Papua New Guinea with Aurora

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 opportunities to snorkel the pristine reefs, witness traditional sing-sings and simply take in the beauty of this natural paradise.

For families wishing to explore PNG, Aurora has created Islands of Smiles. Exploring the islands and coastline of New Guinea, this voyage will visit 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 PNG, either by snorkelling, swimming, 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. Sea kayaking surcharge is AU$995 and scuba diving stops will be organised on board. Aurora can also organise all flight, accommodation, transfer and pre and post touring in Papua New Guinea.

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 more info, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or contact the UK's adventure-cruise specislists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

The Photo-Splendour of Papua New Guinea

Orion Expedition Cruises, the leading operator of five-star expedition cruising in the Australasian region, is offering guests the opportunity to join the photographic workshop of a lifetime where they will be able to hone their photographic skills and capture all the action in one of the world’s most photo-opportunistic locations - Papua New Guinea.

This 11-night voyage, departing Cairns on April 3, 2011, provides an extraordinary array of opportunities to test and develop photographic skills – historic World War II sites, tropical islands, exotic bird and marine life, primitive artworks, active volcanoes, the colonial atmosphere of Madang and a rare visit to a remote village near the Sepik River where the friendly welcome and cultural displays will overwhelm.

In association with Better Photography magazine and the Australian Geographic Society, and under the knowledgeable guidance of internationally recognised photographer Nick Rains and Grand Master of Photography Peter Eastwood, this voyage is designed to appeal to photographers of all levels – while not forgetting their partners (whose interest in the finer points of photography is often less enthusiastic).

Nick and Peter will be holding pre-shoot workshops onboard before taking guests on location accompanied by members of Orion’s specialist expedition team. Workshops include professional advice and instruction on photographing seascapes, portrait skills, lighting, detailed macro flora and fauna and instruction on editing-software to optimise the final images.

Explore, experience and shoot from dawn to dusk, then relax and enjoy superb cuisine and company by night.

Orion’s 11-night “Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights” cruise starts in Cairns and visits Alotau, Samarai & Kwato Islands, Fergusson Island, Tufi Harbour, Tami Islands, Madang and Sepik River before arriving in Rabaul.

Prices start from £5,615 per person, including 11 nights onboard, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

For UK bookings, be sure to check with adventure cruise expert The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.