Jetsettersblog

Australians are encouraged to create a ‘bucket list’ of life goals at the new ‘Do Kokoda’ site, for the chance to win a trip to PNG. This fun site was launched today by the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) and Fitness First.

Participants are invited to enter their life goal on the new ‘Do Kokoda’ micro-site www.DoKokoda.com.au  to win the ultimate trip to PNG which includes return flights from Australia, a nine night Kokoda trekking adventure plus a two night beach resort stay to relax and unwind after the hard work!

No matter what life goals are chosen, from swimming with Great Whites, or learning a language, to running a marathon or becoming a famous chef, all Australians are invited to add their own goals to the list on the micro-site www.DoKokoda.com.au or choose from those already listed.

Entrants then share their goals via Facebook and Twitter and ask their friends to vote for them. The entrant whose goal gets the most votes will win the trip to Papua New Guinea. The campaign will run until the end of February so there are only three months to get moving and create a bucket list and drive votes.

All those who take part in the voting also go into the draw to win a four week Fitness First Outdoor Training package for two people.

PNG TPA’s Australian representative Michael Woods said the social media campaign aims to get people excited and motivated to set and achieve their goals.

“We often hear that trekking the Kokoda Track is something Australians really want to do in their lifetime – unfortunately dreams like these often sit on a personal ‘bucket list’ and never get crossed off,” Mr Woods said.

“We want the ‘Do Kokoda’ challenge to get people talking and sharing their dreams – no matter what they are. By creating and contributing to a shared list, participants will gain inspiration from other people’s ideas and hopefully goals like trekking Kokoda will get closer to reality.”

At the end of the campaign the goals will be collated to reveal the ultimate ‘bucket list’ showing what Australia’s most popular lifetime dream is.

The campaign will be promoted in Fitness First clubs Australia-wide, in their magazine, on the Fitness First website, as well as on the PNG Facebook page. Competition closes on 29 February 2012.

Visit www.DoKokoda.com.au for more information about the competition and www.papuanewguinea.travel/Australia  for PNG information.

Notes to Editor

The Major prize includes travel for 2 people from any Australian capital city to Port Moresby and return, using Virgin Australia / Airlines PNG services only via Brisbane or Cairns (no travel on other airlines is included); airport transfers in Port Moresby; 2 nights’ accommodation in Port Moresby (one either side of the Trek); charter flight to Kokoda; services of an Australian Tour WWII historian; PNG carriers for food & equipment; 7 nights’ accommodation on the track; all meals on the track, road transfers from Owers Corner to Port Moresby; 2 x person tent; Kokoda Track Authority Trek Permit; Polo Shirt & Kokoda Certificate; Public Liability Insurance; Licensed PNG Tour Operator; satellite phones & radios; Medivac Procedures. At the end of the trek, 2 nights Tufi Experience at Tufi resort, Oro province including transfers from Port Moresby, accommodation and all meals.

Promotion closes at midnight AEST on 29/02/12. The prize draw will take place at midday AEST 02/03/12 at Level 2, 52 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022. The winner of the draw will be notified by phone and email.

1. IF YOU LIKED KENYA…TRY MADAGASCAR

WHY: From ring-tailed lemurs to baobab trees, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot: over 80% of its plant and animal species are found nowhere else on Earth!

BOOK IT: Unique Madagascar with World Expeditions (10 days) has six departures from May-October 2012, from £1,250 per person.

2. IF YOU LIKED JORDAN…TRY IRAN

WHY: It may not have iconic landmarks such as Petra but Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 4,000BC!

BOOK IT: Best of Iran with World Expeditions (11 days) departs on 24 October and 7 November with further departures in 2012, from £1,590 per person.

3. IF YOU LIKED MOROCCO…TRY OMAN

WHY: Traditional souks, Bedouin settlements, rugged mountains, desert dunes and a rich history of wealth and power in a country which as recently as 30 years ago was closed to foreigners.
BOOK IT: Oman Adventure with World Expeditions (9 days) has seven departures until the end of the year, from £1,490 per person.

4. IF YOU LIKED: CAMBODIA…TRY: MYANMAR

WHY: They may not be as famous but the Temples of Bagan in Myanmar are just as iconic as the spectacular Angkor Wat complex.
BOOK IT: Highlights of Myanmar with World Expeditions (12 days) has departures every month, from £1,290 per person.

