Mysterious Papua New Guinea is, in the truest sense, the last frontier on Earth. Vast expanses of thick tropical jungle and razor-sharp mountains remain daunting to all but the most intrepid explorers. Reach into the heart and soul of Papua New Guinea, and see your expectations of the place and its people soar. Its secret forests nurture over 3,000 kinds of orchids, and the world’s largest butterfly and moth inhabit its rainforests. The ancient tribal culture lives on vibrantly in the minds of the villages and townsfolk. Surrounding waters support unparallel bio-diversity, and its reefs are the choice of specialty divers from around the globe. It’s a place of rich cultural diversity. There is no such thing as a typical Papua New Guinean; as more than 1000 cultures, each with different traditions, are now recognised. This is the land of the unexpected, a place of stark contrasts where fearsome frowns magically become welcoming smiles and village children your lifelong friends!
Oceanic Discoverer, formerly Oceanic Princess has been purpose built for comfort and safety and is large enough to provide the luxury and convenience of larger cruise ships yet with just 72 passengers is small enough to enable to access to sites beyond the reach of many of the larger vessels. Oceanic Discoverer excursions are aboard the specially designed excursion vessel "Xplorer", two zodiacs and a spacious glass bottom coral viewing boat. Whether your interest is natural history, wildlife, geology, early exploration, culture, snorkelling, coral viewing, scuba diving or just relaxing a Coral Princess Cruise is for you! Travelling through the islands of Eastern and Northeastern Papua New Guinea, you will join the select few who have experienced this unforgettable place.
Onboard accommodation comprises 36 spacious modern staterooms. You can select from Bridge, Promenade or Main Deck staterooms offering a choice of twin through to junior king-size doubles. All staterooms have an ocean view, en-suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual air-conditioning control, and are serviced daily.
Cabin Type
Area of Cabin
Bedding Configuration
Bridge
17-18 sqm (180-195 sqft)
Junior King, Queen or Twin
Promenade A
16-17.5 sqm (172-190 sqft)
Junior King or Twin
Promenade B
13-16 sqm (137-172sqft)
Queen
Main Deck A
18 sqm (195 sqft)
Junior King or Twin
Main Deck B
17.5-18.5 sqm (190-200sqft)
Junior King, Queen or Twin
Onboard Facilities
Large sundeck
Spa Pool
Internet booth
Comprehensive reference library
Phone and fax facilities
Lecture lounge with large plasma screen
Limited laundry facilities
Two fully stocked cocktail bars
Boutique and dive shop
Air-conditioned public areas
Oceanic Discoverer carries the latest in safety and navigational equipment and is the only Australian passenger ship registered with full SOLAS compliance allowing opportunities to explore a multitude of international voyages.
Dining
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast and lunch are served the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style while dinner is table d’hote. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.
Excursion Boats And Zodiacs
The "Xplorer" is a specially designed aluminium excursion vessel used for the majority of our excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Xplorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Xplorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet.
We also carry two inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs). Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty infla tables are extremely safe. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if the boats damaged. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. Expect nonetheless to wade through shallow water to reach the shore.
Oceanic Discoverer Itinerary
18th October 2007 Cairns - Alotau – Rabaul
Day 1: Depart Cairns After boarding at 12:30pm for a departure at 13:30pm we leave Cairns on the start of our great adventure. Take the opportunity to explore your new ‘home’ for the next few days and in the evening join the Captain and meet his crew at the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail party before sitting down to the first of many delicious dinners our chefs will prepare for you.
Day 2: At Sea Having passed through the Great Barrier Reef we cruise north east towards the China Strait, the southern entrance into Milne Bay. Today is for relaxation and making new friends with your fellow passengers. In the evening our on board lecturer will give a presentation on Papua New Guinea and give you an insight into this fascinating country.
Day 3: Alotau Enjoy waking up to the spectacular scenery of the China Strait as we approach our first Papua New Guinea landfall - Alotau. Our experienced Guest Lecturers will interpret the traditional welcome dances prior to us heading out on a tour of this historical region. Boarding commences at 2.00pm for a departure of 3.00pm. Time to unwind before the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail party this evening.
Day 4: D’Entrecasteaux Group Dobu and Fergusson Islands A flotilla of canoes welcomes us as we approach little Dobu Island. Enjoy song and dance performances by the primary school children before we join our Expedition Leader on an exploration of the enchanted Dei Dei hot springs. Landowners will share the myth of Seulseulina, and summon for you the spirit of the spring. Watch out for the Blue Eyed Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots and Blyth’s Hombills.
Day 5: Egum Atoll, Yanaba and Gawa Islands Picture postcard Egum Atoll awaits us and we enjoy the wonders of the undersea world as we snorkel and take guided glass-bottom boat excursions. We make an expedition stop on serene Yanaba Island before heading to remote Gawa Island to see basket weaving and the intricate carving of a sacred Kula canoe.
Day 6: The Trobriands, Kitava and Tuma Islands Historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the fabled ‘Trobes’ offer a glimpse of unspoilt traditional culture. You’ll be privileged to see the exquisite yam harvest dances for which the Trobrianders are famous along with their intricate wood–carving and handicrafts. This afternoon we cruise north to explore a new location; Tuma Island.
Day 7: Bomaga Island Cruise north to beautiful Bomaga Island, also part of the Trobriand Islands.
Day 8 and 9: Luscancy Islands and Reefs Leisurely explore the remote islands and reefs of the Luscancy group with promise of excellent swimming, snorkelling, diving and glass bottom boat excursions. You’ll see true expedition cruising in action as our Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers uncover exciting new destinations.
Day 10 and 11: Jaquinot Bay Spend two days at Jaquinot Bay situated in the province of New Britain. Learn about the history from World War II and explore this beautiful Bay.
Day 12: Lamassa and Lambon Island Beware! As we make our way ashore at Lamassa we are greeted by spear-wielding ‘Masalai’ or bush spirits – a re-enactment of the villagers’ first encounter with Europeans on their land. A hair raising and thoroughly entertaining experience! Tonight, we’re invited to the sundeck for the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails.
Day 13.Rabaul Magnificent Simpson Harbour with its live ash volcano is an amazing finale to a cruise that captivates a forgotten world of tribal and island cultures that will be a jewel you will keep and remember forever! Once in Rabaul you will visit the Japanese War Tunnels around Rabaul Hotel before transferring to the airport and flying home!
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.
.jpg)
