NEW TRIP
Cultural Highlights of Papua New Guinea
Rabaul to the Sepik River, Tami and Trobriand Islands aboard the Orion
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $8095 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 12 days |
| Arrive: | Cairns, Australia |
| Depart: | Cairns, Australia |
| Lodging: | 11 nights aboard 106-guest luxury vessel describe |
| Meals: | All meals included aboard ship |
| Activity: | Wildlife & Natural History, Cultural Adventures, Small Ship Cruising |
| Trip Level: |
Cultural exploration and walking tours
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Highlights
- Rabaul, with its majestic harbor, Madang’s market full of crafts
- Snorkeling and sea kayaking in the Tami Islands
- Trobriand Island’s unique culture and woodcarving arts
- Zodiac excursions, village visits, expert guest lecturers
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerEarly Sign-up Discount!
Savings of up to 15% (subject to availability)
The island-nation of Papua New Guinea, where more than 800 tribal languages are spoken, is a land of magic and spirits, of steaming volcanoes and coral atolls, and of fascinating cultural traditions. Aboard the deluxe 106-guest Orion, we call at the beautiful port of Rabaul, surrounded by six volcanoes, the isolated village of Watam on the legendary Sepik River, the stunning tropical fjords of the Tami Islands, the intriguing Trobriand Islands, and Milne Bay, former haunt of missionaries, pearl traders, and Japanese and American warships. Along the way, we snorkel, swim, explore by sea kayak, visit remote artisan markets, and enjoy presentations by our on-board team of experts who share their insight and expertise on Papua New Guinea’s intriguing Pacific cultures.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-3
Cairns, Australia / Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
The tropical town of Rabaul has a majestic harbor—a flooded caldera encircled by dramatic cone-shaped volcanoes. We take a walk on lava flows and perhaps sip some kulau (fresh green coconut milk). A Japanese stronghold in World War II, Rabaul has miles of bunkers, Japanese cave systems, and aircraft wrecks, and we explore these fascinating sites. On Day 3 at sea, we enjoy presentations by our expedition team as Orion sails toward the Sepik River.
Days 4-5
Sepik River / Watam / Madang
One of the world’s great rivers, the Sepik is Papua New Guinea’s major trade artery, for centuries the only link between the coast and interior. At the mouth of the Sepik, we are welcomed in spectacular fashion at Watam village as the locals in full ceremonial dress perform their traditional “dragon dance.” Later we explore by Zodiac along pristine mangroves, home to rich birdlife as well as saltwater crocodiles. Calling at the delightful town of Madang, we explore a bustling market full of shell jewelry, woven bags, and the unique Bilbil clay water pots.
Day 6-7
Tami Islands / Tufi Harbor
The seldom-visited Tami Islands are pristine coral atolls where we can snorkel and sea kayak in an idyllic blue lagoon. Cruising to glorious Tufi Harbor, we feast our eyes on more than 30 tropical fjords with sheer basalt walls laced with waterfalls. Oro pottery and tapa cloth-making are renowned crafts in the isolated villages here, and we can snorkel and swim from the sandy beaches. Another option is a village tour by local outrigger canoe.
Days 8-9
Trobriand Islands / Samarai and Kwato
In the Trobriands, yams are not only the staple diet but a revered cultural symbol, proudly kept in elaborate storehouses. We learn about this unique culture, admire the Trobriands’ famed woodcarving arts, then cruise to the peaceful Samarai and Kwato Islands, two former colonial trading posts.
Days 10-12
Milne Bay / Alotau / Cairns
Our final stop is the province of Milne Bay, where from Alatao’s spectacular harbor, we visit local villages and explore World War II history sites. Day 11 is at sea. We continue to Cairns and disembark on Day 12.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks, and it is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.
Departures
Oct 2-13, 2012 Cairns/Rabaul
Oct 24-Nov 4, 2012 Cairns/Rabaul
Nov 15-26, 2012 Aboard the Orion II
Mar 16-27, 2013 Rabaul/Cairns
Mar 27-Apr 7, 2013 Cairns/Rabaul
Tour Costs
Early booking Savings of up to 15% (subject to availability)
2012 Cruise Rates by Cabin Category
Per person, double occupancy
| Categories | Price |
| B | $8,095 |
| A | $9,400 |
| Junior Suite | $11,170 |
| Deluxe Suite | $12,230 |
| Balcony Suite | $14,600 |
| Owners Suite | $16,955 |
Charter flight (Cairns/Rabaul): $540
Single Supplement is available upon request (applies to categories of B, A, JS only).