5. IF YOU LIKED NAMIBIA…TRY ETHIOPIA

WHY: More than a land of natural contrasts (from some of Africa’s highest mountains to some of the world’s lowest points below sea level!) Ethiopia is a mosaic of cultures: one of the first Christian countries yet with evident influences from Islam and tribal African cultures.
BOOK IT: Ethiopia Explorer with World Expeditions (16 days) departs on 18 November and 16 December with further departures scheduled for 2012 to coincide with the Timket Festival, from £2,190 per person.

6. IF YOU LIKED NORWAY…TRY THE NORTHERN RUSSIAN ARCTIC

WHY: Rugged and off the beaten track, the Russian Arctic and Far East is a region that was until recently ‘off limits’ to western visitors.

BOOK IT: Across the top of the world – Northern Russian Arctic with World Expeditions (15 days) departs on 25 July and 8 August 2012, from $7,150 (£4,606) per person.

7. IF YOU LIKED THE AMAZON…TRY PAPUA NEW GUINEA

WHY: Just as Amazon is one of the planet’s enigmas, Papua New Guinea remains one of the world’s least explored countries, both culturally and geographically. With over 850 indigenous languages, it is the world’s most diverse nation linguistically!

BOOK IT: Cruise Papua New Guinea with World Expeditions (13 days) departs on 2 April 2012, from £3,790 per person for a quadruple cabin.

8. IF YOU LIKED ALASKA…TRY PATAGONIA

WHY: A mix of glacial lakes, towering granite peaks, impressive glaciers, secluded lakes, beech forests and rolling grasslands, Patagonia is one of the most dramatic regions of the world.

BOOK IT: Patagonia Parks and Wildlife with World Expeditions (18 days) departs on 19 November and 16 December with further departures scheduled for 2012, from £2,990 per person.

9. IF YOU LIKED CUBA…TRY VENEZUELA

WHY: Buying and selling cars is the latest development in the rapidly changing Cuba; head to Venezuela instead for a better feel of ‘socialist revolution’.

BOOK IT: Venezuela – The Lost World and Angel Falls with World Expeditions (15 days), departs on 16 December with further departures scheduled for 2012, from £1,990 per person.

10. IF YOU LIKED CHINA…TRY TAIWAN

WHY: With frozen relations between the two countries until recently and lack of direct flights for nearly 60 years, Taiwan has maintained a more authentic experience compared to mainland China.

BOOK IT: Hike and bike Taiwan with World Expeditions (10 days) departs on 16 November with further departures scheduled for 2012, from £1,790 per person.

For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions’ all-inclusive policy ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

One of the most secluded areas in Papua New Guinea will be readily accessible to Australian travellers at the start of 2012, with the opening of the first resort at the Conflict Islands. Consisting of 22 pristine, untouched islands, the Conflict Islands group is located in the Lower Milne Bay area, at the top of the Coral Sea, and boasts world-renowned diving and fishing experiences.

The private Conflict Islands resort is located on the Island of Panasesa and consists of six traditional double occupancy timber bungalows complete with beachfront balconies. These bungalows include modern comforts such as air-conditioning, a mini bar with tea and coffee facilities, iPod dock, and an ensuite bathroom complete with essential toiletries.

Each bungalow can be fitted with either a queen bed or two king singles, with a maximum of 12 people on the island at any one time.

The islands are part of the Milne Bay Province, which is famous for its array of diving locations and unique coral reefs which have twice the diversity of the Great Barrier Reef. Alotau, on the edge of Milne Bay and part of the mainland, is a popular base from which to explore the surrounding Islands.

On the Conflict Islands you will be spoilt for choice on how to spend your days. The activities include diving and snorkelling, fishing, island tours, sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking or simply relaxing in your own private paradise.

The resort has its own resident chef who uses the abundance of fresh local produce available on the islands to create a delightful cuisine. The surrounding waters also provide a variety of fresh seafood, including numerous varieties of fish, lobster, crayfish and many other marine delicacies.

Previously not open to the public, this island resort was developed as a private hideaway for the owner and is now being opened up to a limited number of guests who want a personalised holiday away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The secluded island getaway is being offered at a rate of $3,750 (normally $4,500 – $5,000) per person for bookings between December 2011 and June 2012. This price covers all expenses, including transfers to and from Port Moresby, plus all activities, meals and basic alcohol.

