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    Home » Blog

    Cruising with Princess to Papua New Guinea

    February 4, 2016 By Sara McCleary Updated April 8, 2022 - This post may contain affiliate links

    Cruising with Princess to Papua New Guinea (PNG) may be the perfect way to travel to this unsuspecting tourist destination.

    PNG’s tourist industry is very much in its infancy and doesn’t make a lot of peoples “travel to” lists. But if you have been reading up on the must visit destinations for 2016, you will see PNG firmly on the list.

    A lot of people have reservations about traveling to this still pretty remote country. There is the odd news article of an incident involving a tourist and the Australian Government’s official travel advisory for those considering visiting is to do so with a “high degree of caution”.

    Alotau Dodobana Village

    The stories and cautions would put most people off travelling there and firmly put a visit to PNG in the “too hard” basket. I’m very much an independent traveller and have travelled extensively. Even so, PNG has always been a destination that kept slipping to the bottom of my list for these very reasons.

    Then a couple of years ago I saw that it was possible to go cruising with Princess to Papua New Guinea from Australia. I wanted to go, but the husband didn’t. Therefore it went to the bottom of the list once again.

    It seems that visiting PNG was to be my destiny. At the end of last year I was invited to go cruising with Princess to Papua New Guinea aboard the Sea Princess.

    This is the first in a series on Princess and PNG, there really is so much to share with you. I thought a nice way to start is with an overall view of our trip. Giving you a brief insight of what cruising with Princess to Papua New Guinea is like.

    Day 1 - Embarkation Day Brisbane

    Boarding a cruise ship is very much like boarding a plane. You arrive at the terminal at your allocated time, drop off your tagged luggage and then check in. With cruise cards and other information in hand we head to security and immigration. As boarding time is staggered it is a pretty speedy process and before we know it we are excitedly skipping up the gangplank to begin our 10 night cruise.

    Finding our cabin is an easy affair, and we dump unwanted hand luggage before heading off for some lunch and explore the Sea Princess. This is my first time on the Sea Princess and my first full length cruise. I feel like a kid on a big adventure, I want to go explore everything.

    Dawn Princess Balcony Cabin
    Dawn Princess Balcony Cabin

    The day had started early with an early flight from Sydney to Brisbane, therefore first stop is Horizon Court Buffet for lunch, Sea Princess’ self serve smorgasbord. It is open 24 hours offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and light snacks.

    Horizon Court Cafe
    Horizon Court Cafe

    It’s a bit of a mad house as everyone seems to have the same idea, plus it’s the only place to have lunch on embarkation day. It is a big space and we don’t have any issues finding somewhere to sit to eat lunch.

    Dawn Princess Macton

    After a bit of an explore we head back to our cabin and are happy to find that our luggage has turned up. We also meet Macton our cabin steward for time we are on board. He looks after the cleaning of our cabin, nightly room turn down, and generally makes sure we don’t want for a thing. We also find out during the cruise that he is the master of towel animals. By the end of the cruise we have acquired our own zoo of freshly laundered animals.

    Princess Cruises Life Jacket Drill

    Later in the afternoon, before setting sail, there is the mandatory emergency drill. This happens on all cruise ships before setting sail. The expected alarm is activated, we grab our life jackets from the wardrobe, and head to our designated marshalling area. There is a little sitting around until all passengers arrive, and once they have the safety demonstration is carried out.

    Don’t have any grand ideas of staying in your cabin. Your allocated steward will do a cabin check to make sure you have gone, then upon entering your designated area your cruise card will be scanned so you are accounted for. If you haven’t turned up, they call for you over the PA system.

    For departure we head up to the Seaview Bar for some cocktails. A few blasts from the ship’s horn at sunset and we start to meander down the Brisbane River. The voyage has begun.

    Dawn-Princess-Seaview-Bar-Cocktails
    Dawn-Princess-Setting-Sail-Down-Brisbane-River

    For the duration of your cruise you will be assigned one of two dining rooms, ours is the Rigoletto. You will also be assigned an early or late seating time for dinner as well as a table. Generally you will be placed on a table of six, eight or ten people, whom you will dine with every night you have dinner in the dining room. This means you will be with a group of people you already know or you are about to meet new friends. There are a handful of tables for two.

