trip specifics

price

*Prices are per person based on double occupancy

Day 1 - Embark Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

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. During more than 100 years of settlement, Rabaul has been rocked by massive volcanic eruptions and war, a testament to the resilience of the townsfolk who have rebuilt after each event.

The most recent major volcanic eruption was in September 1994 when Tavurvur and Vulcan covered much of Rabaul and surrounding villages with volcanic ash. This eruption saw the growth of the nearby coastal town of Kokopo which has now become the administrative and tourism center for East New Britain, replacing Rabaul in that role. As we depart, Orion will cruise right past the active volcano, Mt Tavurvur.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - At Sea

As you become familiar with your new home base, sit back, relax and let Orion's staff cater to your needs as you admire the surrounding beauty from the top deck.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Wewak

Wewak is the capital of the East Sepik province of Papua New Guinea. It is located on the northern coast of the island of New Guinea, the largest town between Madang and Jayapura. Between 1943 and 1945, during World War II, Wewak was the site of the largest Japanese airbase in mainland New Guinea. The base was subjected to repeated bombing by Australian and U.S. planes, most notably in one massive attack on August 17, 1943. Directly to the west of the town center is a peninsula known as Cape Wom, which was the site of the surrender of Japanese forces in New Guinea. A small memorial stands here.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Jayapura

Start the day by being welcomed by enthusiastic dancers in traditional dress, initiating us in true Moluccas tradition with sago, gifts, and spices placed on an honored ancestral tray. General MacArthur’s WWII memorial is here and the museum will be open to us. Traveling through Jayapura we may ascend the surrounding hills to view the point where MacArthur and the Allies landed in 1944, turning it into a giant military base en route to reclaiming the Philippines.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Urbanasi Island

Urbanasi Island, Papua, is that classic tiny little island with white-sand beaches, surrounded by coral that you image Robinson Cruiso sitting on waiting for his rescue.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Mapia Atoll

Mapia Atoll, Papua, is north of the equator. A classic atoll structure in the middle of nowhere, this is as remote as it gets. Spend the day in clear waters, snorkeling and swimming after a day at sea cruising through the Padaido Island Group.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Raja Ampat

“Raja Ampat,” or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 3.6 million hectares of land and sea off the north-western tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of marine species in the world. For those who snorkel this is one of the great sites for fish numbers and massive coral colonies. In the afternoon we visit the port of Sorong. Here, experience first hand the sights and smells of everyday Papuan life by visiting local markets.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - McClure Gulf

Sailing at night through the most westward point in our circumnavigation of New Guinea, board zodiacs for the port of Kokas, a prosperous fishing town of about 4,000 Papuans that belong to the Fak Fak Regency. Cruise eastward to Sapar Island in the McClure Gulf (Teluk Berau) and explore by zodiac ancient Papuan rock art, first discovered in 1678. The rock seawalls showcase sprayed pigment from layers of stenciled hands with varying tones of red ocher, black ash and white ground limestone. Predominant designs feature hands, fish, birds, angled boomerang-like objects and part animal, part human figures.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - At Sea

Take this time to catch up on rest from the busy adventures over the past days. Enjoy the onboard amenities and talk with fellow travelers about their experiences with the local heritage.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Sangliat Dol & Weluan Beach, Yamdena Island

The traditional Sangliat Dol village in the Tanimbar islands of Maluku is the center of the ancient "boat" culture of Maluku. In the center of the village is a stone boat, built to symbolize the arrival from the sea of the original inhabitants of Maluku. For our visit and for other important events, a massive ritual takes place surrounding the stone boat. Traditionally all village decisions would revolve around such a ceremony.

After the ceremony the six host families will take their adopted guests on a mini-tour of the village, including seeing the host families housing and cooking areas, an ikat weaving display and a market area selling ikat weavings, wooden carvings very similar to those found in new Guinea and possible even old Dutch artifacts such as plates and coins. At the end of the morning, as guests finish at the markets they will descend the staircase, again with dozens of locals assisting, back to the beach, the zodiacs, and the ship for lunch.

The remainder of the day after the visit to Sangliat Dol will be spent at Weluan Beach outside of Saumlaki town, the capital of Yamdena and the main administrative area for southern Maluku. Here a wide range of local artifacts including many carvings that almost resemble the style found slightly farther east in New Guinea, can be found and purchased if desired. Other products such as local eucalyptus oil and a potent spirit distilled from the inflorescence of the sugar palm will also be on display. The brave may even sample this distilled liquor! Swimming and rides in local sailing canoes will be available and a giant Christ statue, (not quite in the same league as Rio!), overlooks the beach giving spectacular views of the beach and nearby township.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - At Sea

Spend this last day at sea admiring the passing beauty and soaking up the sun on the top deck.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Disembark Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin is Australia’s closest city to the equator and the gateway to the Top End. Following bombing during World War II, Darwin was more a frontier town of crocodile and buffalo shooters and pioneer cattlemen. After the city was wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974 it was rebuilt as Australia’s cosmopolitan northernmost tropical capital. Beyond the city lies Litchfield National Park (about 2 hours drive) and to the south-east the teeming wetlands of Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu. Much architecture remains from the city’s early periods, with museums, markets and an incredible diversity of restaurants to keep visitors entertained. The harbor foreshore area is a great place to discover the city’s maritime links. Say goodbye to Orion and opt to explore this fabulous city in one of the many activities they have to offer.

Take a relaxing cruise on an old pearl lugger, a thrilling flight in a seaplane or a gentle hovercraft trip. Spend a day out fishing for barramundi, jewfish, golden snapper and threadfin salmon, or go for the adventure of scuba diving around shipwrecks. At sunset, savor a taste of Asia’s night markets at Mindil Beach, where you can browse the food stalls for a picnic dinner on the beach.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast




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