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Discover One Of The World’s Last Frontiers

Discover One Of The World’s Last Frontiers

From AUD $10,650

Description

Immerse yourself in the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea, with its mysterious stories that take you away from the complexities of modern times. Whilst travelling in comfort on board Coral Discoverer, visit remote villages rich in culture and meet with the people who have maintained their traditional way of life for generations.

Papua New Guinea is home to the largest area of intact rainforest outside of the Amazon and guests will discover magnificent scenery ranging from colourful coral atolls to volcanic mountains, pristine wilderness areas and mighty rivers. The country’s secret forests nurture over 3,000 varieties of unusual orchids, 700 species of birds including the brilliantly coloured birds of paradise.

This is the land of the unexpected, a place of stark contrasts where fearsome frowns quickly become welcoming smiles.

Trip Name
Discover One Of The World’s Last Frontiers
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 63 metres Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms) Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016 Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising in the Southern Hemisphere. The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer is the grand vision of Coral Expeditions, pioneers in expedition and adventure cruises around Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia. Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, can seat all 72 passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers. Coral Discoverer is equipped with latest technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters and is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and wireless internet facilities. Coral Discoverer was built to the exacting international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and specifications in Cairns, Australia, with one aim in mind; to create the ultimate small ship cruising experience. Australian flagged, and staffed entirely by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be unique. After the refurbishment, the Sun Deck has evolved to become a new social space and the hub of on board community living. This area has been converted into an undercover deck area complete with round ‘Explorer Bar’ with bar stools and sun deck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment. Guest accommodation has also received a substantial upgrade with the addition of six Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms providing coveted inside/outside living quarters. Each of our other Stateroom grades has also received a full upgrade with updated bathroom fixtures, soft furnishings and artwork making for an even more comfortable stay on board Coral Discoverer. The Coral Discoverer offers five different grades of staterooms, ranging from Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms to Main Deck Staterooms. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are on the top deck and have private balconies opening out from french windows. All rooms are furnished with contemporary flair and feature original artwork, a small private en-suite, individually-controlled air-conditioning, an iPod dock, ample storage and Australian toiletries. All staterooms are serviced daily. Each stateroom is spacious, sized between 15sqm (161 square feet) to 20 sqm (215 square feet) and has either a balcony, feature picture windows or porthole windows. Most staterooms can be configured to either junior king or twin bedding. FACILITIES ON BOARD > Sun Deck with undercover area, sun lounges and ample seating > Three fully stocked cocktail bars, including brand new round Explorer Bar on Sun Deck > Spacious, modern dining room, recently refurbished > Forward lounge > Reference library > Gift shop > Open bridge > Workout Area > Wireless internet available for laptops, mobile devices or via onboard guest computer > Limited laundry facilities available > SCUBA diving department (selected itineraries)

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: CAIRNS > MADANG
Catch our early morning charter flight to Madang to set sail at 1100hrs. Spendthe afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed on board Coral Discoverer.Join our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the manyexperiences you will enjoy.
Day 2 - DAY 2: SEPIK RIVER & SEPIK VILLAGE
The ship will arrive at the Sepik at first light, and an early morning rise willreward you with stunning views. Our first stop will be at the village of Bien, andlocals will greet you with canoes and dancing performances. The famous Sepikmarket, famous for its masks and carvings, will be open.
Day 3 - DAY 3: MANAM VOLCANO & TOLOKIWA
The Manam volcano, known locally as Manam Motu, is one of Papua NewGuinea’s most active volcanos. As the ship sits close to the leeward side of theisland, enjoy a drink while the sun sets. You may see smoke rising from thevolcano. A visit to Tolokiwa offers the chance to snorkel, dive, or spot some ofTolokiwa’s incredible bird life.
Day 4 - DAY 4: DREGERHAFEN & TUAM ISLAND
At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, you will enjoy a high-spirited PNGwelcome, and explore the market which is famous for Tami bowls and timberpaddles. There are many WWII artefacts in this area. Enjoy more traditionaldancing at Tuam Island, as well as snorkeling off the beach.
Day 5 - DAY 5: LABABIA & FLY ISLANDS
In the morning, during a relaxing visit to the village, youcan enjoy singing and dancing performances or join alocal guide around the village. Board an outrigger toexplore up the local river. Experience snorkeling or divingat the Biangatu Island reef in the Fly Islands.
Day 6 - DAY 6: MOROBE HARBOUR
Enter Morobe Harbour early in the morning and cruisein the Xplorer to view the stunning forest from theMou River. Receive a Oro Province welcome and enjoyexploring the village with local guides. At high tide youmay be able to travel into a stunning bay to anothervillage.
Day 7 - DAY 7: BUNA & SANANANDA
We land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughestfighting in the Pacific campaign. We will visit the areaswhere Allied forces clashed with Japanese forces. InSanananda, see the local monuments and war museum.This museum is located at the far end of the KokodaTrack.
Day 8 - DAY 8: MACLAREN HARBOUR & TUFI FJORD
Arrive in MacLaren Harbour and enter the Tufi Fjord where local outriggers willbe waiting to paddle you up the creek under the rainforest canopy. Watch andlearn the local way of life, while the village elders perform a traditional sing singwearing their feather head-dresses. Enjoy snorkelling or diving on the reef, orkayak the steep edges of nearby fjords.
Day 9 - DAY 9: TROBIANDS - KUIAWA & KITAVA ISLANDS
Historically known as the ‘islands of love’, the Trobriands offer a glimpse oftraditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. Be greeted at thesmall island of Kuiawa with a Trobriand welcome. The island of Kitava is famousfor its yam houses. Visit local markets or enjoy water activities.
Day 10 - DAY 10: DEI DEI SPRINGS & DOBU ISLAND
Hear the mythical and spiritual tales of the Dei Dei hot water and mud springs.Learn the history of the Kula Ring and the role of Dobu Island in the north andsouth Kula trade routes. Snorkel the bubbling springs reef.
Day 11 - DAY 11: ALOTAU
Wake up to the scenery of the China Strait as we approach Alotau. Ourexperienced guest lecturers will interpret the traditional welcome dances priorto leading us on a tour of historic Alotau and a cruise of Milne Bay.
Day 12 - DAY 12: AT SEA
cruise across the Coral Sea, enjoy presentations by our guest lecturersincluding an expedition recap. This evening join your fellow travellers for theCaptain’s farewell drinks
Day 13 - DAY 13: CAIRNS
Disembark in Cairns at 8am
Day 14 - Please Note:
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-11-201817-11-2018AUD $0Main Deck B
05-11-201817-11-2018AUD $0Main Deck A
05-11-201817-11-2018AUD $0Promenade A
05-11-201817-11-2018AUD $0Bridge Deck Balcony
05-11-201817-11-2018AUD $0Promenade B Single Use

Inclusions

    • Discover the famous Sepik market, famous for its masks and carvings
    • See The Manam volcano, known locally as Manam Motu, is one of Papua New Guinea’s most active volcanos
    • Enjoy singing and dancing performances
    • Land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting in the Pacific campaign
    • Visit the Trobriands, historically known as the ‘islands of love’
    • Hear the mythical and spiritual tales of the Dei Dei hot water and mud springs

Map