New Guinea Immersion Cruise

Day 1 - Darwin, Australia

Arrive: Sun 11 August 2024 / Depart: Sun 11 August 2024 at 18:00

Despite its small size, Darwin is a modern, multi-cultural city, and its proximity to Asia makes it ideal for travel. Named after the famous scientist, Charles Darwin, the area was originally settled by the Larrakia Aboriginals. The Dutch arrived and mapped the land in the 1600s, followed by the British in 1939, when the town was given its English name. Darwin has a beautiful coastline, as well as numerous parks and gardens, making the city a top spot for outdoor activities.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Gam

Arrive: Wed 14 August 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: Wed 14 August 2024 at 18:00

Day 5 - Wayag Island

Arrive: Thu 15 August 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: Thu 15 August 2024 at 18:00

Day 6 - Misool Islands

Arrive: Fri 16 August 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Fri 16 August 2024 at 18:00

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Agats, Asmat

Arrive: Sun 18 August 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Sun 18 August 2024 at 23:59

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Thursday Island

Arrive: Tue 20 August 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Tue 20 August 2024 at 15:30

Thursday Island, colloquially known as TI, or in the Kawrareg dialect, Waiben or Waibene, is an island of the Torres Strait Islands, an archipelago of at least 274 small islands in the Torres Strait. TI is located approximately 39 kilometres north of Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Samarai

Arrive: Thu 22 August 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Thu 22 August 2024 at 23:59

Day 13 - Panapompom Island

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Honiara

Arrive: Sun 25 August 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Sun 25 August 2024 at 18:00

The Solomon Islands is a sovereign nation consisting of multiple island groups, scattered in the South Pacific east of Papua New Guinea. Its capital is Honiara, on the island of Guadalcanal. Many of the outlying islands in the nation are relatively untouched, but Honiara is a busier hub of international commerce. The islands’ recent history is scarred by the desperate battles fought between the Japanese and American forces during World War II. In 1942, the Japanese launched their last great land offensive in the islands, which culminated in the Battle of Henderson Field fought at Honiara. Of the estimated 36,000 Japanese troops on Guadalcanal at the beginning, only 1,000 survived, the rest having either been killed directly, or succumbed to disease and starvation. Ghostly evidence of this horrific warfare dots the island, and it is memorialized at the American Memorial overlooking the town and at a smaller Solomons Peace Memorial erected by the Japanese outside the city. On a lighter note, traditional arts and crafts are on display at the National Museum, which also boasts a display of eight traditional Melanesian houses from various parts of the country. Behind the museum is a cultural center. Above town there is a pleasant botanical garden, and the bustling Central Market is a great place to get a feel for everyday life in Honiara. Although English is the official language, only a small percentage of Solomonese speak it. The common language is Pijin.

Day 16 - Russell Islands, Solomon Islands

Arrive: Mon 26 August 2024 / Depart: Mon 26 August 2024

Day 17 - Vonavona Lagoon

Arrive: Tue 27 August 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Tue 27 August 2024 at 16:30

Day 18 - Woodlark Island, Papua New Guinea

Day 19 - Kitava Island, PNG

Arrive: Thu 29 August 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Thu 29 August 2024 at 18:00

Kitava is a small, unspoiled island in the Trobriand Islands group in the Solomon Sea. Its undiluted, Eden-like nature is a big part of its appeal. Visitors are treated hospitably and usually greeted with traditional dancing on the white beaches. Local crafts such as quality woodcarvings of masks, bowl and animal figures, woven baskets and other local items are offered near the landing site. Local people are also available and happy to guide visitors to the Kumagea village and show their lifestyle including the large yam gardens and the yam houses where they are stored. European scientists have conducted extensive studies of the traditional local diet, which keeps the islanders unusually healthy. They will probably also show you the ‘skull caves” related to traditional burial practices. For small fee, local boats will take to you the nearby atolls such as Nurata for very scenic snorkeling in clear, warm water. Many visitors bring small gifts such as books, pencils or little toys for the children. After asking permission of the parents, these are generally gratefully accepted.

Day 20 - At Sea

Day 21 - Rabaul

Arrive: Sat 31 August 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: Sat 31 August 2024 at 18:00

Day 22 - Garove Island (Witu Islands)

Arrive: Sun 01 September 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Sun 01 September 2024 at 18:00

Day 23 - Watam, Papua New Guinea

Day 23 - Ramu River, Papua New Guinea

Day 24 - Ninigo Islands, Papua New Guinea

Day 25 - Crossing the Equator

Day 26 - Ifalik, Yap, Micronesia, Federated States

Arrive: Thu 05 September 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Thu 05 September 2024 at 18:00

Day 27 - Gaferut, Yap, Micronesia, Federated States

Arrive: Fri 06 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 06 September 2024 at 15:30

Day 28 - At Sea

Day 29 - Guam

Arrive: Sun 08 September 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: Sun 08 September 2024