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Full New Guinea Circle (Coral Adventurer)

Full New Guinea Circle (Coral Adventurer)

From AUD $21,940

Description

Join us aboard Coral Adventurer over 25 unforgettable nights to experience some of the world’s most exotic and untouched regions as they emerge into the 21st century. This remarkable expedition will take you where other travellers have seldom visited, into the most remote corners of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Throughout the expedition you will also discover the very best that nature has to offer, from the brilliantly coloured Bird of Paradise to the world’s most colourful and diverse coral reefs, and come face to face with villagers who until recently have been shielded from the outside world. Rest assured this is the most comprehensive experience ever undertaken in this fascinating region.

Trip Name
Full New Guinea Circle (Coral Adventurer)
Days
26
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 93.4 meters Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms) Built: 2017 Our brand new ship is built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety. A culmination of two years of design and three decades of passion for expedition cruising – Coral Expeditions is proud to invite you to experience the Coral Adventurer. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER At a time when cruise ships get larger and glitzier, we remain stubbornly compact and intimate. Our ships are designed to take you to unspoilt destinations not accessible to large ships.  We want you to have the luxury of space, dine with whom you please, or find your quiet corner on deck.  So we have limited the Coral Adventurer to 60 spacious cabins.  This preserves the intimate atmosphere we are known for without sacrificing the stability and comfort of a true ocean going vessel. BUILT FOR DISCOVERY The Coral Adventurer features our trademark dual ‘Xplorer’ tenders cradled on a hydraulic platform slung off the back of the ship, enabling our guests to go ashore in comfort and ease.  The shallow draft of the ship enables us to go closer to shore than larger ships. Together with our renowned expedition team, our new ship will offer the most advanced expedition capabilities of any small ship afloat. BUILT FOR COMFORT With active stabilisers dampening sea motion, mostly balcony cabins, and interiors designed with the colours and textures of tropical Queensland, the Coral Adventurer is a comfortable ship.  She features promenade decks, generous communal areas that accommodate all guests, a passenger elevator, and an open kitchen where you can observe our chefs whip up small batch cuisine from locally sourced ingredients. BUILT FOR PERSONAL SERVICE The Coral Adventurer will continue our proud tradition of Australian flagged vessels with friendly and professional Australian crew.  Our onboard atmosphere remains refreshingly informal and intimate.  Take your seat at our bridge lounge, chat with the captain at your leisure or accompany our chefs on a market tour. Food and wine features * Single seating dining area with communal ‘wine table’ finished with Australian stone; serving buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners * Showcase galley visible to guests for fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian produce * Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks with 180 degree views * Curated wine cellar featuring modestly priced boutique wines for daily drinking and exceptional vintage Australian reds. Guest comfort * All outside guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; majority have private balcony * Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion * Gym equipped with elliptical trainers and treadmills * Passenger elevator * Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: CAIRNS
Board Coral Discoverer at 10:00am for an 11:00am departure > leave Cairns behind as we begin our voyage towards Papua New Guinea > take the opportunity to explore your new home and meet your fellow passengers > enjoy the view at this evenings sunset drinks before sitting down to the first of many delicious dinners.
Day 2 - DAY 2: AT SEA
The Coral Sea >spend the day at leisure as you get to know your travelling companions > join our Expedition Leader and knowledgeable Guest Lecturer in the Lounge for presentations and briefings on Papua New Guinea, ahead of our arrival into Alotau
Day 3 - DAY 3: SAMARAI
Rich in history, Samarai Island has been declared a National Historical Heritage Island. A colonial capital and provincial government headquarters until 1968, Samarai is now a historical highlight of Milne Bay, with the ruins of the old town providing photo opportunities.
Day 4 - DAY 4: DOBU AND FERGUSSON ISLANDS
Join our Expedition Staff on a walk to Dei Dei Hot Springs, where the people share their mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs > learn of the history of the Kula Ring> Dobu Island was a pivotal link between the north and south Kula trade routes > meet the local primary school children, who will welcome us with a traditional dance performance > snorkel the bubbling springs reef
