Papua New Guinea & Kimberley Expedition Cruise

Day 1 - Lautoka

Arrive: Sun 03 May 2026 / Depart: Sun 03 May 2026 at 19:30

A major seaport, Fiji's second-largest city, Lautoka is the main center of the sugar and timber industries. Towering royal palms march in a long, orderly row from the main street to the harbor and into the heart of the city. Although Lautoka grew up around the Fijan village of Namoli, it is a very Indian town today.

Day 2 - Nabukeru, Yasawa

Arrive: Mon 04 May 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 04 May 2026 at 13:00

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Ambrym Island, Vanuatu

Arrive: Wed 06 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 06 May 2026 at 13:00

Day 4 - Pentecost Island, Vanuatu

Arrive: Wed 06 May 2026 at 15:00 / Depart: Wed 06 May 2026 at 20:00

Day 5 - Luganville

Arrive: Thu 07 May 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Thu 07 May 2026 at 17:00

The second-largest city in the Vanuatu archipelago, Luganville is on the large northern island of Espiritu Santo, and has an unusually broad main street, the result of its occupation by some 40,000 Allied troops in World War II. The commander insisted that the road accommodate four trucks abreast. Its protected harbor makes the town one of the island nation’s most important ports, a center for trans-shipping of copra and cacao. The rusting relics of its WWII heritage are everywhere on the island. But today most visitors are drawn to the natural features both on shore and in the surrounding seas. Blue Lagoon is a popular attraction, where a freshwater spring fills a clear, aqua-blue pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Others opt for exploring the island on horseback, a visit to a coconut oil factory or simply relaxing at one of the resorts along the beaches. One unusual alternative is a visit to a village of immigrants from the more remote Banks and Torres Islands, who perform traditional music and dances including an enchanting Water Music dance.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Arrive: Mon 11 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 11 May 2026 at 17:00

Alotau, Papua New Guinea. Alotau is the capital of the Milne Bay province of Papua New Guinea, located on a peninsula in Milne Bay in the Coral Sea. The town and water comprise the site of the 1942 battle of Milne Bay, in which the invading Japanese army suffered its first decisive defeat in the Pacific Theater of World War II at the hands of Allied, mostly Australian forces. A War Memorial commemorates the battle. Today the area is largely given over the palm oil plantations. The local people keep their Tawala cultural traditions alive, with the exception of the long-past ritual cannibalism. In Bibiko Village, they will be pleased to show them off in displays of prowess with Kundu drum ceremonies and exhibitions of their impressive war canoes. At the Ahioma village of Dodobana, the many specialized skills of daily Melanesian life are demonstrated in a family-style setting, such as basket weaving, grass skirt making and gardening.

Day 10 - Conflict Islands, PNG

Arrive: Tue 12 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 12 May 2026 at 13:00

Don’t let the name scare you. This idyllic archipelago of 21 coral atolls off the coast of New Guinea was named after the British ship HMS Conflict by its discoverer, a most patriotic captain. You could hardly ask for a more conflict-free paradise. The island group is privately owned by a passionate conservationist, who insists on sustainable methods for any activity within his tropical domain. Activities are therefore tailored for enjoying the exceptionally beautiful beaches, the supremely biodiverse coral reefs and the clear, warm waters. Kayaking, snorkeling and paddle-boarding are the more strenuous varieties. Simply relaxing mindfully on the sugary fringes of the lagoon are also acceptable. The area is under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Agats, Asmat

Arrive: Fri 15 May 2026 at 10:30

Day 14 - Agats, Asmat

Depart: Sat 16 May 2026 at 16:00

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - Darwin, Australia

Arrive: Mon 18 May 2026 at 07:00

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 17 - Darwin, Australia

Depart: Tue 19 May 2026 at 17:00

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 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - King George River, Westaustralia

Arrive: Thu 21 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 21 May 2026 at 19:30

Day 20 - Vansittart Bay, WA

Arrive: Fri 22 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 22 May 2026 at 15:00

Day 21 - Ashmore Reef

Arrive: Sat 23 May 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 23 May 2026 at 13:00

Day 22 - Hunter River, Western Australia

Day 23 - Kuri Bay

Arrive: Mon 25 May 2026 / Depart: Mon 25 May 2026 at 17:00

Kuri Bay is a remote coastal bay in the far north of Western Australia in the Kimberley region, about 370 km north of Broome. It is a designated point on the Western Australian Forecast Areas, utilised by the Bureau of Meteorology as a boundary for the North Kimberley Coast area from the West Kimberley Coast

Day 24 - Freshwater Cove, Australia

Day 24 - Montgomery Reef, Westaustralien

Arrive: Tue 26 May 2026

Day 24 - Montgomery Reef, Westaustralien

Day 25 - Montgomery Reef, Westaustralien

Depart: Wed 27 May 2026 at 12:45

Day 25 - Talbot Bay / Horizontal Waterfalls, WA

Arrive: Wed 27 May 2026 at 03:45 / Depart: Wed 27 May 2026 at 21:30

Day 26 - Lacépède-Inseln

Arrive: Thu 28 May 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 28 May 2026 at 18:00

Day 27 - Broome, Australia

Arrive: Fri 29 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 29 May 2026

Isolated on the farthest northwest corner of the continent, Broome thrived from its founding in 1883 based on the bounty of South Sea pearls found in offshore oyster beds. Even today, the pearling industry is active here, though most are now cultured. But Broome has grown into one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations, offering an amazing variety of attractions and activities for visitors. It boasts a splendid, 14-mile strand of soft white sand at Cable Beach, where people flock to enjoy sunset camel rides. And with 2,600 islands in the area and warm seas, it is a sportsman’s paradise. But the unique allure of the region is the unspoiled expanse of bizarre geological formations, waterways and ancient Aboriginal lands called the Kimberley. Corrugated with red-hued cliffs and escarpments, and laced with pristine waterways, swimming holes and waterfalls, the Kimberley is unlike any other landscape on earth. It invites visitors to cruise the coast, fly over the ranges, kayak the islands and explore the rugged terrain in 4WD vehicles. The only difficulty is deciding which adventure to partake of next.