DAY 1 – PORT MORESBY

Prepare for your expedition cruise with a Welcome Dinner at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel, where you will get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Host Team.

DAY 2 – MADANG, EMBARK PASPALEY PEARL

This morning, an economy class scheduled flight takes you north to the coastal town of Madang. Fringed by palm trees, the town sits along a remote peninsula that looks across crystal-clear waters. Almost 200 languages are spoken within the region, which reflects the overall diversity of Papua New Guinea as a whole. It is within this setting that you board your luxury vessel, the Paspaley Pearl. From here, your expedition voyage will see you cruising westward, following the remote coastlines of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

DAY 3 – KOPAR VILLAGE

At the mouth of the vast Sepik River, you’ll find Kopar Village. Here, the crocodile is venerated as a great spirit of the water and traditional ways remain a constant. Ceremonies are performed to appease the spirits and boys become men through a series of gruelling rites.

DAY 4 – VANIMO

Those with a proclivity for water sports may know Vanimo for its various surf breaks. Its location, close to the border with Indonesia, also makes it an important centre of trade. The community frequently celebrates its diversity by hosting traditional events and festivals. Vanimo’s beaches offer tranquillity and seclusion in equal measure.

DAY 5 – JAYAPURA CITY, LAKE SENTANI

Today you will cross into Indonesia on your way to Jayapura City. The thriving metropolis is close to Lake Sentani, whose tropical waters teem with endemic fish species. The region is inhabited by the Sentani people, whose cultural heritage is evident through the proliferation of remarkable bark paintings.

DAY 6 – MAMBERAMO RIVER

Further west, you will arrive along the Mamberamo River. Tropical rainforests make up part of the diverse ecosystems found along the edge of the river. As your vessel winds its way along this remote waterway, keep watch for the isolated communities whose traditional ways live on here.

DAY 7 – CENDERAWASIH BAY

Cenderawasih Bay represents the colossal gulf that lies between Papua and West Papua’s Bird’s Head Peninsula. And found gracefully gliding between deserted islands and colourful reefs is the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. Indonesia’s largest marine national park, Cenderawasih Bay also harbours the wrecks of World War II planes and ships.

DAY 8 – CENDERAWASIH BAY

You continue your cruise today, across the expansive blue waters of Cenderawasih Bay. Your nimble vessel gets us up close to the forested coastlines, colourful reefs and marine creatures that make up this beautiful and biodiverse region.

DAY 9 – DAY AT SEA

A day at sea allows you to take advantage of the vessel’s luxurious amenities as you make your way to your next port of call.

DAY 10 – RAJA AMPAT

On the far side of Bird’s Head Peninsula, you arrive at Raja Ampat. Local mythology bestowed the moniker Four Kings upon this archipelago. The story goes that a woman discovered seven eggs, four of which hatched to produce the four kings who would go on to rule over the largest of the islands. More than 1,500 small islands comprise the sprawling group. It is said that the region possesses a greater diversity of marine life than any other part of the massive Coral Triangle, which spreads from the Solomon Islands to the Philippines and across to Singapore.

DAY 11 – RAJA AMPAT

Today you will absorb more rare sights, including island chains, shoaling fish and idyllic cays.

DAY 12 – RAJA AMPAT

Your ship continues to navigate the waters off West Papua. Raja Ampat’s larger islands, Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo, stand proud amid lesser-known islets and are home to stunning landscapes and diverse culture.

DAY 13 – KITI-KITI WATERFALL

Be sure to have your camera at hand today, as we are greeted by the spectacular sight of Kiti-Kiti Waterfall, which materialises from the forested hills and gushes directly into the sea. Found toward the southern point of the Bomberai Peninsula, the falls add the finishing touch to an already serene stretch of coastline, with its lush forests and impossibly clear waters.

DAY 14 – BANDA NEIRA

Today, you arrive at the Spice Islands, where successive empires fought for control of the once-lucrative trade. Considered the most historic of the islands, Banda Neira was once the sole source of the world’s nutmeg, highly prized by European merchants. Step ashore, accompanied by your Expedition Team and local guides, for an exploration of this small island, including its ruined Portuguese and Dutch forts. You will also arrive at the former home of Christopher Cole. The British captain led a small army of men onto the island in 1810, forcing the surrender of the Dutch.

DAY 15 – DAY AT SEA

Once again, enjoy a full day aboard the ship, as you sail across the Banda Sea, en route to Dili.

