Jetsettersblog

For those seeking a truly memorable experience, right on Australia’s doorstep yet far removed from the familiar tourist hotspots of the South Pacific, look no further than Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea; a tropical paradise forgotten by time and overlooked by tourism.

During March and October 2012, the two luxurious 100 guest expedition ships Orion and Orion II explore the islands of Papua New Guinea, with six 11 night voyages from which to choose. Accompany the specialist expedition team and visit isolated villages, encounter primitive tribal cultures, see superb indigenous artwork and carvings, unique flora and fauna, and enjoy world-class snorkelling in the famed Coral Triangle.

Outside the main towns many villagers have only been exposed to the western world through the workings of missionaries and occasional traders and so Orion’s visits are of great a source of interest to the locals as they are to Orion’s guests.

Until relatively recently this was still perceived as an isolated world of head-hunters, a land of mythology, sorcery and witchcraft.

The last haunts of cannibals.

Yet step ashore with Orion’s expedition team and you will be greeted with a broad smile and a warm welcome from gentle villagers – an eye opening introduction to a way of life far removed from our Western world.

This land of 800 languages with its remarkable cultural diversity will take your breath away. Whether it is the mysterious art of the Sepik or the feathered head dresses of a Tufi tribesman, the historic battle grounds of World War II, volcanic tropical fjords or pristine white sand beaches, Orion’s expeditions to Papua New Guinea will provide experiences that will stay with you for life.

11-night Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights: CAIRNS (optional direct charter flight to RABAUL (overnight onboard), Sepik River & Watam Village, Madang, Tami Islands, Tufi, Kitava (The Trobriands), Samarai and Kwato Islands, Alotau (Milne Bay), CAIRNS. (Or vice versa commencing in Cairns and ending in Rabaul followed by an optional return charter flight to Cairns.)

Note: Orion II’s eleven night Cultural Highlights voyage commences in Cairns.

Orion expedition map of PNG voyages just released

Orion Expedition Cruises has released a pocket sized fold out map of the 2011 and 2012 Orion II expedition voyages to Papua New Guinea and the islands of Micronesia. A useful reference piece, it captures all the important elements, including the highlights, for each voyage.

A copy is available through your travel agent or on request by contacting Orion on info@orionexpeditions.com / Australia 1300 361 012 or New Zealand 0800 444 462

Orion and Orion II Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights expeditions

During 2012 there are five scheduled 11 night Orion and one Orion II PNG Cultural Highlights voyages alternating between Cairns and Rabaul.

2012 Departures: Orion: 9 March, 20 March, 2 October, 13 October and 24 October

Orion II: 15 November

Fares: 11 night fares from $8,995 per person for an ocean view Stateroom /

Junior Suites begin from $11,275 per person / Balcony Suites are $14,735 per person / Owners Suites are $17,120 per person

All prices twin share.

Details of Papua New Guinea voyage itineraries available at www.orionexpeditions.com/expeditions/png/voyage_summary

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com

For reservations or to obtain a brochure of 2011 or 2012 voyages call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) / 0800 444 462 (New Zealand) or see your travel agent.

Email: info@orionexpeditions.com