Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea Cruise

Find the perfect trip

13 days from

£6975 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Witness Kula Ring trade and meet master carvers of the Sepik River.
  • Snorkel Tufi’s fjords and float in the mystical “bubbling” reef.
  • Walk through WWII battlefields and honor stories at Buna & Sanananda.
  • Hike to Dei Dei hot springs and drift among volcanic landscapes.

Highlights

  • Witness Kula Ring trade and meet master carvers of the Sepik River.
  • Snorkel Tufi’s fjords and float in the mystical “bubbling” reef.
  • Walk through WWII battlefields and honor stories at Buna & Sanananda.
  • Hike to Dei Dei hot springs and drift among volcanic landscapes.
Capacity: 120, Type: Luxury Expedition
Feture image for Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea Cruise

Frontier lands where over 700 languages flourish amongst 5 million people. Ancient cultures remain unchanged for centuries in this remarkably diverse nation.

  • Witness Kula Ring trade and meet master carvers of the Sepik River.
  • Snorkel Tufi’s fjords and float in the mystical “bubbling” reef.
  • Walk through WWII battlefields and honor stories at Buna & Sanananda.
  • Hike to Dei Dei hot springs and drift among volcanic landscapes.

Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights

16 October, 2026 to 28 October, 2026 on Coral Adventurer
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

CORAL DECK STATEROOM
£6975 GBP pp
CORAL DECK STATEROOM
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
£8235 GBP pp
PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer Deck and are furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
£10705 GBP pp
EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
Our Explorer Deck staterooms are located below the Bridge Deck and are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
£11645 GBP pp
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
Our two Bridge Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. French windows opening to a balcony with seating for two gives you a private perch to watch the panorama unfold outside. These staterooms are located on the bridge deck with superb views and adjacent to the Cairns and Darwin suites. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
£14795 GBP pp
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
Our two Cairns and Darwin suites are spacious and elegant retreats after a busy day ashore. Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have a spacious super King-sized bed. The 8 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. A unique outside-facing bathroom with picture windows, bath and separate shower complete the suite experience. The complimentary minibar is replenished daily. Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 55.8 square metres.
22 September, 2027 to 04 October, 2027 on Coral Adventurer
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

CORAL DECK STATEROOM
£6975 GBP pp
CORAL DECK STATEROOM
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
£8475 GBP pp
PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer Deck and are furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
£10475 GBP pp
EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
Our Explorer Deck staterooms are located below the Bridge Deck and are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
£11475 GBP pp
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
Our two Bridge Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. French windows opening to a balcony with seating for two gives you a private perch to watch the panorama unfold outside. These staterooms are located on the bridge deck with superb views and adjacent to the Cairns and Darwin suites. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
£15975 GBP pp
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
Our two Cairns and Darwin suites are spacious and elegant retreats after a busy day ashore. Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have a spacious super King-sized bed. The 8 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. A unique outside-facing bathroom with picture windows, bath and separate shower complete the suite experience. The complimentary minibar is replenished daily. Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 55.8 square metres.
show reverse itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART CAIRNS

Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) for boarding at 7:30am for a 9:00am departure. Join our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

At Sea

Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Samarai Island

Clear into Papua New Guinea at this historic former administrative capital, once the second largest settlement after Port Moresby. Choose to explore colonial Samarai and purchase pearls or snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island.

Dobu Island & Dei Dei Springs

Walk to the mythical Dei Dei Hot Springs, where locals share spiritual tales and still cook food in palm frond baskets. Learn about the ancient Kula Ring trading network at Dobu Island and snorkel the bubbling springs reef.

Kuiawa Island | Trobriand Islands

Visit the famous ‘Islands of Love’ where Trobriand Islanders employ traditional magic to grow better produce. Witness cultural performances, browse local markets and swim off pristine beaches in this Polynesian-influenced community.

Tufi Fjord

Explore the spectacular fjords of Cape Nelson, famous for tapa cloth production. Enjoy cultural demonstrations, nature walks, and world-class snorkelling and diving amongst uncharted reefs in this dramatic landscape.

Buna & Sanananda

Pay tribute at these significant WWII battlefields where fierce fighting occurred between Australian, American and Japanese forces. Visit the village-built War Museum and experience traditional welcomes honouring all sides.

Dregerhafen, Morobe

Experience a high-spirited welcome at Gingala Village and browse the markets, famous for their traditional Tami bowls and timber paddles. Enjoy water activities in pristine lagoons surrounded by the stunning coastline of the Finschhafen district.

Madang

Discover Madang, the capital of Madang Province, named during the late German administration in the 1890s. Visit BilBil village for traditional clay pot demonstrations and the Coast Watchers monument, then spend the afternoon diving, relaxing at the waterside Madang Resort, or browsing the town’s vibrant markets.

Sepik River

Navigate Papua New Guinea’s longest river, renowned as one of the world’s most prolific art-producing regions. Visit Bien village to meet master carvers, enjoy traditional performances, and cruise by Xplorer to spot a diverse array of wildlife.

At Sea

Sail towards New Britain while enjoying presentations about the remarkable coral reef systems ahead. Reflect on the incredible cultural connections you’ve made throughout Papua New Guinea’s diverse frontier regions.

Kimbe Bay

Explore the ‘coral crucible’ with over 860 tropical fish species and 400 coral varieties. Join traditional sing-sings at the Catholic Mission before swimming, snorkelling and diving at the spectacular Witu Islands.

