Today, National Geographic Orion is in New Caledonia, visiting the island of Lifou. Guests were greeted with music and dance in a welcoming ceremony. We then explored the island on tours of the forest and a cultural site. We immersed ourselves in all that the island had to offer, including trying a selection of foods made in a traditional earthen oven. We had a lovely time.
1/1/2025
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National Geographic Orion
Nendo, Solomon Islands
What an amazing way to start the year! We woke up to the sound of rain pattering on the ocean as we cruised toward the beach of Nendo in the Solomon Islands. Piling into our BAT mobiles (Best Available Transport), we headed up the mountain for an hour to reach the remote village of Noipe, rarely visited by outsiders. The locals gave us a warm, vibrant welcome—dancing, singing, and sharing delicious local dishes. They also showed us their traditional crafts, demonstrating skills passed down through generations. This included the creation of tevau, feather money, an extremely rare art and currency still used in the Solomons today. Back on board, the adventure continued as we encountered a small pod of sperm whales, including a mother and calf. As we continued cruising, we made our way to circumnavigate Tinakula Volcano. With a stormy sunset painting the sky, it was a powerful, unforgettable way to end the day. What a first day of the new year—full of new sights, sounds, and experiences we’ll never forget!
