Your "welcome aboard" is in the vibrant city of Cairns - but this time embarkation proceedings will be little different! One of our crew members will escort you aboard North Star's chartered aircraft! Now sit back and enjoy the comfortable flight to Alotau - a traditional islander welcome awaits. As soon as you step off the plane you will begin to reshape your impressions of the "land of the unexpected". Perhaps the clean and fresh sea breezes will take you by surprise, or will it be the huge smiles of locals so eager to welcome you to their island paradise! After clearing customs, we will transfer you to the onboard luxury of the True North and, the delights of our renowned galley! A 'seafood extravaganza' would be fitting fare as we begin to cruise the Province of Milne Bay - a maritime region featuring more than 600 islands! After lunch join the first shore parties to discover 'post card' beaches, palm trees, tranquil villages and a flotilla of canoes. The ship's helicopter will provide even more unique views of the many fishing villages and back on the ground; you will experience first hand the uncomplicated charm of a subsistence life style! See how everyday life is provided for with few of the modern conveniences that so many of us take for granted! The fisherman onboard will be busy providing more local fare and the area's prolific corals will entice even those that have never snorkelled before! At days end, relax with a drink in the alfresco bar before a memorable dining experience!
Day 2
On this mornings walk discover jungle that shelters countless varieties of birds including colourful parrots, hornbills, wild fowl and the famed bird of paradise. Many rare species of butterfly are present and Papua New Guinea is also home to over two thirds of the world's orchid species. You may even be lucky enough to see a reclusive tree kangaroo! The fishermen will do battle with hard fighting table fish such as mackerel, yellow fin tuna and mahi mahi. You will certainly find endless irresistible beaches and amazing coral gardens that are just a 'fin kick' away! And, for the slightly more adventurous, Papua New Guinea's reputation as a diving destination could very well be without peer! An excursion to the Hot Springs will top off an amazing day.
Day 3
Start the day with a refreshing snorkel; catch your breakfast or just stroll along a pristine beach fringed with coconut palms! Then fill your day with swimming, island walks and village life as we cruise the beautiful fiords of Tufi. The ship's helicopter will spoil with exhilarating flights to the Isurava Memorial on the Kokoda Track. Tufi is renowned for SCUBA diving and our guides will be looking forward to a spot of mackerel fishing as the setting sun heralds the end of another day in paradise.
Day 4
As you gaze out your cabin window this morning you will notice that our overnight passage has delivered us to a very different place. This morning we are anchored in the middle of the Solomon Sea amongst the corals of Star Reef and, the strikingly beautiful yet un-inhabited Lusancay Islands. What a place!! So today let's have some fun at the beach. Take a stroll around your very own deserted island, snorkel in the shallows or drop off the outer reef for the dive of a lifetime! The fishing is second to none. Battle with tuna, mackerel or even a sailfish. If the fisher-persons have held up their end of the bargain then coral trout could be tonight's fare but no doubt there will be plenty of adventures to re-live in the ship's bar!
Day 5
Wake to find the True North off the coast of New Britain and the beautiful Jacqinot Bay area. Dense jungle and mighty rivers will dominate proceedings today as the True North's 'shallow draft' provides unique access! Join our comfortable expedition boats as we explore deeper into the jungle visiting isolated villages that have little contact with the outside world and visit the grotto where fresh water pounds out of a rock face onto a pristine beach. No matter what your desire, the coast of New Britain promises unrivalled adventure! Another star filled night in the silhouette of the jungle, and tonight is party night - things might just get a little 'South Pacific'!
Day 6
This morning we arrive at the Duke of York Islands - 17th century trading ships collected water from here. A Methodist preacher by the name of Reverend George Brown settled here in 1875 and, the beautiful and very enterprising daughter of an American whaling captain started a trading empire here! The grim reminders of a world conflict are here too - the snorkelling expeditions will re-discover Japanese tanks in shallow island waters. The ship's helicopter will provide stunning island views that have been the privilege of few before. Then visit Rabaul - once described as the most beautiful town in the South Pacific! Perched on the edge of a magnificent natural harbour and, surrounded by active volcanoes! In 1994, the town was smothered under a cloud of ash and now lies largely abandoned - courtesy of nearby Matupit! The volcano still belches smoke throughout the day and the helicopter flights here will be a cruise highlight!
Day 7
The many islands around Kavieng are a cruise highlight. A morning sing sing will be a memorable event as every man, woman and child turns out in welcome. And, what a place for diving and snorkelling! Here we find ships, planes and even submarines in shallow water and, there will be more hot action in the fishing tenders!
Day 8
Early morning disembarkation and charter flight back to Cairns.
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Cairns
The picturesque town of Yorkey's, dominated by its dramatic headland, is your gateway to Cairns, one of Australia's hottest vacation destinations, which basks in tropical sunshine with balmy breezes that waft in from Trinity Bay.
The city's graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland. Cairns boasts three of Australia's great natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and 16 miles of superb beaches that stretch to the north of the city to the famed Marlin Coast. Inland lies the immense Daintree National Park. Discover the rainbow of sea life, marvel at the rain forest or relax along the long stretch of sunny coastline.
Country - Australia Distance from port to City - 17kms Distance from port to Airport - 10kms Currency - Australian Dollars (AUD)
Places of Interest Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda
Alotau
Country - Papua New Guinea Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 0kms Currency - New Guinean Kina (PGK)
Places of Interest
Rabaul
With its lagoon, tiny islands, and north coast drive through amazing length of coconut plantations, Madang Province is a perfect example of relaxed Pacific outlook.
Country - Papua New Guinea Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 65kms Currency - Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK)
Places of Interest Beehive Islands, Tavui Point, New Britain Volcanoes, Kokopo
True North Cabin Info
View Another Cabin:
Cruise line info
North Star Cruises
North Star Cruises is one of the most unique adventure-cruise operators in the world and the winner of numerous awards for excellence. The company offers activity based itineraries designed specifically for the discerning adventurer.
All cruises are designed to allow passengers to ‘experience the destination’ – daily activities include scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing, snorkeling, culture, picnics, nature, diving, exploring and much more!
Ship info
True North
The True North features the ultimate in comfort and style! Passenger numbers are limited (36) and an Australian crew (20) provides personalised service. The ship is purpose built for accessing shallow river systems and offers several lavish vantage points including a sundeck, an observation lounge and a ship’s lounge/bar. Multiple expedition vessels take guests away in small groups to experience wilderness ‘up close’ and, the luxury of numerous tenders also means that everybody onboard gets to do "what they want, when they want"! And to add yet another dimension to adventure, the True North is the ONLY Kimberley vessel that features an onboard helicopter! With the ability to carry 6 passengers in air-conditioned comfort, the helicopter provides unique opportunity to witness grandeur; unique opportunity to fish billabongs that have never been fished; unique opportunity to discover your own wilderness! Fine dining is also featured onboard the True North
