New Guinea Odyssey

Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Ships will dock at Fort Hill Wharf.

Top Things to Do in Darwin:

• cruise the Darwin Harbour
• explore Litchfield or Kakadu National Park
• visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
• visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

The Kei Islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Beneath the mostly Christian facade, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive.

Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.

Triton Bay, located in West Papua, Indonesia, is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity. The bay's crystal-clear waters are perfect for diving and snorkelling, offering vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and colourful fish.

The surrounding limestone cliffs and lush rainforests provide a dramatic backdrop for kayaking and exploring secluded beaches. Visit the ancient rock art sites, which offer a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage. Triton Bay’s pristine environment and diverse attractions make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Kitikiti Waterfall, located in the remote village of Mommon in Papua New Guinea, is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The waterfall cascades majestically into a clear, emerald pool, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. The tranquil setting offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

A short hike through the dense jungle leads to the waterfall, where visitors can enjoy swimming in the refreshing waters or simply relaxing on the rocks. The area is also rich in birdlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Kitikiti Waterfall’s serene ambiance and stunning scenery provide an unforgettable experience for those visiting this remote part of Papua New Guinea.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Cenderawasih Bay is located at the western end of New Guinea Island and covers more than 1.4 million hectares. A great part of the bay has been declared a national park and includes Indonesia’s largest marine national park.

The bay is home to an abundant array of uninhabited islands and pristine coral reefs, including fringing reefs, barrier reefs, atolls, patch reefs, and shallow water reef mounds. It is also home to the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark. Over the years the whale sharks have learnt the habits of local fishermen and are now regular visitors.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Jayapura, the capital of Papua Province in Indonesia, is a vibrant city set against the backdrop of stunning natural landscapes. Located on the northern coast of Papua, the city offers beautiful beaches like Base-G Beach, where turquoise waters and soft sands invite relaxation and water activities. Lake Sentani, with its picturesque views and traditional stilt houses, is a must-see attraction.

The city also boasts cultural diversity, with local markets showcasing traditional Papuan crafts and foods. The Cenderawasih University Museum provides insights into the region's rich history and indigenous cultures. Jayapura’s blend of natural beauty and cultural richness offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors.

The people of the Sepik region speak more than 250 languages and are knitted together in systems of trade and cultural interaction. Kopar village’s location at the mouth of the Sepik river makes it an important trading point for surrounding villages. Here the crocodile is worshiped as the water spirit. As is custom in all Sepik societies, the men's house is the place where important decisions regarding the village are made, where boys are initiated and become men and ceremonies to please the spirits are performed. Guests will be welcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performance, including the famous “dragon dance.” There will be an opportunity to walk around the village of Kopar to experience traditional life in the lower Sepik.

Madang Township was once known as the 'prettiest town in the South Pacific'. Its peninsula setting is a show-place of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. Ships will dock at the wharf.

Top Things to Do in Madang:

• see how the locals live at a traditional village
• try some of the ceremonial drink, Kava
• visit the Kalibobo Lighthouse, an iconic Coastwatcher’s memorial
• wonder through the Balek Wildlife Sanctuary
• snorkel colourful and pristine coral reefs
• cruise the clear waters of Madang Harbor
  

The Tami Islands (Kalal, Wanam & Idjan) are a small group of uplifted coral atolls, with two main villages on the two larger islands and many smaller reefs and cays. In the centre is a beautiful, crystal clear blue lagoon with abundant marine life and stunning coral formations. The islands, located in Morobe Province not far from the town of Finschaffen are seldom-visited. Tami Islanders are renowned artisans and are most famous for their intricately decorated bowls.

Often described as the “Scandinavia of the tropics”. The spectacular Tufi “fiords” plunge over 90 metres deep and rise over 150 metres vertically above the water making for a spectacular backdrop. The traditional way of life plays an important role amongst the villagers with many living in isolated areas along the coast of Cape Nelson and on the slopes of Mount Trafalgar.

The area is known for its production of tapa cloth, made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree and skillfully decorated. Guests will travel into the ancient mangrove forests of the Fiords to witness one of the most colourful traditional performances in all of Papua New Guinea. There is also the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear waters of Kamoa Beach.

Capital of Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Alotau is steeped in history, rich in culture and blessed with natural beauty.The gateway to some of the most remote island communities remaining in the world today, this is a place that is enriched with age-old culture and traditions. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Alotau:

• explore skull cave
• visit the memorial commemorating WWII’s Battle of Milne Bay
• take a traditional clay pot cooking class
• experience life in a traditional village
• snorkel the shipwreck at Waga Waga

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Nestled on Australia's northeast coast, Cairns is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system. Dive or snorkel to witness its vibrant marine life, or opt for a scenic reef cruise. For a land-based adventure, explore the Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can walk among ancient trees and spot diverse wildlife. The Cairns Esplanade offers a relaxed stroll with stunning views, public art, and a swimming lagoon. Don't miss the chance to sample fresh local seafood and tropical fruits at Rusty's Markets.