Local men perform a tribal dance with a large headdress & wooden drums, seen on a Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea cruise.
Aerial view of a small white expedition ship cruising a Papua New Guinea cruise in deep blue water beside green islands.
Local men stand and play drums & guitars while singing among thatch buildings, seen on a Papua New Guinea cruise.
Frontier Lands of New Guinea cruise guests ride in a wooden carved canoe paddled by native locals in celebratory dress.
Travelers on New Guinea cruises sit in a small boat & point up into the green trees.
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Asia / Pacific Pacific Islands Cruise

Frontier Lands of New Guinea

Travel from Australia aboard the 120-guest Coral Adventurer to the remote sights and sounds of the rarely visited New Guinea. On these New Guinea cruises, experience some of the world’s most striking and intact cultural regions as they emerge into the 21st century and venture into the most remote corners of Papua New Guinea on a series of distinct departures with trip lengths to suit a range of travel needs.

The main, 13-day New Guinea cruises are an opportunity to immerse into the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea that is rarely seen and mostly inaccessible by land. Papua New Guinea is home to the largest area of intact rainforest outside of the Amazon. This voyage uncovers little-visited islands, volcanic mountains and pristine rainforest wilderness areas forged by mighty rivers. Sail past spectacular Kadovar Islands, known for its volcanic activity. Venture up the mighty Sepik River to see riverfront village life little changed in hundreds of years. Buy traditional crafts such as masks and carvings at the village market of Bien. Snorkel, swim or dive on vibrant reefs at the Fly Islands and visit the unique Bubbling Springs Reef at Dobu.

An alternative 22-day itinerary—Through the Islands & Atolls of Micronesia—is not listed (inquire for details). Cruise westbound from Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, to Sorong, Indonesia, with visits to all four states of the Federated States of Micronesia: Yap, Cuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae.

Read on for details about this Papua New Guinea cruise, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Pacific Island cruises.



Itinerary

Northbound Frontier Lands of New Guinea Itinerary

The Northbound Frontier Lands of New Guinea itinerary cruises from Cairns, Australia to Madang, Papua New Guinea. An optional post-cruise charter flight can connect travelers back to Cairns.

Route map of Frontier Lands of New Guinea cruise, operating between Cairns, Australia & Madang, Papua New Guinea, with visits along the eastern shoreline.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Cairns, Australia

Independently make your way to the Cairns Cruise Liner terminal for boarding at 7:30am for a 9:00am departure. Cruise across the Coral Sea and spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed on board the ship. Join the expedition staff as they introduce the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the captain’s welcome drinks and meet the crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

Accommodations

Coral Adventurer

Meals

lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 2
At Sea

Spend today relaxing on board, listen and learn from the guest lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Accommodations

Coral Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 12
Exploration of Papua New Guinea

Throughout this expedition, the expedition team may make changes to the itinerary in order to maximize the experience. Visiting these remote communities is subject to approval of the local landowners. Below are the key destinations the ship aims to visit.

Samarai Island
Located off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea in the China Strait, choose to explore the colonial settlement of Samarai, with a chance to purchase pearls from a local pearl farmer, or go for a snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island.

Dobu Island & Dei Dei Hot Springs (Fergusson Island)
Be greeted by a flotilla of canoes as the ship approaches her Dobu anchorage. Join the expedition team for a walk to Dei Dei hot springs. Hear the mythical and spiritual tales of the Dei Dei Hot Springs, learn about the history of the Kula Ring and the role of Dobu Island in the north and south Kula trade routes. Meet the local primary school children, who will welcome all with a traditional song, and spend some time snorkeling in the Bubbling Springs Reef.

Trobriand Islands
Historically known as the Islands of Love, the Trobriand Islands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. Be greeted at the small island of Kuiawa with an enthusiastic Trobriand’s welcome.

Tufi Fjords
Today enjoy a true highlight. Discover the scenic beauty of the Tufi Fjords. Featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Aboard the Xplorer tender vessel, travel to the entrance of one of Tufi’s most scenic fjords and be met by local villagers in traditional dress aboard outrigger canoes. Have the opportunity to board one of the outriggers as the locals paddle up the creek under the rainforest canopy. Here, spirits and sorcery remain integral to village life, and one can learn about bush medicines, fire making, mat weaving and traditional tattooing. Deep in the rainforest, have the chance to witness the tribesmen perform a traditional sing song in their ceremonial dress. Later, discover white-sand beaches, or snorkel or dive over spectacular fringing reefs.

