The Coral Adventurer Australian expedition ship offers a wine cellar, open galley, private balconies and efficient ship-to-shore operations.
Frontier Lands of New Guinea
Travel to or from Australia aboard a 120-guest ship to explore the rarely visited Papua New Guinea, its places mostly inaccessible from land. Uncover little-visited islands, volcanic mountains and pristine rainforest; take in WWII battle sites; and interact with vibrant local communities.
Travel from Australia aboard the 120-guest Coral Adventurer to the remote sights and sounds of the rarely visited New Guinea. On these New Guinea cruises, experience some of the world’s most striking and intact cultural regions as they emerge into the 21st century and venture into the most remote corners of Papua New Guinea on a series of distinct departures with trip lengths to suit a range of travel needs.
The main, 13-day New Guinea cruise is an opportunity to immerse into the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea that is rarely seen and mostly inaccessible by land. Papua New Guinea is home to the largest area of intact rainforest outside of the Amazon. This voyage uncovers little-visited islands, volcanic mountains and pristine rainforest wilderness areas forged by mighty rivers. Sail past spectacular Kadovar Islands, known for its volcanic activity. Venture up the mighty Sepik River to see riverfront village life little changed in hundreds of years. Buy traditional crafts such as masks and carvings at the village market of Bien. Snorkel, swim or dive on vibrant reefs at the Fly Islands and visit the unique Bubbling Springs Reef at Dobu.
Read on for details about this Papua New Guinea cruise, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Pacific Island cruises.
Northbound Frontier Lands of New Guinea Itinerary
The Northbound Frontier Lands of New Guinea itinerary cruises from Cairns, Australia to Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. An optional post-cruise charter flight can connect travelers back to Cairns.
Independently make your way to the Cairns Cruise Liner terminal for boarding at 7:30am for a 9:00am departure. Cruise across the Coral Sea and spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed on board the ship. Join the expedition staff as they introduce the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the captain’s welcome drinks and meet the crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Spend today relaxing on board, listen and learn from the guest lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.
Throughout this expedition, the expedition team may make changes to the itinerary in order to maximize the experience. Visiting these remote communities is subject to approval of the local landowners. Below are the key destinations the ship aims to visit.
Samarai Island
Located off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea in the China Strait, choose to explore the colonial settlement of Samarai, with a chance to purchase pearls from a local pearl farmer, or go for a snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island.
Dobu Island & Dei Dei Hot Springs (Fergusson Island)
Be greeted by a flotilla of canoes as the ship approaches her Dobu anchorage. Join the expedition team for a walk to Dei Dei hot springs. Hear the mythical and spiritual tales of the Dei Dei Hot Springs, learn about the history of the Kula Ring and the role of Dobu Island in the north and south Kula trade routes. Meet the local primary school children, who will welcome all with a traditional song, and spend some time snorkeling in the Bubbling Springs Reef.
Trobriand Islands
Historically known as the Islands of Love, the Trobriand Islands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. Be greeted at the small island of Kuiawa with an enthusiastic Trobriand’s welcome.
Tufi Fjords
Today enjoy a true highlight. Discover the scenic beauty of the Tufi Fjords. Featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Aboard the Xplorer tender vessel, travel to the entrance of one of Tufi’s most scenic fjords and be met by local villagers in traditional dress aboard outrigger canoes. Have the opportunity to board one of the outriggers as the locals paddle up the creek under the rainforest canopy. Here, spirits and sorcery remain integral to village life, and one can learn about bush medicines, fire making, mat weaving and traditional tattooing. Deep in the rainforest, have the chance to witness the tribesmen perform a traditional sing song in their ceremonial dress. Later, discover white-sand beaches, or snorkel or dive over spectacular fringing reefs.
Buna & Sanananda
Land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting in the WWII Pacific campaign. Enjoy a welcome from the local residents, and then be guided through the jungle to visit the areas where Allied forces clashed with Japanese forces. In Sanananda, see the local monuments and pay tribute to fallen Australian soldiers at the war museum, located at the far end of the Kokoda Track. There’s also the opportunity to visit the lush gardens surrounding the village.
Morobe Harbor
Arrive at Morobe Harbor early in the morning and cruise in the Xplorer tender vessel to view the stunning forest from the Mou River. Receive a warm Oro Province welcome and enjoy exploring the village with local guides. At high tide, possibly cruise farther into a picturesque hidden bay.
