fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Islands & Cultures of Papua New Guinea with Ponant

Islands & Cultures of Papua New Guinea with Ponant

From AUD $10,430

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

Embark on an exceptional expedition throughout Papua New Guinea and experience the region’s colourful and vivid cultures and natural wonders.

Sailing on board Le Lapérouse, you will depart from Cairns and cross the Coral Sea before reaching the shores of the Alotau in the Milne Bay Province, filled with WWII history as well as fascinating stories of pearlers, missionaries and miners; in the Oro Province, sail through the spectacular Tufi fiords and experience a warm welcome by villagers with breathtaking traditional dances and artecrafts, before swimming and snorkelling in the nearby crystal clear lagoons.

More crystal clear waters and spectacular coral reefs await you in the Tami Islands in the Marobe Province, as well as the local villagers keen to share their village life and perform traditional dances. Continuing on the Madang Province, you’ll learn about the 170 different languages and the numerous regional cultural groups who will perfom at the Madang Festival.

Next on your itinerary, land on Karkar Island alongside your Expedition Team and explore this active stratovolcano, making the islands the most fertile place in the country and home to the most productive copra plantations in the world. You will learn about the local women’s renowned traditional bilum eaving skills, an island tradition that is passed on through generations and allows young women to pass into adulthood. The lush forests and pristine foreshore of Morobe Harbour will be next with more cultural encounters with local populations, before arriving to the Lusancay Islands for breathtaking coral reefs and idyllic beaches ideal for relaxation.

Last stop on your tropical expedition, the Samarai Islands, listed as a National Historical Heritage Island and a former thriving boat building industry.

Your expedition will end back in Cairns where Le Lapérouse will be positioned alongside Trinity Wharf.

Trip Name
Islands & Cultures of Papua New Guinea with Ponant
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. 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. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. 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. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse 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 day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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 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 5 - Day 5 TAMI ISLANDS
The Tami Islands (Kalal, Wanam & Idjan) are a small group of uplifted coral atolls, with two main villages on the two larger islands and many smaller reefs and cays. In the centre is a beautiful, crystal clear blue lagoon with abundant marine life and stunning coral formations. The islands, located in Morobe Province not far from the town of Finschaffen are seldom-visited. Tami Islanders are renowned artisans and are most famous for their intricately decorated bowls.
Day 6 - Day 6 MADANG
Madang Township was once known as the "prettiest town in the South Pacific". Its peninsula setting is a show-place of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province. Today, you will also be treated to a number of cultural performances showcasing the local customs, costume and dance of the coastal, midland and highland communities.
Day 7 - Day 7 KARKAR ISLAND
Karkar Island is located about 30 kilometres off the north coast of mainland Papua New Guinea in the Madang Province,with an estimated population of over 70,000. The 25 km long and 19 km wide island is an active strato volcano with two summit calderas. The women of Karkar Island are known throughout the region for their traditional bilum weaving skills. The art of bilum-making is part of the cultural initiation that allows young women to pass into adulthood. The bilum represents the islanders’ values and traditions as an art form and is much more than an economic commodity for trading. You will be welcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performances followed by the opportunity to witness traditional village life.
Day 8 - Day 8 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 9 - Day 9 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 10 - Day 10 SAMARAI ISLAND
The Samarai islands are located in the China Strait off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea. In its colonial heyday it was said to be one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific. The island was declared a National Historical Heritage Island by the government of Papua New Guinea in 2006. Just 3km west of Samarai, Kwato Island was once an educational centre and home to a thriving boat building industry. Following the old tree-lined road to the top of the island reveals a stonewalled church that was built in 1937 and remains a testimony to the missionaries of a bygone era. Join your expedition team for a guided walk on Samarai and Kwato Islands. You also will enjoy swimming and snorkelling on nearby Deka Deka island.
Day 11 - Day 11 AT SEA
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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 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 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $10,430Deluxe Stateroom
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $11,680Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $12,320Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $13,070Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $18,590Deluxe Suite
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $25,500Prestige Suite Deck 5
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $26,900Prestige Suite Deck 6
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $28,270Privilege Suite
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $31,170Grand Deluxe Suite
16-10-202127-10-2021AUD $32,800Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Journey on an outtriger canoe into the ancient Fiords of Cape Nelson.
    • Visit the remote Tami islands and experience traditional Morobe culture.
    • Witness the visit cultural perfomances that the Madanf region is renowned for.
    • Watch the famous performances of the Asaro Mudmen.
    • Uncover Papua New Guinea's Role during World War II.
    • Swim and snorkel in the clear warm tropical waters of the Solomon Sea.
    • Walk on the picture-perfect postcard Lusancay Islands.
    • Discover the colonial history of Papua New Guinea on Samarai Island.
    • Spend time with the women of Karkar island who are famous for their traditional Bilum making skills.
    • Gain an insight into the history, culture, and incredible diversity of life from your expert expedition team.

Map

Related products

Related Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Australia
More of activity:
South Pacific Cruises