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The New Guinea Islands are rich in history, beauty and culture. Primitive tribal customs illustrated through vibrant costume and dance, active volcanoes, unique flora and fauna, superb indigenous artwork and artifacts, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, wartime history and relics - all combine to create an unforgettable experience.

Day 1 - Cairns, Australia

The Cairns region is internationally recognized for world class attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by tropical rainforests. Visitors enjoy browsing at indigenous art galleries, shopping at the night markets and dining out on multicultural cuisine in the many restaurants along the esplanade. Cairns is the perfect place to begin your small ship cruise through the New Guinea Islands, by seeing the differences between cultures.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner, breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 2 - At Sea

Relax and enjoy Orion's 5-star hospitality as you settle into your new home away from home. The team of naturalist guides will be on hand to prepare you for your expedition experience, with presentations and lectures on the history and culture of the islands you will be visiting on your small ship cruise over the next 11 days.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 - Alotau (Milne Bay), Papua New Guinea

Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province, is located at the eastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea. Many of the population still rely on the sea for their livelihood and the busy harbor and nearby market are focal points for the town. Cargo movements drive harbor activity, and there's an array of colorful vessels to be seen, ranging from tiny canoes to well-equipped dive and charter boats. This morning sees your final warm PNG welcome, with dancers in local costume. Explore Alotau and meet the townsfolk at the markets where you'll find an eye-opening array of tropical produce, seafood and crafts. On the foreshore is the new gleaming black Australian War Memorial commemorating the Battle of Milne Bay in 1942. This battle saw the tide of the Pacific war turn with Australian forces inflicting upon the Japanese army their first defeat on land. Relics are everywhere, from abandoned airfields to landing barges overgrown by jungle.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Nivani Island, Deboyne Lagoon

The idyllic Louisiade Archipelago was named after Louis Vaéz Torres who visited the group in 1606, and Malay traders are believed to have frequented the region even earlier Deboyne Lagoon encircles Panaeati, Panapompom and Nivani islands. The residents of each island are skilled in different crafts - Panaeati is home to the Louisiades' master sailing canoe builders; the other islands specialize in shell necklaces and clay pottery. Each of the islands uses their products to trade with the others, and this has created a strong social bond within the Louisiades. During the Battle of the Coral Sea four Japanese Zeros ditched into the lagoon. One lies in 5m of water and today you may have the opportunity to view it easily by snorkeling from the beach. A real expedition style destination in a remote location, we will use our Zodiacs to explore and find locations for swimming and snorkeling particularly on Nivani Island. We will also attempt to locate one of the historic Japanese zeroes believed to be in shallow water within the lagoon. There may be an opportunity to use our sea kayaks here as well.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Egum Atoll

Scenic and picturesque, rising out of the turquoise waters, Egum Atoll will offer Orion guests an active day of snorkeling and bird watching. Egum Rock rises in the middle of the sea from a depth of 600-700 meters to 30 meters above the surface of the water. Practically round in shape, it has a diameter of about 50 meters. There is a small sandy beach and various species of birds nest in the branches of the trees growing on its surface, including some large birds of prey. A diver's paradise the reef is home to a plethora of marine life from dolphins and sharks, to tuna and sweetlips.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Kitava Island

In 1793 the French vessel Esperance marked the first European visit to the Trobriand Islands, and the area soon became a hub for trading ships from Europe, American whalers and German ships seeking supplies of yams. The unique Trobriand culture was studied by the anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski in the early 1900's and resulted in the islands being dubbed (perhaps erroneously) "The Islands of Love". 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 jewelry 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. Yams are more than just the staple diet, being proudly displayed after harvesting and then kept in elaborate storehouses.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - At Sea

A day for reflection and anticipation. Orion's Expedition Team will continue their series of lectures and presentations on the Islands of Papua New Guinea and their Unique Cultures. Perhaps spend some time in the library, or deepen your relaxation with an Orion signature massage.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Lambom Island, Papua New Guinea

The area around the southern tip of New Ireland is spectacular to say the least, and Lambom where we will visit today is no exception. The area has remnants of a failed French colony and there are also remains of the Japanese presence, with tunnels, bunkers and piles of stocked ammunition in the jungle. This place is virtually untouched with a fabulous beach which, in local mythology, is believed to be, 'the creation place' and a salt water spring flowing from the rocks is said to be the 'source of all the world's oceans'. Dramatic reefs, freshwater rivers for swimming and fabulous inlets and sandy cays all combine to ensure you have a wonderful visit.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Lamassa Island, Papua New Guinea

Lamassa is a small island located 1km off the south-west coast of New Ireland, the largest island of the New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea. Like its neighboring islands, Lamassa offers fantastic opportunities for swimming, and snorkeling from its perfect white, sandy, jungle-clad beach. The lush tropical vegetation is home for bright green skinks and beautiful Barringtonia flowers and visitors are always welcomed by the indigenous population.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Duke of York Islands, Papua New Guinea

Formerly known as Neu Lauenburg, Duke of York Island is situated between New Ireland and New Britain. The lagoons surrounding this group of islands are spectacular for snorkeling.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 & 12 - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

The tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting at the eastern end of the island of New Britain. Nestled on Simpson Harbor, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes providing a sensational backdrop for your overnight stay aboard Orion. In the morning we have a full day to explore the town that was the focus of fierce battles during World War II. The steep surrounding coastal cliffs are riddled with tunnels filled with relics. Explore Admiral Yamamoto's bunker and touch the wreck of a Japanese Betty Bomber for intimate reminders of the Japanese presence. The Volcano Observatory affords panoramic views of the harbor but a helicopter flight is the ideal way to take in the scale of the 1994 eruptions that destroyed two-thirds of Rabaul. You'll fly over empty streets and what was the town's municipal swimming pool - now just an outline of blue ceramic tiles, the pool filled with ash. Our departure from Rabaul will see us sail past the Beehives, volcanic plugs from the crater that formed Simpson Harbor, and conclude this amazing Papua New Guinea cruise.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner / breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single, Triple and Quad Travelers: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Cost Includes: Included in your cruise fare are 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, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Not Included: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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