Coral Expeditions has opened an exciting range of new international itineraries for the 2026 and 2027 schedule, exploring Papua New Guinea, the Spice Islands, Melanesia, the South Pacific, and New Zealand. The fleet of three purpose-built Australian-flagged and crewed expedition ships will explore neighbouring territories in an expanded program designed to connect guests deeply with the people and places of these remote realms.
The headline of Coral Expeditions’ program is a significant increase in capacity to discover Papua New Guinea. Four new itineraries venture further into these remote territories than Coral Expeditions has before in the two decades the line has cruised in the region.
The new itineraries see a confluence of the region’s pristine nature and breathtaking geography, its rich cultures and traditions witnessed in village visits and strong links to modern Australian history through conflict, trade and politics. These new release voyages will depart throughout October to November in 2026, making the most of favourable seasonal weather earlier in the calendar
Papua New Guinea and Melanesia departures:
- Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea from Rabaul to Port Moresby over 10 nights, October 28, 2026; October 2, 2027, with rates from $13,280 per person twin share. Vessel – Coral Adventurer 120 passengers.
- Passage Through the Melanesian Arcfrom Port Moresby to Port Vila over 14 nights, November 12, 2026, October 19 , 2027, with rates from $14,950 per person twin share. Vessel – Coral Adventurer 120 passengers.
- Papua New Guinea Discoverer from Madang to Cairns over 12 nights, October 13, 2026, with rates from $13,800 per person twin share. Vessel – Coral Discoverer 72 passengers.
- Frontier Lands of Papua New Guineafrom Cairns to Rabaul over 12 nights, October 16, 2026, and September 22, 2027, with rates from $13,940 per person twin share. Vessel – Coral Adventurer 120 passengers.
Following the new Papua New Guinea season, a highly anticipated return to New Zealand to undertake annual sailings through December and January to showcase to guests the fascinating cultural journeys along the east coast, as well as immersive explorations of the natural wonders of the South Island into the Sounds and Fiordland and to pristine Stewart Island.
Included are the following exciting new departures:
New Zealand
- New Zealand Sounds and Stewart Island from Bluff to Bluff over 8 nights, December 16, 2026, with rates from $8,570 per person twin share | Coral Adventurer 120 passengers
- South Island and Fiordland’s of New Zealand from Bluff to Wellington over 10 nights, December 24, 2026, with rates from $9,990 per person twin share | Coral Adventurer 120 passengers.
Annual adventures through the Indonesian island chain are also included in the schedule, with a new series of 14- and 18-night itineraries set to discover ancient kingdoms and maritime traditions through the Flores, Ende, Komodo and Sulawesi territories with a strong focus on aquatic adventure and cultural immersion as well as additional annual departures into the Raja Ampat, Spice Islands and West Papua region where guest will swim with the majestic whale sharks, explore the spectacular gumdrop islands and be enchanted by powerful warrior welcomes in these special communities.
Spice Islands and the Indonesian Archipelagos
- Raja Ampat and Spice Islands from Darwin and Sorong over 18 nights, from September 6, 2026, to September 3, 2027 with rates from $23,990 per person twin share | Coral Geographer & Coral Adventurer 120 passengers
- Island Empires & Ancient Marinersfrom Darwin and Makassar over 14 nights, November 28, 2026, and December 12, 2026 with rates from $13,950 per person twin share | Coral Geographer 120 passengers
Coral Expeditions Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Gilles said the new international program ventured further into international waters in the region than ever before.
“We’re proud that Coral Expeditions’ 2026/27 program firms up the line’s deep and lasting relationships with remote communities, as well as being a pivot to more capacity to explore the enriching and exotic places close to home for Australia,” Mr Gilles said.
“We aim to deliver unforgettable discovery for guests in uncharted places that are made possible through our culture of going above and beyond for guests. These are true expedition territories and our expert guides, purpose-built ships and trademark Xplorer tenders make us a first choice for exploring the tropics,” he said.
For more information and bookings please visit www.coralexpeditions.com, email [email protected] or call reservations on +61 7 4040 9999
