EPIC WWII CRUISE WITH CORAL PRINCESS

To celebrate 70 years since the famous WWII battles in the South Pacific, Coral Princess Cruises is presenting a special one-off expedition cruise to the battlefields in March.


This is a unique opportunity to visit some of the most famous military sites in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and Vanuatu. You will cruise in absolute luxury aboard Oceanic Discoverer, the amazing flagship of the Coral Princess fleet.

Accompanied by military history experts, you will experience first hand the places where thousands of American and Japanese troops died in bitter jungle battles.

Highlights include Guadalcanal, the most famous battlefield in the Pacific. Here the Japanese onslaught through the islands was finally halted and turned back by the Americans.

You will also visit Kennedy Island where future president John F Kennedy was marooned after his PT boat was sliced in two by a Japanese destroyer.

On Espiritu Santo you will experience Million Dollar Point where the Americans dumped all their gear at the end of the war. Certified divers can visit SS President Coolidge, one of the best wreck dives in the world.

It was on this island that James A Michener wrote Tales of the South Pacific which later became South Pacific, the musical and movie.

The 13 night expedition departs Noumea on March 4. Throughout the voyage you will visit four remote countries in New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Guinea.

The voyage concludes in Rabaul, a fascinating city with a rich military history and surrounded by active volcanoes.

Not only will you learn the history of the war, but you will get to meet the friendly locals in their traditional villages. The Melanesian people are always keen to greet visitors and dance for them.

Military guest lecturers will be Richard Frank and Matt McLachlan.

Full details are available on 1800 079 545 or online at www.coralprincess.com.au