New Guinea, West Papua & Indonesia Exploration Cruise

Day 1 - Guam

Arrive: Wed 15 May 2024 / Depart: Wed 15 May 2024 at 17:00

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Gaferut, Yap, Micronesia, Federated States

Arrive: Fri 17 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 17 May 2024 at 17:00

Day 4 - Ifalik, Yap, Micronesia, Federated States

Arrive: Sat 18 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 18 May 2024 at 17:00

Day 5 - Crossing the Equator

Day 6 - Ninigo Islands, Papua New Guinea

Day 7 - Watam, Papua New Guinea

Day 7 - Ramu River, Papua New Guinea

Day 8 - Garove Island (Witu Islands)

Arrive: Wed 22 May 2024 at 14:00 / Depart: Wed 22 May 2024 at 18:00

Day 9 - Rabaul

Arrive: Thu 23 May 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Thu 23 May 2024 at 23:00

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Kitava Island, PNG

Arrive: Sat 25 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 25 May 2024 at 12:00

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 11 - Uratu, Papua New Guinea

Day 12 - Woodlark Island, Papua New Guinea

Day 13 - Vonavona, Solomon Islands

Day 14 - Russell Islands, Solomon Islands

Day 15 - Honiara

Arrive: Wed 29 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 29 May 2024 at 17:00

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 - At Sea

Day 17 - Panapompom Island

Day 18 - Samarai

Arrive: Sat 01 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 01 June 2024 at 13:00

Day 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - Thursday Island

Arrive: Mon 03 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 03 June 2024 at 16:00

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 21 - At Sea

Day 22 - Agats, Asmat

Arrive: Wed 05 June 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Wed 05 June 2024 at 22:30

Day 23 - At Sea

Day 24 - Misool Islands

Arrive: Fri 07 June 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Fri 07 June 2024 at 17:00

Day 25 - Wayag Island

Arrive: Sat 08 June 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Sat 08 June 2024 at 18:00

Day 26 - Gam

Arrive: Sun 09 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 09 June 2024 at 16:00

Day 27 - At Sea

Day 28 - At Sea

Day 29 - Darwin, Australia

Arrive: Wed 12 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 12 June 2024

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.