Day 13: Arrive Rabaul

Disembark at 8:00am in this dramatic volcanic harbour town. For those wanting to explore more, consider adding on our Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea voyage or join the included post-cruise charter flight back to Cairns.

Please note:

Embrace the unexpected - it's part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.

 

DAY 1: DEPART CAIRNS

Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) for boarding at 7:30am for a 9:00am departure. Join our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

At Sea

Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Samarai Island

Clear into Papua New Guinea at this historic former administrative capital, once the second largest settlement after Port Moresby. Choose to explore colonial Samarai and purchase pearls or snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island.

Dobu Island & Dei Dei Springs

Walk to the mythical Dei Dei Hot Springs, where locals share spiritual tales and still cook food in palm frond baskets. Learn about the ancient Kula Ring trading network at Dobu Island and snorkel the bubbling springs reef.

Kuiawa Island | Trobriand Islands

Visit the famous ‘Islands of Love’ where Trobriand Islanders employ traditional magic to grow better produce. Witness cultural performances, browse local markets and swim off pristine beaches in this Polynesian-influenced community.

Tufi Fjord

Explore the spectacular fjords of Cape Nelson, famous for tapa cloth production. Enjoy cultural demonstrations, nature walks, and world-class snorkelling and diving amongst uncharted reefs in this dramatic landscape.

Buna & Sanananda

Pay tribute at these significant WWII battlefields where fierce fighting occurred between Australian, American and Japanese forces. Visit the village-built War Museum and experience traditional welcomes honouring all sides.

Dregerhafen, Morobe

Experience a high-spirited welcome at Gingala Village and browse the markets, famous for their traditional Tami bowls and timber paddles. Enjoy water activities in pristine lagoons surrounded by the stunning coastline of the Finschhafen district.

Madang

Discover Madang, the capital of Madang Province, named during the late German administration in the 1890s. Visit BilBil village for traditional clay pot demonstrations and the Coast Watchers monument, then spend the afternoon diving, relaxing at the waterside Madang Resort, or browsing the town’s vibrant markets.

Sepik River

Navigate Papua New Guinea’s longest river, renowned as one of the world’s most prolific art-producing regions. Visit Bien village to meet master carvers, enjoy traditional performances, and cruise by Xplorer to spot a diverse array of wildlife.

At Sea

Sail towards New Britain while enjoying presentations about the remarkable coral reef systems ahead. Reflect on the incredible cultural connections you’ve made throughout Papua New Guinea’s diverse frontier regions.

Kimbe Bay

Explore the ‘coral crucible’ with over 860 tropical fish species and 400 coral varieties. Join traditional sing-sings at the Catholic Mission before swimming, snorkelling and diving at the spectacular Witu Islands.

Day 13: Arrive Rabaul

Disembark at 8:00am in this dramatic volcanic harbour town. For those wanting to explore more, consider adding on our Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea voyage or join the included post-cruise charter flight back to Cairns.

Please note:

Embrace the unexpected - it's part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.

 

Itinerary also available in reverse
Coral Adventurer
Launched in 2018 withher maiden voyage in 2019, Coaral Adventurer has been designed and built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety. A culmination of two years of design …

Coral Adventurer

Length 93.40 metres
Launched 2018
Cabins 60

Launched in 2018 withher maiden voyage in 2019, Coaral Adventurer has been designed and built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety. A culmination of two years of design and three decades of passion for expedition cruising.

BIGGER IS NOT BETTER

At a time when cruise ships get larger and glitzier, we remain stubbornly compact and intimate. Our ships are designed to take you to unspoilt destinations not accessible to large ships.  We want you to have the luxury of space, dine with whom you please, or find your quiet corner on deck.  So Coral Adventurer has just 60 spacious cabins.  This preserves the intimate atmosphere we are known for without sacrificing the stability and comfort of a true ocean going vessel.

BUILT FOR DISCOVERY

The Coral Adventurer features the trademark dual ‘Xplorer’ tenders cradled on a hydraulic platform slung off the back of the ship, enabling our guests to go ashore in comfort and ease.  The shallow draft of the ship enables us to go closer to shore than larger ships. Together with a renowned expedition team, this new ship will offer the most advanced expedition capabilities of any small ship afloat.

BUILT FOR COMFORT

With active stabilisers dampening sea motion, mostly balcony cabins, and interiors designed with the colours and textures of tropical Queensland, the Coral Adventurer is a comfortable ship.  She features promenade decks, generous communal areas that accommodate all guests, a passenger elevator, and an open kitchen where you can observe our chefs whip up small batch cuisine from locally sourced ingredients.

BUILT FOR PERSONAL SERVICE

The Coral Adventurer will continue a proud tradition of Australian flagged vessels with friendly and professional Australian crew.  The onboard atmosphere remains refreshingly informal and intimate.  Take your seat at our bridge lounge, chat with the captain at your leisure or accompany our chefs on a market tour.

Food and wine features

* Single seating dining area with communal ‘wine table’ finished with Australian stone; serving buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners

* Showcase galley visible to guests for fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian produce

* Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including the Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks with 180 degree views

* Curated wine cellar featuring modestly priced boutique wines for daily drinking and exceptional vintage Australian reds.

Guest comfort

* All outside guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; majority have private balcony

* Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion

* Gym equipped with elliptical trainers and treadmills

* Passenger elevator

* Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.

Cabin layout for Coral Adventurer
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

13 days from £6975 GBP pp

Trip Tags
Remote islands
Find your favorite region