DAY 16 – DILI (TIMOR-LESTE), DISEMBARK PASPALEY PEARL

Reaching the northern coast of Timor-Leste, we shortly arrive at the port of Dili. Following a final breakfast aboard the Paspaley Pearl, you will disembark in the capital, where our journey concludes.

Paspaley Pearl represents the perfect balance of capability and comfort for small group expeditions. With local knowledge and advanced technology, they access places few have experienced, offering unique travel experiences. Their boutique expedition vessel allows you to explore rarely visited locations, while providing an intimate setting that encourages connection during shared adventures. Also, their comfortable suites and staterooms feature thoughtful design that embodies modern Australian character.

The Paspaley Pearl represents boutique ship design at its finest, where her classification under 50 meters unlocks pristine destinations accessible only by small-group expeditions. With two Azipod thrusters powered by three diesel generators, this expedition vessel delivers unmatched manoeuvrability. Also, her purposeful proportions provide remarkable capability.

Advanced systems demonstrate the environmental commitment: catalytic converters reduce NOX emissions by 90%, heat recovery transforms engine heat into hot water, and dynamic positioning eliminates seabed-damaging anchors. Meanwhile, state-of-the-art stabilisers ensure exceptional comfort while advanced wastewater treatment protects pristine waters during Paspaley Pearl cruise experiences.

The dual Starlink systems provide seamless connectivity, upgraded waste compactors minimise environmental impact, and thoughtful details like our dumbwaiter reflect operational efficiency. This expedition ship technology is designed for tomorrow’s explorers—sophisticated, sustainable, and utterly capable of accessing remote destinations.

ONBOARD LIVING

Life aboard the Paspaley Pearl flows naturally between thoughtfully designed spaces that foster intimate conversations and shared discoveries. The Ocean Restaurant’s elegant 32-seat indoor setting creates perfect environments for leisurely dinners where stories unfold over carefully crafted cuisine. The adjacent lounge and bar then invite nightcap conversations beneath starlit skies.

During daylight hours, the Horizon’s 32-seat outdoor restaurant becomes your social hub aboard this expedition vessel, where breakfast discussions spark anticipation for upcoming adventures. Additionally, lunch gatherings celebrate morning discoveries while accessing remote destinations. As evening approaches, ascend to the Sun Deck’s loungers and 8–10-person jacuzzi, where tensions dissolve while sharing experiences against spectacular sunset backdrops.

Your nightly expedition recap unfolds in the outdoor lounge. Here, the expedition team presents photo highlights, a cherished ritual aboard this boutique ship. The intimate Sunset Lounge forward of the bridge offers quieter moments for reflection aboard this expedition ship, where gentle ocean rhythms create perfect sanctuaries for processing remarkable encounters in Earth’s most pristine environments.

STATEROOMS

While experiences encountered ashore are paramount, comfort aboard the Paspaley Pearl is equally important. On this expedition ship, adventure and elegance combine seamlessly.

Each of the 15 Staterooms and Suites is designed to provide relaxed ambiance during Paspaley Pearl cruise experiences. Comfortable yet practical, with plenty of storage space, fine Aesop toiletries, soft furnishings and quality linen greet you aboard this boutique ship.

The interior style reflects the history, destinations and communities you visit, a salute to the era of grand touring when wicker was the signature furnishing.

Our modern take reflects finishes that are textural—a gentle palette of rattan, linen and copper adds finishing touches that are warm and welcoming aboard this expedition vessel. Your relaxing haven after days of accessing remote destinations.

EXPEDITION VESSELS

Step aboard our two purpose-built expedition vessels for shared adventures. Here, their uniquely designed Cairns-manufactured aluminium boats with diesel inboard motors deliver unique travel experiences in complete comfort. They have shaded canopies and innovative fold-out platforms for effortless beach access and dedicated fishing and swimming areas. These transform every remote shoreline into your personal adventure base during small group expeditions.

Launch into hidden mangrove creeks aboard our Mark V Zodiacs, perfect for intimate explorations, helicopter transfers, beach BBQs, and sunset cocktails on pristine shores. Your footprints join only those of nesting wildlife through travel experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.

During expeditions, paddle kayaks through mirror-calm lagoons, stand-up paddleboard in crystal-clear waters, or snorkel vibrant coral reefs with professional equipment. Experience these dive-certified waters or cast lines for barramundi with expert guidance and professional-grade fishing equipment.

These shared adventures with kindred spirits in pristine wilderness locations become transformative, unique travel experiences. They’ll satisfy your cultural and intellectual curiosity while forming lasting connections.