Day 5 - DAY 5: TROBRIAND ISLANDS
Historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoiled by outside influence > In the morning visit the island of Kuiawa witness traditional Trobriand dance performed by the colourfully costumed locals > Visit the local market then over lunch sail to Kitava to meet the local villagers for their beach front market in the afternoon > Enjoy a swim off the adjacent island beach.
Day 6 - DAY 6: MACLAREN HARBOUR AND TUFI FJORDS
Local guides will paddles us on traditional canoes at Maclaren Harbour to their village in the rainforest > be welcomed with traditional dances and traditional crafts > discover the scenic beauty of the rarely visited Maclaren Harbour> over lunch soak up spectacular views as we cruise close to the towering cliffs before entering into Tufi Fjord and then board Xplorer to travel ashore> enjoy a leisurely swim and snorkel over colourful fringing reefs or visit the nearby resort for a relaxing time.
Day 7 - DAY 7: BUNA AND SANANANDA
The Battle of Buna, saw some of the fiercest fighting between American, Australian and Japanese forces during the final stages of WW2 > walk through the jungle with the local villagers and discover the fascinating history > After lunch stopover at beautiful Sanananda to visit the War Museum which the villagers have built to honour both sides > meet the local village people and enjoy their lovely gardens.
Day 8 - DAY 8: FLY ISLANDS AND LABABIA
Awaken early and travel ashore for a morning of water activities at Fly Island, which has very colourful coral reefs > snorkel, dive, glass bottom boat tours > after lunch visit the picturesque village of Lababia, gateway to one of the most important conservation areas in PNG> enjoy welcome ceremonies and local dancers> paddle on local outriggers and enjoy a village walk and market.
Day 9 - DAY 9: DREGERHAFEN
Today we visit Dregerhafen in the Finschhafen district of Morobe, famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles> we will visit the village of Gingala where a high spirited PNG welcome will be guaranteed>after our welcome the markets will be open and a chance to walk through the village with the locals>after lunch enjoy snorkelling, diving glass bottom boat and kayaks in the waters of the lagoon>finish the day with drinks on the sundeck and our famous BBQ.
Day 10 - DAY 10: TUAM
Enjoy a presentation from our guest lecturer as we steam towards the remote island of Tuam in the Siassi group> after lunch head shore and walk along the limestone track to the village>Tuam features two well- known and successful dance groups who will perform as we wander through the village> along the way peruse the market stalls set up in front of local huts>enjoy a guided walk with the locals>finish the day with water activities in the crystal clear water.
Day 11 - DAY 11: HISTORIC MADANG
Explore Madang, which sits on the peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands famed for it’s waterfront setting and colonial history > discover the surrounding area on our Madang tour, after lunch visit the markets where there is the opportunity to purchase a large selection of artefacts from the local region.
Day 12 - DAY 12: SEPIK RIVER- BIEN VILLAGE, VOLCANIC MANAM ISLAND
At first light the Coral Discoverer enters into the mighty Sepik River, our destination is the remote village of Bien where the locals are famous for their arts and crafts > a true Sepik welcome awaits us as we step ashore> take the opportunity to purchase unique hand carvings > enjoy the views as we depart from the great Sepik River > sail past the active volcano at Manam Island as we enjoy the Captains Farewell drinks
Day 13 - DAY 13: WEWAK
Early this morning we arrive into the port town of Wewak > farewell guests departing this morning and welcome new friends who will be joining us for the remainder of the expedition
Day 14 - DAY 14: JAYAPURA
Overnight we cross into West Papua waters ahead of our arrival in Jayapura > formerly known as ‘Hollandia’ during World War II and now a melting pot of sights and smells > visit Lake Sentani, home to villagers famed for their distinctive art > cruise on a longboat to see the stilt towns built over the tranquil lake > be welcomed at Asei Village by the local dancers and their accompanying traditional instruments
Day 15 - DAY 15: MIOSUWUNDI
Awake this morning to the peaceful Island of Miosuwundi > meet the local families in their traditional village to learn about their remote lifestyle > enjoy a refreshing swim in the tropical waters
Day 16 - DAY 16: AT SEA
Spend a day at sea enjoying Coral Discoverer’s on board facilities > join the Expedition Team in the Lounge for an informative introduction to Raja Ampat > learn about the many wonderful experiences we will undertake over the coming days exploring the archipelago of the ‘Four Kings’
