Papua New Guinea
« All Oceanic Discoverer cruise options
- Day 1 Embark in Cairns
- Day 2 At Sea
- Day 3 Alotau
- Day 4 Trobriands & Kitava
- Day 5 Dobu & Fergusson Islands
- Day 6 Tufi Fjords
- Day 7 Lababia - Wildlife Management Area
- Day 8 Idyllic Islands of Tuam & Tami
- Day 9 Historic Madang
- Day 10 Sepik River & Volcanic Manam Island
- Day 11 Crown Island
- Day 12 Witu Islands & Kimbe Bay
- Day 13 Rabaul
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Main Deck B | Main Deck A | Promenade Deck B | Promenade Deck A | Bridge Deck | |
| Oct 22 '13 |
$9,485 | $9,795 | $10,205 | $10,515 | $11,030 |
| Please note: Fares are based off of current exchange rates from the Australian Dollar. Please contact us for current rates. | |||||
Solo Travelers:
A 50% single supplement is charged or select the “twin share” program. Book a cabin at the posted fare and the Oceanic Discoverer will attempt to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. If not possible, enjoy the sole use of the cabin at the twin share price.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian or New Zealand Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Deposit & Payment A 50% single supplement is charged or select the “twin share” program. Book a cabin at the posted fare and the Oceanic Discoverer will attempt to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. If not possible, enjoy the sole use of the cabin at the twin share price.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian or New Zealand Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Day 1 Embark in Cairns
After boarding Oceanic Discoverer at 10:00am for a departure at 11:00am, leave Cairns on the start of your 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, cruise northeast towards the China Strait. Enjoy the facilities and get to know your traveling companions. This evening, join your Guest Lecturer for a presentation on Papua New Guinea.
Day 3 Alotau
Enjoy waking up to the scenery of the China Strait as you approach your first Papua New Guinea landfall - Alotau. Your experienced Guest Lecturers will interpret the traditional welcome dances prior to leading you on a tour of historical Alotau.
Day 4 Trobriands & Kitava
Historically known as the 'Islands of Love' the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. Witness traditional Trobriand dances.
Day 5 Dobu & Fergusson Islands
You will be greeted by a flotilla of canoes while approaching the Dobu anchorage. Your Guest Lecturer will share with you the history of the Kula Ring where Dobu Island was a pivotal link between the Kula trade routes. The local primary school children welcome you with a traditional dance. After lunch, join your 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.
Day 6 Tufi Fjords
Today 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 you cruise close to the towering cliffs before boarding Xplorer to travel ashore to meet the friendly locals. Then, enjoy a leisurely swim and snorkel over spectacular fringing reefs.
Day 7 Lababia - Wildlife Management Area
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 your Guest Lecturers and local guides, walk the David Suzuki trail through the prehistoric rainforest. With luck, you may see some of the prolific birdlife here including hornbills, parrots, palm cockatoos and the iconic Raggiana Bird of Paradise.
Day 8 Idyllic Islands of Tuam & Tami
In the morning visit Tami Islands, which are known for their distinctive carvings and ceremonial masks. The afternoon brings you to Tuam offering 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.
Day 9 Historic Madang
Madang sits on a peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands and 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, snorkelling, swimming and a harbor exploration.
Day 10 Sepik River & Volcanic Manam Island
Sure to be a highlight, this morning enter the mouth of the mighty Sepik River - one of the world's great river systems. Only with Oceanic Discoverer will you cruise well into the Sepik region, renowned for its unique artifacts. Visit the remote village of Bien where the locals are amongst the greatest primitive artists on earth. Enjoy the opportunity to purchase unique hand carvings. On farewelling the Sepik, pass the active volcano on Manam Island and enjoy the sunset.
Day 11 Crown Island
Join your 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 snorkelling in the beautiful clear waters.
Day 12 Witu Islands & Kimbe Bay
With the support of local guides, your Expedition Leader will lead you 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. Here you will experience genuine island friendliness and hospitality.
Day 13 Rabaul
Enter magnificent Simpson Harbor early in the morning, passing the striking islands known as the Beehives. Your arrival in Rabaul at 8:00am marks the end of your voyage of exploration and adventure. If time permits, you may wish to explore the 'ghost town' of Rabaul that lies under volcanic ash deposited when Mt Tuvurvur erupted in 1994.
Itinerary Notes
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations visited and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary the Oceanic Discoverer reserves the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other reason whatsoever.Cruise fare includes:
Accommodation charges on board, services of expedtion staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activites; group transfers during the cruise; all meals; 24 hour tea/coffee station; landing fees.
Cruise fare excludes:
Pre and Post flights and transfers; personal items such as telephone, facsimile charges, laundry, bar charges, travel insurance.
Important Fare Information:
Cruise fare is posted based off of current exchange rates with the Australian Dollar. Please contact us for current rates.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 15%-25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 70 days days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $15,000 charge.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 70 days or more | Deposit |
| 69-30 days | 55% cruise fare |
| 29-0 days | 100% cruise fare |
Oceanic Discoverer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 72
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The Oceanic Discoverer is an expedition style cruise ship large enough to provide all the comforts of a larger cruise ship, yet small enough to enable access reef and island sites inaccessible to other vessels. Accommodating a maximum of just 72 guests, your environmental experience will be both personal and memorable.
This multi-million dollar ship has recently been built at NQEA Australia in Cairns. The ship accommodates guests in 36 cabins and has a cruising speed of 14 knots. The shallow draft of the 63m ship allows it to access the isolated places.
Onboard Facilities
What you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:
- Large sundeck
- Spa Pool
- Wireless internet available for laptops, PDAs and onboard computer
- Comprehensive reference library
- Phone and fax facilities
- Lecture lounge with large plasma screen
- Limited laundry facilities
- Two fully stocked cocktail bars
- A range of souvenirs and personal items are available for purchase
- Air-conditioned public areas
Oceanic Discoverer is also equipped with the latest technology active stabilizers and is fitted with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment and is the only Australian passenger ship registered with full SOLAS compliance allowing opportunities to explore a multitude of international voyages.
Dining
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast and lunch are served in the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style while dinner is table d’hote. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.
Onboard Accommodations
Onboard accommodation comprises of 36 spacious modern staterooms. You can select from Bridge, Promenade or Main Deck staterooms offering a choice of twin or junior king bedding. All staterooms have an ocean view, en-suite facilities, a settee (except Promenade B Staterooms), large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual air-conditioning control, and are serviced daily.
Excursion Boats And Zodiacs
The "Xplorer" is a specially designed aluminum excursion vessel used for the majority of excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Xplorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Xplorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet.
Two inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs) are also carried. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatables are extremely safe. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if the boats damaged. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. Expect nonetheless to wade through shallow water to reach the shore.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Main Deck B Main Deck, 17.5-18.5 sqm, with either junior king or twin bedding. |
| Main Deck A Main Deck, 18 sqm, with either junior king or twin bedding. | |
| Promenade Deck B Promenade Deck, 14-16 sqm, junior king bedding. | |
| Promenade Deck A Promenade Deck, 16-17.5 sqm, junior king bedding. | |
| Bridge Deck Bridge Deck, 17-18 sqm, junior king or twin bedding. | |
