Immersive experiences that bring the unique cultures of a destination to life can transform a journey. Seabourn’s ultra-luxury expeditions take you further into the heart of extraordinary places — including the South Pacific, home to some of the least-travelled islands and atolls in the world. Expertly curated experiences let you gain a firsthand understanding of the fascinating people, culture and traditions of seven of the remote island communities we visit.

In Papua New Guinea, nightfall brings to life the island’s rich cultural tapestry under the jungle moon, you are invited to witness the sacred and otherworldly Baining Fire Dance ritual, performed for the most poignant of life’s milestones. This traditional dance of the Baining people will have you mesmerized as you gather around a large crackling bonfire and feel the rhythmic beat of the drums. Dancers adorned in ornate, outsized masks leap across the flames and kick burning embers high into the air, while the sound of chanting and drumbeats reverberate across the island and through you. It is a powerful display of movement and art unlike any other.

In Vanuatu, you can witness another incredible tradition on the island of Ambryn, considered to be the country’s center of sorcery; it is said that active volcanoes mean stronger magic. The traditional Rom dance is a sacred ceremonial masked dance with origins that go back centuries. The dance delves into the age-old struggle between good and evil and is also believed to play a big role in influencing harvests. Watching this dance full of secrecy and symbolism is a profound experience.

In the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu, Pentecost Island is known for its elaborate land-diving ceremony, one of the most thrilling and death-defying rituals you will ever witness. In this traditional rite of passage, originally called nanggol, men and boys jump off tall wooden towers they have constructed, with only vines tied to their feet. The vines are springy, and the lengths calculated just right so the jumpers brush the ground lightly and therefore survive the fall. You’ll have the opportunity to watch the brave "divers” leap off the platforms as they have for centuries — and you will see why land-diving was the inspiration for the modern sport of bungee jumping.

Travel by Zodiac® into the mouth of the Sepik River to Kopar Village, to meet the people of the East Sepik Province. The Sepik River is one of the largest rivers in the world and connects villages and many different cultures and dozens of languages together. The Sepik region is a region wonderfully diverse with culture, producing some of the most diverse art in the world, often featuring crocodiles, one of the spirit clan symbols. Young men along some parts of the river undergo a crocodile initiation, in which their skin is cut to create scars that look like crocodile skin across the body. Visiting Kopar Village, you will receive a warm welcome from locals to learn about their traditional life including art and dances — including, of course, a crocodile dance.

Travel through the Asewet River delta of South Papua, Indonesia by Zodiac® for an encounter with the Asmat people, who have lived here in one of the world’s most remote coastal regions for generations and have remained relatively isolated until recent years. You will experience firsthand the vivid rites and rich traditions that are still practiced today and learn how the Asmat continue to embrace their origins as a warrior culture, with incredible woodworking and rituals.

Tiny Adamstown is the only settlement in, and capital of, the remote Pitcairn Island Group. Precariously perched on the side of a mountain, the village is home to about 50 people, nearly all of whom are lineal descendants of the infamous HMS Bounty mutineers. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the people, discover their unique history and immerse yourself in the intriguing tales of their journey as you learn about the island's rich cultural heritage.

Get ready for a life-changing journey. As a guest on a Seabourn Expedition to the South Pacific, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime, delving into some of the most fascinating cultures on Earth. Few South Pacific travelers have access to these unique and awe-inspiring communities and traditions. The Seabourn All-Inclusive Expedition Difference is centered around offering authentic, personalized experiences, all facilitated by a world-class 23-person Expedition Team of academics, scientists, wildlife experts, and naturalists with a passion for providing you with a deeper understanding of the world's most remote regions.