Coral Sea, Louisiade & Trobriand Islands

Cairns to Cairns

Island Hopping | 11 Nights | Nature & Wildlife, Folklore

Top▲Highlights

The Coral Sea is rich in history, beauty and culture. So close, and yet so far from the modern Eastern shores of Australia, these remote and exotic outlying islands of Papua New Guinea are tropical paradises forgotten by time and overlooked by tourism. Those travellers who are fortunate enough to make a journey through these isolated islands become immersed in an array of experiences found nowhere else on the globe. Primitive tribal cultures illustrated through vibrant costume and dance, active volcanoes, unique flora and fauna which is so extraordinary it has to be seen to be believed, superb indigenous artwork and artifacts, unsophisticated villages ringing with the laughter of curious children, world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, wartime history and relics – all combine to create an unforgettable experience.

Top▲Itinerary

NOTE: All itineraries on the website are constantly being updated. This itinerary may not be the most current, so please check with one of the Specialty Cruise Advisors on the left to ensure that this is the most current one.

Top▲Dates & Prices

Seasonality

October to October

Fares are cruise only twin share per person in Australian Dollars.

This example may be available on other dates or with different itineraries. We will gladly research other options for you! Special savings may be available for groups of 6 or more. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, for standard and/or inside stateroom unless stated otherwise, are capacity controlled and are subject to availability. Fare is shown in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Government Fees and Taxes are additional. Refer to appropriate supplier brochure for terms and conditions. Pricing for Singles, 3rd, 4th or 5th guests if available, will be provided upon request and is subject to stateroom category availability. Unless specified, airfare is not included. Full details of airfare offers will be provided upon request and may vary by departure location. Prices vary by date of travel, were available when written, but are subject to restrictions and availability when booked, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer not combinable with other promotions or discount offers. FST #ST37451 / CST #2092247-50 / WST #602-708-936

Top▲What's Included

• Accommodations as booked
• Cruise transportation
• All meals onboard
• 24-hour room service,
• Entertainment and educational programmes
• Use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities
• Port & handling charges
• Zodiac excursions and tender transfers
• Access to the ship's library of DVD's
• Govt. Fees & Taxes.

Shore Excursions and Activities (Included)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Day 3 - Alotau township and the colourful markets (Milne Bay)

  Included Expeditions
  A local cultural group will welcome us upon our arrival.
  Access to Alotau township and the colourful markets are a short walk away, past a significant war memorial and the busy harbour or if you do not want to walk, Alotau is one of the few places in Papua New Guinea to have taxi services.

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  Day 4 - Walk to the top of the island (Kitava Island )

  We’ll land ashore today in the lagoon formed by the tiny coral cay of Nuratu Island just off the main beach of Kitava Island. Representatives of the local family groups present us with garlands of orchids as we are invited to take a shady seat for a performance by dancers adorned in shell jewellery and lap laps. Our expedition team will lead a walk to the top of the island and the main village. Your track will take you past local gardens growing crops of taro, yam, banana and breadfruit, the staples of the islanders.

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  Day 5 - Explore the hot springs of Dei-Dei on Fergusson Island (Fergusson Island)

  Included Expeditions
  All islands are rich in flora, fauna and natural history. The D'Entrecasteaux group has many small uninhabited islands with beautiful beaches.

  You will be transferred by Zodiac to take a guided walk to explore the hot springs of Dei-Dei on Fergusson Island. This prehistoric landscape will amaze you with several geysers, numerous hot pools, steam vents and salt deposits. You may even experience some of the locals cooking their food in the pools.

  Our landing today will be opportunistic depending on weather and tides.

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  Day 8 - Swimming, snorkelling and a gentle walk along the beach (Louisiade Archipelago )

  The Zodiacs will land you on a stretch of impossibly white sand that divides hundreds of coconut palms and the crystal clear turquoise sea. You can’t help feeling that you’ve come across a little piece of paradise! Swimming and snorkelling are the order of the day. During the Battle of the Coral Sea four Japanese Zeros ditched into the lagoon and one of them lies in 5 metres of water, just a short snorkel from the beach. It is still in surprisingly good condition and has become home to a variety of fish and corals. For the botanists our expedition team will lead a gentle walk along the beach to identify edible native plants mixed with introduced species such as frangipanni, mango and papaya.

