RE K BEFO BOO 31 DECEMBER 2013 AND SAVE £800 PER couple Legends of Papua An expedition cruise from to Micronesia aboard the MS Caledonian Sky with a pre-cruise visit to the Highlands 29th March to 16th April 2014 Guam Travelling independently in Papua New Guinea can be difficult, FEDERAL STATE Gaferut OF MICRONESIA with little infrastructure in place to accommodate for tourists Ifalik Satawal and information about getting around often scarce. This is of course what makes the region alluring to the genuine traveller, but also why travelling with 100 other passengers aboard Tingwon Island PAPUA NEW Rabaul the MS Caledonian Sky, one of the finest and best equipped GUINEA Rondon Ambua Lodge Ridge expedition ships in the world, is an ideal way to explore this Port Moresby D’Entrecasteaux Islands fascinating part of the world in comfort. Bonarua

apua New Guinea is a land of beautiful D’Entrecasteaux Islands learn of these fascinating differences between the cultures. During striking natural beauty and a and the Trobriand Islands offering formed by a turbulent history. your stay in one of the wilderness hybrid of diverse and unique exceptional underwater experiences. lodges you will witness cultural cultures,P with more than 1000 We continue to the little visited Before our expedition aboard the shows which are a way for the tribal groups, each with different islands of the Federated States of MS Caledonian Sky begins, we proud local people to showcase traditions. The region possesses Micronesia which are divided into have included a three night stay at their traditional customs. There will exotic wildlife, turquoise seas, four unique states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, your choice of lodge in either the also be nature walks and time at tropical rainforest and steep sided Chuuk and Yap. Jutting out of the Southern or Western Highlands leisure at the lodges to appreciate volcanoes with breathtaking islands sea are lush grand land masses, where you will have the opportunity the beautiful surroundings. scattered to its east and north. haloed by pristine white sands and to discover local tribes and learn brightly coloured coral formations, more of their traditions. You will We hope you will join us for On this journey of contrasts we their cultures and identities remain visit villages where the locals are this unparalleled opportunity to will witness an astonishing array of distinctive from one another and on dependent on subsistence farming explore one of the most intriguing cultural ceremonies, and explore the our exploration of the area we will and understand the diversity places on the map.

Choose your lodge experience for days 4 to 7 of the itinerary from choice of lodges below:

Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands Province Rondon Ridge, Western Highlands Province Ambua Lodge is an award winning, eco-friendly lodge nestled amongst the Doma Located 7100 feet above sea level and near the town of Mount Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level . A favoured destination amongst Hagen, on the outer fringes of the Kubor Range, lies Rondon Ridge birders, Ambua’s rain forests have been the star of many a wildlife documentary. which boasts panoramic views of the Wahgi Valley below. An incredible 217 species have been recorded here and Ambua is home to 13 different species of Bird of Paradise. Whilst at the lodge you will be in the company Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the rainforests of knowledgeable local birding guides who cater for all interest levels. Ambua is around Rondon Ridge including ten species of Birds of Paradise. surrounded by pristine, mid-montane jungle, a mass of interlocking tree tops and The surrounding area is pristine rainforest and home to numerous well kept nature trails venture out into this wilderness, crossing traditional vine orchid species. The lodge has hours of walking trails providing bridges, tracing clear mountain streams to secluded waterfalls. ample opportunity to explore the unique ecology of this area and during your time at the lodge there will be nature and birding walks During your stay at Ambua Lodge, you will be accommodated either in one of accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable nature guides. the round houses which are set amongst landscaped gardens and built almost Comprehensive bird and orchid lists are available from the lodge. exclusively from natural materials or in the main lodge building. All rooms feature unparalleled views of the valley below. Ambua Lodge has 24-hour, eco- Guests are accommodated in twelve tastefully appointed rooms with friendly electricity, provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates warmed king beds for those fresh highlands nights, with modern en- clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream. The main lodge building suite bathrooms. Rondon Ridge has 24-hour, eco-friendly electricity, houses the bar, dining and lounge areas and a cozy central fireplace. provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream. Tari is home to one of the most immediately recognisable tribes in Papua New Guinea, the Huli Wigmen. Proud, flamboyant people known for their ornate While staying at Rondon Ridge Lodge, there will be excursions ceremonial “wigs” with dances and songs fashioned on that of the mating which will take you on a journey through the traditions and customs rituals of the Birds of Paradise - an encounter with the Huli’s is bound to be of the local Melpa People. First contact with the Melpa was made memorable. During your stay there will be excursions to nearby Huli villages in the mid-1930s when the Leahy brothers were prospecting for where you will learn about and observes everyday life of the Huli tribe, as well gold. The Melpa are said by anthropologists, to be ‘predisposed as the peculiarities of their traditions and beliefs. Accompanied at all times to capitalism’ because of their complex traditional society in which by experienced and knowledgeable Huli guides from the local area, your ‘big men’ earn status by accruing wealth and then giving it all away experience will be all the more educational and rewarding. in a ceremonial exchange called “Moka”. Rainbow Lorikeet Micronesia Emerald Tree Monitor

