South Pacific Cruise: Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands (2024)

Arrive in Cairns and meet your fellow guests. Later, board your luxurious small ship and embark. Enjoy a welcome reception on board this evening.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: D

Cruise north toward Papua New Guinea as your enrichment program begins with engaging presentations by the A&K Expedition Team.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Today, cruise into Milne Bay and come ashore in the Papua New Guinea port of Alotau. Once ashore, you might explore traditional village life, learn about the legacy of the war canoe or visit the Milne Bay War Memorial.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Your Captain charts a course for Fergusson Island, a stunning enclave of mountains, rainforests and geysers. Here, you might venture into the rainforest in search of exotic bird species and remote hot springs. Alternatively, swim before heading back to the ship. Then, cruise to Dobu, a remote island renowned for its vibrant Indigenous culture. You may choose to come ashore and visit a local village, or snorkel or dive.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Cruise to Cape Nelson and come ashore amid the fjord lands surrounding the port of Tufi. Here, you might explore local Indigenous traditions, enjoy some birdwatching, relax on the beach, or dive or snorkel the reefs.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Today, explore the Tami Islands, a small group of coral atolls surrounded by reefs and cays. The largest island is renowned for a crystal-clear lagoon abundant with marine life and stunning coral formations. Here, you may choose to dive or snorkel amid Spanish dancer jellyfish, blue sea star and pelagic fish. Alternatively, explore the flora, fauna and colourful birds that call this island paradise home.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Cruise to the Trobriand Islands, a remote bastion of traditional Indigenous culture. You might choose to come ashore on Kuiawa Island, where you visit a local primary school and learn about traditional dancing, woodcarving and gardening. Or, you might opt to snorkel or dive amid surgeonfish, rabbitfish, clownfish, damselfish and snapper, as well as table, bran and leather corals.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Sail east toward the Solomon Islands today, taking the opportunity to enjoy the amenities, enrichment lectures and conversations with your Expedition Team.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Your exploration of the Solomon Islands begins in Gizo, the historic port town of Ghizo Island. Once ashore, you may choose to visit Gizo’s markets and learn about its renowned woodcarving tradition. You may also take advantage of the island’s world-class snorkelling and diving. Cruise onward to Njari, an uninhabited island renowned the world over for its spectacular diving and snorkelling. Here, you can opt to dive into an underwater realm of coral gardens, blacktip reef shark, damselfish and octopus.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Sail southeastward to the Russell Islands of Pavuvu and Mbanika, two islands that served as Allied bases during World War II. When these bases were abandoned in 1945, much of the military machinery was dumped into the sea. Snorkel and explore with your Expedition Team, or opt for a local village visit revealing the island’s cultural traditions, natural wonders and rich World War II history.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Sail into Roderick Bay, a tropical postcard framed by sandy island beaches. Go ashore to learn about the local Indigenous culture; take in the wreck of the ‘World Discoverer,’ a ship that beached here in 2001; or snorkel or dive the bay’s stunning reefs.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Today, explore Rennell Island, one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls and home to Lake Tegano, a former lagoon that now harbors a wealth of endemic species. Go ashore in search of the island’s exotic birds, snakes, snails and crabs; hike the cliffs surrounding the UNESCO listed Lake Tegano; or snorkel the vibrant reefs of Kangava Bay.

'Le Laperouse' | Meals: BLD

Disembark in Honiara, the main port of Guadalcanal, an island that witnessed one of the most decisive battles of World War II. Once ashore, tour historic military sites such as Henderson Field. Then, catch a charter flight back to Cairns, where you transfer to the Crystalbrook Riley.

Crystalbrook Riley | Meals: BLD

This morning, transfer to the airport and return home.

Meals: B

Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.

This journey contains some active elements, including walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.

Honiara/Cairns Economy Class flights included.

Minimum age is 7 years.

Categories 4–8 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship.

First group event: welcome briefing on Oct 17.

Last group event: disembarkation on Oct 29.

Included with this Luxury Expedition Cruise

• An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by A&K’s Expedition Team and Local Guides
• Pre- and/or Post-Cruise Stays at Stylish, Ideally Located Hotels and A&K-Led Excursions
• Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
• Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite
• Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.3 and ship occupancy limited to 80 percent
• Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries
• 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed on board
• Choice of Curated, All-Inclusive Shore Excursions
• Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service on board
• All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
• Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support