    Sara McCleary on board Dawn Princess
    Rigoletto Dining Room
    Rigoletto Dining Room Dessert

    As well as a time and table, you will also have the same two waiters every evening. Jesus and Nemanja looked after us while we dined at the Rigoletto. They got to know my drink preferences, that I drink too much, that I enjoy sparkling water with dinner and other little details like that. It gets to the point where they pretty much know what you want before you have thought about it.

    After a very long day Josh and I just head back to our cabin to crash. We are asleep within minutes thanks to the gentle roll of the Sea Princess. Being rocked to sleep by a ship each evening is one of my favourite things about cruising.

    Day 2 – Sea Day & The First Formal Night

    Our first day at sea is a rather relaxing one. We explore more of what the ship has to offer. There seems to be something happening every minute to keep you occupied, zumba classes, shuffle board, trivia, seminars, movies, gaming lessons, live music, bingo, it’s an endless supply of entertainment.

    Dawn-Princess-Shuffle-Board
    Princess Cruises Dawn Princess
    Princess Cruises Dawn Princess

    As it’s the first of our two formal nights that evening I decide to visit the Lotus Spa for a manicure and pedicure. It’s a relaxing space offering all sorts of beauty treatments, plus acupuncture for those so inclined.

    Princess Cruises Champagne

    We start our formal evening with the Captain’s welcome address and a champagne fountain. Champagne is offered around and you can have your photo taken while you pour some champagne into the Marie Antoinette glasses.

    Princess Cruises 50th Anniversary Dinner Menu
    Rigoletto Dining Room
    Rigoletto Dining Room Dessert

    The menu this evening in the Rigoletto is in celebration of Princess Cruises' 50th anniversary. It takes us on a culinary journey through the decades. Each course a modern take on some of the most popular dishes during Princess’ sailing years.

    The Nook Dawn Princess
    The Nook Whisky Bar
    The Nook Cocktails

    After dinner we discover The Nook, the resident Whisky bar. It’s a cosy area on Deck 7 and becomes our second home due to the intimacy and tranquillity of the space. John the bartender and Putu the waiter become old friends by the end of the cruise.

    Day 3 – Sea Day, Leaving Aussie Waters

    It’s another sea day and in between reading and getting some work done, we participate in a few of the ship’s scheduled activities.

    I head to the Norman Love Pastry Chocolate demonstration as it completely appeals to my love of chocolate and cooking. The whole atrium smelt like chocolate, and of course there are samples to try.

    Princess Cruises Chocolate Demonstration
    Princess Cruises Chocolate Demonstration

    There is one major draw back to cruising, the endless supply of food!

    For dinner we head to the Sterling Steakhouse, which is the Sea Princess’ signature restaurant. All food is included in the price of your cruise, but there are a few exceptions. The Sterling Steakhouse is one of them. For an extra $25 per person you can order what you wish from the menu, there is no limits except your stomach.

    Princess Cruises Sterling Steakhouse
    Princess Cruises Sterling Steakhouse
    Princess Cruises Sterling Steakhouse

    We pass up on dancing the night away with DJ Frost in the Legends bar and stop by The Nook for a quick nightcap on the way to bed. This cruising business is seriously tiring work.

    Day 4 - Alotau

    This morning I wake up with Kawanasausau Strait sailing past my balcony. We are running a little behind in arriving in Alotau due to a medical emergency the previous morning, which saw a person being airlifted from the ship. We eventually dock just before 11am.

    After a couple of relaxing days at sea I’m ready for my first taste of PNG.

    Alotau Festival Experience
    Alotau Festival Experience
    Alotau Dodobana Village

    There are a couple of options open to you, an organised tour or you can go and explore the surrounding areas by yourself. Tours can be booked online before leaving home or on board. The benefit of booking your tour through Princess Cruises is that you are guaranteed that the ship will not depart without you if something delays your return, e.g. bus gets a flat tyre.

