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Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea – 14 Day Cruise from Cairns to Honiara

Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea – 14 Day Cruise from Cairns to Honiara

From AUD $13,440

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Description

This exciting tropical expedition on board Le Jacques-Cartier  takes you through some of the most fascinating natural beauty and cultures of Melanesia.
Set sail from Cairns and head northward to reach Samarai Island. This small, verdant dot of land lying off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea, in the heart of the strait linking the Solomon and Coral seas, invites you for an unexpected interlude featuring idyllic landscapes and exceptional heritage.
Sail up to Alotau in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, and learn about the historical significance of the area with the WWII memorial as well as Japanese and American battlegrounds, and stories of pearlers, miners and missionaries.
The two volcanically active islands of Ferguson and Dobu are next on your itinerary. Join your expedition team on a walk to the DeiDei geothermal hot springs through spectacular forests and learn about the Methodist Church of Australia that established a mission station on Dobu Island.
Your call at Tufi will be one of the highlights of your voyage. Dubbed the Scandinavia of the Tropics, you will undoubtedly fall under the charm of this picturesque region, with its deep ‘fjords’ known locally as ‘rias’, which were formed through volcanic activity. In this unique setting, local  Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.
In the heart of the Solomon Sea, you will discover the splendid turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the uninhabited islands of the Lusancay archipelago. These spectacular, picture-postcard islands provide the opportunity to swim and snorkel over coral reefs teeming with life. Learn about the traditional ‘Kula’ trading system on the island of Kiriwina, as well as local village life through their spectacular cultural performances.
In the Solomon Islands, Ghizo and Njari islands are where you will meet some of the most skilled carvers in the world, enjoy world-class snorkelling and diving, and visit the local traditional markets.
In Roderick Bay, experience the extraordinary environment featuring white-sand beaches and fringing coral reefs before reaching the Malaita Province. As well as learning about its unique local traditions and social aspects of life such as ‘bride price’, you will experience their traditional music and sacred dances accompanied by traditional panpipers.
Your expedition will finish in the capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara, where Le Jacques-Cartier will be positioned alongside the wharf of Point Cruise.