The Trobriand Islands Local boy fishing

The Itinerary

Day 1 London to Singapore. Fly by guides and learn more about the , the largest of harbour. One of these, Mt Tavurvur scheduled flight. fascinating birdlife of the Highlands. the chain, in a small fishing village. is still active last erupting in 1994 From here we will walk to the and covering Rabaul in volcanic Day 2 Singapore. Arrive this Day 7 Tari or Mount Hagen to Port local hot springs and bubbling ash. Rabaul also had a significant afternoon and transfer to the Moresby. Check out of your chosen mud pools surrounded by lush role in the Second World War as Shangri-La Singapore (or similar) for lodge and transfer to the airport vegetation. This afternoon we will a Japanese stronghold. We will an overnight stay. for your flight to Port Moresby. On cruise through the spectacular see some of the 700km of tunnels arrival this afternoon, enjoy a local Dobu passage and use our Zodiacs built by the Japanese during the Day 3 Singapore to Port Moresby. lunch before your transfer to the to explore and snorkel on the local occupation, they were used as a After breakfast, spend the morning MS Caledonian Sky for embarkation. reefs. hiding place for barges from enemy at leisure before checking out of Sail this evening. aircraft and some of these can still the hotel. We will enjoy a tour of Day 10 , Trobriand Islands. be seen in the tunnels. We also Singapore this afternoon which will Day 8 Bonarua. As we follow the We sail overnight to the Trobriand visit Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker include, the National Orchid Garden, coast of Papua New Guinea, the islands first discovered by French from where he led the South Pacific Chinatown the Sultan Mosque and peaks of the dramatic Stanley vessel, Esperence, in 1793 and campaign. lunch before transferring to the Owens Range come into view. named after the first lieutenant. airport for our scheduled overnight After a leisurely morning at sea They are also known as the Day 12 Tingwon Island. Today flight to Port Moresby. we arrive at the island of Bonarua “Islands of Love” after the study by we take advantage of our small (officially: Badila Bedda Bedda anthropolist Bronislaw Malinowski. ship. Completely encircled by an Day 4 Port Moresby to Tari. Arrive Bonarua Island) in Milne Bay. We The islanders have made great oblong reef, few passenger vessels this morning in the capital of Papua will go ashore to view fishing and efforts to preserve their culture and are able to visit this small group New Guinea for our connecting weaving demonstrations, and when we land on the island of Kitava of islands. Land on a sandy beach flight to either Tari in the Southern wander through the enchanting where we will receive a traditional this afternoon and meet the 350 Highlands Province for a three village, sampling local delicacies. welcome. We will also have the inhabitants of charming Tingwon—a night stay at Ambua Lodge or to Birders have the chance to trek into opportunity to visit the local village picture-perfect village—and enjoy Mount Hagen for Rondon Ridge the thicket for their first sightings, to learn about their unique culture their hospitality and dances. After Lodge. Spend the rest of the day at and the warm inviting waters and customs and vist the Trobriand our visit snorkel or dive along the leisure before dinner this evening of the Coral Sea offer a perfect Yam House. Relax this afternoon or islets’ surrounding reef. at your lodge. introduction to the undersea attend a lecture as we continue our wonders on our first snorkel of journey north. Day 13 Mussau Island, Tsoi. Days 5 & 6 Tari Valley or Mount many to come. Villagers warmly welcome you Hagen. We have two full days to Day 11 Rabaul. We arrive at ashore with a cultural performance explore the Highlands and learn of Day 9 D’Entrecasteaux Islands. lunchtime in the spectacular setting and dances accompanied by the unique culture and traditions of Awake this morning in the of Rabaul’s Simpson harbour. a superb local choir. Sample the tribes in the region. We will visit D’Entrecasteaux islands. We Six cone-shaped volcanoes ring traditional foods, then take a walk villages with our knowledgable local will use our Zodiacs to land on Rabaul’s dramatic flooded-caldera around the island’s perimeter to find Melpa Tribesman

