Day 1: Rabaul and Captain's Welcome
Boarding commences at 2:00pm for a 3:00pm departure. Enjoy time to relax, settle in and explore Oceanic Discoverer as we cruise Simpson Harbour, set against a stunning backdrop of six towering volcanoes. Later, join the Captain and his crew at the Captain's Welcome Cocktails as the sun spectacularly sets over the Coral Sea.

Day 2: 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 of tropical fish and in excess of 400 different varieties of coral. Experience genuine island friendliness and hospitality as we are welcomed by a flotilla of outrigger canoes. This afternoon we cruise the New Britain coastline and enjoy informative presentations from our expert Guest Lecturers.

Day 3: Crown Island
Join our Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers as we board Xplorer and head ashore. Known as a turtle nesting ground and home of the giant lizard we explore the beaches of seldom visited Crown Island. Spend time relaxing or snorkelling in the beautiful clear waters.

Day 4: The Mighty Sepik River
Sure to be a highlight, this morning we 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. Enjoy the opportunity to purchase unique hand carvings. Anchor this evening in the river whilst overhead hundreds of flying foxes stream through the sky.

Day 5: Sepik River and Volcanic Manam Island
An early morning start offers a great opportunity for bird watching. Join the Guest Lecturers to identify Spotted Blue-eyed Cockatoos, Wagtails, Great Egret, Little Egret, Great Billed Heron, the enormous Blyth's Hornbill and others as we cruise back down river. On farewelling the Sepik we pass the active volcano on Manam Island and enjoy the sunset.

Day 6: Historic Madang
The historic town of Madang sits on a peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands. Famed for its diving, the waters surrounding Madang offer excellent visibility and many WWII wrecks to explore. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, diving and a harbour exploration.

Day 7: 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. We enjoy the welcome dances and village hospitality.

Day 8: Lababia - Wildlife Management Area
We awaken early and travel ashore to the picturesque village of Lababia, gateway to one of the most important conservation areas in PNG - the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area. In the company of our Guest Lecturers and local guides, walk the David Suzuki trail through the prehistoric rainforest. With luck we may see some of the prolific birdlife resident here including hornbills, parrots, palm cockatoos and the iconic Raggiana Bird of Paradise.

Day 9: Tufi Fjords
Today enjoy a true highlight as we discover the scenic beauty of the rarely visited Tufi Fjords. Similar to Nordic fjords and featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Soak up the spectacular views as we cruise close to the towering cliffs before boarding Xplorer to travel ashore to meet the friendly locals. Then, enjoy the opportunity to discover the region's numerous white sandy beaches, take a leisurely swim and snorkel over spectacular fringing reefs.

Day 10: 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. Meet the local primary school children who will welcome us with a traditional dance performance. Join our Expedition Leader on an expedition to the Dei Dei Hot Springs where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs.

Day 11: Arrive Alotau
Arrive this morning in Alotau and farewell new friends before disembarking at 9:00am.

Optional 2 Night Alotau to Cairns Extension

Aboard Oceanic Discoverer return to Cairns cruising the China Strait and Coral Sea before disembarking in Cairns at 1:00pm.

Day 11: Arrive Alotau
This morning we cruise Milne Bay before arriving at Alotau. After farewelling guests departing today we join our Guest Lecturers on a tour of Alotau before returning to Oceanic Discoverer.

Day 12: China Strait
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea to relax in the comfort of your floating home-away-from-home, Oceanic Discoverer. Along with our onboard Guest Lecturer we will recap many enriching experiences as we cruise towards Cairns.

Day 13: Arrive Cairns
After an incredible thirteen days discovering some of Papua New Guinea's most fascinating regions we arrive into Cairns, Tropical North Queensland at 12:00 noon.

Group airfares from selected Australian cities are available. Relax in the knowledge that you will be met by a Coral Princess Cruises staff member. Enquire for details.

Rates

Prices start from $8250 per person twin share. Click here for full rate and departure information.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other reason whatsoever.

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