Papua New Guinea 2023: 10-Night P&O Pacific Encounter Cruise with All-Inclusive Onboard Dining & Entertainment
Get lost within the traditions, culture and superb natural beauty of Papua New Guinea on a 10-night cruise aboard P&O’s Pacific Encounter, departing and returning to Brisbane. Deep dive into one of the world’s most fascinating destinations as you sail through the turquoise waters of the Coral and Solomon Seas, all from the comfort of the Pacific Encounter. Enjoy access to everything from pools to theatre-style shows and movie nights on the outdoor big screen, and refuel with all main meals included.
The capital of Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Alotau, is your first stop. Steeped in history and blessed with awe-inspiring landscapes, it’s the perfect introduction to the country. Kiriwina Island offers a unique insight into one of the world’s most intact island cultures, with friendly locals more than happy to share their way of life. In Rabaul, learn of the town’s past and see how it has risen from the ashes following past volcanic eruptions. The Conflict Islands perfectly round out your adventure with stunning ocean views and pristine conditions for diving, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours.
Your journey takes you to: Brisbane, Australia – Alotau, Papua New Guinea – Kiriwina Island– Rabaul – Conflict Islands – Brisbane, Australia.
Your cruise includes:
- 10-night cruise aboard P&O’s Pacific Encounter
- All-inclusive dining: daily onboard breakfast, lunch and dinner in select restaurants
- Complimentary onboard entertainment and activities
- All taxes and applicable port fees
Dining
- Waterfront Restaurant
- Angelo’s
- Dragon Lady
- The Pantry
- Byron Beach Club (suite guests only)
Specialty Dining
- 400 Gradi
- Luke’s
- Luke’s Bar & Grill
- Shell & Bones
- Gradi Pronto
- Luke’s Burger Bar
- Encounter Hotel
- Lilly’s
- Avalon Cafe
- Charlie’s Bar
Activities
- Casino
- Oasis
- Ocean Bar
- Adults-only comedy club
- Nightclub
- Fitness centre
- Theatre
- Games, parties and activities
- Waterslides
- Indoor/outdoor family area with a pool
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Your cruise begins and ends in Brisbane, Australia.
Your cruise departs Brisbane at 3pm on Day 1 (boarding time advised closer to departure date) and returns to Brisbane at 6am on Day 11. Please ensure you arrive in time for boarding.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Day 1: Depart Brisbane
Welcome to Brisbane. Prepare to fall in love with Australia’s sunshine capital and discover its incredible cluster of bustling inner-city hubs, including the vibrant Fortitude Valley, Kangaroo Point and South Bank.
Spend the first part of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoying brunch at the likes of The New Black, before heading to James Street for a spot of shopping in Fortitude Valley. Your cruise departs at 3pm – be sure to make your way to the cruise terminal in advance of embarkation.
Accommodation: Pacific Encounter
Meals: Dinner
Days 2-3: At Sea
The next two days are yours to familiarise yourself with the ship’s incredible facilities. Explore the Pacific Encounter’s wide range of entertainment and dining options, including upscale Italian cuisine at the onboard restaurant Angelo’s and a vast array of intoxicating Asian delights at Dragon Lady. Take in the evening’s entertainment with a cocktail in hand at the Oasis, the ship’s adults-only bar, or at The Lobby, the perfect spot to watch the stars and the waves move by as you move towards Papua New Guinea.
Accommodation: Pacific Encounter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Alotau
Arrive at the capital of Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Alotau, at approximately 8am to learn all about this fascinating corner of the world steeped in history, rich in culture and blessed with natural beauty.
Gain an insight into the town’s past by visiting cultural hotspots such as the Massim Museum and Turnbull War Memorial Park. Or maybe you’d like to join one of the P&O excursions (charges apply). From a traditional cooking class to a village tour with basket-weaving and grass skirt-making, there are so many ways to immerse yourself in the wonders of Alotau.
Accommodation: Pacific Encounter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Kiriwina Island
Arrive to one of the world’s most intact island cultures on one of the world’s most untouched islands.
The friendly locals here are more than happy to share their traditional way of life with visitors, offering an insight into their customs and handmade wares. With idyllic beaches and crystal-clear water, Kiriwina Island is a trip you’ll want to pack your swimwear for. Whether it’s just a quick dip or a snorkelling session, the pristine ocean will draw you in with its beautiful corals and shoals of fish.
Accommodation: Pacific Encounter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Rabaul
Today you will cruise into Rabaul located on Papua New Guinea’s northeastern tip. This naturally beautiful providence has literally risen from the ashes, following past volcanic eruptions, to become a vibrant and buzzing port town.
Visit the bubbling hot springs of Mount Tavuvur, take in the history at Rabaul War Cemetery and Kokopo War Museum or maybe even book in for a diving session. With such a storied past, Rabaul offers fascinating insights into the colourful tapestry of Papua New Guinea.
Accommodation: Pacific Encounter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: At Sea
Enjoy a lazy day at leisure onboard Pacific Encounter. Use the onsite facilities, indulge in all-inclusive dining and take in the evening’s entertainment. It’s your cruise, your way.
Accommodation: Pacific Encounter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Conflict Islands
Don’t be fooled by the name, Conflict Islands is the most peaceful place on the planet, and you’ll have the chance to experience it for yourself once the ship arrives at approximately 7am. It’s the perfect environment for swimming and snorkelling, so make sure you bring your beach towel when you disembark the ship.
