Adventures in Paradise

Overview

From the Bismarck Sea to the beautiful Louisiade Archipelago, taking you through a stunning tropical landscape of island and reef, this adventure will transform your idea of paradise forever.

Your adventure begins in Cairns where you’ll be escorted onto a charter aircraft to Kavieng. When you arrive in “the land of the unexpected” board the True North and enjoy the luxury of its renowned galley. Enjoy a welcome aboard lunch as you cruise past ‘postcard’ beaches, palm trees, tranquil villages and a flotilla of canoes. Here you’ll be able to explore endless beaches, coral gardens, spectacular diving and fish for mackerel, yellow fin tuna and mahi mahi. Finish the day with a drink in the alfresco bar before returning to the True North for more fine dining.

Begin today with a morning sing sing from the entire community, before exploring the shallow beach water for ship, plane and submarine wrecks.

This morning, arrive at the Duke of York Islands, besides learning about it’s rich history you’ll be able to head out on a snorkel expedition to discover the Japanese tanks in shallow island waters. Otherwise, take a ride in the ship’s helicopter for a stunning bird’s eye view of what was once described as the most beautiful town in the South Pacific, Rabaul. Perched on the edge of a magnificent natural harbour and surrounded by active volcanoes, in 1994, the town was smothered under a cloud of ash and now lies largely abandoned, however from the helicopter window, it’s a spectacular sight to see.

Wake to find the True North off the coast of New Britain and the beautiful Jacqinot Bay area. Today, explore the dense jungle and mighty rivers, visiting isolated villages that have little contact with the outside world. Here you’ll have another opportunity for a breathtaking helicopter flight, or visit the grotto where fresh water pounds out of a rock face onto a pristine beach. Then enjoy a star filled party night in the silhouette of the jungle.

This morning you’ll anchor in the middle of the Solomon Sea amongst the corals of Star Reef and the strikingly beautiful Lusancay Islands. Here you’ll take a stroll around your very own deserted island, snorkel in the shallows or drop off the outer-reef for the dive of a lifetime. You’ll also have the opportunity to fish for tuna, mackerel, sailfish or even coral trout.

Anchored in one of the many fjords, Tufi is a very different landscape to what we’ve seen and is definitely a cruise highlight. Jump in the helicopter up the fjords to the highlands and land at magnificently kept gardens of the Isurava Memorial on the Kokoda Track. At Tufi, experience traditional face tattooing demonstration, sago making ceremony and the famed Tapa cloth. In the afternoon, head up to the Tufi Dive Resort for cocktails & canapes and watch the sun set.

Today visit Ferguson Island, where you’ll discover jungle that’s home to countless bird species birds including colourful parrots, hornbills, wild fowl and the famed bird of paradise. Here you’ll also find many rare species of butterfly, over two thirds of the world’s orchid species along with the reclusive tree kangaroo.

Start the morning with a snorkel, discovering WWII wrecks in shallow waters of Deboyne Lagoon. Fishing, diving and sightseeing boats will also explore the lagoon and outer reef before you visit Panepompom Island to meet the locals. After welcoming you at the beach, they’ll treat you with some impromptu singing (and laughing) and then introduce you to their community. The crew will also take the opportunity to deliver appreciated resources to the local school. You’ll also have the opportunity to sail on the locals handmade boats back out to True North before an afternoon helicopter ride to see the JurassicPark-esque views of the Calvados Chain. Then, spend the afternoon fishing, diving, snorkeling or hiking on the beautiful Panasia.

Wake up in the incredibly picturesque karst islands for another day in paradise. In the morning, land ashore at the main island where you can choose to go for a short hike into a cave system, relax on the stunning white beach or dive, snorkel or fish in the channels between these islands. Then head to a tiny island in the afternoon for a swim, sunset cocktails & canapes.

Enjoy another day exploring the stunning coral reefs and secluded islands of Bramble heaven. Here you’ll be able snorkel or fish for even more delights.

Waking up alongside Alotau, this morning you’ll be transferred to a charter plane for the return flight to Cairns.