Papua New Guinea has it all, striking natural beauty, diverse and unique cultures, exotic wildlife, turquoise seas, tropical rainforest and Emerald Tree Monitor steep sided volcanoes with breathtaking islands scattered to its east and north.

Clownfish

orchids, butterflies, skinks, and birds choose to revisit the island with our boobies. Just a few steps offshore, along the way. On Tsoi Lik search naturalists or take the opportunity great snorkelling awaits. for megapodes nesting along the to snorkel in the warm waters. sandy beach. After lunch our lecture Day 18 Guam to London. series continues as we cruise toward Day 17 Gaferut. Birds and turtles Disembark this morning in Guam Micronesia. have discovered Gaferut’s charms, and transfer to the airport for our but few others visit this migratory scheduled indirect flight to London. Day 14 At sea. A day to relax resting place. Birdwatchers keep onboard as we sail to Micronesia. a lookout for noddies, terns and Day 19 London. Arrive this morning.

Day 15 Satawal, Ferderal State of Micronesia. This afternoon we make our first stop in Micronesia Prices per person at Satawal Island. This tiny island Based on double occupancy measures only 2 kilometres by 0.8 BOOK BEFORE 31 DECEMBER 2013 AND SAVE £400 PER PERSON kilomtres and can only be accessed Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Early Booking by a small ship such as the MS Caledonian Sky. Some of the Castle Standard Forward £7395 £6995 best traditional navigators in the Castle Standard £7795 £7395 Pacific live here, still navigating by Caledonian Superior £8195 £7795 the stars and ocean swells. The local Promenade Premium £8395 £7995 population of 500 will welcome us Bridge Deluxe Balcony £8595 £8195 as we have the morning to snorkel Promenade Premium Balcony £8795 £8395 on the fringing reef or explore the Promenade Owner’s Corner Suite with balcony £9395 £8995 thickly wooded interior with coconut Castle Standard Forward for sole use £9395 £8995 and breadfruit trees. Castle Standard for sole use £9895 £9495 Caledonia Superio for sole use £10395 £9995 Day 16 Ifalik. Today we have the day to explore the four coral atolls Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation that make up Ifalik. We will again in Singapore on bed and breakfast basis, three nights’ accommodation at either be welcomed by the local villagers Ambua Lodge or Rondon Ridge including dinner on day 4, breakfast, lunch and dinner on days 5 & 6 and breakfast on day 7, 11 nights aboard the MS Caledonian and can spend the morning walking Sky on a full board basis with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and on the island, admire the island dinner onboard, expedition team, shore excursions, gratuities to crew and whilst on handicrafts and see the traditional excursions, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes. thatched roofed houses set under Not Included: Travel Insurance, visas. the trees. In the afternoon we can NB. Ports subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability. MS Caledonian Sky

Formerly known as Hebridean Spirit, this 114-passenger vessel began her new life with Noble Caledonia in May 2012 following an extensive refurbishment. Built in the same ship yard as the MS Island Sky, the MS Caledonian Sky shares the same attributes as her sister vessel, joining her as one of the finest small ships in the world.

