Join the Coral Adventurer for the second section of the inaugural "Customs and Craftsmen" art-themed expedition of Papua New Guinea, West Papua, and the Maluku Islands. This section of the exciting itinerary will spend an immersive 10 nights exploring remote villages and historic towns from Vanimo to Cairns, focusing on art and culture and interacting with the local communities along the way, with the option to complete the entire journey or join the expedition for simply the first or second section.
The expedition will be joined by collector and expert on New Guinea tribal art, Richard Aldridge, who will be offering his expertise as a guest lecturer throughout the voyage.
Highlights
Interact with local craftsmen and artists at remote villages and markets
Enjoy a private onboard art exhibition in Madang and mingle with artists
Snorkel and dive pristine coral reefs, rich with tropical marine life
Enjoy high-spirited cultural performances from villages
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
At first light, enter the mighty Sepik River and visit the village of Bien where they are famous for their arts and crafts. A true Sepik welcome awaits as you step ashore. Embrace this opportunity to purchase unique carvings and art directly from the artists.
As the ship departs from the Sepik River, enjoy the views while sailing past the active volcano at Manam Island.
Explore Madang, famed for its waterfront setting and colonial history. On a town, the tour visits the Madang Museum, Coast Watchers Monument, and the local village of Bil Bil, famed for its pottery.
This morning, welcome the local artists on board for a private art exhibition of their work – guests can have the chance to mingle with the artists and talk about their techniques. Later guests are able to view Sepik art on display at Sugen Aben Park, and view demonstrations of bilum bag making and as well as other handicraft.
Today, visit Dregerhafen in Morobe, famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles. Explore the village of Gingala where a high-spirited welcome is guaranteed. The markets are open, and you can get the chance to walk through the village with the locals. After lunch, enjoy snorkeling, diving, and kayaks in the blue waters of the lagoon. Finish the day with drinks on the sundeck and a sundeck BBQ.
The battle of Buna-Gona witnessed some of the fiercest fighting during the final stages of WWII. During the war, Buna was the trailhead of the Kokoda Track. Formally known as the "Buna Kokoda-Moresby Track," the expedition team and local guides accompany you through this dense jungle landscape to discover Buna’s dramatic history.
Later on, there is a stopover at Sanananda village to visit the war museum and enjoy Sanananda's beautiful tropical gardens.
Picturesque Tufi Fjord is composed of deep inlets, known locally as "rias," formed through ancient volcanic activity. As the ship enters MacLaren Harbor, join the local guides on outrigger canoes as they paddle from the harbor to their remote village in the rainforest. Enjoy the village’s hospitality, with unique cultural performances and art markets.
Later on, explore through the fiords, soaking up the spectacular views before enjoying snorkeling or a little relaxation at a nearby resort.
The Trobriand Islands in the Milne Bay province are historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’. The indigenous population of the islands lives a peaceful and very traditional lifestyle, ensuring their culture remains unchanged. Visit Kitava Island and visit the excellent markets there, which reveal great artifacts.
Join the Expedition Team on a walk to the Dei Dei Hot Springs on Ferguson Island, where guides share the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs.
At Dobu Island learn of the history of the Kula Ring. View the decorative art adorning the local houses and canoes, and meet the local children as they perform a traditional dance. Later, take a chance to snorkel at the Bubbling Springs Reef.
Today bid your farewell to Papua New Guinea from the small island of Samarai, at the southern tip of Milne Bay.
Though hard to fathom, in its colonial prime, the tiny island of Samarai was once the region’s most important port. Choose to join a guided tour of the colonial settlement, or head to Deika Deika Island in the Xplorer for a leisurely swim.
As the ship makes its way across the Coral Sea back to Cairns the Expedition Team and guest lecturer hold presentations re-capping the adventure. Reminisce with newfound friends at the Captain’s farewell drinks.
Day 11: Cairns | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning at 7:00 am Coral Adventurer arrives at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. Disembark at 8-8:30 am, saying farewell to the end of your adventure discovering the culture and arts of New Guinea.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,495
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Coral Deck Stateroom
Identical to the Promenade Deck Staterooms except for their location one deck below. These staterooms have twin portholes rather than picture windows.
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Promenade Deck Stateroom
Located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
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Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
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Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
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Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar, and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles.
Notes
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
