Papua New Guinea Discoverer
12 nights Madang to Cairns
Sail among 850 distinct tribal cultures where ancient traditions thrive in remote villages and pristine coral reefs support marine conservation.
Departs
- 13 October 2026
Coral Expeditions
Papua New Guinea Discoverer (12 nts)
Prices for 2026
Press the arrow on the next line to see the full price list.
2026 prices – Coral Discoverer
| Cabin | 2026 Full Fare | 2026 NRMA* | Xplorers Club Silver** | Xplorers Club Gold*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Deck (Category B) | $13,800 pp | N/A | $13,110 pp | $12,420 pp |
| Main Deck (Category A) | $14,900 pp | N/A | $14,155 pp | $13,410 pp |
| Promenade Deck (Category B) Sole Use | $14,900 pp | N/A | $14,155 pp | $13,410 pp |
| Promenade Deck (Category A) | $17,300 pp | $15,570 pp | $14,791 pp | $14,013 pp |
| Bridge Deck Balcony Suite | $21,500 pp | $19,350 pp | $18,382 pp | $17,415 pp |
All prices are per person, twin share in AUD.
Multiple Cabin Discounts: Please ask us about discounts for 2+ cabins.
*NRMA members (not an NRMA member? Ask us and we’ll help you sign up) – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare for Promenade A and above cabins. Savings are subject to availability on selected dates. MYNRMA Members also get complimentary Deposit Protection and 1x complimentary bottle of wine.
**Xplorers Club Silver – Receive 5% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on any of their cruises between 6-13 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 5% off the full fare for the Xplorers Silver).
***Xplorers Club Gold – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on a combination of cruises totalling between 14-50 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 10% off the full fare for the Xplorers Gold).
Click here to see full terms and conditions of Xplorers Club prices.
Inclusions
- Charter flight from Cairns to departure port
- All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
- Wifi Access – VSAT suitable for basic internet activities like web browsing, email, and standard definition streaming
- Post-cruise transfers to CBD hotel or airport
- 24-hour coffee and tea station
- Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
- Tips and gratuities
- Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
- Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
- Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
- Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
- Expedition diary, along with a photo gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- All excursions with our Expedition Team
- Pre and post cruise accommodation
- Premium Internet services
- Scuba Diving (additional Cost)
- Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
- Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
- Laundry service (available at a cost)
Itinerary Highlights
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Explore the very remote southwestern tip of New Britain Island, where evidence of ancient trade dates back 3,500 years.
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Dive and snorkel pristine coral reefs supporting community-driven marine conservation programmes.
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Experience authentic village life among Papua New Guinea’s 850 distinct tribal cultures and languages.
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Support Dr Marianne George’s traditional voyaging revival project, helping preserve endangered Pacific navigation knowledge for future generations.
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Gain insights from our expert Guest Lecturers, who have worked alongside us in the region for over twelve years.
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.
Discover volcanic Umboi’s cultural heritage, then explore Tuam Island’s rich trading history dating to the Holocene era and unique windbreak innovations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arrive in Cairns at 12:30pm for disembarkation at 1:30pm. Bid farewell to newfound friends, the Master and crew. A post-cruise transfer to Cairns CBD hotels or the airport is included.
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.
Coral Discoverer
Sail beyond the ordinary on this not-to-be-missed expedition through Papua New Guinea’s most remote south eastern reaches aboard Coral Discoverer. Sail past rainforest-lined fjords, share meals from our open galley, and be welcomed ashore with vibrant ceremonies. Snorkel reefs, kayak past sacred landmarks, or join storytellers under starlit skies. With warm hospitality and authentic encounters, every day feels both unforgettable and like a home at sea.
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