Day 1: Arrival in Brisbane (Hotel Night)
Upon arrival at Brisbane Airport, you will be met by a cruise representative and driven on a group transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Fly from Brisbane to Honiara, Guadalcanal Island & Board Your Cruise
This morning, you will take a group transfer from your hotel in Brisbane to the airport and board a charter flight to Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Upon arrival, you will take a group transfer to the port and board your cruise.
The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara sits on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal at the mouth of the Mataniko River. A relatively new city, it grew up around a U.S. military base during and after WWII. In 1952 it superseded Tulagi as the premier city of these islands. Honiara’s U.S. War Memorial provides a comprehensive war-history lesson of the area. Today the town is laid-back and relatively tourist free with a real-life atmosphere.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 3: Cruising Kasolo Island (Kennedy Island) - Njari Island
Kennedy Island, (also Kasolo or Plum Pudding Island), is a tiny forested islet named after John F. Kennedy. In August 1943, after their craft was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, the crew of PT-109, led by Lieutenant Kennedy, abandoned ship, swam ashore, before making their way to nearby Olasana Island. Kasolo Island's lush rainforests are home to the Solomon Islands fruit dove, the Solomon Islands honeyeater and the Solomon Islands flying fox.
They say good things come in small packages. Njari is a tiny island located between the Wilson Strait and Vella Gulf in the Solomon Islands’ north region. An idyllic speck in the ocean, it’s almost entirely covered in trees. With hardly any infrastructure to speak of, the coves and bays remain unspoilt. Thousands of species of fish, rays, turtles, dolphins and sharks swim around the colourful coral.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4: Buka Town, Buka Island
The bustling port city of Sorong in West Papua is known as the gateway to the crystalline waters of Raja Ampat, the world's most biodiverse marine habitat, home to over 1,500 species of fish and 75 percent of the world's known coral species. In town, the Buddhist pagoda of Sapta Ratna stands tall on a hilltop overlooking the harbour. Local fishing boats come in with their catch at the bustling Pasar Jembutan Puri fish market.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 5: Rabaul
Your luxury expedition cruise begins in Rabaul, the former capital of Papua New Guinea’s New Britain island. Located inside a flooded caldera, the town’s proximity to a volatile volcano – plus aerial bombardment during World War II – has forced it to rise from the ashes more than once. Most recently the town was rebuilt after widespread destruction caused when Mount Tavurvur erupted in 1994. Thanks to its impressive harbour, buzzing markets and fascinating wartime past, Rabaul is an exciting place to visit. There’s an observatory in the town’s centre, which monitors the country’s two volcanic arcs, and a small museum located in what was a Japanese bunker.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 6: Garove Island
Tiny, far-flung Garove is part of the Vitu Islands in the Bismarck Sea and is defined by its rich marine biodiversity. The island wraps around a massive, horseshoe-shaped flooded caldera. Nearby dive sites reveal multi-hued fish darting among sea fans and anemones, while reef sharks, schooling jacks, and barracuda patrol the deep. Back on dry land, tiny villages nestle amid towering coconut palms.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7: Tami Island
Tami Island, a small and serene island in Papua New Guinea, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditional carvings. The island’s friendly community welcomes visitors to experience authentic local life, colorful art, and stunning coastal scenery. Surrounded by clear blue waters and coral reefs, Tami Island offers a peaceful escape infused with cultural warmth and natural beauty.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 8: Crown Island
Characterised by dense rainforest, the miniscule volcanic island of Crown Island is barely five kilometres from end to end. Rugged jungle trails offer glimpses of birds of paradise, doves and pigeons, while sapphire waters hide colourful coral reefs beneath the surface. Nearby Kar Kar Island is home to one of the country's most active volcanoes, sprawling cocoa plantations and traditional villages dotted among imposing coconut palms.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 9: Madang
Madang, a laid-back port town exuding a village vibe, presents a captivating blend of Pacific war history and natural beauty. At the Visitors and Cultural Bureau, WWII artefacts and exhibits recount the battles for this strategic outpost. The surrounding waters host coral reefs teeming with marine life. Rocky hiking trails traverse Mount Wilhelm, offering panoramic views, extending the allure beyond the town.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 10: Manam Island
Manam Island is marked by an active stratovolcano, occasionally emitting ash plumes. The island's rugged valleys, forested crags, villages and cultures coexist in the shadow of this natural colossus. The area boasts numerous coral reefs, and Hansa Bay holds sunken American and Japanese ships, along with bombers and fighter planes. These waters have also witnessed sightings of hammerheads and tiger sharks.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 11: Kopar Village, Sepik River
Kopar Village, nestled along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea, is a vibrant community renowned for its rich cultural traditions and elaborate riverine art. The village offers a unique window into the lives of the Sepik people, famous for their intricate spirit houses, woodcarvings, and ceremonial rituals. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and winding waterways, Kopar is a place where culture and nature blend seamlessly, providing an unforgettable glimpse into one of the world’s most fascinating river cultures.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 12: Jayapura, Papua
Jayapura, Papua's provincial capital, serves as a base to explore the rugged Baliem Valley. Winding trails lead through verdant highlands to secluded waterfalls and saltwater springs. Traditional life endures in tribal villages hidden in the rainforest, featuring religious ceremonies or mock tribal wars. In Jayapura, museums recount the intense WWII battles, where Allied and Japanese forces clashed for control of the Pacific theatre.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 13: Day at sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 14: Sorong, Papua
The bustling port city of Sorong in West Papua is known as the gateway to the crystalline waters of Raja Ampat, the world's most biodiverse marine habitat, home to over 1,500 species of fish and 75 percent of the world's known coral species. In town, the Buddhist pagoda of Sapta Ratna stands tall on a hilltop overlooking the harbour. Local fishing boats come in with their catch at the bustling Pasar Jembutan Puri fish market.
This morning, you will disembark and take a group transfer from the port to the airport for a charter flight to Bali.
Breakfast included.
