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(Cairns -) Alotau to Rabaul Expedition Cruise
(Cairns -) Alotau to Rabaul
11 Days / 10 Nights from AUD 7,500*.
Optional 2 night extension cruise from Cairns (15 Oct 2008) to join Alotau – Rabaul itinerary add AUD 400 per person twin share.
Day 1: Alotau - 17 Oct 2008
Boarding commences at 2:00pm for a 3:00pm departure from Alotau. Time to relax, settle in and explore Oceanic Discoverer before joining the Captain and his crew at the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail party.
Day 2: D'Entrecasteaux Group Dobu and Fergusson Islands
We are greeted by a flotilla of canoes as we approach the Dobu anchorage. Our Guest Lecturer will share with you the history of the Kula Ring where Dobu Island was a pivotal link between the north and south Kula trade routes. Meet the local primary school children who will welcome us with a traditional dance performance. After lunch we join our Expedition Leader on an expedition to the Dei Dei hot -springs where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs. Keep an eye out for the Blue Eyed Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots and Blyth’s Hornbills.
Day 3: Trobriands - Kaibola
Historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’ the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. You will see the traditional yam harvest dances for which the Trobrianders are famous and have the opportunity to purchase exquisite wood-carvings and handicrafts that are without parallel in the region.
Day 4: Tuam
Tuam, in the Sassi group of islands, offers a mix of both mainland and Bismark Archipelago cultures. Their prized trinkets and decorations include dog’s teeth, spondyllus shells and wonderful balsa wood and sago bark headdresses. We enjoy the welcome dances and village hospitality.
Day 5: Madang
Madang sits on a peninsular surrounded by a number of picturesque islands. Madang is famed for its diving, with excellent visibility and many WWII wrecks to explore. Discover the town and enjoy the opportunity to purchase a large selection of artefacts from the Sepik region. Enjoy diving, snorkelling, swimming and a harbour exploration.
Day 6: Sepik
Sure to be a highlight, this morning we enter the mouth of the Sepik River. One of the world’s great river systems, the Sepik flows for 1126 kilometres from the Central Highlands to the sea. The river is one of the least developed regions of PNG and is the lifeblood of 430,000 people who depend almost entirely on products from the river and surrounding rainforests for their livelihoods. Oceanic Discoverer will cruise upriver to the middle Sepik region renowned for its unique artefacts. Sepik people are amongst the greatest primitive artists on earth and each village has its own distinctive style. We anchor this evening in this mighty river whilst overhead hundreds of flying foxes stream through the sky.
Day 7: Sepik River & Boisa Island
An early morning start offers a great opportunity for bird watching. Join the Guest Lecturers to identify Spotted Blue-eyed Cockatoos, Wagtails, Great Egret, Little Egret, Great Billed Heron, the enormous Blyth’s Hornbill and others as we cruise back up river. On farewelling the great Sepik we arrive at Boisa island where villagers were evacuated following volcanic eruptions from the neighbouring Manam Island in 2004. An abundance of children, outrigger canoes and genuine friendliness ensure an unforgettable experience.
Day 8: Crown Island
Join our Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers as we board the “Xplorer” and head ashore on this uninhabited island. Known as a turtle nesting ground and home of the giant lizard we explore the beaches of this seldom visited island. Spend time relaxing or snorkelling in the beautiful clear waters.
Day 9: Witu Islands
Enjoy a full day to discover the stunning Witu Islands - the day offers fantastic swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities. Join the Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers on a guided glass bottom boat tour.
Day 10: Kimbe Bay
With the support of local guides, our Expedition Leader will lead us on an exploration of the region. Kimbe Bay has one of the world’s richest and most diverse coral reefs systems, home to over 860 different species or tropical fish and in excess of 400 different varieties of coral. Experience real island friendliness and hospitality as we are welcomed by a flotilla of outrigger canoes.
Day 11: Rabaul
We enter magnificent Simpson Harbour early in the morning, passing the striking islands known as the Beehives. Our arrival in Rabaul at 8:00am marks the end of our voyage of exploration and adventure. If time permits, you may wish to take the opportunity to explore the ghost town of Rabaul that lies under volcanic ash deposited when Mt Tuvurvur exploded in 1994.
Please Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow the itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may effect the operation of the vessel.
* Main Deck B Stateroom fare in AUD, based on double occupancy.
