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Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea (Coral Geographer)

Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea (Coral Geographer)

From AUD $9,480

Description

Immerse yourself in the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea, with its mysterious stories interwoven with cultural beliefs and ancient legends. Visit remote villages rich in culture and meet the people who have maintained their traditional way of life for generations. Papua New Guinea is home to the largest area of intact rainforest outside of the Amazon and this voyage uncovers little-visited islands and volcanic mountains, pristine rainforest wilderness areas forged by mighty rivers. This is the land of the unexpected, a place of stark contrasts where fearsome frowns quickly become welcoming smiles and visitors are welcomed into villages to learn of people’s customs and cultures.

Trip Name
Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea (Coral Geographer)
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Passenger Capacity: 120 Built: 2020 Expedition capabilities > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations > Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships Marine immersion > Navigator lounge in the bridge > Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests Food and wine features > Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners > Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds Guest comfort > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony > Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion > Well-equipped gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Depart Cairns
Cruise across the Coral Sea and spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed onboard Coral Geographer. Join our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 12: Expedition Cruising
These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of your voyage.Dei Dei Hot Springs & Dobu IslandsHear 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 and snorkel the bubbling springs reef.Trobriand IslandsHistorically 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 FjordEnter the Tufi Fjord where local outriggers will be waiting to paddle you up the creek under the rainforest canopy. Watch and learn about the local way of life, while the village elders perform a traditional sing sing wearing their feather head-dresses. Enjoy snorkelling or diving on the reef, or kayak the waterway with steep edges of nearby fjords.Buna & SananandaWe land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting in the WWII Pacific campaign. We will visit the areas where Allied forces clashed with Japanese forces and, in Sanananda, will see the local monuments and war museum. This museum is located at the far end of the Kokoda Track.Morobe HarbourWe arrive at Morobe Harbour early in the morning and cruise in the Xplorer to view the stunning forest from the Mou River. We receive a warm Oro Province welcome and enjoy exploring the village with local guides. At high tide, we may be able to cruise further into a picturesque hidden bay.Lababia & Fly IslandsIn the morning, during a relaxing visit to the village, we are entertained with singing and dancing performances and join a local guide around the village. Board an outrigger canoe to explore further up the river with a guide and experience snorkelling and diving at the Biangatu Island reef in the Fly Islands.DregerhafenAt the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, you will 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 artefacts in this area.Sepik Mouth, Bien Village & Kadovar VolcanoAs we arrive at the mouth of the famed Sepik River we are greeted with stunning views of the landscape and this mammoth river which cuts a swathe through lush forest. Our first stop on the Sepik River is at the village of Bien, where local villagers greet us on their canoes and follow with dance performances. There is an opportunity to purchase highly sought-after hand-crafted artefacts, masks and carvings at the Sepik market.
Day 3 - Day 13: Madang
Arrive in Madang to disembark Coral Geographer at 8:00 am. Enjoy an included tour of Madang with a member of our expedition team until midday.
Day 4 - Please Note:
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. The itinerary includes the possibility of interaction with wild animals and this interaction is subject to the presence of this wildlife on the day.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-03-2024AUD $0-
26-09-202108-10-2021AUD $9,480Coral Deck
26-09-202108-10-2021AUD $11,880Promenade Deck Stateroom
26-09-202108-10-2021AUD $14,220Coral Deck
26-09-202108-10-2021AUD $14,760Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
26-09-202108-10-2021AUD $17,820Promenade Deck Stateroom Solo
26-09-202108-10-2021AUD $18,480Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
26-09-202108-10-2021AUD $22,140Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Solo
28-03-2024AUD $0-

Inclusions

    • Enjoy spectacular views while passing Kadovar whose volcano is known to erupt stunning pyroclastic clouds for our guests while we admire from the vista deck with sunset drinks in hand
    • Ride ashore to Tufi Village on hand-carved outrigger canoes paddled by locals guides adorned in ceremonial costumes
    • Enjoy the tropical warm waters with activities such as kayaking through the rainforest-clad fjords, and snorkelling or diving on vibrant reefs including at the Fly Islands, Tufi and the unique bubbling springs reef at Dobu
    • Throughout the voyage, enjoy high-spirited cultural welcomes, dances and sing sings as we are invited into rarely visited villages to share stories with the locals
    • Visit WWII battle sites at Buna and Sanananda
    • Learn of the mythical and spiritual tales of Dei Dei Hot Springs, and witness the boiling geyser erupt
    • Cruise the mighty Sepik River to Bien village, home to some of Papua New Guinea’s most skilled woodcarvers and renowned artefact markets
    • Discover how the Trobriand Islands became the ‘Islands of Love’

Map