| Cruise |
Paspaley Pearl, Papua New Guinea’s Hidden Secrets ex Cairns to Madang |
| Cruise Line |
Pearl Expeditions |
| Ship |
Paspaley Pearl |
| Destination |
South Pacific & New Zealand |
| Brief Description |
10 night cruise from Cairns to Madang aboard Paspaley Pearl. |
| Type of Cruise |
Expedition |
| Departure Date |
09 Oct 2025 |
| Cruise Description |
Cairns to Madang: Your 11-Day Cultural Adventure Through Papua New Guinea's Coastal Diversity
Welcome to your Papua New Guinea expedition—where ancient traditions thrive across 800 distinct cultures, and every village welcomes you into ways of life unchanged for millennia.
Over the next 11 days, you'll paddle traditional outrigger canoes through Tufi's mysterious fjords, witness elaborate ceremonies in remote tribal villages, and snorkel above WWII wrecks in crystal-clear lagoons. This isn't cultural tourism—you'll participate in traditional sago production, and learn ancient carving techniques from master artisans.
Each morning brings new cultural encounters as we navigate between volcanic islands and pristine coral atolls. You'll step ashore to traditional welcomes featuring colourful adornments and rhythmic dances, participate in the famous Kula exchange ceremonies spanning 18 island communities, and witness tapa cloth creation using techniques passed down through countless generations.
From exploring colonial remnants on Samarai Island—once called the "Pearl of the Pacific"— every encounter becomes part of your shared story. Our small expedition community of just 30 guests means genuine cultural exchanges rather than staged performances.
This is cultural immersion as it should be: authentic, respectful, and utterly transformative. Your Papua New Guinea adventure begins the moment you board Paspaley Pearl.
Day 1: Cairns, Australia
Board Paspaley Pearl in tropical Queensland, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Meet fellow adventurers over welcome cocktails while our expedition team prepares you for transformative cultural encounters across Papua New Guinea's extraordinary diversity of 800 distinct languages and traditions.
Days 2-3: At Sea
Connect with expedition community during our Coral Sea crossing as cultural experts introduce Papua New Guinea's remarkable diversity. Learn basic Tok Pisin greetings, understand traditional customs you'll witness, and study art forms we'll encounter while spotting marine life from deck.
Day 4: Samarai Islands
Explore colonial remnants on the former "Pearl of the Pacific" and visit Kwato Island's historic mission. Walk tree-lined roads where traders once operated, then discover the stone church built in 1937 and learn how expert boat-building skills later supported Australian Coastwatchers during WWII.
Day 5: Deboyne Lagoon
Experience traditional subsistence village life in this stunning triangular atoll where crystal-clear waters surround palm-fringed islands. Interact with welcoming communities, and snorkel above a Japanese Zero fighter plane resting since the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea.
Day 6: Trobriand Islands
Witness traditional dances on the famous "Islands of Love" where elaborate costumes and rhythmic movements retain ancestral power. Participate in Kula exchange ceremonies spanning 18 island communities, handling sacred valuables that establish lifelong relationships and bind communities across vast ocean distances.
Day 7: Tufi
Board traditional outrigger canoes through dramatic volcanic fjords rising 150 meters from the water. Witness authentic sago production using unchanged techniques, participate in tapa cloth creation with natural dyes, and swim in pristine waters surrounded by Papua New Guinea's most spectacular landscapes.
Day 8: Morobe Harbour
Experience authentic coastal village life where traditional fishing, canoe building, and subsistence farming continue unchanged. Join village walks observing daily activities, then cheer traditional canoe races staged in your honour while learning cultural significance of vessel construction in coastal societies.
Day 9: Tami Islands
Discover the Pacific's most influential art production centre where the famous "Tami style" wooden bowls, religious figures, and ceremonial masks are created. Try basic carving under expert guidance, fish using traditional methods, and swim in crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by artistic traditions.
Day 10: Tuam Island
Experience exceptional warmth through traditional music and dance performances showcasing exchanges between mainland and archipelago traditions. Despite its modest size, this culturally rich island reflects Papua New Guinea's extraordinary diversity through ceremonies, songs, and stories shared by welcoming families.
Day 11: Madang
Conclude your cultural odyssey in the "Pearl of the South Pacific," where volcanic islands dot the natural harbour. Visit local markets showcasing regional diversity, observe how traditional and modern influences blend, carrying memories of genuine cultural exchanges and transformative community connections.
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| Sailing Dates |
| 09 Oct 2025 |
| Pricing |
| Please enquire for pricing |
Cruise Itinerary
| Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 9 Oct 2025 |
Cairns, Qld, Australia |
Embark |
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| 10 Oct 2025 |
At Sea |
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| 11 Oct 2025 |
At Sea |
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| 12 Oct 2025 |
Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea |
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| 13 Oct 2025 |
Deboyne Lagoon |
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| 14 Oct 2025 |
Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea |
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| 15 Oct 2025 |
Tufi Harbour, Papua New Guinea |
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| 16 Oct 2025 |
Morobe Harbour, Papua New Guinea |
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| 17 Oct 2025 |
Tami Islands, Papua New Guinea |
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| 18 Oct 2025 |
Tuam Island, Papua New Guinea |
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| 19 Oct 2025 |
Madang, Papua New Guinea |
Disembark |
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All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
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