trip specifics

price

2013

Each day of this small ship cruise will reveal yet another aspect to the wonderful customs of Papua New Guinea and the breathtaking scenery unique to this remote land. This is still a land of magic and spirits despite the best efforts of colonial missionaries over the centuries. A land of 800 languages, the cultural diversity will take your breath away. Whether it is the mysterious art of the Sepik, the fearsome Mudmen of Asaro and their mud 'helmets' or the feathered headdresses of a Tufi tribesmen, this land never fails to astonish. From volcanic tropical fjords and the flooded crater that is Rabaul's Simpson harbor to pristine white sand beaches, the beauty of PNG is wonderfully varied.

Day 1 - Cairns, Australia

The Cairns region is internationally recognized for worldclass attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by tropical rainforests, and is the embarkation point for this excursion. Meet your expedition leaders and board Orion.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - At Sea

Relax and enjoy the hospitality extended by Orion's officers and crew as you settle into your home for the next 10 days. The team of naturalist guides will punctuate this first day with presentations and lectures to prepare you for the days ahead.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Alotau, Milne Bay

Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province, is located at the eastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea. Alotau township and the colorful markets are only a short walk from the wharf, past a significant war memorial and the busy harbor. For Orion guests who do not wish to walk, a complimentary shuttle bus is available, or, as another option, Alotau is one of the few places in Papua New Guinea to have a taxi service.

There are three different tours that you can choose from today as your inclusive activity. The Alotau WWII History Tour is graded as an easy tour focusing on the WWII history of the region, the Alotau Highlights Tour is more general in scope covering both historical and cultural aspects and is also an easy tour to participate in, and finally the Alotau Bat Cave Adventure which requires a little more physical dexterity and an adventurous spirit.
-Optional Expeditions Available for Additional Fees

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Samarai & Kwato Islands

Orion guests will be transferred ashore by Zodiacs to Samarai where the Expedition Team will guide you in your exploration of the historical areas. There will also be the opportunity to walk to the church on Kwato Island. Orion will reposition in the afternoon closer to Deka Deka for water activities.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Kitava, The Trobriands

Our visit today will be to Kitava Island and the lagoon formed by the tiny coral cay of Nuratu Island just off the main beach of Kitava. Here locals will perform some of the Trobriands famous dances including the Tapioca Dance. There will be opportunities to walk up to a nearby village during the day and see the famous Trobriand Yam houses. Swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking will be available in the lagoon all day as well.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Tufi

The magnificent scenery around Cape Nelson on the north coast of the mainland is a well-kept secret. More than 30 fjords are carved into the shoreline with each fjord being surrounded by dense rainforest above sheer basalt walls, many with waterfalls plunging into the sea. Sandy beaches meet coral reefs and the crystal clear water is crammed with diverse marine life. Orion will anchor outside the spectacular fjords and our Zodiacs will take guests ashore to a white sandy beach, for swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking today. You may also choose to participate in a local village tour, which includes being paddled in local outrigger canoes. This tour does require a reasonable level of physical dexterity.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Tufi Harbor, Papua New Guinea

Today we will land at the Tami Islands, a seldom-visited island in Morobe Province not far from the town of Finschaffen. The Tami Islands are a small group of uplifted coral atolls, with two main villages on the two larger islands and many smaller reefs and cays. In the center is a beautiful, crystal clear blue lagoon with abundant marine life and stunning coral formations. The local people will greet Orion with an authentic cultural performance and there will be an opportunity to purchase Tami artifacts and explore the islands and their beautiful gardens. Your visit to the Tami Islands includes activities such as swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking. You will have time to explore the village today before moving to one of the smaller uninhabited islands for a beach BBQ.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Madang

Orion guests will be free to explore Madang and the markets today by complimentary shuttle bus. Our Expedition Team will also conduct guided walks of the town and market areas. An inclusive tour to Bilbil Village is also available for those who wish to join in. A minibus will transfer you from the wharf to downtown Madang today to visit the Town Markets with their colorful array of fresh fruits and handmade artifacts. Our visit to the town will be followed by a fascinating visit to the village of Bilbil, famous for its earthenware pots, which you may wish to purchase. The houses in the village are made from traditional materials, such as the Sago Palm, and often an entire house can be constructed without the use of nails. The Bilbil people will treat you to a traditional sing-sing while you sip a cool drink. On the return journey a stop will be made at the local museum, the Haus Tambaran, to observe the historical and cultural items they have on display.
*Optional Excursions Available

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Sepik River & Watam Village

Our exclusive access to Watam village will give all of us an insight into life in a remote Sepik village that very few outsiders have witnessed, even today. There are no roads, no phones, there is no electricity and there are not too many other luxuries to be found. The villagers will welcome us with a special “dragon” dance and continue with a performance of the dances of their ancestors. You will be shown how to make Sago, the staple food of the Sepik coastline, and the local teacher will open the school to us. Unique carvings and woven baskets will be available to buy. After repositioning over lunch, Orion guests will be able to explore the river mouth of the mighty Sepik near the village of Kopar by Zodiac.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - At Sea

Take this day to relax, soak up the sun and reflect on the wonderful customs and breathtaking scenery you have experienced in PNG on your days aboard the Orion.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

The rebuilt town area of Rabaul is just a short walk from the wharf. A courtesy shuttle running to the edge of the ash area where the Rabaul Hotel, Yamamoto’s Bunker and the Historical Society are situated will be available. During your day in Rabaul you can also choose one of two included tours. The two tours on offer are the Rabaul History and Highlights Tour or the Rabaul Volcano Adventure. The Volcano Adventure requires a greater degree of physical ability and a sense of adventure where as the History and Highlights Tour is suitable for just about anybody and mainly involves visiting local features by bus.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 12 - Rabaul - Disembark

Set at the eastern end of the island of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting. Nestled beside Simpson Harbor, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes, one of which, Mt Tavurvur, is still active today. This wonderful place is where we disembark and say our farewells.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Included: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programmes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Exclusions: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: all flights (please inquire about Cairns to Rabual charter flight costs), travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Room Configurations: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Arrival & Departure: The Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights cruise begins and ends in Carins. Embarkation is in Rabaul between 3:00–4:00pm on day of departure. (The optional charter flight directly to Rabaul, which departs at 9:00am is highly recommended). Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames.

Payment & Cancellation: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties. Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilizing our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.


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