8 November - At sea

9 November

Papua New Guinea: Doini Island

10 November

Papua New Guinea: Alotau

Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay province, on the remote eastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea. Milne Bay was the scene of heavy fighting during the Second World War, and today you can dive amongst the wreckage left behind. Alotau also serves as a base for visiting the nearby islands, including the fascinating Trobriand archipelago.

11 November

Papua New Guinea: Tufi

The laid back town of Tufi enjoys a beautiful setting, on a fjord-like inlet that was shaped by volcanic activity rather than ice. The coral-rich waters off the coast make this a diver’s paradise, and there are also many traditional villages in the area where the locals dress in clothes made of tapa, a cloth produced from the bark of the mulberry tree.

12 November

Papua New Guinea: Tami Islands

This small archipelago consists of four atolls around a central lagoon, where the vibrant coral reefs attract plenty of divers and snorkellers. The islanders lead a simple village life and are renowned for their intricately carved ‘Tami bowls’, traditionally used for dowry payments.

13 November

Papua New Guinea: Garove Island

Garove is a flooded volcanic caldera, with most of the inhabitants living on the outside of the volcano, and just one village inside the steep-sided caldera itself. Visiting ships are met by curious locals in outrigger canoes, and you may be welcomed ashore with a traditional ‘sing-sing’.

14 November

Papua New Guinea: Kimbe

15 November - At sea

16 November

Papua New Guinea: Madang

Madang, first settled by Germans during the 19th century, was once known as the ‘prettiest town in the Pacific’, and retains its charm despite significant damage during the Second World War. There is some great snorkelling and diving just offshore, while the city’s towering casuarina trees support a noisy population of flying foxes.

17 November

Papua New Guinea: Crown Island

18 November

Papua New Guinea: Lae

18 November to 19 November

Arriving in Port Moresby

Named after the British naval officer Sir Fairfax Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital is the biggest city in the South Pacific. It’s a gritty place that has its fair share of problems, but it’s also home to some interesting sights, including the striking Parliament Haus building and the National Botanical Gardens.