PONANT and Crooked Compass have partnered to launch a one-of-a-kind itinerary, ‘Perfection at Sea’, which will explore Papua New Guinea by land and sea, Cruise Weekly can reveal.
The 16-day itinerary is only bookable through Travel Associates, and will see passengers voyage from Mount Hagen to New Britain with five nights on land, curated by Crooked Compass.
Guests will spend two nights in Kumul Lodge, and visit the villages of Huli Wigmen.
They will also witness the ancient practice of the “cane swallowing” initiation for boys, and walk to the ancient caves of the Asaro Valley to see locals perform traditional dances.
Guests will then head to Madang to board Paspaley Pearl, which will cruise to Cape Gloucester to see the Big Witu and Mt Tavurvur.
They will then explore Kimbe Bay, home to 60% of the coral species in the Indo-Pacific, and Ataliklikun Bay, to learn about the Duk Duk society and their arcane Baining Fire Dance.
The itinerary also takes passengers to the Duke of York Islands, Jacquinot Bay, and the Tami Islands, rich in European and World War II history.
“I’m thrilled to announce that Crooked Compass is entering into a partnership with the brand-new Paspaley Pearl by Ponant for their luxury expeditions in Papua New Guinea,” Crooked Compass founder Lisa Pagotto told Cruise Weekly.
“Together, we are offering the ultimate in high class, experiential travel, allowing travellers to experience this frontier destination both by land and by sea.
“This collaboration promises to be the most comprehensive and educational way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of Papua New Guinea available on the market with a connection to culture and nature on the next level,” Pagotto added.
Travel Associates General Manager Rachel Kingswell told CW it has been a dream to collaborate with Ponant and Crooked Compass to bring the one-of-a-kind Papua New Guinea cruise to life.
“Blending culture and luxury through carefully curated itineraries is what we do best,” Kingswell said.
“Travelling on board Ponant’s Paspaley Pearl is an unforgettable experience in itself, but pairing this with Crooked Compass’ exclusive tour through Papua New Guinea makes for a truly special travel experience and one that’s only able to be booked through Travel Associates.
“Some of my personal favourite parts of the trip would have to be soaking up the culture of Mindima Village, swimming in the crystal blue waters of Duke of York Island and of course, capping the day off with a cocktail on the ship’s sunset lounge.”
Pictured: Oma Masalai Skeleton Dancers. MS
