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Cruising to Papua New Guinea

If you’re anything like me, the thought of visiting our global neighbours is something that’s high on your bucket list; and PNG makes the top of list. Papua New Guinea is a place of great natural beauty, but it can also be a dangerous place if you are not careful. The country has a high crime rate, and many areas are remote and difficult to reach. So, when I discovered that P&O cruises offer a cruise to PNG, I jumped at the chance to explore our neighbour to the North, and convinced my mum, dad, and one of my sisters to join me.

The P&O New Guinea Island Encounter tour started from Brisbane and cruised up the QLD coast before arriving in PNG, and offered great entertainment and packages that suited our group. While my dad and sister took advantage of the unlimited drinks package, I used our sea days and the wifi package to work on my university assignments, and mum enjoyed the gym and spa. We’d meet up again for meals and the evening activities, and the activities we did on shore days.

Papua New Guinea is a country of Contrasts, home to tropical rain forests, rugged mountains and pristine beaches. It’s also one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with more than 800 distinct languages spoken. For many travelers, Papua New Guinea is the ultimate destination for an adventure vacation. And one of the safest and most accessible ways to travel to Papua New Guinea is on a cruise ship. Cruise ships offer a wide range of amenities and activities, as well as the opportunity to explore different parts of the country at your own pace. And with a variety of itineraries to choose from, there’s a cruise that’s perfect for everyone. So if you’re looking for an adventure vacation that’s safe and easy to access, consider taking a cruise to Papua New Guinea.

Alotau

Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay Province, in Papua New Guinea. It is located on the north coast of the island of New Guinea, at the mouth of the Gulf of Papua. The town has a population of about 25,000 people and is the main economic and administrative centre for the province. Visitors to Alotau can explore the town’s markets, which sell a wide range of local produce, including fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. There are also a number of museums and art galleries in the town, as well as a number of historical sites. Visitors can also take part in a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and canoeing. With its warm climate and friendly people, Alotau is an enjoyable place to visit all year round.

The Battle of Milne Bay is often called the turning point of World War II in the Pacific. The Japanese had been on the march since the start of the war, and seemed unstoppable. But in August 1942, they ran into unexpected resistance from Australian troops at Milne Bay. The Australians were heavily outnumbered, but they held their ground and fought bravely. In the end, the Japanese were forced to retreat, and it was a turning point in the war. Today, visitors to Alotau can see reminders of the battle, including the grave of one of the Australian soldiers who was killed in action. The Milne Bay Museum is also worth a visit, as it tells the story of this important event in history.

Kiriwina

Kiriwina is a stunning island paradise, with pristine beaches and lush jungle vegetation. The Trobriand people have a rich and fascinating culture, based on a unique system of social and economic organisation. Their traditional way of life is centred around the yam, which has great spiritual and cultural significance. The yam harvest is a time of great celebration, when the whole community comes together to give thanks for the year’s bounty. Visitors to Kiriwina can experience this amazing culture first-hand, through traditional dance performances, craft workshops and yam festivals. They can also explore the island’s many natural wonders, from its dramatic coastline to its hidden caves and waterfalls. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Kiriwina is the perfect destination.

Rabaul

Rabaul is located on the island of New Britain, in the country of Papua New Guinea. The town is situated on Simpson Harbour, a large natural harbour. Rabaul was the capital of Papua New Guinea until it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1994. The town has since been rebuilt and now has a population of about 10,000 people. Rabaul is an important trading centre for the region and is home to many businesses, including a palm oil processing plant. Tourism is also an important industry in Rabaul, with visitors coming to see the town’s unique volcano-shaped bay and to experience its Melanesian culture.

Kitava

Kitava is a small island in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province. It is located off the main Trobiand Island of Kiriwina and has very little external influence. The people of Kitava have maintained their traditional way of life for thousands of years. They grow their own food, fish for their own sustenance, and live in simple dwellings made from natural materials. There is no electricity on the island, and the only way to get around is by foot or canoe. Despite the challenges of living on a remote island, the people of Kitava are content with their simple lifestyle and have no desire to change it. They are friendly and welcoming to visitors, and they take great pride in their culture and traditions. For anyone looking for a truly unique travel experience, a visit to Kitava is highly recommended.

Vanuatu

Why you should consider exploring the Pacific Islands on a Cruise Ship

Many parts of the Pacific Islands are difficult and costly for travellers to reach, but exploring the beautiful and diverse Pacific Islands has been made easier than ever before, thanks to cruise ships. Cruise ships allow us to enjoy a friendly, relaxed atmosphere floating in turquoise lagoons as we take in breathtaking views of lush greenery and snow-capped volcanoes. Not only are cruise ships the perfect way to admire the magnificence of our neighbours’ surroundings, but they also offer activities that let us get close to some amazing wildlife and learn about the traditional cultures of each island. With convenient access to many usually inaccessible locations, which would often be difficult and costly to reach otherwise, cruise ships provide an ideal way to explore them with greater ease and comfort.

However, cruise ships are also a rather contested form of travel in the travel community; some people love them, while others dislike or criticise them. Cruise ships are some of the most polluting vehicles on the planet, emitting large amounts of sulfur dioxide and other greenhouse gases. In addition, they discharge sewage and other wastewater directly into the ocean, harming marine life. What’s more, cruise ships often visit sensitive areas like coral reefs, causing damage to these delicate ecosystems. In recent years, however, the cruise industry has taken steps to become more sustainable. Cruise ships are now more energy-efficient, and many lines have implemented recycling and waste reduction programs. In addition, some cruise ships are powered by clean-burning fuel, such as liquified natural gas. As the cruise industry continues to grow, it is important that it takes action to protect the environment. With careful planning and ongoing commitment, cruise ships can be operated in a sustainable manner.

At Changemaker Travel, we advocate ways of experiencing the world that are both accessible and sustainable, so it’s important for us to point out both the benefits and drawbacks of cruise ships, and let you decide for yourself if a cruise is right for you.

Accessibility

Cruise ships are a highly accessible form of travel. The vast majority of cruise ships are designed with accessibility in mind, with a variety of features that accommodate travellers with different needs. Ramps, elevators, and wider doorways make it possible for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to move around the ship with ease. In addition, many cruise lines offer special needs-friendly excursions and activities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their vacation. With so many amenities and services available, it’s no wonder that cruise ships are becoming an increasingly popular choice for travellers with disabilities.

Affordable Luxury

As someone who has spent a majority of her travels thus far backpacking on a budget, cruise ships are the closest thing I typically get to luxury travel! Cruising in the Pacific Islands also offers great value for money, as your cruise package not only covers private rooms for your party, but there are plenty of amazing food experiences included with most packages, as well as onboard entertainment, plus fitness facilities, pools, and spa services.

There is also something incredible about being able to drift away and relax on the open seas discovering each port’s unique culture and natural beauty, then move onto the next destination with minimal effort… no long flights, customs lines, and navigating international borders! Exploring the South Pacific region can be an amazing adventure, and it can also be super easy with a cruise. If you’re not keen on organising your entire trip, sleeping rough, or cooking your own meals, cruise ships make those more luxurious aspects of travel easy by offering everything you need on-board.

Benefiting the local economy

While cruise ship vacationers may be initially drawn by the promise of adventure, they often end up making a positive impact on the local economy as well. By spending money on shore excursions, local tours, souvenirs and other services, cruise ship passengers provide a much-needed boost to the economies of many countries around the world. In this way, cruising can be seen as a truly global experience, one that brings people together while also helping to create jobs and support local businesses.