To take advantage of this amazing offer, a seven night minimum stay must be booked and the resorts’ occupancy full (12 people). Travel must also be made between December 2011 and June 2012.

The resort is available for individual and group bookings of up to 12 people.

For more information visit www.conflictislands.com  or call +61 (0) 406 831 638.

For more information about Papua New Guinea visit http://www.papuanewguinea.travel/Australia

Aurora Expeditions has launched a special commemorative voyage to Papua New Guinea next April, to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in Papua New Guinea during WWII. The voyage will encompass visits to historical sites from Alotau to Rabaul, ending with a special dawn ANZAC day service in Rabaul.

Lost in Paradise – Our fallen heroes will depart Alotau on 14 April 2012 landing at key historic sites such as Samarai Island, Linden Harbour, Jacquinot Bay, Tol and Rabaul. Our onboard historian will interpret the significance of these areas and shine a light on the courage and tragedy of Australia’s unsung heroes– The Lark Force – in the Battle of Rabaul, and the ensuing loss of lives, both troops and civilians, on the Montevideo Maru,

The voyage will also include the cultural and natural delights of this diverse country, with opportunities to snorkel the pristine reefs, witness traditional sing-sings and simply take in the beauty of this natural paradise.

Another voyage, Islands of Smiles, will cater to families keen for adventure. Exploring the islands and coastline of New Guinea, this voyage will highlight the diverse cultures and natural attractions of Milne Bay and its surrounding islands, Lababia, Tami and Tuam islands, Madang and the mighty Sepik River. Parents and children alike can expect to be greeted with friendly smiles, and a diverse array of vibrant customs through sing sings, complex rituals and spectacular costumes.

Islands of Smiles will depart Alotau on 2 April 2012 and expeditioners will have the opportunity to explore Papua New Guinea their own way, either by snorkeling, kayaking, bird watching, village walks, or sharing a beach football match with playful locals.

Prices for both 13-day expeditions start from AU$5,690 per person quad-share, including all meals on board, shore excursions and lectures.

Aurora Expeditions is renowned for travelling to wild and remote areas of the world, with the aim of creating life long ambassadors to the environment. They attract small groups of like-minded, enthusiastic people, passionate about our destinations people, wildlife and history.

For further information contact :
Aurora Expeditions’ Experts on +612 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (Freecall within Australia) or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

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

 

Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority has partnered with Eagle Creek to give away a six-day/five-night trip to Papua New Guinea with accommodation at Walindi Resort.

The promotion, running now through July 31, will give the grand prize winner and a guest the opportunity to travel to Papua New Guinea. Activities may include cultural encounters, hiking, snorkeling and a visit to a “hot river.” The grand prize winner will also receive a trip-specific set of Eagle Creek luggage. Second prize winner will receive a set of Eagle Creek luggage, valued at $500. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

The prize includes two roundtrip international economy class air travel from Los Angeles (LAX) to Brisbane, Australia (BNE), and Brisbane, Australia (BNE) to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (POM); two roundtrip economy class travel from Port Moresby (POM) to Hoskins, Papua New Guinea (HKN); roundtrip transfers from Hoskins Airport to Walindi Plantation Resort; five nights of accommodation at Walindi Plantation Resort; tours and activities including hiking, snorkeling, cultural encounters and hot springs relaxation; and 16 meals at Walindi Plantation Resort.

The contest allows only one entry per person and is open only to legal U.S. residents, age 18 or over.

There are three ways to take part in contest:

Visit www.eaglecreek.com/sweeps  and submit the entry online; fill out an entry form at a participating retail location; and send a 3×5 card with name, complete address, phone and email address (if any) and submit by mail to Win a Trip to Papua New Guinea Sweepstakes c/o Eagle Creek, 5935 Darwin Court, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

For more information, visit www.eaglecreek.com, www.walindi.com  or www.papuanewguinea.travel.

Word of Papua New Guinea’s range of ideal, remote surfing locations is spreading to Australian surfing circles, and with its tropical climate, un-crowded waves and great package deals – now is the perfect time to book a surfing trip to PNG.

Madang, Milne Bay, off Kavieng and New Hanover are favourite PNG locations for surfing, boasting great swells and water temperatures of 26 degree Celsius year round. With surf management laws in place – surfers are guaranteed to never be battling the crowds on PNG’s waves.

