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. ... Read More
Monday - Feb 17, 2025
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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. 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. ... Read More
Tuesday - Feb 18, 2025
Day 3
Alotau, Papua New Guinea
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. ... Read More
Wednesday - Feb 19, 2025
Day 4
Fergusson Island, Papua New Guinea
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 meters 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. ... Read More
Dobu Island, Papua New Guinea
Dobu Island is one of the five 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 a matrilineal social system. 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. ... Read More
Thursday - Feb 20, 2025
Day 5
Tufi, Papua New Guinea
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. ... Read More
Friday - Feb 21, 2025
Day 6
Morobe Bay, Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea
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. ... Read More
Saturday - Feb 22, 2025
Day 7
Lusancay Islands, Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea
A Solomon Sea archipelago situated in the Milne Bay province in Papua New Guinea, the Lusancay Islands were named after the French navigator Pierre Carre de Lusancay, 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. ... Read More
Sunday - Feb 23, 2025
Day 8
Kiriwina, Papua New Guinea
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 be welcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performances followed by the opportunity to witness traditional village life. ... Read More
Monday - Feb 24, 2025
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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. 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. ... Read More
Tuesday - Feb 25, 2025
Day 10
Gizo, Solomon Islands
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 snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography throughout the Western province and the islands around Ghizo are considered among the most popular. ... Read More
Njari Island, Solomon Islands
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 1,000 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 5,750 square kilometers of reefs found in the Solomon Islands. Njari Island is an uninhabited picture-postcard island located 15 km from the town of Gizo. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling from its idyllic shores. ... Read More
Wednesday - Feb 26, 2025
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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. 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. ... Read More
Thursday - Feb 27, 2025
Day 12
Roderick Bay, Solomon 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. ... Read More
Friday - Feb 28, 2025
Day 13
Malaita, Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands
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. ... Read More
Saturday - Mar 1, 2025
Day 14
Honiara, Solomon Islands
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. ... Read More
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