Wayne & Betsy Smisek

Aurora Expeditions has been the most impressive tour operator we have ever used.

Rabaul to Cairns: Islands of Smiles Overview

Our journey begins by exploring the tranquil isles of the Duke of York Islands, a group of dramatic volcanoes and coral atolls where ancient traditions flourish. We then take an in-depth look at east New Britain where you will experience expedition cruising at its best as we go in search of adventure. The leisurely pace of this voyage will enable us to explore hidden bays and striking coral reefs while also allowing time for visits to a number of culturally distinct communities such as the fabled Trobriand Islands and Milne Bay Province.

"From witnessing a colourful sing sing on a tropical island to being greeted by a flotilla of outrigger canoes, our experiences with the smiling people of Papua New Guinea are sure to be rewarding. Our fleet of Zodiacs will enable us to search out the myriad of hidden bays and striking coral reefs that abound in this area."
David Mannix - Aurora Expeditions

dates & prices



Rabaul - Cairns

Name: 15 Day Voyage
Dates: 15-Nov-10 to 27-Nov-10
Embark: Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
Ship: Oceanic Discoverer
Inclusions: View inclusions for this trip
Activities:

INCLUDED IN THE EXPEDITION PRICE

+ Transfers to and from the group hotel.
+ Ship's accommodation. All public areas are open to all passengers.
+ All meals on board ship.
+ All shore excursions from the ship including Zodiacs.
+ Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services.
+ Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board.
+ Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities.
+ Pre-departure information.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE EXPEDITION PRICE

+ Air transport to and from the ship.
+ Airport transfers to the group hotel.
+ Excess baggage on any air flights.
+ Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes.
+ Hotels and meals not included in ship cruise itinerary.
+ Tips on board for crew and service personnel.
+ Optional excursions not included in ship cruise itinerary.
+ Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items
   of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
+ Emergency evacuation charges.

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PACKAGE ROOM PRICE
Main Deck B Twin Share/Double AU$8650
Main Deck A Twin Share/Double AU$8950
Promenade Deck A Twin Share/Double AU$9650
Bridge Deck Twin Share/Double AU$10150


Itinerary

NOTE: The itinerary for this voyage is the reverse of our outbound trip, with the following changes. We spend one day at Kimbe Bay and visit Lababia village. We also visit Tufi Fjords rather than Kitava Island in the Trobriands. Itineraries for the two new stops are as follows:

Day 8 - Lababia
Lababia, a picturesque village, is home to the proud custodians of the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area, one of PNG's most important conservation areas. Walking the David Suzuki trail, we'll enjoy prolific birdlife, including hornbills, parrots, palm cockatoos and maybe even the striking Raggiana bird of paradise.

Day 9 - Tufi Fjords
Tufi Fjords, rarely visited, feature 25 individual canyons of sheer basalt cliffs, the only fjords in Papua New Guinea. We soak up spectacular views from towering cliffs, search the rainforest for the world's largest butterfly and learn about the locals' ancient tribal customs.

Activities

TRIP DATES ACTIVITIES
Rabaul - Cairns 15-Nov-10 to 27-Nov-10

How to Prepare

To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe expedition we have developed some import pre-departure information to help you prepare for your voyage. We strongly recommend you download the documents below and read carefully. Our reservation staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Before you depart for your expedition we will send you a detailed pack including your itinerary, travel documents and any other essential information relevant to your voyage.

Is your passport valid? 
Your passport will be required to have validity that will extend to six months after the date of your return.

Visa arrangements? 
Your visa arrangements are your responsibility. Please contact our reservations staff for assistance, or if you are unsure if you require a visa.

Travel insurance? 
All passengers are required to provide travel insurance details including policy number and emergency contact number to Aurora Expeditions prior to departure. We strongly recommend insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation from the vessel.

Emergency contact details? 
So that you can be contacted in the case of an emergency, remember to provide your family or friends with a copy of your travel documents as well as Aurora Expeditions’ and your Ship’s contact numbers.

Remember to pack any valuables or essential items such as medication in your hand luggage to avoid issues in the case of lost baggage.

Papua New Guinea Clothing Guidelines

Papua New Guinea Photography Hints

Papua New Guinea Recommended Reading

How to Book

Contact us

If you are interested in an Aurora Expeditions voyage, please contact our sales team to check availability.
Either email an expert here or call our experienced consultants direct on + 61 2 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (within Australia).

Complete a booking form

Once availability is confirmed, please download, print and complete the booking form. Please return it to us, along with your deposit to secure your berth.  Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of contract before sending us your signed booking form.

Terms & Conditions

Click here to view the terms and conditions.

Preparation for your voyage

On receipt of the booking form, we will contact you to confirm your booking and our reservations staff will send you a comprehensive pre-departure kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list and information tailored to your voyage.

Aurora Expeditions – Your Personal Travel Agent

Aurora Expeditions is a licensed travel agent. Our experienced reservations consultants all have specialised expertise on the destinations we travel to. Each voyage has a dedicated travel expert solely working on developing dynamic itineraries for our passengers.  Contact our reservations team and allow us to create a personal itinerary to compliment your voyage, including airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and pre and post voyage travel options.

We look forward to assisting you with your journey of a lifetime.

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