Buna & Sanananda
Land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting in the WWII Pacific campaign. Enjoy a welcome from the local residents, and then be guided through the jungle to visit the areas where Allied forces clashed with Japanese forces. In Sanananda, see the local monuments and pay tribute to fallen Australian soldiers at the war museum, located at the far end of the Kokoda Track. There’s also the opportunity to visit the lush gardens surrounding the village.

Morobe Harbor
Arrive at Morobe Harbor early in the morning and cruise in the Xplorer tender vessel to view the stunning forest from the Mou River. Receive a warm Oro Province welcome and enjoy exploring the village with local guides. At high tide, possibly cruise farther into a picturesque hidden bay.

Kamiali (Lababia Village) & Fly Islands
In the morning, during a relaxing visit to the village, enjoy singing and dancing performances and join a local guide around the village. Board an outrigger canoe to explore farther up the river with a guide and experience snorkeling and diving at the Biangatu Island reef in the Fly Islands.

Dregerhafen
At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, enjoy a high-spirited Papua New Guinea welcome and explore the market which is famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles. There are many WWII artifacts in this area. After lunch, enjoy snorkeling, diving and kayaking in the blue waters of the lagoon.

Karkar Island
Visit Busen or Maringis Villages at Karkar Island and enjoy welcome sing sings before touring the copra and cocoa processing areas. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to snorkel off the fringing reef and bommies close to shore.

Sepik Mouth, Bien Village & Kadovar Volcano
Arrive at the mouth of the famed Sepik River and be greeted with stunning views of the landscape and this mammoth river which cuts a swathe through lush forest. The first stop on the Sepik River is at the village of Bien, where local villagers greet all on their canoes and follow with dance performances. There is an opportunity to purchase highly sought-after hand-crafted artifacts, masks and carvings at the Sepik market.

Accommodations

Coral Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 13
Disembark Madang, Papua New Guinea, Fly to Cairns, Australia & Depart

Arrive in Madang to disembark the ship at 8:00am. Enjoy an included tour of Madang with a member of the expedition team until midday.

Optional, Included Charter flight: Madang to Cairns (AUD1,250 per person in 2025, included in cruise rate). This will be a direct flight to Cairns, with no stopover in Port Moresby, with a staff member to accompany guests. Limited seats available. Contact your Adventure Specialist for more information, or for cruise-only pricing.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Charter flight from Madang to Cairns (AUD1,250 per person in 2025 included in cruise fare – contact AdventureSmith for cruise-only pricing); all excursions and sightseeing (excluding optional extras); snorkeling & equipment (Scuba diving at additional cost); use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks; daily lectures and briefings; all meals, chef-prepared on board; selected wines, beers, spirits, juices and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner service; coffee and selection of teas; all entrance fees to national parks and ports; choice of local operator excursions at some locations; standard WiFi on board; tips and gratuities.

Exclusions

Airfare, transfers and hotels, scuba diving (contact AdventureSmith for pricing & details), entry visas, travel permits, insurance of any kind, items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone communications, WiFi upgrades and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. A name change/transfer of the booking to another person is considered a cancellation and cancellation penalties will apply. An AUD200.00 per person fee may be charged for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed. There is an AUD500.00 per person fee if a date change is made more than 90 days before departure. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The northbound Frontier Lands of New Guinea cruise begins in Cairns, Queensland Australia (CNS), and ends in Madang, Papua New Guinea (MAG); an optional, added-cost charter flight may be pre-booked for those wishing to return to Cairns (see Inclusions). Plan flights to arrive to Cairns the night before Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Madang anytime after the 8:00am disembarkation on the final day. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights  resource page.

Internal Flights

An optional, added-cost, post-cruise charter flight from Madang to Cairns (AUD1,250 per person in 2025, included in cruise rate) is available and must be pre-booked through your Adventure Specialist, who can provide additional details such as luggage weight limits.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving (contact AdventureSmith for pricing & details), small boat excursions, kayaking, wildlife observation and cultural tours.