Excursions are available for a surcharge and include diving amid the pristine coral. If you’d prefer to stay dry, you can soak in the ocean’s beauty on a glass-bottom boat tour or take a private picnic on the beach.
Accommodation: Pacific Encounter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 9-10: At Sea
After all that exploring, take the next two days to indulge in the incredible facilities onboard the Pacific Encounter. Get your toes wet at the onboard waterpark, roll out a set of tennis, let out deep belly laughs at the adults-only comedy club or join Lady Luck for a roll of the dice or game of roulette in the casino. As the sun descends, you could battle it out for high scores on classic arcade games in the Arcade, dance until your feet hurt at the Blue Room or enjoy an Archie Rose Distilling Co. cocktail in The Bonded Store.
Accommodation: Pacific Encounter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Arrive Brisbane
Welcome back to Queensland’s sunshine capital. Arriving at 6am, you’ll disembark following a final breakfast onboard. Back on land, make your own way home or to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Booking Summary: Purchasing this deal does not complete your booking. A booking form will be emailed to you after purchase. Please complete the Traveller’s Details within 48 hours.
IMPORTANT: Failure to complete your booking form may result in forfeiting your booking. Once your booking form has been finalised a member of the Cruise Team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address. You will then be required to complete your online check-in and print your e-ticket and baggage tags; you will also be able to add beverage packages, speciality dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, etc.
This Cruise package is valid for the following departure dates:
- 16 August 2023
IMPORTANT: Please allow for travelling time. Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Brisbane on time for your cruise.
Important: Any client holding a Future Cruise Credit with P&O Cruises, please contact the cruise team (cruises@luxuryescapes.com) with your past passenger number before booking. Our team will ensure credit is applied to your new booking. Note: Future Cruise Credit cannot be used towards deposits, taxes or port charges.
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct cabin option
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your booking summary email (this is not your cruise confirmation), and you will be prompted to complete your Traveller Details within 48 hours of purchase
- Once your traveller forms are completed they will be sent to the Cruise Concierge team, who will then contact you to advise if your cruise is confirmed
- Should you require assistance with your cruise, please contact our Cruise Concierge team at cruises@luxuryescapes.com who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). You must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
Solo Traveller Surcharge: Solo travellers must pay a surcharge and packages are subject to availability. Please contact us to enquire.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name Change or Corrections
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
48-Hour Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:
- All cruise bookings have a 48-hour ‘Change of Mind Guarantee’ where any monies paid (less unrecoverable costs) within 48 hours of the initial purchase date will be refunded – no questions asked.
- Bookings outside the 48-hour ‘Change of Mind’ window will be non-refundable.
Cabin Sizes and Bedding Configuration
This cruise includes the following cabin types:
- Interior Room (15 sqm): Twin single beds that can convert into a queen bed.
- Oceanview Room (15 sqm): Twin single beds that can convert into a queen bed.
- Balcony Room (15 sqm): Queen bed that can convert into twin single beds.
- Mini Suite (26 sqm): Queen bed that can convert into twin single beds.
IMPORTANT:
- Cabins are on a ‘guarantee’ basis and will be allocated by the cruise line closer to sailing. Specific cabin, deck and location requests cannot be accommodated.
- Some cabins may have obstructed views and/or porthole windows.
- Maximum room capacity is one adult for solo travellers, two adults for twin-share cabins or four people for quad-share cabins.
- Wheelchair-accessible staterooms are available on request and subject to availability. Surcharges may apply.
Inclusions
- 10-nights aboard P&O’s Pacific Encounter
- All-inclusive onboard dining in select restaurants
- Complimentary onboard entertainment and activities
- All taxes and applicable port fees
Exclusions
- Roundtrip flights
- Visas
- Single supplement
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary/inclusions
- Speciality dining
- Shore excursions
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Gratuities are NOT included and will be added to your final bill
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
- Transfers to and from cruise ship.
Onboard Dining
- Dining times onboard can vary between sailings. We ask for your preference, however, your preferred dining time may not be available. We suggest that you speak with the maître d’ once onboard.
- Included dining is available at the following restaurants: Waterfront Restaurant, Dragon Lady, Angelo’s and The Pantry.
- Speciality dining is available for a surcharge.
Age Restrictions
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied, in the same or connecting cabin, by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 18 for the duration of the voyage.
- Infants under six months cannot be accommodated onboard.
- Women 24 weeks pregnant and over are not permitted to sail.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Passports & Visas
- A valid passport or government-issued photo identification is required for all passengers. A current Medicare card can be used for guests under 18 years of age and must be presented upon embarkation.
- When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check recommended vaccinations with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective.
- Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations is required for entry into some countries, in particular in Africa. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against COVID-19 from our ground operator prior to embarkation. Please contact the Cruises Concierge team on cruises@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Currency onboard
- The currency onboard is A$
- Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package unless otherwise stated, and are at your own discretion. As a guide, approx. A$10 – A$15 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
Fitness Requirements
- Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces and climb stairs.
- Disability access is limited during the cruise, please consider this when making your booking.
- Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake any activities in this package. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither us nor the third-party provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Surcharges
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Safe Plan
The cruise line’s COVID-19 policy can be accessed here.
PLEASE NOTE:
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to the website’s terms and conditions.
Cruise itineraries are not guaranteed and are subject to change. While the cruise line will make all reasonable efforts to provide a cruise in accordance with the published schedules and itineraries, factors such as weather, mechanical difficulties or other unforeseen circumstances may affect scheduled itineraries.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking summary email for details.
Please note this cruise is operated by P&O, one of our trusted partners. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.