Papua New Guinea Discoverer - Small Ship Cruise

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13 days from

£6905 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Meet elders in villages where 30,000‑year traditions still thrive.
  • Snorkel Calvados reefs and trek jungle paths among endemic life.
  • Explore ancient trade routes and Blue Economy community initiatives.
  • Support local community and conservation projects at sea.

Highlights

  • Meet elders in villages where 30,000‑year traditions still thrive.
  • Snorkel Calvados reefs and trek jungle paths among endemic life.
  • Explore ancient trade routes and Blue Economy community initiatives.
  • Support local community and conservation projects at sea.
Capacity: 72
Feture image for Papua New Guinea Discoverer - Small Ship Cruise

Sail among 850 distinct tribal cultures where 30,000-year-old traditions thrive in remote villages and pristine coral reefs support marine conservation.

  • Meet elders in villages where 30,000‑year traditions still thrive.
  • Snorkel Calvados reefs and trek jungle paths among endemic life.
  • Explore ancient trade routes and Blue Economy community initiatives.
  • Support local community and conservation projects at sea.

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

13 October, 2026 to 25 October, 2026 on Coral Discoverer
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.

Main Deck B Stateroom
£6905 GBP pp
Main Deck B Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck A Stateroom
£7455 GBP pp
Main Deck A Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade A Stateroom
£8655 GBP pp
Promenade A Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our twenty spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
£10755 GBP pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our five spacious Bridge Deck Balcony staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature private balconies opening out from french windows providing comfortable indoor outdoor living, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
show reverse itinerary
Day 1: Madang

Make your own way to the Cairns International Airport for check-in and charter briefing before joining the charter flight. After the charter flight guests will be transferred from Madang Airport to Madang Resort, where light finger food and refreshments will be provided. Board Coral Discoverer at 4:00pm in this bustling Papua New Guinea port town, where your remote island adventure begins.

Umboi & Tuam Island

Discover volcanic Umboi’s cultural heritage, then explore Tuam Island’s rich trading history dating to the Holocene era and unique windbreak innovations.

Kumbun Island & Pulia River

Cross the Dampier Strait to visit Apalo Village on New Britain Island’s remote southwestern tip. Engage with local fishing life and the methods and customs that exist today. In the afternoon, cruise the jungle-flanked Pulia River by Xplorer.

Lababia Village & Biangatu Island

Experience colourful welcome rituals and traditional bilum weaving demonstrations at this seaside village on Papua’s mainland. Spend the afternoon exploring the biodiverse underwater worlds of Biangatu Island. Snorkelling and diving is available in Biangatu Island.

Sea Day

Enjoy onboard activities and presentations as we sail towards the remote islands of southeastern Papua New Guinea. Take time to process the cultural connections you’ve already made on this unique voyage.

Goodenough & Wagifa Island

Engage with vocational training and climate resilience projects in Bolu Bolu Village. Visit the community tourism school and enjoy water activities at nearby Wagifa Island, perfect for snorkelling and diving.

Sewa Bay & Boia Waga Island

Choose between a moderate jungle walk to search for wildlife or visit Pwanapwana Village for a cultural experience. Later, relax on the white beaches of uninhabited Boia Boia Waga Island. Snorkelling and diving is available.

Deboyne Island & Surrounding Lagoons

The ship will be positioned for the best water activities based on conditions. The Deboyne Lagoon features diverse reefs and islands teeming with marine life, offering excellent opportunities for kayaking and snorkelling.

Exploration of the Calvados Chain

Discover pristine atolls in the Calvados chain. Your Expedition Team will source the best locations for snorkelling, diving, swimming and kayaking amongst these remote coral formations.

Tawali & Nuakata Island

This morning, rise early for a walk in search of endemic bird-of-paradise through uneven jungle pathways. Enjoy a traditional Mumu lunch before visiting Nuakata Island to learn about the Hale Vaka Initiative and traditional canoe building.

Samarai Island

Discover the island of Samarai, once a key maritime hub connecting Australia and East Asia. Stroll through its vibrant local markets and learn about its pivotal role in regional trade and navigation before continuing towards the Coral Sea.

Coral Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Australia. Reflect on your Papua New Guinea discoveries and enjoy presentations about the remarkable places you’ve visited.

Day 13: Arrive Cairns

Arrive in Cairns at 7:00am for disembarkation at 8:00am. Bid farewell to newfound friends, the Master and crew. A post-cruise transfer to Cairns CBD hotels or the airport is included.