Room Configuration

Limited double occupancy cabins for solo use may be available at a sole use rate in the Coral, Promenade and Explorer Deck categories. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Kids 12 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 11 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

As a condition of travel, guests must provide evidence of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR complete a credit card authorization form for expenses incurred during a medical evacuation. Proof of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR a completed authorization form must be provided prior to boarding.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Southbound Frontier Lands of New Guinea Itinerary

The Southbound Frontier Lands of New Guinea itinerary cruises from Madang, Papua New Guinea, to Cairns, Australia. An optional pre-cruise charter flight can connect travelers from Cairns to the embarkation point.

Route map of Frontier Lands of New Guinea cruise, operating between Cairns, Australia & Madang, Papua New Guinea, with visits along the eastern shoreline.
Read More
Day 1
Fly Cairns, Australia to Madang, Papua New Guinea & Embark

Enjoy a town tour of Madang before boarding at 4:30pm for a 5:00pm departure. Join the expedition staff as they introduce the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the captain’s welcome drinks and meet the crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

Optional, Included Charter flight: Cairns to Madang (AUD1,250 per person in 2025). This will be a direct flight from Cairns, with no stopover in Port Moresby, with a staff member to accompany guests. Limited seats available. Contact your Adventure Specialist for more information, or for cruise-only pricing.

Accommodations

Coral Adventurer

Meals

lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 11
Exploration of Papua New Guinea

Throughout this expedition, the expedition team may make changes to the itinerary in order to maximize the experience. Visiting these remote communities is subject to approval of the local landowners. Below are the key destinations the ship aims to visit.

Samarai Island
Located off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea in the China Strait, choose to explore the colonial settlement of Samarai, with a chance to purchase pearls from a local pearl farmer, or go for a snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island.

Dobu Island & Dei Dei Hot Springs (Fergusson Island)
Be greeted by a flotilla of canoes as the ship approaches her Dobu anchorage. Join the expedition team for a walk to Dei Dei hot springs. Hear the mythical and spiritual tales of the Dei Dei Hot Springs, learn about the history of the Kula Ring and the role of Dobu Island in the north and south Kula trade routes. Meet the local primary school children, who will welcome all with a traditional song, and spend some time snorkeling in the Bubbling Springs Reef.

Trobriand Islands
Historically known as the Islands of Love, the Trobriand Islands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. Be greeted at the small island of Kuiawa with an enthusiastic Trobriand’s welcome.

Tufi Fjords
Today enjoy a true highlight. Discover the scenic beauty of the Tufi Fjords. Featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Aboard the Xplorer tender vessel, travel to the entrance of one of Tufi’s most scenic fjords and be met by local villagers in traditional dress aboard outrigger canoes. Have the opportunity to board one of the outriggers as the locals paddle up the creek under the rainforest canopy. Here, spirits and sorcery remain integral to village life, and one can learn about bush medicines, fire making, mat weaving and traditional tattooing. Deep in the rainforest, have the chance to witness the tribesmen perform a traditional sing song in their ceremonial dress. Later, discover white-sand beaches, or snorkel or dive over spectacular fringing reefs.

Buna & Sanananda
Land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting in the WWII Pacific campaign. Enjoy a welcome from the local residents, and then be guided through the jungle to visit the areas where Allied forces clashed with Japanese forces. In Sanananda, see the local monuments and pay tribute to fallen Australian soldiers at the war museum, located at the far end of the Kokoda Track. There’s also the opportunity to visit the lush gardens surrounding the village.

Morobe Harbor
Arrive at Morobe Harbor early in the morning and cruise in the Xplorer tender vessel to view the stunning forest from the Mou River. Receive a warm Oro Province welcome and enjoy exploring the village with local guides. At high tide, possibly cruise farther into a picturesque hidden bay.

Kamiali (Lababia Village) & Fly Islands
In the morning, during a relaxing visit to the village, enjoy singing and dancing performances and join a local guide around the village. Board an outrigger canoe to explore farther up the river with a guide and experience snorkeling and diving at the Biangatu Island reef in the Fly Islands.

Dregerhafen
At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, enjoy a high-spirited Papua New Guinea welcome and explore the market which is famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles. There are many WWII artifacts in this area. After lunch, enjoy snorkeling, diving and kayaking in the blue waters of the lagoon.

Karkar Island
Visit Busen or Maringis Villages at Karkar Island and enjoy welcome sing sings before touring the copra and cocoa processing areas. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to snorkel off the fringing reef and bommies close to shore.