Day 17 - DAY 17: WAYAG
Cross the equator today into the northern hemisphere as we make our way towards stunning Wayag > experience the breathtaking views as we enter Wayag lagoon > explore the magical maze of limestone karst ‘gumdrop’ islands on the Xplorer and our zodiacs > after lunch enjoy water activities on the nearby beach or for the very fit climb to the top of Mt Pindito for the panoramic view
Day 18 - DAY 18: KAWE ISLAND, ALJUI BAY & PENEMU
Enjoy an early morning visit the monument to the equator at Kawe Island, if tides allow we will step ashore > we make our way into beautiful Aljui Bay on Waigeo Island for a morning of snorkelling or diving on one of the finest reef sites in the archipelago > enjoy a cruise in this spectacular channel in the Zodiacs> Late afternoon we visit Penemu in the Fam Island group>climb the lagoon lookout 320 steps for great views> afterwards snorkel in the lagoon area.
Day 19 - DAY 19: HIDDEN BAY
Awake in remote Hidden Bay>cruise through the scenic Wallace passage aboard Xplorer and our zodiacs > after lunch there is ample time to kayak, enjoy glass bottom boat tours, snorkel and SCUBA dive
Day 20 - DAY 20: YENSAWAI VILLAGE AND YENWAPNOUR VILLAGE
Board Xplorer and cruise into the village of Yensawai on the Island of Batanta > be greeted by the local people who will guide you through their village > visit the primary school to see the children in full song before visiting the local market on the water front > board zodiacs for a cruise through the mangroves then a short walk to the waterfall > Coral Discoverer visits Gam Island and the fun village of Yenwapnour > be welcomed with cultural entertainment > sample food cooked traditionally in the underground oven and enjoy a guided walk through the village
Day 21 - DAY 21: YENWAPNOUR VILLAGE AND MESEMTA
For the fit and able there is an early 0530 start on a steep hike in search of the elusive Red Bird of Paradise hidden in the trees > enter through the stunning channel leading to our late afternoon anchorage > finish the day with our famous BBQ on the sundeck overlooking beautiful Mesemta
Day 22 - DAY 22: MESEMTA AND WAGMAB
Awaken at Mesemta to enjoy a visually spectacular cruise on Xplorer > snorkel and glass bottom boat tours in the sheltered lagoon > enter the Misool archipelago to visit Wagmab > snorkel or dive the magnificent coral gardens and steep walls > join the naturalist on board the glass bottom boat.
Day 23 - DAY 23: BANDA AND SPICE ISLANDS
Today we explore the centre of the Spice Islands, where the world’s supply of nutmeg and mace has been traded for over 2000 years > view Gunung Api volcano’s thin plume of smoke drifting from the summit > see Banda’s famous Kora Kora canoes in action > depart for Banda town where our guides will introduce us to the sights and smells of this historic area > wander past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism on a town tour > see the museum, the old church and enjoy the opportunity to experience the markets > refresh onboard before joining the locals for a traditional dance and music performance while enjoying a glass of champagne on top of Fort Belgica overlooking the town and harbour.
Day 24 - DAY 24: THE SPICE ISLANDS
An early morning option to snorkel or dive over the unique submerged lava flow > for those wishing a leisurely morning, return to Banda > enjoy the traditions of a bygone era with cinnamon tea and local delicacies at the waterfront hotel before we farewell the Spice Islands and set sail towards Darwin
Day 25 - DAY 25: CROSSING THE TIMOR SEA
Spend the day at leisure enjoying the on board facilities as we cross the Timor Sea > join our Expedition Team in the ship’s lounge for a recap of the expedition > reminisce with your new found friends at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks before the last of many remarkable dinners
Day 26 - DAY 26: ARRIVE DARWIN
This morning at 8:00am we arrive at Darwin’s Fort Hill wharf, marking the end of our great adventure discovering the New Guinea Circle
Day 27 - 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
25-11-201920-12-2019AUD $21,940Coral Deck Stateroom
25-11-201920-12-2019AUD $23,790Promenade Deck Stateroom
25-11-201920-12-2019AUD $25,790Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
25-11-201920-12-2019AUD $26,590Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
25-11-201920-12-2019AUD $30,690Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
25-11-201920-12-2019AUD $32,910Coral Deck Stateroom Sole
25-11-201920-12-2019AUD $35,685Promenade Deck Stateroom Sole
25-11-201920-12-2019AUD $38,685Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Sole

Inclusions

    • Learn how the Trobriand Islands became the ‘Islands of Love’
    • Explore Tufi’s spectacular fjords
    • Cruise the mighty Sepik River
    • Discover the pristine Raja Ampat region; a nature lover’s paradise
    • Take in the aromas, colours and characters of the Spice Islands

Map