Surf travel options include heading out with a charter company to catch the breaks out around the islands, giving surfers the opportunity to explore the waves in various locations on one trip. The other popular option is to be based at a land surf camp, such as Clem’s Place on Tunnung Island, just north of Kavieng, New Ireland, which is currently offering free nights if you book before 31st August 2011.

Land camps like Clem’s Place, often offer secluded accommodation options for small groups of travellers in remote island locations. The focus is on relaxation and surfing with true PNG hospitality from the land owners.

With six bungalows available and un-beatable surf, Clem’s Place is offering two fantastic deals for those who want to experience the ‘last frontier’ when it comes to surfing.

Clem’s Place deals

Pay for 9 days and stay 10 or
Pay for 12 days and stay 14
Trips need to be booked before 31 August 2011 and travel must be during the 2011/2012 surf season (October-April).

Prices start at $270 a night and packages include reef fees, three meals a day and surf transfers. To book please call South Sea Horizons on +61 432744490 or visit www.southseahorizons.com  / www.clemsplace.com

For more information about Papua New Guinea visit http://www.papuanewguinea.travel/Australia

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority is pleased to announce that from 13-22 July 2011 25 young Australian soldiers, who have been injured serving in Afghanistan, will undertake a commemorative expedition of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. This trek is led by Brian Freeman, principle of Adventure 1000, and supported by General Peter Cosgrove AC MC who will join them during the trek.

The trek will end with a moving ceremony at the Isurava Memorial on the Kokoda Trail on 20 July 2011, acknowledging the sacrifices and efforts of Service Personnel.

Over 40 Australians will join the inspiring trek which will recognise the sacrifices of all Australian service personnel, serve as a part of the rehabilitation process for these returned soldiers and highlight importance of preserving sites like the Kokoda Track as reminders of Australian wartime history and individual sacrifice.

All 25 soldiers participating in the trek are young men who have suffered battle casualties while on service in Afghanistan and the trek will be an important part of their rehabilitation. The majority of soldiers are based in Brisbane from the Second Combat Engineer Regiment.

One soldier, Damien Thomlinson, a member of the Elite 2 Commando Regiment based in Sydney, will be making the trek with the use of prosthetic legs, after suffering injuries from an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in April 2010. Also proud father, Ray Palmer, is walking with Damien and the soldiers in honour of his son, Scott Palmer, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan while on duty in June 2010. Scott Palmer and Damien Thomlinson served together and Scott came to Damien’s aid and saved his life during his accident.

Brian Freeman, principle of Adventure 1000, believes this trip will provide families and friends of Australian Soldiers with the chance to acknowledge the sacrifices they’ve made in Afghanistan.

“This unique opportunity will allow everyday Australians to recognise the efforts and sacrifices of all soldiers including those who have recently served in Afghanistan. Additionally, they will also be assisting the rehabilitation and well-being of Australian Soldiers wounded on Active Service in Afghanistan,” stated Freeman.

The trek will also highlight the importance of maintaining the Kokoda Track as a central commemorative site in Australian war history and the importance of continuing to maintain these sites and support the local communities who fought alongside Australians during WWII.

In recent years significant investment has been committed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA), which has been supported by a joint initiative between the Australian and Papua New Guinea governments to protect the Kokoda Track, to improve safety and operations and contribute to local communities along the trek. In the past two years the KTA has delivered over $185,000 in cash and supplies to the Kokoda Track Communities as a direct dividend of the collection of trekking fees from the increasing number of Australians taking the trek.

Peter Vincent CEO of the Papua New Guinea Promotion Authority comments: “This epic trek of the Kokoda trail will raise awareness of the importance of the track for Australians and inspire others to follow in the footsteps of these brave Australian soldiers. Completing the Kokoda trail allows visitors to get into the heart of Papua New Guinea, achieve an amazing physical accomplishment and mark their respect to Australian wartime history. However, many Australians who make the trek are not aware of the contribution they are also making to the development and livelihood of the communities along the trek and this is also an important part of the journey.”

www.papuanewguinea.travel / www.facebook.com/papuanewguinea.travel

www.adventure1000.com.au

Notes to editors:

About the Kokoda Track

Commencing at Kokoda Village, this trek follows the 96 kilometre Kokoda Trail to the south across the Owen Stanley Range to Ower’s Corner. The trekkers will be spoilt by a backdrop of pristine rainforest wilderness and pass by and interact with local villages providing a unique cultural perspective.

