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