This Ponant 17-day brand-new expedition cruise aboard Le Lapérouse will take you to discover the wonders and ancestral tribes of Papua New Guinea. You will board your ship in Cairns and Le Lapérouse will then set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a highly diverse yet mainly unexplored, ecosystem.
Your call at Tufi, will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your voyage. You will fall under the charm of this picturesque region, dubbed the "Scandinavia of the Tropics" with its deep fiords formed through...read more volcanic activity. In this unique setting the local Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.
You will then head north along the coast to Madang, nicknamed "the most beautiful city in the South Pacific". Within this attractive province with great geographical diversity, 170 different languages are spoken. Its festival showcases this richness through the diverse array of 'Sing-Sings" performed by the many cultural groups of the province. They include the mysterious Asaro Mudmen, who re-enact a warrior episode from their history wearing masks of mud, their bodies coated in clay. In the village of Kopar, situated at the mouth of the Sepik River, you will be welcomed with cultural performances and witness life in a traditional village.
As you voyage across Western New Guinea you will experience Cenderawasih Bay, with an unforgettable opportunity to swim with whalesharks and the spectacular KitikitiWaterfall, surrounded by lush nature. You will then set sail towards the KeiIslands, located in the MalukuIslands. These hidden gems, surrounded by incredibly blue water, are home of some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches of Indonesia.
Before ending your cruise in Darwin, you will sail to the heart of TritonBay. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, you will enjoy an unforgettable Zodiac® cruise through the spectacular rainforest capped karst islands. The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive
Depart
Day 1:Cairns
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18:00
Day 2: Cruising At Sea
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Day 3:Alotau
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Day 4: Tufi
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Day 5: Tami Islands
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Day 6:Madang
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Day 7: Kopar
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Day 8: Jayapura, Papua
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Day 9: Cruising At Sea
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Day 10:Cenderawasih Bay
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Day 11:Cenderawasih Bay
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Day 12: Cruising At Sea
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Day 13: Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon
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Day 14: Triton Bay, West Papua
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Day 15: Kei Islands, Maluku Islands
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Day 16: Cruising At Sea
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Day 17:Darwin
08:00
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Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Transfers to and/or from the ship port may be required.
Fantastic Kimberley 1Lee and David, QLD, Australia, Aug 2023
One of the best holidays we have ever done Expensive, yes but you get what you pay for in the end This was 6* cruising at its best. The daily and at times twice daily zodiac excursions were special and led by well informed guides all of whom had professional qualifications in a relevant field.
Food was of the highest standard an the open bar well ...read more stocked to meet all tastes. Don't worry too much about formal gear, a sports coat and a colourful dress are all that is required on the two gala nights. On the other nights, slacks and polo are fine.
We helicoptered to Mitchell Falls which again was expensive but well worth it. Forget about the Horizontal Falls boat ride. Those that went were very dissatisfied as the most exciting of the two Falls is now closed due to a boating accident. I've seen more challenging wave sets in Moreton Bay. Overall 11/10 from us and very highly recommended
Brochure
Ponant Pacific Islands (2024)
Discover Ponant's range of exceptional voyages aboard the freshly-renovated Le Paul Gauguin in 2024, exploring the magic of Polynesia and the South Pacific Islands.
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.