Adventure cruises in South Pacific and Southeast Asia offer intimate brushes with traditional culture for those ‘sick of the same old stuff’
- From Melanesian rituals to traditional crafts in Vietnam, expedition cruises allow visitors to get closer to local culture than is possible on big liners
- The cruises bring revenue to tribal communities, and experts say this travel trend will grow as more savvy tourists crave far-flung experiences
With a gentle breeze on its stern, our tough little Zodiac inflatable boat motors gently up to a deserted beach. Massive kapok trees draped in dense creeping vines fringe the rough coral sands, which are split by a glistening stream from the jungle beyond. But behind the foliage a surprise awaits.
As our rubber bow kisses the shore, the tranquillity is shattered by a blood-curdling chorus of screams and yelps.
As if disgorged by the jungle itself, an excited band of vine-clad men and boys brandishing spears and clubs surrounds our tiny vessel, weapons held high.
We’re not in danger; this is part of a ritual inhabitants of Loh Island, in the remote Torres Islands of the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, perform before welcoming us with broad smiles, handshakes and fresh green coconuts.
Spirited Melanesian greetings like this are common as we make landfall on the far-flung islands bordering the Bismarck, Solomon and Coral Seas from our cruise company Heritage Expedition’s purpose-built 140-passenger expedition yacht Heritage Adventurer.
At each island, instead of gaudy tourist traps and well-worn shore excursions, we enjoy a cultural exchange wherein the locals perform traditional dances and songs and prepare food, and we are introduced to mystic practices first described by wayfaring anthropologists more than a century ago. We respond with clumsy renditions of our own national anthems.
