Papua New Guinea to the Great Barrier Reef

Welcome to Port Moresby, where you’ll be transferred to a hotel for your overnight stay. Set along the shores of the Coral Sea, this fascinating city offers a unique blend of traditional cultures, colonial history and modern development.

Your luxury yacht cruise adventure begins with a transfer to the airport for your included flight from Port Moresby to Lae.

Upon arrival in Lae, you’ll board your luxury Emerald yacht. Set along the Huon Gulf, Lae is a key economic hub connecting the country’s coastal regions with the inland highlands. After embarkation, set sail into the remote northern waters of Papua New Guinea, where few vessels travel.

A hidden gem off Papua New Guinea’s northern coast, Crown Island welcomes with untouched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. This secluded paradise is ideal for snorkelling and swimming in pristine surroundings.

The eastern half of the island of New Guinea - second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north) and the United Kingdom (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World War I and continued to administer the combined areas until independence in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997 after claiming some 20,000 lives. On the north coast of the island, we find colourful Madang, called the “prettiest town in the South Pacific”. Its peninsula-setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. Although small, the town has modern urban facilities, including hotels, department stores, markets and art shops. The people of Madang can be broken into four distinct groups - islanders, coastal people, river people and mountain people. These groups are similar in appearance except for the smaller Simbai mountain tribesmen from the foothills. The traditional dress consists mainly of traditional dyed multi-coloured grass skirts made out of either pandanas leaves or sago palm. The women from the mountain areas wear skirts that are colourless, narrow and stringy. Unlike the women, men wear meshy net aprons in front and a clutter of target leaves astern.

Often described as one of the most beautiful towns in the South Pacific, Madang is framed by lush hills, offshore islands and coral reefs. Wander the stunning waterfront, discover local markets, small villages and a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of seafaring traditions.

Located within the renowned Coral Triangle, Kimbe Island offers some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. Snorkel among vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish or simply soak in the island’s untouched natural beauty.

Part of the Witu Islands, Garove is a striking volcanic island featuring a flooded caldera at its centre. Explore its unique landscape, meet local communities and discover a way of life deeply connected to the sea.

Renowned for its abundant marine life, the Tami Islands are widely considered a top spot for underwater activities. Snorkel along the surrounding coral reefs and lagoons teeming with tropical fish or relax on deck and soak in the magnificent ocean views.

Set against dramatic fjords carved into ancient volcanic rock, Tufi is one of Papua New Guinea’s most dramatic and remote coastal locations. Accessible only by sea or air, snorkel off vibrant offshore reefs where clear, calm waters reveal colourful corals and abundant marine life just below the surface. 

Alotau is the provincial capital of the Milne Bay Province located in the southeast bay of Papua New Guinea. The town and surrounding area has been an important staging ground during World War II and we will see remains and memorials dating back or referring to the war. On a tour of the town, visitors will appreciate lovely vistas of the bay and experience the markets, which are frequented not only by locals, but also by islanders selling their products or looking for produce to take back into Milne Bay. Alotau is an important port facility for the islands and attracts many vendors of handicrafts from different islands.

Located in Milne Bay Province, Alotau is rich in both natural beauty and World War II history. Explore Alotau towns, stunning coastal landscapes, and learn about the region’s cultural traditions and wartime significance at the Turnbull War Memorial.

A secluded tropical paradise, Doini Island offers pristine beaches, cultural encounters, and exceptional snorkelling opportunities. Relax on soft sands or explore the vibrant underwater world just offshore.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Cairns (pronounced Caans). The city makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks.It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off- limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class.

Your voyage concludes in Cairns, a lively tropical city and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. After disembarkation, you may choose to extend your stay and explore one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Cairns after 12:00 PM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.