Your Suite Your Space consistent superior quality. Where Onboard there are 57 exceptionally shower and/or bath tub. Facilities The spacious and finely decorated possible and when it meets his spacious and well designed suites. in the suites also include walk-in or public rooms include a large lounge high standards, our accomplished The passenger accommodation is spacious wardrobes, dressing table where daily briefings and talks will chef will obtain local produce in arranged over four decks and all with large mirror and stool or desk, be provided throughout the voyage markets or buy the catch of the suites have outside views. All feature mini-fridge, flat screen television, and an elegant bar where a pianist day from a passing fishing boat. a sitting room area and some have telephone, programmable plays periodically throughout the Such purchases enhance the well private balconies. Each affords electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted day. The bar also features a 24-hour stocked larders and bring a local considerable comfort with en-suite toiletries, air-conditioning and tea and coffee station. In addition touch to the varied menus. In bathroom featuring a country style heating. Bottled water, towelling there is the Club Lounge on the the main elegant dining room, wash basin, hot towel rack and dressing gowns and slippers are also Panorama Deck which features a breakfast is served buffet-style, with vanity unit with sink and walk-in provided for your comfort. bar. The onboard travel library is the certain items cooked to order and perfect place to relax with a book lunch and dinner is à la carte. To and is stocked with reference books enhance your dining experience pertaining to the places the vessel even further a selection of wines is visiting along with a selection of are included with lunch and dinner. games and two computers with internet access. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.

Dining onboard With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 Standard Suite passengers, the cuisine will be of a Restaurant

e l p cou PER £800

NC_001_181013_S Sun deck 330 329 415

414 r 332

331

octo D 417

416

n i s Corner Suites with Balcony 333

334

apta C 419 418 335 336 250

emium Balcony Suites

r

Pr

Owner’

f

nee

i

e i 338 252

420

h

ng

C

E e 340 339 255 254 421 422 505

506 a Loung a 342 341 256

257 m 423 424 507 508 344

343 anora 258

259 P 425 426 509 510 346 345 260 261 511 512 348 427 428 347

262

n

o

i

Premium Balcony Suite Premium

s

’

r

cept

emium Suites

l

Re

e

c

i

te

f f Pr

Deluxe Balcony Suites

O

Manage

Ho

y

antr P

d) t

e

f

f

u B 432 431

434

433 C

W

r

m

e

y G

d Suites d Suites (Forwar

rdress Hai Standar Superior Suites Standar Panorama Deck Bridge Deck Deck Promenade Caledonian Deck Castle Deck Deck Plan 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE Exploring Ashore One of the joys of expedition a small vessel is cruising aboard the flexibility it allows. Although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey and with our fleet of Zodiac inlets, landing craft, we can explore sanctuaries, land in bird fjords, otherwise inaccessible places and be footloose in a way that would be totally impractical for larger of passengers. groups Comfort, Safety & Security Your Our vessel is equipped with navigation and the latest safety, communications equipment along stabilisers to minimise thewith roll motion. During your voyage ship’s you will have the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the progress Bridge to check the vessel’s about yourby charts and learn more you will also find On board journey. a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | noble-caledonia.co.uk This cruise visits out of the way destinations. You will be This cruise visits out of the way destinations. You accompanied by an expedition team and some will be made by Zodiac landing craft. landings ashore adventurous Cruises such as this will appeal to the more and those who enjoy the natural world. All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Huli wigman Cover available on request. and are booking conditions apply to all reservations Our current subject to availability. are All special offers Panorama lounge Your Day to Day Life Onboard Your the MS Caledonian Onboard will not find endless you Sky, the entertainment, round and the people clock buffets management which is so much big ship style. a part of today’s on board Instead the atmosphere is warm and peaceful and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more culture about the wonders of nature, and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar guest speakers and after dinner, our informative port briefings from all contribute to expedition leader, the MS make any voyage aboard Caledonian Sky a memorable and is on board joyful experience. Dress will be and there casual and relaxed no ‘black tie’ evenings.