise at an approximate speed of four knots and in windy weather can make for rather splashy rides. We therefore recommend wearing wet-weather gear for Zodiac transfers, and life preservers are absolutely mandatory. You will be given a briefing on the safe use of these boats. Please see the section Proper Use of Zodiacs for further information about procedures during Zodiac landings.