SeaDream II to Explore Papua New Guinea in 2014

Few areas in the world are as exotic and stunning as Papua New Guinea. The land’s vibrant culture is still thriving, and its natural beauty makes the territory a true tropical paradise.

Embarking from Cairns, Queensland (Australia) 1 February 2014, SeaDream II will set sail on an exclusive voyage led by a team of expedition experts.

“It is simply exhilarating to arrive on a secluded beach by Zodiac boat from SeaDream II and be warmly greeted by a civilization that has remained the same for thousands of years,” said Pamela Conover, CEO of SeaDream Yacht Club. “Visiting this unspoiled region with our collection of experts promises an unforgettable and rewarding experience.”

Sailing from Australia’s northwest coastal city of Cairns on 1 February 2014 and arriving in Bali (Benoa) on 15 February 2014, ports of call and remote harbors include Alotau, Milne Bay; Kitava, Trobriand Islands; Tami Island; Sepik River and Watam Village; Jayapura; Banda Neira; Moluccas; Larantuka; and Komodo Island.

Calling the 112-guest mega-yacht SeaDream II home, guests will be transported by a fleet of nimble, go-anywhere Zodiacs, landing directly on the beaches of these coastal villages to begin exploration.

An added bonus will be professional wildlife photographer Sue Flood onboard, documenting the expedition and sharing tips for taking the perfect shot.

Highlights and shore excursion options include:

• Introduction to Papa New Guinea culture in Alotau in the Milne Bay Province, meeting locals and touring the coast. Travelers will have the option to venture into the jungle to revisit a key World War II site. For those interested in natural history, guides will lead guests on hikes and bird watching tours from the beach.

• Exploring the Trobriand Islands, one of the most culturally intact destinations in Papa New Guinea. Guests landing ashore will experience colorful performances of young warriors and local maidens dancing directly on the beach before touring the gardens and thatched roof homes of the villagers. The day will conclude with a beachside barbecue.

• Discovering the tiny islands of Tami, comprised of uplifted coral atolls less than a kilometer in length. Locals will greet guests with indigenous dances and tours of their villages, observing traditions dating back thousands of years.

• Visiting the mighty Sepik River, the longest in Papua New Guinea, which is home to the villages of Watam and Kopar along its delta. Villagers will display local customs and dances, allowing a direct look back in time to a culture that measures its existence in thousands of years.

Fully inclusive yachting fares begin at $9,999, based on double occupancy. The SeaDream II will be sailing a series of 17 voyages in Asia starting October 2013 through April 2014. Itineraries include Myanmar, Thailand, India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Northern Australia and Malaysia.