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South Pacific Cruise: Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands
Tour Description:
Discover a vast South Pacific paradise
of stunning coral reefs, remote tropical
islands, pristine white-sand beaches and
towering volcanic mountains with diving,
snorkeling and Zodiac shore excursions
led by your A&K Expedition Team. Your
voyage also reveals the islands’ diverse
Indigenous cultures, as well as their
fascinating World War II historic sites.
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - Cairns, Australia
Arrive in Cairns and meet your fellow guests. Later, board
your luxurious small ship and embark. Enjoy a welcome
reception on board this evening.
Day 2 - At Sea
Cruise north toward Papua New Guinea as your enrichment
program begins with engaging presentations by the A&K
Expedition Team.
Day 3 - Milne Bay
Today, cruise into Milne Bay and come ashore in the Papua
New Guinea port of Alotau. Once ashore, you might explore
traditional village life, learn about the legacy of the war
canoe or visit the Milne Bay War Memorial.
Day 4 - Fergusson & Dobu Islands
Your Captain charts a course for Fergusson Island, a
stunning enclave of mountains, rainforests and geysers.
Here, you might venture into the rainforest in search of
exotic bird species and remote hot springs. Alternatively,
swim before heading back to the ship. Then, cruise to Dobu,
a remote island renowned for its vibrant Indigenous culture.
You may choose to come ashore and visit a local village, or
snorkel or dive.
Day 5 - Cape Nelson
Cruise to Cape Nelson and come ashore amid the fjord lands
surrounding the port of Tufi. Here, you might explore local
Indigenous traditions, enjoy some birdwatching, relax on the
beach, or dive or snorkel the reefs.
Day 6 - Tami Islands
Today, explore the Tami Islands, a small group of coral
atolls surrounded by reefs and cays. The largest island is
renowned for a crystal-clear lagoon abundant with marine
life and stunning coral formations. Here, you may choose to
dive or snorkel amid Spanish dancer jellyfish, blue sea star
and pelagic fish. Alternatively, explore the flora, fauna and
colorful birds that call this island paradise home.
Day 7 - Trobriand Islands
Cruise to the Trobriand Islands, a remote bastion of
traditional Indigenous culture. You might choose to come
ashore on Kuiawa Island, where you visit a local primary
school and learn about traditional dancing, woodcarving
and gardening. Or, you might opt to snorkel or dive amid
surgeonfish, rabbitfish, clownfish, damselfish and snapper, as
well as table, bran and leather corals.
Day 8 - At Sea
Sail east toward the Solomon Islands today, taking the
opportunity to enjoy the amenities, enrichment lectures and
conversations with your Expedition Team.
Day 9 - Ghizo & Njari Islands
Your exploration of the Solomon Islands begins in Gizo, the
historic port town of Ghizo Island. Once ashore, you may
choose to visit Gizo’s markets and learn about its renowned
woodcarving tradition. You may also take advantage of the
island’s world-class snorkeling and diving. Cruise onward to
Njari, an uninhabited island renowned the world over for its
spectacular diving and snorkeling. Here, you can opt to dive into an underwater realm of coral gardens, blacktip
reef shark, damselfish and octopus.
Day 10 - Russell Islands
Sail southeastward to the Russell Islands of Pavuvu and
Mbanika, two islands that served as Allied bases during
World War II. When these bases were abandoned in 1945,
much of the military machinery was dumped into the sea.
Snorkel and explore with your Expedition Team, or opt for
a local village visit revealing the island’s cultural traditions,
natural wonders and rich World War II history.
Day 11 - Roderick Bay
Sail into Roderick Bay, a tropical postcard framed by sandy
island beaches. Go ashore to learn about the local Indigenous
culture; take in the wreck of the ‘World Discoverer,’ a ship
that beached here in 2001; or snorkel or dive the bay’s
stunning reefs.
Day 12 - Rennell Island
Today, explore Rennell Island, one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls and home to Lake Tegano, a former lagoon
that now harbors a wealth of endemic species. Go ashore in
search of the island’s exotic birds, snakes, snails and crabs;
hike the cliffs surrounding the UNESCO listed Lake Tegano;
or snorkel the vibrant reefs of Kangava Bay.
Day 13 - Guadalcanal
Disembark in Honiara, the main port of Guadalcanal, an
island that witnessed one of the most decisive battles of
World War II. Once ashore, tour historic military sites such
as Henderson Field. Then, catch a charter flight back to
Cairns, where you transfer to the Crystalbrook Riley.
Day 14 - Cairns, Australia
This morning, transfer to the airport and return home.