Kamiali (Lababia Village) & Fly Islands
In the morning, during a relaxing visit to the village, enjoy singing and dancing performances and join a local guide around the village. Board an outrigger canoe to explore farther up the river with a guide and experience snorkeling and diving at the Biangatu Island reef in the Fly Islands.
Dregerhafen
At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, enjoy a high-spirited Papua New Guinea welcome and explore the market which is famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles. There are many WWII artifacts in this area. After lunch, enjoy snorkeling, diving and kayaking in the blue waters of the lagoon.
Karkar Island
Visit Busen or Maringis Villages at Karkar Island and enjoy welcome sing sings before touring the copra and cocoa processing areas. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to snorkel off the fringing reef and bommies close to shore.
Sepik Mouth, Bien Village & Kadovar Volcano
Arrive at the mouth of the famed Sepik River and be greeted with stunning views of the landscape and this mammoth river which cuts a swathe through lush forest. The first stop on the Sepik River is at the village of Bien, where local villagers greet all on their canoes and follow with dance performances. There is an opportunity to purchase highly sought-after hand-crafted artifacts, masks and carvings at the Sepik market.
Disembark at 8:00am in this dramatic volcanic harbor town. For those wanting to explore more, join the included post-cruise charter flight back to Cairns.
Optional, Included Charter flight: Rabaul to Cairns (estimated maximum AUD1,600 per person in 2027, included in cruise rate). This will be a direct flight to Cairns, with no stopover in Port Moresby, with a staff member to accompany guests. Limited seats available. Contact your Adventure Specialist for more information, or for cruise-only pricing.
Included
Charter flight from Rabaul to Cairns (exact fare available at 9 months or closer to embarkation date— estimated maximum AUD1,600 per person in 2027, included in cruise fare— contact AdventureSmith for cruise-only pricing); all excursions and sightseeing (excluding optional extras); snorkeling & equipment (Scuba diving at additional cost); use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks; daily lectures and briefings; all meals, chef-prepared on board; selected wines, beers, spirits, juices and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner service; coffee and selection of teas; all entrance fees to national parks and ports; choice of local operator excursions at some locations; standard WiFi on board; tips and gratuities.
Exclusions
Airfare, transfers and hotels, scuba diving (contact AdventureSmith for pricing & details), entry visas, travel permits, insurance of any kind, items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone communications, WiFi upgrades and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. A name change/transfer of the booking to another person is considered a cancellation and cancellation penalties will apply. An AUD200.00 per person fee may be charged for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed. There is an AUD500.00 per person fee if a date change is made more than 90 days before departure. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The northbound Frontier Lands of New Guinea cruise begins in Cairns, Queensland Australia (CNS), and ends in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea (RAB); an optional, added-cost charter flight may be pre-booked for those wishing to return to Cairns (see Inclusions). Plan flights to arrive to Cairns the night before Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Rabaul anytime after the 8:00am disembarkation on the final day. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
An optional, added-cost, post-cruise charter flight from Rabaul to Cairns (estimated maximum AUD1,600 per person in 2027, included in cruise rate) is available and must be pre-booked through your Adventure Specialist, who can provide additional details such as luggage weight limits.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving (contact AdventureSmith for pricing & details), small boat excursions, kayaking, wildlife observation and cultural tours. Please remember, if you are a certified diver, to bring your certification card and logbook. Additional pre-cruise dive requirements include completing a questionnaire, a medical assessment and resulting doctor’s statement (your Adventure Specialist can provide full details).
Room Configuration
Limited double occupancy cabins for solo use may be available at a sole use rate in the Coral, Promenade and Explorer Deck categories. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.
Families & Children
Children 0-3 years of age at time of the cruise are free of charge. Two adults and one child traveling together can be accommodated in two staterooms only aboard Coral Discoverer (there are no pullman bunks). On all ships, two adults and two children traveling together may request two rooms next door to each other.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
As a condition of travel, guests must provide evidence of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR complete a credit card authorization form for expenses incurred during a medical evacuation. Proof of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR a completed authorization form must be provided prior to boarding.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
Cruise Rates & Dates
September 22 – October 4, 2027 departure available. Contact us for current rates and availability.
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