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Reach into the heart and soul of Papua New Guinea on this small ship cruise, and see your expectations of this magical place and its people soar. Its secret forests nurture over 3,000 kinds of orchids, and the world’s largest butterfly and moth inhabit its rainforests. The ancient tribal culture lives on vibrantly in the minds of the villages and townsfolk. Surrounding waters support unparalleled bio-diversity, and its reefs are the choice of specialty divers from around the globe.

Papua New Guinea is a place of rich cultural diversity. There is no such thing as a typical Papua New Guinean; as more than 1000 cultures, each with different traditions, are now recognized. This is the land of the unexpected, a place of stark contrasts where fearsome frowns magically become welcoming smiles and village children your lifelong friends!

Sail along the east coast of Papua New Guinea, north from Alotau east to Rabaul. Or join Oceanic Discoverer in Cairns, Australia, two days earlier for the trip extension and cruise the Coral Sea, China Strait and Milne Bay before arriving in Alotau. Both 11- and 13-day itineraries are available in reverse.

Day 1 - Alotau

Boarding commences at 2:00pm for a 3:00pm departure. Time to settle in and explore Oceanic Discoverer before joining the Captain and his crew at the Captain's Welcome Cocktails.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Dobu and Fergusson Islands

We are greeted by a flotilla of canoes as we approach the Dobu anchorage. Our Guest Lecturer will share with you the history of the Kula Ring where Dobu Island was a pivotal link between the north and south Kula trade routes. The local primary school children welcome us with a traditional dance performance. After lunch join our Expedition Leader on an excursion to the Dei Dei Hot Springs where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Trobriands and Kitava

Historically known as the 'Islands of Love' the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoiled by outside influence. Witness traditional Trobriand dances.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - The Idyllic Island of Tuam

Tuam, in the Siassi group of islands, offers a mix of both mainland and Bismark Archipelago cultures. Their prized trinkets and decorations include dog's teeth, spondyllus shells and wonderful balsa wood and sago bark headdresses. Enjoy the welcome dances and village hospitality.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Historic Madang

Madang sits on a peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands. Madang is famed for its diving, with excellent visibility and many WWII wrecks to explore. Discover the town and enjoy the opportunity to purchase a large selection of artifacts from the Sepik region. Enjoy diving, snorkeling, swimming and a harbor exploration.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - The Mighty Sepik River

Sure to be a highlight, this morning enter the mouth of the mighty Sepik River - one of the world's great river systems. Oceanic Discoverer will cruise upriver to the middle Sepik region renowned for its unique artefacts. Visit the remote villages of Angoram and Bien where the local Sepik people are amongst the greatest primitive artists on earth and each village has its own distinct style. Anchor this evening in this mighty river whilst overhead hundreds of flying foxes stream through the sky.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Sepik River and Boisa Island

An early morning start offers a great opportunity for bird watching. Join the Guest Lecturers to identify Spotted Blue-eyed Cockatoos, the enormous Blyth's Hornbill and others as we cruise back down river. On farewelling the great Sepik, arrive at Boisa Island where villagers were evacuated following volcanic eruptions from the neighboring Manam Island in 2004. An abundance of children, outrigger canoes and genuine friendliness ensure an unforgettable experience.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Crown Island

Join our Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers aboard Xplorer and head ashore on this uninhabited island. Known as a turtle nesting ground and home of the giant lizard, explore the beaches of this seldom visited island. Spend time relaxing or snorkeling in the beautiful clear waters.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - New Britain Coastline

Enjoy a full day cruising the northern coastline of New Britain. Join the Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers on guided tours aboard the Xplorer before arriving at the entrance to Kimbe Bay late this afternoon.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Kimbe Bay

With the support of local guides, our Expedition Leader will lead us on an exploration of the region. Kimbe Bay has one of the world's richest and most diverse coral reef systems, home to over 860 different species or tropical fish and in excess of 400 different varieties of coral. Experience real island friendliness and hospitality as we are welcomed by a flotilla of outrigger canoes.

Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Rabaul, Departure

Enter magnificent Simpson Harbor early in the morning, passing the striking islands known as the Beehives. Our arrival in Rabaul at 8:00am marks the end of our voyage of exploration and adventure. If time permits, you may wish to take the opportunity to explore the 'ghost town' of Rabaul that lies under volcanic ash deposited when Mt Tuvurvur erupted in 1994.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Alternative Itinerary: This trip also operates in reverse from Rabaul to Alotau.

Reverse Itinerary
Day 1: Rabaul and Captain's Welcome
Day 2: Kimbe Bay
Day 3: Crown Island
Day 4: The Mighty Sepik River
Day 5: Sepik River and Volcanic Manam Island
Day 6: Historic Madang
Day 7: The Idyllic Island of Tuam
Day 8: Lababia - Wildlife Management Area
Day 9: Tufi Fjords
Day 10: Dobu and Fergusson Islands
Day 11: Arrive Alotau

Extend Your Trip: Extend your trip by optting for the 13 day itinerary. Join Oceanic Discoverer in Cairns, Australia, two days earlier for the trip extension and cruise the Coral Sea, China Strait and Milne Bay before arriving in Alotau.

Day 1 - Depart Cairns
After boarding Oceanic Discoverer at 12:00 noon for a departure at 1:30pm, we leave Cairns on the start of our great adventure. Take the opportunity to explore your new 'home' for the next thirteen days. Enjoy an evening sunset drink before sitting down to the first of many delicious meals.
Day 2 - At Sea
Having passed through the Great Barrier Reef, we cruise northeast towards the China Strait. Enjoy the facilities and get to know your traveling companions. This evening, join our Guest Lecturer for an informative presentation on Papua New Guinea.
Day 3 - Alotau
Enjoy waking up to the spectacular scenery of the China Strait as we approach our first Papua New Guinea landfall - Alotau. Our experienced Guest Lecturers will interpret the traditional welcome dances prior to leading us on a tour of historical Alotau. We welcome new friends embarking today and this evening we meet the Captain and his crew at the Captain's Welcome Cocktails.

Itinerary Notes: This itinerary is an indication of the reef, islands and coastal areas we visit. While every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather and tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Included: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programs, use of all of our onboard facilities, including our comprehensive range of library and video resources, use of snorkeling equipment such as masks, fins, flotation vests and wetsuits plus a free scuba skills lesson.

Exclusions: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges, plus a Government Environmental Management charge of $16.50 per person - payable on board.

Families & Children: Minimum age 8 years old; however we do not recommend children under 12 years of age participate given the nature of these programs.

Arrival & Departure: The Papua New Guinea 11 day cruise begins in and ends in either Alotau or Rabaul. Embarkation time is 2:00pm on day of departure. If going on the pre-trip extension, embarkation is in Cairns at 12:00 noon. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day at 8:00am. Please schedule flights accordingly. Group airfares from selected Australian cities are available. Relax in the knowledge that you will be met by a Coral Princess Cruises staff member. Inquire for details.

Payment & Cancellation: To secure your reservation a deposit of 10% of the fare is due within 7 days of placing your booking. Final Payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your cancellation the following penalties will apply:
Up to 60 days prior to departure - forfeit your deposit of 10% of the fare.
30 to 59 days prior to departure - forfeit 50% of the fare.
1 to 29 days prior to departure - forfeit 100% of the fare.
A $200.00 per person fee may be charged by Coral Princess Cruises for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed.

Prices for the Papua New Guinea Cruise aboard the Oceanic Discoverer are in Australian Dollars. For today's exchange rate visit USD to AUD. We will accept payment in U.S. Dollars based on the exchange rate the day you make your payment.

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.



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. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.


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