The world’s second largest island, New Guinea, just north of Australia, is one of the world’s last, wild frontiers – a mysterious land of undisturbed jungle, coral reefs, pristine beaches and traditional communities with ancestral and secret traditions.
Harbouring the nation of Papua New Guinea in the east and secluded and remote parts of Indonesia in the west, New Guinea makes a perfect destination for an adventure-filled expedition voyage, which is the only way to explore this vast, rugged, tribal land.
Australian small ship specialist, Cruise Traveller, has just released a new, luxury, fly, cruise and stay package with Ponant in 2026 that circumnavigates New Guinea from east to west, revealing a complete array of the island’s unspoilt treasures that lie hidden just off our northern shores. Adding to the appeal of the all-inclusive package are savings of almost A$8000 per couple and a free hotel stay for bookings made before June 30, 2026.
Perfect for intrepid travellers seeking new horizons to explore, the new, 17-night ‘Papua New Guinea Odyssey’ package from Cruise Traveller features a 16-night expedition cruise from Cairns to Darwin, rounding New Guinea in the process aboard Ponant’s 264-guest exploration ship, Le Soleal. Boasting sophisticated elegance, the sleekly intimate Le Soleal offers fine dining, a panoramic lounge, theatre, library, open-air bar, pool, an expert expedition team and personalised service.
The adventure starts on October 23, 2026, with a flight from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Cairns and then a free night’s stay in Cairns before guests board Le Soleal for the 16-night voyage around New Guinea to Darwin. The immersive itinerary will take culture and nature-lovers to the jungles of Alotau, the towering, crystal-clear fjords of Tufi Harbour where guests can journey on outrigger canoes, the sapphire lagoons and culturally-intact, traditional villages of the Tami Islands, the mountain-ringed village of Madang – home to the traditional ceremonies of the Asaro Mudmen – and the tiny villages of the Sepik River.
The exotic and rarely offered itinerary will also take in the spectacular, jungle-capped karst islands of Triton Bay in Indonesia’s West Papua, Kitikiti Waterfall which spills into the jungle-shrouded sea, and the remote, white beaches, azure waters and colourful reefs of Indonesia’s Kei Islands just south of New Guinea. The journey ends in Darwin with an included flight back to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
The voyage with Ponant includes onboard beverages, guided, complimentary excursions on Zodiacs and ashore and also insights into the culture, history, flora and fauna of the region from an expert expedition team onboard.
Including return flights, the 17-night ‘Papua New Guinea Odyssey’ package from Cairns on October 23, 2026, is available from A$15,745 per person, twin-share in a Superior Stateroom – a saving of A$3955. The savings and free hotel in Cairns apply to bookings made by June 30, 2025. The same voyage, but in reverse from Darwin to Cairns, is also available in September, 2026.
To book, visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au/
