Take an 11-day cruise through New Britain and Madang aboard the Paspaley Pearl. Start in Madang, known for its parks and tropical islands. Check out the Madang festival with its colorful “sing sings.” Visit Cape Gloucester’s rainforest and see the active Langila Volcano. Swim and snorkel around uninhabited islands, and explore the volcanic peaks of the Witu Islands. Experience the rich coral reefs of Kimbe Bay and the historic town of Rabau, nestled among active volcanoes. Stop by Ataliklikun Bay and discover the secrets of the Tolai people and the Duk-Duk society. The final leg of your trip takes you to the Duke of York Islands and the peaceful Tami Islands before disembarking in Madang.
Highlights
Experience Madang's vibrant cultural "sing sings" festival
Snorkel around uninhabited islands in the Bismarck Sea
Marvel at Cape Gloucester's dense rainforests and Langila Volcano
Discover the volcanic landscapes around Rabaul and Mount Tavurvur
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Hop on in Madang. Once called the "prettiest town in the South Pacific," it sits on a peninsula with parks, waterways, plenty of shady trees, and beautiful tropical islands. The province is super diverse, with 170 languages spoken, and you can catch this diversity in action at the Madang festival, where cultural groups perform colorful "sing sings."
Paspaley Pearl is docked in Madang.
Day 2: Cape Gloucester | West New Britain Province
Cape Gloucester, located on the northern peninsula at the western end of New Britain Island, is a rarely visited destination. The place is packed with dense rainforest, and the extinct Mount Talawe volcano sits to the south. On the east side of Talawe, you can find the four volcanic cones of the active Langila Volcano, one of the most active in the Bismarck archipelago. Just offshore, there are a few uninhabited islands that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling in the warm waters of the Bismarck Sea.
The Witu or Vitu Islands are volcanic ocean peaks fringed by coral reefs located in the Bismarck Sea off the north coast of New Britain Island. They were once the chief copra center of Papua New Guinea, today, cocoa is now the main crop harvested. The largest island, Garove, or Big Witu, is a volcanic caldera where the southern rim has collapsed, creating a spectacular entrance. The main village of Garove is nestled inside this scenic natural harbor.
Kimbe Bay is at the heart of the Coral Triangle and is considered one of the world’s most diverse ocean environments, with everything from shallow seagrass beds and mangroves to deep seamounts. It is an important biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 60 percent of the coral species of the entire Indo-Pacific region. Above the water, black volcanic beaches provide a unique and dramatic contrast to the lush greenery of the surrounding forests. The volcanic landscapes create spectacular scenery and a rich flora that adds to the region’s appeal.
Ataliklikun Bay is home to the indigenous Tolai, who are believed to have migrated to the Gazelle Peninsula relatively recently, displacing the Baining people who were subsequently driven westwards. While the Tolai people almost universally identify as Christians, old beliefs and traditions still persist, including the secret Duk-Duk society. The society has religious, political, and social objectives, representing a form of law and order through its presiding spirits. Duk-Duk only appeared with the full moon. Justice was executed, fines extorted, taboos, feasts, taxes, and all tribal matters arranged by the Duk-Duk members, wearing masks or chalk on their faces.
Set at the eastern end of the island of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting. Nestled beside Simpson Harbour, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes, one of which, Mt. Tavurvur, is still active today. The most recent major volcanic eruption was in September 1994, when Tavurvur and Vulcan covered much of Rabaul and surrounding villages with volcanic ash. This eruption saw the growth of the nearby coastal town of Kokopo, which has now become the administrative and tourism center for Rabaul.
Located in the St. George’s Channel between New Britain and New Ireland, the Duke of York Islands comprise 13 rarely visited islands totaling 58 square kilometers in area. The first European to site the islands and give them their name was the British navigator Philip Carteret in 1767. In the 1870s, a German trading station was opened at Balanawang Harbor, and the area’s first Methodist mission was established in 1880.
Jacquinot Bay lies on the south coast of the island of New Britain and is surrounded by the densely forested central mountain range that dominates the southern part of the island. Prior to World War II, there were several small villages and localities around the bay, including copra plantations at Palmalmal and Cutarp. It was used as a logistics and support base during the New Britain Campaign of World War II after being captured by an Allied amphibious operation undertaken on 4 November 1944.
