Papua New Guinea - Coral Sea Cruises

Papua New Guinea welcome - photo courtesy of Orion CruisesThis is still a land of magic and spirits despite the best efforts of colonial missionaries over the centuries. A land of 800 languages, the cultural diversity will take your breath away. Whether it is the mysterious art of the Sepik, the fearsome Mudmen of Asaro and their mud “helmets” or the feathered headdresses of a Tufi tribesman, this land never fails to astonish. From volcanic tropical fjords and the flooded crater that is Rabaul’s Simpson Harbour to pristine white sand beaches, the beauty of PNG is wonderfully varied. And along the way are friendly villagers, world-class diving and snorkelling and a region redolent in wartime history.

Orion Expedition Cruises - Founded in early 2004, Australian owned and operated, Orion Expedition Cruises has developed voyages to encourage guests to become a part of the region they are discovering. Orion is a purpose built vessel designed to access the inaccessible, all in 5-star luxury. The ship combines the best and the latest in design with maritime and environmental technology, comfort and casual elegance. From the ice-strengthened hull to the chilled champagne and superb cuisine, this is expedition cruising at its finest.

Described as the latest in the quest to build the perfect expedition vessel, all Orion’s staterooms feature ocean views and offer internet access, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD, a choice of twin and queen sized beds, a sitting area and marble bathrooms. Other on board amenities include a health spa with gymnasium, sauna, sun deck Jacuzzi and a stern marina platform.

The M/V Orion - photo courtesy of Orion CruisesExpedition Cruising is different and you will find Orion is unlike any other ship you may have sailed in before. Her appointments are luxurious, yet life aboard has a distinctly relaxed, Australian flavour with the international-standard service being warm and unobtrusive. The ambiance is intimate and subtly elegant.

In contrast to the wilds of Antarctica or rugged adventures in the Kimberley, the onboard cuisine is distinctly civilised. Award winning Sydney chef Serge Dansereau of ‘The Bathers’ Pavilion’ fame has created signature menus inspired by local culinary traditions featuring produce and flavours reflecting the regions you are visiting. Each dish has been designed to complement our other alternatives allowing you to sample from each menu at your whim.

Papua New Guinea Highland Cultures

Each day of this expedition will reveal yet another aspect to the wonderful cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea and the breathtaking scenery unique to this remote land. This is still a land of magic and spirits despite the best efforts of colonial missionaries over the centuries.
2008 Departures - March 15, April 5, September 22 & October 3
2009 Departures - March 18, April 9

Melanesian Island Cultures

As this 10-night expedition begins to unfold you will find yourself almost transported back in time as the outlying island cultures of Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province are revealed. Famous for the Battle of Milne Bay, the township of Alotau is rich in history. Orion is your introduction to island groups impossible to visit any other way than by local banana boat. The New Georgia Islands, in the west of the Solomons, offer WWII heritage, beautiful lagoons and spectacular diving before your voyage ends in Rabaul for a last taste of ancient PNG culture and your charter flight to Cairns.
2008 Departures - March 26

Pristine beaches - photo courtesy of Orion Cruises

Coral Sea, Louisiade and Trobriand Islands - Voyage of Discovery

The Coral Sea is rich in history, beauty and culture. So close, and yet so far from the modern Eastern shores of Australia, these remote and exotic outlying islands of Papua New Guinea are tropical paradises forgotten by time and overlooked by tourism. Those travellers who are fortunate enough to make a journey through these isolated islands become immersed in an array of experiences found nowhere else on the globe. Primitive tribal cultures illustrated through vibrant costume and dance, active volcanoes, unique flora and fauna which is so extraordinary it has to be seen to be believed, superb indigenous artwork and artifacts, unsophisticated villages ringing with the laughter of curious children, world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, wartime history and relics – all combine to create an unforgettable experience.
2008 Departures - October 14

New Guinea Island Adventure

An 11 night exploration of this rich culture encompassing amazing diving, ancient tropical fjords and pristine beaches. The remote and exotic Lamassa and Duke of York Islands are a feature of these spectacular expeditions, so expect to be enchanted by the friendly welcomes of the locals.
2009 Departures - March 29

Insure My Trip We provide, through “Insure My Trip” comparison site, travel insurance policies from Access America, AIG Travel Guard, CSA Travel Protection, Global Underwriters, HTH Worldwide, International Medical Group, MEDEX, MedjetAssist, MultiNational Underwriters, On Call International, RBC Travel Protection, Seven Corners, Travel Insured, Travelex and TravelSafe. Click to compare the policies available.

Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, Australia & Pacific, Special Destinations, Australia, Deluxe Travel, Papua New Guinea, Educational, Cultural, Deluxe Cruises, Orion


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.