Sepik Mouth, Bien Village & Kadovar Volcano
Arrive at the mouth of the famed Sepik River and be greeted with stunning views of the landscape and this mammoth river which cuts a swathe through lush forest. The first stop on the Sepik River is at the village of Bien, where local villagers greet all on their canoes and follow with dance performances. There is an opportunity to purchase highly sought-after hand-crafted artifacts, masks and carvings at the Sepik market.

Accommodations

Coral Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 12
At Sea

Spend today relaxing on board, listen and learn from the guest lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Accommodations

Coral Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 13
Disembark Cairns, Australia

Arrive in Cairns to disembark the ship at 8:00am.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Charter flight from Cairns to Madang (AUD1,250 per person in 2025 included in cruise fare – contact AdventureSmith for cruise-only pricing); all excursions and sightseeing (excluding optional extras); snorkeling & equipment (Scuba diving at additional cost); use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks; daily lectures and briefings; all meals, chef-prepared on board; selected wines, beers, spirits, juices and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner service; coffee and selection of teas; all entrance fees to national parks and ports; choice of local operator excursions at some locations; standard WiFi on board; tips and gratuities.

Exclusions

Airfare, transfers and hotels, scuba diving (contact AdventureSmith for pricing & details), entry visas, travel permits, insurance of any kind, items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone communications, WiFi upgrades and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. A name change/transfer of the booking to another person is considered a cancellation and cancellation penalties will apply. An AUD200.00 per person fee may be charged for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed. There is an AUD500.00 per person fee if a date change is made more than 90 days before departure. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The southbound Frontier Lands of New Guinea cruise begins in Madang, Papua New Guinea (MAG), and ends in Cairns, Queensland Australia (CNS); an optional, added-cost charter flight may be pre-booked for those wishing to fly from Cairns to Madang for embarkation (see Inclusions). Plan flights to arrive to Madang ahead of the 4:30pm boarding and 5:00pm departure on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Cairns anytime after the 8:00am disembarkation on the final day. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights  resource page.

Internal Flights

An optional, added-cost, pre-cruise charter flight from Cairns to Madang (AUD1,250 per person in 2025, included in cruise rate) is available and must be pre-booked through your Adventure Specialist, who can provide additional details such as luggage weight limits.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving (contact AdventureSmith for pricing & details), small boat excursions, kayaking, wildlife observation and cultural tours.

Room Configuration

Limited double occupancy cabins for solo use may be available at a sole use rate in the Coral, Promenade and Explorer Deck categories. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Kids 12 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 11 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

As a condition of travel, guests must provide evidence of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR complete a credit card authorization form for expenses incurred during a medical evacuation. Proof of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR a completed authorization form must be provided prior to boarding.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Listed prices for this trip are based on foreign currency exchange rates and may vary. USD pricing will be calculated at the time of final payment based on the market conversion rate plus a 1% banking conversion fee of total invoiced amount. Please contact AdventureSmith for current pricing.

Dec 18 - Dec 30, 2025
Coral Adventurer • 13 days
green northern galapagos islands directional icon brown diver icon depicting diving activity
From $8740USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Dec 30 - Jan 11, 2026
Coral Adventurer • 13 days
green southern galapagos islands directional icon brown diver icon depicting diving activity
From $8740USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Feb 14 - Mar 07, 2026
Coral Adventurer • 22 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background brown diver icon depicting diving activity
From $17040USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background Alternative Itinerary
green northern galapagos islands directional icon Northbound
green southern galapagos islands directional icon Southbound
brown diver icon depicting diving activity Diving
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Coral Adventurer

The 120-guest Coral Adventurer Australian expedition ship offers a wine cellar, open galley, private balconies and efficient ship-to-shore operations.

Expert Reviews

Reviews From Our Experts so You Know What to Expect

Andrew Browning • April 16th, 2015
Expert Review: Islands of the South Pacific

Adventure Specialist Andrew Browning reviews his 14-day Islands of the South Pacific cruise aboard the 72-guest Coral Discoverer.

Leslie Camacho • December 28th, 2019
Expert Aboard: Coral Adventurer Ship Review

An AdventureSmith cruise expert goes aboard in Australia to write this ship review of the 120-guest Coral Adventurer. Read about her favorite features and cabin insights.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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Frontier Lands of New Guinea