The Tami Islands (Kalal, Wanam, and Idjan) are a small group of uplifted coral atolls, with two main villages on the two larger islands and many smaller reefs and cays. In the center is a beautiful, crystal clear blue lagoon with abundant marine life and stunning coral formations. The seldom-visited islands are located off the coast, not far from the town of Finschaffen. Tami Islanders are renowned artisans and are most famous for their intricately decorated bowls.
Day 11: Madang | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
Madang Township was once known as the “prettiest town in the South Pacific." Its peninsula setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees, and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colorful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$13,8702-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Ocean Twin Stateroom
The Ocean Twin Stateroom combines style and functionality with a large wardrobe and the choice of twin or king beds. It features a spacious bathroom with a shower, heated floors, high-quality amenities, and a hairdryer. The stateroom has adjustable air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lamps. Entertainment is provided by a flat-screen TV with an on-demand system, and guests have access to free, unlimited Wi-Fi, though connectivity may vary depending on location.
Ocean Stateroom
The Ocean Stateroom offers practical and stylish design with a large wardrobe and the choice of twin or king-sized beds. It has a roomy bathroom with a shower, heated floors, high-quality amenities, and a hairdryer. The stateroom also features adjustable air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lights. Guests can use the flat-screen TV with an on-demand entertainment system and enjoy free, unlimited Wi-Fi, though connectivity may vary depending on location.
Horizon Suite
The Horizon Suite features a well-designed layout with a large wardrobe and the option of twin or king beds. Its standout element is the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a private balcony with a panoramic view. The suite has a spacious bathroom equipped with a shower, heated floors, toiletries, and a hairdryer. It includes individually controlled air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lamps. For entertainment, there is a flat-screen TV with an on-demand system. Guests receive complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, although connectivity may vary based on location and navigation.
Pearl Suite
The Pearl Suite features elegant design and practical layout, including ample wardrobe space. It has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a private balcony. Guests can select between twin or king beds. The large bathroom is equipped with a shower, heated floors, toiletries, and a hairdryer. The air conditioning is individually controlled for comfort. Additional conveniences include international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lamps. Entertainment is provided by a flat-screen TV with an on-demand system. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though the connection may vary based on location and navigation.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Shore landings and exploration vessel outings guided by a team of expert Expedition guides.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Premium wines
Tips for the onboard crew are appreciated but not compulsory.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.9 | 334 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 334 reviews on
7 hours ago
Super smooth with questions answered & booking in just 2 days with Mary Curry. AND, the price was great!
Roger Allen
2 days ago
Erin is such a fabulous resource! She helped us bring our target destinations to life by suggesting activities that match our interests, fabulous lodging and excursion options, and patiently coordinating a seamless experience.
Debra D - RI USA
3 days ago
I don’t have the words to describe it but the last week has been one of the best I can remember. 6 days of adventure in South East Alaska including trekking through lush rain forest, sitting in silence listening to glaciers calving, up early to see the northern lights, kayaking and stupidly swimming in iceberg frozen waters ! (That actually hurt).
Animal sightings including black and brown bears, Minke and hundreds of Humpack Whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, bald eagles, salmon and more birds than I can count. Wonderful friends and connections made. A huge shout out to Trevor and his totally amazing crew on the Admiralty Dream whose energy and enthusiasm made this most incredible experience.
DAVID JAMES
4 days ago
Excellent safari trip with Adventure Life and Albatross Travel. Special shout out to our guides Eric Turasha (Kenya), and Blasi Shirima (Tanzania) from Albatross Travel. Both were world class!!! The trip went off without a hitch; all the camps were amazing…worth mentioning...one of the camps we were going to stay in on the Tanzanian side was damaged by high winds so we ended up in a different camp (Mara under Canvas Camp). Can't say enough good things! A great experience and superb service!!
Brenda Cox
5 days ago
very easy to deal with kassandra. she listened to what our interests were and planned a great trip for us. nothing to worry about!