2013 Cruise Rates by Cabin Category
Per person, double occupancy
| Categories | Price |
| B | $9,270 |
| A | $10,760 |
| Junior Suite | $12,785 |
| Deluxe Suite | $14,000 |
| Balcony Suite | $16,710 |
| Owners Suite | $19,410 |
Charter flight (Cairns/Rabaul): $600
Single Supplement is available upon request (applies to categories of B, A, JS only).
Deck Plan

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B
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Oceanview staterooms on Deck 3 with window* and sitting area. 175 sq. ft. Suites 301, 322, 323. *Staterooms 322 and 333 have twin portholes. |
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A
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Oceanview staterooms on Deck 3 with large oval window and sitting area. 180 sq. ft. Suites 302-321. |
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JS
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Junior suites on Decks 4 and 5 with window and sitting area. 218 sq. ft. Suites 401-419, 512 (175 sq. ft. with twin beds) |
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DS
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Deluxe suites on Deck 5 with window and large sitting area. 230 sq. ft. Suites 511, 515. |
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BS
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Balcony suites on Deck 5 with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and small balcony for viewing the breathtaking scenery. 230 sq. ft. Suites 501, 503-506, 508. |
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OS
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Owner’s suites on Deck 5 with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors*, French balcony for taking in the sea breeze, and separate bedroom*. 345 sq. ft. Suites 502, 507, 509, 510. *Suite 509 has two large rectangular windows instead of a balcony; suite 502 has living room space incorporated into bedroom area. |
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Tour Cost Includes:
- Accommodations aboard the Orion
- All meals included aboard ship
- Services of an experienced cruise staff
- 24-hour room service
- Entertainment and educational programs
- Use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities
- Port and handling charges
- Zodiac and tender transfers
- Access to the ship’s library of CDs/DVDs
- Government fees and taxes
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, visa and passport fees, transfers in Cairns, optional half-day excursions, baggage, cancellation and accident insurance, any items of a personal nature including but not limited to laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hairdressing and massage treatments, medical services, telephone and internet charges, and gratuities to shipboard personnel.The Orion
Our Trips using this Lodging:
Designed and constructed in Germany in 2003, the 106-guest Orion features five-star comfort in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Each of the 53 spacious staterooms and suites boasts ocean views, sitting area, well-appointed marble bathroom, flat-screen satellite TV, DVD/CD player, Internet connection, personal safe, hairdryer, and mini-bar. The Orion also has a library, boutique, medical center, health spa and salon, outdoor Jacuzzi, and a restaurant. Two high-speed tenders service the ship and ten Zodiacs are available for landing at remote locations. Sports equipment includes ten kayaks. The Orion has a crew of 75 and has the highest classification in terms of its Ice Class Hull, as well as being stablized for comfort.
Deck Plan

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B
|
Oceanview staterooms on Deck 3 with window* and sitting area. 175 sq. ft. Suites 301, 322, 323. *Staterooms 322 and 333 have twin portholes. |
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A
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Oceanview staterooms on Deck 3 with large oval window and sitting area. 180 sq. ft. Suites 302-321. |
|
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JS
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Junior suites on Decks 4 and 5 with window and sitting area. 218 sq. ft. Suites 401-419, 512 (175 sq. ft. with twin beds) |
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DS
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Deluxe suites on Deck 5 with window and large sitting area. 230 sq. ft. Suites 511, 515. |
|
|
|
|
BS
|
Balcony suites on Deck 5 with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and small balcony for viewing the breathtaking scenery. 230 sq. ft. Suites 501, 503-506, 508. |
|
|
|
|
OS
|
Owner’s suites on Deck 5 with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors*, French balcony for taking in the sea breeze, and separate bedroom*. 345 sq. ft. Suites 502, 507, 509, 510. *Suite 509 has two large rectangular windows instead of a balcony; suite 502 has living room space incorporated into bedroom area. |
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