Cruising Goes Wild for Melanesia

Oceanic Discoverer in the Solomon Islands

Once the domain of fearless National Geographic photojournalists, headhunters and god-fearing missionaries, Papua New Guinea and its Melanesian cousins are re-emerging as ideal adventure cruise destinations. Roderick Eime sails off to see why.

Like fleeting shadows in the undergrowth, they moved silently and stealthily, occasionally stopping, half-hidden, to check the progress of our canoes along the narrow, mangrove-lined creek. Smeared head-to-toe with the thick volcanic mud and just a tiara of mangrove leaves as camouflage, we were being stalked. Were they looking for an opportunity to ambush us or just satisfying their curiosity?

Our pursuers reveal themselves in spectacular fashion. Leaping out from behind huge trees, they bring our party to a halt with incomprehensible, blood-curdling cries. From hidden vantage points within the undergrowth saplings are hurled at us, some bouncing menacingly off the side of the canoes. Gasps of alarm are clearly heard from several passengers and muffled chatter comes from others as we try to interpret their apparently hostile intentions.

The traditional challenge, thankfully, is all part of the show put on for us today by the Tufi villagers. Tufi is one of the most spectacular cultural experiences in the country. Set amid stunning tropical fjords, Tufi is only accessible by air or sea and renowned for its diving, trekking and rare orchids. For the next hour we are feted like visiting royalty, shown the convoluted process of sago extraction, ritual tattooing and treated to local ballads performed by a tiny choir of children with the voices of angels.

To most westerners, Papua New Guinea is an untamed land with an equally wild reputation. Yet why am I here on one of the world’s acclaimed expedition cruise ships, surrounded by worldly and wise travellers who could just as easily be sipping Pinot Noir somewhere in the south of France?

This land of magic and mysticism, exotic cultures, mind-boggling rituals and 700-something unique languages is just 100 miles north of Australia. Visitors will quickly find the true essence of the Melanesians along the coastal fringe between Alotua in Milne Bay all the way to the mouth of the mighty Sepik River and across to volcano-ravaged Rabaul on New Britain island. They find a handsome, fascinating people of warm, heart-felt generosity with a deep respect for custom and tradition.

Shore visits to villages and islands are by tenders launched from the vessels and ferry visitors ashore a dozen at a time to be met by noisy welcoming committees of children and families with broad grins, sometimes with the trademark beetle nut stains.

You might think all this opulence is foreign out here on the edge of civilization, but a hot shower and crisp lager is just the ticket after a day on the baking sand or trekking in the steamy jungle. Hardcore adventure purists and Kokoda-trackers may want to bunk down with all the jungle has to offer, but expedition cruising passengers have the opportunity to experience the impossible and unheard of while retreating to five star comfort at day’s end.

Papua New Guinea may be the centre of Melanesian expedition cruising, but the new wave of adventure vessels are finding that their many repeat cruisers are looking to extend their experience or even return for second helpings.

Now the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia are bolstering the destination menu with ideal locations for ecologically sensitive and responsible cruise operators.

Ghizo, Roderick Bay, Nendo Island, Santa Ana and Mangalonga Island are just some of the shore visits experienced by visiting ships in the Solomon Islands. Traditional dancing, scuba diving and snorkelling, arts and crafts are just some of the experiences sampled by the growing number of well-healed travellers eager to take home authentic souvenirs and memories of these fascinating islands.

Fiji tends to operate on it’s own with dedicated cruise lines such as Blue Lagoon, Captain Cook Cruises and Tui Tai Expedition Cruises offering boutique itineraries away from the busy big ship haunts to islands like Rabi, Kioa, Drudrua and Kavewa Islands as well as among the idyllic Yasawa group.

Preserving and encouraging local tradition and culture is an important facet in expedition cruising and it plays a vital role in helping remote communities retain these practices for themselves and the modern expedition traveller who has little interest in fake and contrived experiences. The many islands and vibrant communities throughout Melanesia are perfect examples of these genuine and authentic cultural attractions and will continue to draw visitors for as long as they remain so.

After another jam-packed day of snorkelling, kayaking and swaying to jungle rhythms, I jealously clutch my trophy, a gorgeous ebony carved mask delicately inlaid with mother-of pearl as I make my way slowly back to the landing, nodding and shaking the many hands held out to me. On the returning tender, the monotone hum of the outboard motor and the warm tropical sun lolls me into a pleasant daydream. I’m ready for that beer!

Doing It

The luxury 4000 GRT, 106-passenger MV Orion operates year-round itineraries throughout the region including Australia’s Kimberley, Arnhem Land, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, SE Asia and the Antarctic. www.orionexpeditions.com

At 2000 GRT and carrying 72 passengers, the Cairns-based Oceanic Discoverer operated by Coral Princess Cruises, was one of the first of these new wave of purpose-built vessels to offer regular itineraries to PNG and Melanesia. She made her maiden international voyage from Cairns to Alotau in 2005 and has visited every year since. www.coralprincess.com.au

The multi-award winning True North, operated by Broome-based North Star Cruises, is certainly one of the more adventurous vessels. At just 740 GRT and carrying 36 passengers, True North is the only vessel to cruise with a full-time helicopter. Small and nimble, she will often get much closer to the action than her larger competitors. www.northstarcruises.com.au

PNG itineraries typically depart either Cairns (AU) or Rabaul (PNG) and include Tufi, Tami Islands, Madang, Sepik River, Trobriand Islands, D’Entrecasteaux Islands, Milne Bay and Duke of York Islands. Extensions to wider Melanesia often travel via the Louisiade Archipelago, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu with disembarkation in Noumea or even Auckland.

The writer has made numerous visits to PNG and Melanesia and wishes to thank the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, Orion Expedition Cruises, Coral Princess Cruises and Air Niugini for their assistance over the years.