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  Day 9 - Walk to the skull cave (Doini Island)

  For the more adventurous Orion guests, join our Expedition Team on a walk to the skull cave. You will spend the rest of your day swimming, snorkelling, walking, sea kayaking or just relaxing on this beautiful island.

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  Day 10 - Explore these historical and colonially significant areas (Samarai Island)

  Included Expeditions
  You will be transferred ashore by ship's Zodiacs where you will be met and escorted by local guides to explore these historical and colonially significant areas.

Top▲What's NOT Included

• Fares DO NOT include items of a personal nature including, but not limited to, travel & medical insurance, laundry/pressing charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hairdressing and massage treatments, optional shoreside expeditions, medical treatments, telephone and internet charges.

Top▲Optional Add-ons

Shore Excursions and Activities (Optional)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: ALOTAU WWII RELICS & HISTORY TOUR

  $70 (Australian Dollar)

  Duration: Half day

  Sometimes battles are fought for the prize of a harbour, a city or a town. The Battle for Milne Bay was fought for an Airstrip today called Gurney Airport but back in August 1942 it was simply known as Number 1 Strip. A small garrison of mainly Australian Infantry and RAAF crews fought of a numerically superior Japanese force to win a battle which was a turning point in the war. This tour will follow the battle from landing zone to the airstrip where the Australians turned the Japanese force back. Knowledgeable local guides will give you a unique insight to every twist and turn in the battle.

  This tour includes visits to:
  Turnbull War Memorial - visit the site of original No.3 airstrip during WWII and it's memorial to Australia's Squadron Leader Peter St George Turnbull, killed during the Battle of Milne Bay.
  Alotau War Memorial - stop at the commemorative plaque in the town centre. Corporal John French Memorial at Goilani River - see the monument to Corporal John French, honoured with the Victorian Cross for his outstanding actions at this site.
  Wahuhuba Bay - see the site where the Japanese first landed, and the first exchange of gun fire in the Battle of Milne Bay took place.
  Giligili - see the remains of the wharf believed to be used by American troops during WWII for fuel loading.
  Nigila - experience the privilege of accessing privately owned land where six American landing barges were "dumped", 1km from the shore. On your return, see on private land yet another war relic just discovered. Ten American amphibians lie in the rainforest and Milne Bay Magic Tours has exclusive access to these.

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: CITY HIGHLIGHTS & CULTURAL TOUR

  $70 (Australian Dollar)

  Duration: Half Day

  Alotau has been the capital of Milne Bay Province since 1966. Prior to this the area was known as Hiwehiwe in the local Tawala Language which means "slight breeze". This tour will allow you to experience the town, the history, the culture and the local people with a visit to a small village just outside the town area, at the base of the Stirling Ranges as well as stops along the way to WWII memorial sites and the like.

  This tour includes:
  Pick up from (and drop off to) the wharf.
  Ahioma - drive around Milne Bay to the beaches of Ahioma where war barge wrecks still stand.
  Toptown Lookout - photograph the panoramic view of Milne Bay.
  During the drive, you will be shown where the Alotau Market, the town centre, the Alotau War Memorial and Alotau Hospital Alotau Cathedral and Anglican Church are all situated.
  Turnbull War Memorial - visit this memorial and site of the No.3 airstrip during WWII.
  Rabe Village - experience Milne Bay culture first hand, sample local delicacies and learn about traditional customs.
  Artifact Shopping - your opportunity to collect authentic Milne Bay quality artefacts, which includes carved bowls, clay pots, Trobriand grass skirts and woven baskets.

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: BAT CAVE ADVENTURE

  $70 (Australian Dollar)

  Duration: Half Day

  Just 20 km from town is an extensive cave system. These caves are still unchartered, however, the "Bat Cave", or "Damawewe", is known by private landowners of Yane Yanene village. With local guides, you are able venture into the large caverns (some several metres high), through tunnels and across underground streams. The limestone formations and thousands of bats create a spectacular sight that you'll long remember. Expect to get a little wet & dirty, but it will be an unforgettable experience! Best to wear old clothing for this trip. Requires a medium level of fitness, suitable footwear and involves a lot of contact with mud and guano.

Top▲Onboard Activities

Duty Free Shopping
Dancing	dancers in local costume

Top▲Vessel Information

Orion

Mega Yacht | 106 Passengers | Operated by Orion Expedition Cruises,

Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices.

Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75. Chart your own path less travelled.

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