Frontier Lands of New Guinea

Included

Charter flight from Cairns to Madang (AUD1,000 per person in 2026, included in cruise fare – contact AdventureSmith for cruise-only pricing); pre-cruise transfer (if taking Cairns to Madang charter flight); post-cruise transfer; 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; expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage; standard WiFi on board; tips and gratuities.

Exclusions

Airfare, pre-cruise transfer (if making your own way to Madang), pre- and post-cruise accommodation, 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 Papua New Guinea Discoverer cruise begins in Madang, Papua New Guinea (MAG), and ends in Cairns, Queensland Australia (CNS); an optional, added-cost charter flight may be pre-booked for those wishing to fly from Cairns to Madang for embarkation (see Inclusions). Plan flights to arrive to Madang ahead of the 4:00pm boarding and 5:00pm departure on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Cairns anytime after the 1:30pm 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, pre-cruise charter flight from Cairns to Madang (AUD1,000 per person in 2026, 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.