Trip Name
Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea - 14 Day Cruise from Cairns to Honiara
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2018/2019 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS  Le Jacques Cartier has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 CAIRNS
Washed by the Coral Sea, the harbour town of Cairns is located on Australia's north-east coast. The seafront esplanade is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk, swim and picnic under the shade of swaying palm trees. The hills surrounding Cairns form the gateway to the Queensland Rainforests, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for their fauna and flora from the Gondwana era.
Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 ALOTAU
Alotau became the provincial capital of Milne Bay in 1969 and today has a population of approximately 16,000. It serves as our port of entry into Papua New Guinea. Missionaries, miners, pearlers, Japanese and American warships have all contributed to the History of Milne Bay. Perhaps the most significant history surrounds the Battle of Milne Bay. It was here that the invading Japanese army suffered their first land defeat in the Pacific War in 1942. A memorial park at the battle site commemorates the event. The local people are warm and welcoming resulting in one of the most relaxed, secure and easy-going towns in Papua New Guinea. Join your expedition team for a tour taking in the town markets and WWII memorials.
Day 4 - Day 4 FERGUSSON ISLAND & DOBU ISLAND
Fergusson is the largest island in the D’Entrecasteaux archipelago. Situated to the east of Papua New Guinea, the latter was discovered in the late 18th century by the French navigator Antoine Bruny d’Entrecasteaux. Fergusson’s terrain is very mountainous, with the highest peak reaching some 2,000 metres in altitude. At the heart of this island, a tropical rainforest is home to a rich and varied flora as well as beautiful bird species, including parrots and birds of paradise. In the south, the smoke and geysers of the Dei Dei hot springs are a magical sight.Dobu Island is one of the 5 islands in the D’Entrecasteaux archipelago to the east of Papua New Guinea. It is home to several bird species, including the white cockatoo and the curl-crested manucode. The local tribes are very attached to their ancestral traditions and theirs is a matrilineal social system, dominated by maternal lineage. The Dobu Islanders are also known for practising magic rituals and witchcraft. Their language is spoken on most of the islands in the D’Entrecasteaux archipelago. 
Day 5 - Day 5 TUFI
Often described as the “Scandinavia of the tropics”. The spectacular Tufi “fiords” plunge over 90 metres deep and rise over 150 metres vertically above the water making for a spectacular backdrop. The traditional way of life plays an important role amongst the villagers with many living in isolated areas along the coast of Cape Nelson and on the slopes of Mount Trafalgar. The area is known for its production of tapa cloth, made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree and skilfully decorated. Guests will travel into the ancient mangrove forests of the Fiords to witness one of the most colourful traditional performances in all of Papua New Guinea.  There is also the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear waters of Kamoa Beach.
Day 6 - Day 6 MOROBE HARBOUR
Located at the Southern end of the picturesque Huon gulf lies Morobe Harbour, named for the French explorer Jean-Michel Huon de Kermadec. Here, in one of the remotest parts of the Papua New Guinea mainland, culture and tradition remain strong. Several villages are spread along the foreshore amid lush forests where locals can be seen fishing or tending to their communal crops. Guests are welcomed ashore by the proud and friendly local people who relish the opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage. You will be welcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performances followed by the opportunity to witness traditional Morobe village life.
Day 7 - Day 7 LUSANCAY ISLANDS
A Solomon Sea archipelago situated in the Milne Bay province in Papua New Guinea, the Lusancay Islands were named after the French navigator Pierre Carré de Lusançay, who participated in the D’Entrecasteaux expedition at the end of the 18th century. Protected from human impact, the Lusancay Islands are considered to be a real paradise of coral reefs and white-sand beaches, offering visitors magnificent panoramas. You will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the warm, tropical waters. 
Day 8 - Day 8 KIRIWINA ISLAND
Kiriwina is the largest of the Trobriand Islands and is home to the district capital Losuia. It is a picture postcard island surrounded by turquoise warm tropical waters home to coral reefs teeming with life. Like the rest of the Trobriand Islands, culture and tradition remain strong. Central to Trobriand culture is Kula, a traditional exchange system that spans more than 18 island communities. All Kula valuables are non-use items traded purely for purposes of enhancing one's social status and prestige. The exchanges establish strong, lifelong relationships between the exchange parties. You will bewelcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performances followed by the opportunity to witness traditional village life.
Day 9 - Day 9 AT SEA
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 10 - Day 10 GHIZO ISLAND & NJARI ISLAND
Gizo is situated on Ghizo Island and is the second largest town in the Solomon Islands, after the capital, Honiara. The people of the Western Province are regarded as amongst the most skilled carvers in the world. They produce carvings from various woods including ebony and rosewood. These amazingly intricate carvings can take months to make and accordingly command a high price. You will have the opportunity to visit the traditional markets of Gizo. There are plenty of opportunities for world class snorkelling, diving and underwater photography throughout the Western province and the Islands around Ghizo are considered among the most popular. There are plenty of opportunities for world class snorkelling, diving and underwater photography throughout the Solomon Islands with sites in the Western and Central Provinces considered among the most popular. The underwater realm is home to more than 1000 species of reef fish, along with dolphins, rays, sharks, and six of the world's seven species of marine turtles. Almost 500 species of corals have been identified amongst the 5,750km2 of reefs found in the Solomon Islands. Njari Island is an uninhabited picture postcard island located 15nm from the town of Gizo. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling from its idyllic shores.
Day 11 - Day 11 AT SEA
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 12 - Day 12 RODERICK BAY, FLORIDA ISLANDS
Part of the Florida Islands, Roderick bay is surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches and fringing coral reefs. These clear warm tropical waters give rise to a myriad of colourful corals only metres from the shore. To add to this stunning environment, nosed up onto a nearby beach, listing heavily to its starboard side is the wreck of the World Discoverer; an expedition cruise ship beached here in 2001 after striking a charted rock at the Northern entrance to Sandfly Passage. Venture ashore for a welcome ceremony, take a walk through the village or snorkel around the wreck to witness the marine environment attempting to reclaim this invader.
Day 13 - Day 13 MALAITA ISLAND
Malaita is the largest and most populous island of the Solomon Islands, with an estimated population of 140,000, more than a third of the entire national population. Bride price is a tradition unique to Malaitans within the Solomon Islands. The groom's parents present customary shell-money and food to the bride's parents. Previously the money was also manufactured on Makira and Guadalcanal. It is still produced on Malaita, but much is inherited, from father to son, and the old traditional strings are now rare. Malaitans are also famous for their music and sacred dances often associated with rituals. Guests will be welcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performances followed by the opportunity to witness traditional village life.
Day 14 - Day 14 HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND
Honiara is the capital city of The Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari Language “naho-ni-ara” meaning 'facing the ara', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Discover this city, its beautiful landscape, and the significant role it played in World War II. Particularly The Battle of Henderson Field, the last of the three major land offensives conducted by the Japanese in 1942. 
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $13,440DELUXE STATEROOM
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $14,660PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $30,860Privilege Suite Deck 6
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $30,860PRIVILEGE SUITE
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $33,680Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $33,680GRAND DELUXE SUITE
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $45,170OWNER'S SUITE
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $15,270PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $16,020PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $21,400Deluxe Suite Deck 5
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $21,400Deluxe Suite Deck 6
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $21,400DELUXE SUITE
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $21,400Deluxe Suite Deck 4
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $28,160PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
16-02-202501-03-2025AUD $29,500PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6

Inclusions

    • Zodiac outings and shore visits with your team of naturalists.
    • Swim and snorkel in the warm, clear tropical waters of the Solomon Sea.
    • Enjoy a guided walk through the diverse landscapes of Ferguson Island and view the DeiDei Hot Springs.
    • Snorkel on the wreck of the World Discoverer in Roderick Bay.
    • Learn about Papua New Guinea’s role during World War II.
    • Gain an insight into the history, culture and incredible diversity of life from your expert expedition team.
    • Opportunity of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.

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