The track stretches through what is arguably some of the most rugged and wild jungle in the world. Built over 200 years ago as a commuting route between villages, the track became the scene of bitter fighting between Australian and Japanese soldiers in 1942. It was on Kokoda that the myth of Japanese invincibility was broken for the first time. Today battle sites are still evident throughout the jungle, marked by the weapon pits of the combatants.

Word of Papua New Guinea’s range of ideal, remote surfing locations is spreading to Australian surfing circles, and with its tropical climate, un-crowded waves and great package deals – now is the perfect time to book a surfing trip to PNG.

Madang, Milne Bay, off Kavieng and New Hanover are favourite PNG locations for surfing, boasting great swells and water temperatures of 26 degree Celsius year round. With surf management laws in place – surfers are guaranteed to never be battling the crowds on PNG’s waves.

Surf travel options include heading out with a charter company to catch the breaks out around the islands, giving surfers the opportunity to explore the waves in various locations on one trip.

The other popular option is to be based at a land surf camp, such as Clem’s Place on Tunnung Island, just north of Kavieng, New Ireland, which is currently offering free nights if you book before 31st August 2011.

Land camps like Clem’s Place, often offer secluded accommodation options for small groups of travellers in remote island locations. The focus is on relaxation and surfing with true PNG hospitality from the land owners.

With six bungalows available and un-beatable surf, Clem’s Place is offering two fantastic deals for those who want to experience the ‘last frontier’ when it comes to surfing.

Clem’s Place deals

Pay for 9 days and stay 10 or
Pay for 12 days and stay 14
Trips need to be booked before 31 August 2011 and travel must be during the 2011/2012 surf season (October-April).

Prices start at $270 a night and packages include reef fees, three meals a day and surf transfers.

To book please call South Sea Horizons on +61 432744490 or visit

www.southseahorizons.com  /

www.clemsplace.com

For more information about Papua New Guinea visit ww.papuanewguinea.travel/Australia

Lindblad Expeditions has introduced four new itineraries for 2012, each planned to take advantage of the best times to travel for wildlife sightings and local conditions. The new expeditions also offer insight into ancient cultures.

In Vietnam and Cambodia, Lindblad is offering a cruise along the Mekong River, including Angkor and Saigon, aboard the new, 48-passenger Jahan.

The 14-day itinerary takes in the temples of Angkor; the floating villages, markets and small communities along the Mekong; and the cities of Phnom Penh and Saigon.

Rates start at $7,980 per person, double.

In Turkey and Greece, Lindblad is offering a new itinerary and a new expedition environment aboard the 58-passenger, four-masted Sea Cloud. “Exploring Turkey & Greece: A Sailing Odyssey” is a journey to the home of Western civilization along the Turkish coast and the Greek isles.

The 10-day itinerary includes visits to Istanbul, a bridge between East and West; Ephesus, one of the great centers of the Greek world; Didyma, home to one of Apollo’s oracles; and Greece’s Cycladic islands of Santorini, Folégandros and sacred Delos, home to some of the greatest works created by the ancients. Rates start at $7,990 per person, double.

The “West African Odyssey: Exploring from South Africa to Morocco” cruise spans 16 countries.

The 37-day itinerary explores the entire west coast of Africa from Cape Town, South Africa, to Morocco, offering an array of cultures, scenery and wildlife. Guests will experience daily life in Africa through its markets and music and encounter a great sweep of geography, including the maritime climate of South Africa, the deserts of Namibia, the tropics and savannas of the coast, the desert of the Western Sahara and the city of Marrakech.

The adventure takes place aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer with rates from $28,480 per person, double.

“Exploring the Cultures and Wildlife of Papua New Guinea” is a 16-day itinerary that explores the country’s natural splendor and cultures aboard the 68-guest Oceanic Discoverer.

Guests will observe the active volcano Tavurvur; visit the villagers’ traditional homes and yam huts in the Trobriands, whose cultures were famously studied by anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski; and view art along the Sepik River and the remains of a ship stored in a cave by the Japanese during World War II at Rabaul.

Throughout the voyage, guests can beach comb, swim and snorkel on some of the finest coral reefs in the world. Rates start at $14,790 per person, double.

For more information, call 800-397-3348 or visit www.expeditions.com