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: Madang

Make your own way to the Cairns International Airport for check-in and charter briefing before joining the charter flight. After the charter flight guests will be transferred from Madang Airport to Madang Resort, where light finger food and refreshments will be provided. Board Coral Discoverer at 4:00pm in this bustling Papua New Guinea port town, where your remote island adventure begins.

Umboi & Tuam Island

Discover volcanic Umboi’s cultural heritage, then explore Tuam Island’s rich trading history dating to the Holocene era and unique windbreak innovations.

Kumbun Island & Pulia River

Cross the Dampier Strait to visit Apalo Village on New Britain Island’s remote southwestern tip. Engage with local fishing life and the methods and customs that exist today. In the afternoon, cruise the jungle-flanked Pulia River by Xplorer.

Lababia Village & Biangatu Island

Experience colourful welcome rituals and traditional bilum weaving demonstrations at this seaside village on Papua’s mainland. Spend the afternoon exploring the biodiverse underwater worlds of Biangatu Island. Snorkelling and diving is available in Biangatu Island.

Sea Day

Enjoy onboard activities and presentations as we sail towards the remote islands of southeastern Papua New Guinea. Take time to process the cultural connections you’ve already made on this unique voyage.

Goodenough & Wagifa Island

Engage with vocational training and climate resilience projects in Bolu Bolu Village. Visit the community tourism school and enjoy water activities at nearby Wagifa Island, perfect for snorkelling and diving.

Sewa Bay & Boia Waga Island

Choose between a moderate jungle walk to search for wildlife or visit Pwanapwana Village for a cultural experience. Later, relax on the white beaches of uninhabited Boia Boia Waga Island. Snorkelling and diving is available.

Deboyne Island & Surrounding Lagoons

The ship will be positioned for the best water activities based on conditions. The Deboyne Lagoon features diverse reefs and islands teeming with marine life, offering excellent opportunities for kayaking and snorkelling.

Exploration of the Calvados Chain

Discover pristine atolls in the Calvados chain. Your Expedition Team will source the best locations for snorkelling, diving, swimming and kayaking amongst these remote coral formations.

Tawali & Nuakata Island

This morning, rise early for a walk in search of endemic bird-of-paradise through uneven jungle pathways. Enjoy a traditional Mumu lunch before visiting Nuakata Island to learn about the Hale Vaka Initiative and traditional canoe building.

Samarai Island

Discover the island of Samarai, once a key maritime hub connecting Australia and East Asia. Stroll through its vibrant local markets and learn about its pivotal role in regional trade and navigation before continuing towards the Coral Sea.

Coral Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Australia. Reflect on your Papua New Guinea discoveries and enjoy presentations about the remarkable places you’ve visited.

Day 13: Arrive Cairns

Arrive in Cairns at 7:00am for disembarkation at 8:00am. Bid farewell to newfound friends, the Master and crew. A post-cruise transfer to Cairns CBD hotels or the airport is included.

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 Discoverer
Yacht-like Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard of sophistication in expedition cruising when she was constructed by us in 2005. Coral Discoverer sailed on pioneering expeditions through Pap…

Coral Discoverer

Length 63 metres
Launched/refurbished 2005/2018
Max capacity 72 Passengers

Yacht-like Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard of sophistication in expedition cruising when she was constructed by us in 2005. Coral Discoverer sailed on pioneering expeditions through Papua New Guinea, the islands of the South Pacific, Vanuatu, New Zealand, West Papua, and the Spice Islands. She led explorations into remote areas, focusing on destinations that were largely inaccessible to larger cruise ships.

Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draught to get up close to destinations, ocean views from all public spaces, an expansive open-air sun deck, all outside-facing staterooms, and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. A full refurbishment in 2018 saw the addition of private balconies, the much-loved Xplorer sundeck bar, and all new furnishings throughout the ship.

Comfortable, reliable, and intimately scaled, Coral Discoverer now conducts expeditions across Australia’s coast – Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. Australian flagged and staffed by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be memorable.

Onboard Accommodation

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.

Onboard Facilities

What you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:

  • Large sundeck
  • Spa Pool
  • Guest computer
  • 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

 Coral Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology active stabilizers and is fitted with state-of-the-art 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 in 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 inflatables 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. See photo below (right)

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

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

13 days from £6905 GBP pp

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