Explore the caldera of Garove Island, dive into Kimbe Bay`s marine biodiversity, and discover the Tolai people`s Duk-Duk society. Unearth World War II history in Rabaul, witness the Baining Fire Dance, and engage with locals on Duke of York and Tami Islands. Marvel at Jacquinot Bay`s landscapes, swim in warm tropical waters, and visit remote picturesque islands. Our expert expedition team adds insights into history, culture, and biodiversity. This expedition is a seamless blend of luxury and discovery.
Expedition Highlights:
– Sail into the spectacular caldera of Garove Island.
– Explore the marine biodiversity hotspot of Kimbe Bay.
– Experience the secret Duk-Duk society of the Tolai people.
– Discover the World War II history and relics of Rabaul.
– See the famous Baining Fire Dance.
– Interact with the locals on the Duke of York Islands.
– Learn the traditions and custom of the remote Tami Islands.
– View the spectacular waterfall and landscapes of Jacquinot Bay.
– Swim and Snorkel in warm tropical waters.
– Visit remote picture postcard islands.
– Gain an insight into the history, culture, and incredible diversity of life from your expert expedition team.
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Circumnavigation of New Britain Island cruise package includes:
– 10 night luxury expedition cruise aboard the boutique motor yacht Paspaley Pearl by Ponant from Madang return
– All meals – menus designed by the famed Serge Dansereau of Bathers Pavilion
– Open Bar including French champagne, wine, beer, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages
– Complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi (connectivity dependent on navigation and latitude)
– Shore landings and exploration vessel outings guided by a team of expert Expedition guides
– Entry fees to National and Marine Parks
– Non-motorised water sports (Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Snorkeling)
Additional Expenses:
– Pre and/or Post voyage packages
– Additional shore excursions such as scenic Helicopter flights
– Premium wines
– Tips for the onboard crew are appreciated but not compulsory
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Solo Travellers – Secure free solo supplement when you book the Ocean Twin Stateroom (Stateroom 102), applicable on every voyage. For other Ocean Deck staterooms, a 30% supplement applies, while Horizon Deck suites come with a 50% supplement. Solo Supplement is subject to change, and may be increased at any time at the discretion of the company.
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Flexible Expedition Itinerary:
Experience the freedom of a flexible expedition itinerary, where the adventure unfolds in harmony with nature. These itineraries adapt to tides and other environmental factors, ensuring an authentic exploration. Embrace the cultures, history and biodiversity of the remote areas visited, guided by a team of expert guides who offer a dynamic and unforgettable journey tailored to the whims of the elements.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Oct 2025 | Madang, Papua New Guinea |
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| 30 Oct 2025 | Cape Gloucester, New Britain, Papua New Guinea |
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| 31 Oct 2025 | Vitu (Witu) Islands, Papua New Guinea |
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| 01 Nov 2025 | Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea |
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| 02 Nov 2025 | Ataliklikun Bay, Papua New Guinea |
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| 03 Nov 2025 | Rabaul, Papua New Guinea |
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| 04 Nov 2025 | Duke of York Is, Papua New Guinea |
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| 05 Nov 2025 | Jacquinot Bay, PNG |
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| 06 Nov 2025 | At sea | ||
| 07 Nov 2025 | Tami Islands, Papua New Guinea |
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| 08 Nov 2025 | Madang, Papua New Guinea |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
10 Night Cruise sailing from Madang roundtrip aboard Paspaley Pearl.
Explore the caldera of Garove Island, dive into Kimbe Bay’s marine biodiversity, and discover the Tolai people’s Duk-Duk society. Unearth World War II history in Rabaul, witness the Baining Fire Dance, and engage with locals on Duke of York and Tami Islands. Marvel at Jacquinot Bay’s landscapes, swim in warm tropical waters, and visit remote picturesque islands. Our expert expedition team adds insights into history, culture, and biodiversity. This expedition is a seamless blend of luxury and discovery.
DAY 1 Embarkation | Madang, Papua New Guinea
Madang Township was once known as the “prettiest town in the South Pacific”. Its peninsula setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province.
PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside in Madang.
DAY 2 Cape Gloucester. West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
Lying on the northern peninsula at the west end of the island of New Britain is the seldom visited location of Cape Gloucester. The Peninsula is densely vegetated with thick rainforest, and the extinct Mount Talawe volcano creates a spectacular backdrop to the south. On the eastern flank of Talawe lie the four overlapping volcanic cones of the active Langila Volcano. Langila is one of the most active volcanoes in the Bismark archipelago. Several uninhabited picture postcard islands lie just offshore, providing the ideal location for swimming and snorkelling in the warm tropical waters of the Bismarck Sea.
DAY 3 Witu Islands. West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
The Witu, or Vitu Islands are volcanic ocean peaks fringed by coral reefs located in the Bismarck Sea off the north coast of New Britain Island. They were once the chief copra centre of Papua New Guinea, today cocoa is now the main crop harvested. The largest island, Garove or Big Witu is a volcanic caldera where the southern rim has collapsed, creating a spectacular entrance. The main village of Garove is nestled inside this scenic natural harbour.
DAY 4 Kimbe Bay. West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
Kimbe Bay is at the heart of the Coral Triangle and is considered one of the world’s most diverse ocean environments, with everything from shallow seagrass beds and mangroves to deep seamounts. It is an important biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 60 percent of the coral species of the entire Indo-Pacific region. Above the water, black volcanic beaches provide a unique and dramatic contrast to the lush greenery of the surrounding forests. The volcanic landscapes create spectacular scenery and a rich flora that adds to the region’s appeal.
DAY 5 Ataliklikun Bay. East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
Ataliklikun Bay is home to the indigenous Tolai, who are believed to have migrated to the Gazelle Peninsula relatively recently, displacing the Baining people who were subsequently driven westwards. Whilst the Tolai people almost universally identify as Christians, old beliefs and traditions still persist including the secret Duk-Duk society. The society has religious, political and social objectives, representing a form of law and order through its presiding spirits. Duk-Duk only appeared with the full moon. Justice was executed, fines extorted, taboos, feasts, taxes and all tribal matters arranged by the Duk-Duk members, wearing masks or chalk on their faces.
DAY 6 Rabaul. East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
Set at the eastern end of the island of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting. Nestled beside Simpson Harbour, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes, one of which, Mt Tavurvur, is still active today. The most recent major volcanic eruption was in September 1994 when Tavurvur and Vulcan covered much of Rabaul and surrounding villages with volcanic ash. This eruption saw the growth of the nearby coastal town of Kokopo which has now become the administrative and tourism centre for Rabaul.
DAY 7 Duke of York Islands. East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
Located in the St George’s Channel between New Britain and New Ireland, the Duke of York islands comprise 13 rarely visited islands totalling 58 square kilometres in area. The first European to site the islands and give them their name was the British navigator Philip Carteret, in 1767. In the 1870s, a German trading station was opened at Balanawang Harbour, and the area’s first Methodist mission was established in 1880.
DAY 8 Jacquinot Bay. East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
Jacquinot Bay lies on the south coast of the island of New Britain and is surrounded by the densely forested central mountain range that dominates the southern part of the island. Prior to World War II there were several small villages and localities around the bay, including copra plantations at Palmalmal and Cutarp. It was used as a logistics and support base during the New Britain Campaign of World War II after being captured by an Allied amphibious operation undertaken on 4 November 1944.
DAY 10 Tami Islands, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea
The Tami Islands (Kalal, Wanam & Idjan) are a small group of uplifted coral atolls, with two main villages on the two larger islands and many smaller reefs and cays. In the centre is a beautiful, crystal clear blue lagoon with abundant marine life and stunning coral formations. The seldom-visited islands are located off the coast not far from the town of Finschaffen. Tami Islanders are renowned artisans and are most famous for their intricately decorated bowls.
DAY 11 Disembarkation | Madang, Papua New Guinea
Madang Township was once known as the “prettiest town in the South Pacific”. Its peninsula setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province.
PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside in Madang and disembarkation will commence after breakfast.
Marrying PASPALEY’s heritage of over 80 years in the Kimberley and Northern Australia with PONANT’s 35-year history of luxury expedition travel, PASPALEY PEARL emerges as the embodiment of comfort and adventure. Marking a milestone in the development of boutique expedition travel, she offers a benchmark-setting standard of excellence in the Asia Pacific region.
Featuring 15 staterooms and suites and hosting a maximum of 30 guests per voyage, PASPALEY PEARL emerges as the newest and only boutique expedition motor yacht in the Kimberley with private balconies. Having the ability of reaching exotic destinations previously inaccessible by larger vessels, each expedition promises an authentic and enriching experience, inviting you to not just observe but to participate in the timeless rituals and customs that define the remarkable cultures of the destinations we visit.
PASPALEY PEARL is designed to feel like a home away from home. A classic yet contemporary environment that expresses timeless luxury while harnessing the history of PASPALEY and PONANT’s spirit of adventure.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 53.5 m
- Tonnage: 994
- Maiden Voyage: 2025
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 30
- Officer Nationality: Australian
- Ship Registration: Marshall Islands
Ship Amenities
- Hair Dryer
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
- International 240V sockets
- USB charging points
- Flat-screen TV
- On-demand entertainment system
- Complimentary WIFI
Ship Facilities
- Sun Deck Lounge & Jacuzzi
- Outdoor Dining, Lounge & Bar
- Main Deck Dining, Lounge & Bar
- Forward Sunset Lounge
EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.
Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.
To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment – a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared – and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.
To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.
Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege…
Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.
In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.
Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax – we take care of everything…
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
20m2 Including balcony on the Horizon Deck. The Horizon Suite is an elegantly designed suite with a large wardrobe and the choice between a king-size bed or two twin beds. Its most striking feature is the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a private balcony, offering a panoramic view. The suite includes a spacious bathroom with a shower, heated floors, luxury amenities, and a hairdryer. There’s individually-controlled air conditioning and international 240V sockets, USB charging points, and wall-mounted reading lamps are provided. Entertainment needs are catered for with a flat-screen TV and an on-demand entertainment system. Guests also enjoy complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi, though connectivity may vary depending on navigation and latitude.
17.5 – 18m2 on the Ocean Deck. The Ocean Stateroom is a tastefully designed accommodation featuring a large wardrobe and the option of one queen-size bed or two twin beds. It boasts a spacious bathroom equipped with shower, heated floors, luxury amenities, and a hairdryer for added comfort. The stateroom also includes individually-controlled air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging points, and wall-mounted reading lamps for convenience. Guests can enjoy entertainment through a flat-screen TV with an on-demand entertainment system. Additionally, complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi is available, although its connectivity may vary based on navigation and latitude.
16m2 on the Ocean Deck. The Ocean Twin Stateroom offers a blend of elegance and practical design, featuring a large wardrobe and the option of one double bed or two single beds. Guests can enjoy the comfort of a spacious bathroom equipped with shower, heated floors, luxury amenities, and a hairdryer. For convenience and comfort, the stateroom includes individually-controlled air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging points, and wall-mounted reading lamps. Entertainment needs are met with a flat-screen TV paired with an on-demand entertainment system. Additionally, guests are provided with complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi, although connectivity may vary based on navigation and latitude.
27m2 Including balcony on the Horizon Deck. The Pearl Suite is sophisticated and meticulously crafted, complete with ample wardrobe space. It features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a private balcony. Guests have the option of one king-size bed or two twin beds. The suite boasts a spacious bathroom equipped with shower, heated floors, luxury amenities, and a hairdryer. For personalised comfort, there is individually-controlled air conditioning, along with international 240V sockets, USB charging points, and wall-mounted reading lamps for convenience. Entertainment is provided through a flat-screen TV with an on-demand entertainment system. Additionally, guests can enjoy complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi, although its connectivity may vary depending on navigation and latitude.
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
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