    Alotau Turnbull War Memorial

    Tours vary in length and price. There is a history tour of Alotau, a cultural experience with a local family, the battle of Milne Bay tour, or head to the Alotau Cultural Festival. You will be given a disembarkation time that will get you to your tour on time. The mini buses line up, you jump in, and off you go to explore.

    Alotau is the capital of the Milne Bay Province and is famous for the Battle of Milne Bay, which occurred during World War II. This was the first major battle in which allied troops decisively defeated Japanese land forces.

    Alotau Papua New Guinea
    Alotau Markets

    It’s a dusty town with bumpy roads and smiling locals. Everyone seems to have come down to the bay to witness the spectacle of the cruises invading their town for the day. If you aren’t going on an organised tour it is an easy walk to the town markets where you can purchase souvenirs, and have a look at the fresh fruit & vegetables, fish and other local products. Please note that you can’t bring fresh fruit and vegies back on to the ship.

    Day 5 – Kitava

    The beauty of cruising is that you go to sleep somewhere and wake up in a new destination. Today we visit Kitava, one of the four Trobriand Islands.

    Kitava PNG
    Kitava Papua New Guinea

    Unlike Alotau where we simply walked off the ship when we pulled in to port, today’s adventures require a tender to take us to shore. A tender is a small boat (life boat) that ferries you to shore. In order to board a tender you need to obtain a ticket that gives you an allocated tender time. This saves the push and shove of everyone trying to get off the ship at once. You don’t need a tender ticket to return, you are free to do so at your own leisure.

    Kitava PNG
    Kitava PNG

    Kitava is the extreme opposite to Alotau, it’s a snorkelling haven. Do make sure you pack your snorkelling gear before leaving home as there isn’t any for hire. You also have the opportunity to do some more shopping, or go for walks inland. Hike up to the look out, the local village or skull caves.

    Day 6 – Rabaul

    Our third day of discovering PNG is in Rabaul, which is nestled under the majestic Mount Tavurvur Volcano.

    Rabaul Harbour PNG
    Ravaul Bitapaka War Cemetary
    Ravaul Bitapaka War Cemetary

    In 1994 Mount Tavurvur erupted and covered the entire town in ash. The town folk evacuated down the road and basically didn’t come back. There is still ash everywhere today, it’s fascinating to see. The roads are bumpy and the ash makes it a dusty little town.

    Like Alotau, Rabaul is part of World War II history. Rabaul was a base for the Japanese troops. You can go for an independent walk around Rabaul, but again I highly recommend that you hop on one of the organised tours.

    Rabaul Hot Springs
    Rabaul War Museum
    Rabaul Harbour PNG

    There is a choice of two half day tours, which take in such sights as; Bitapaka War Cemetery, Kokopo War & Cultural Museum, Rabaul Volcano Observatory & North Coast.

    The moonscape of the Rabaul hot springs is well worth visiting and offers a close view of Mount Tavurvur. It is possible to climb Tavurvur with a guide, weather and volcano explosions pending.

    Dawn Princess Rabaul
    Princess Cruises Wine and Beer Garden
    Princess Cruises Wine and Beer Garden

    After heading back to the ship and freshening up after a long day discovering Rabaul, we head to the Beer & Wine Garden. The Sea Princess’ own pop up festival. The “garden” is a showcase of wines and beers for you to sample. Let’s just say we had a very festive evening as we sailed away from Rabaul.

    Day 7 – Sea Day Sailing PNG

    After three full packed days of exploring PNG a sea day is a welcome respite. We start our day with an insider’s tour of the ship. We get to see what goes on behind the scenes and what goes into keeping the Sea Princess ship shape.

    Dawn Princess Bridge Flags
    Dawn Princess Anchor Chain
    Dawn Princess Galley
    Dawn Princess Dressing Rooms

    Besides the very informative tour, we do a lot of not much. Participate in various activities on board, read and eat.

    Dawn Princess Cafe Corniche

    We have lunch at Café Corniche, which has been given the accolade of best pizzas on the high seas. We end up eating there twice, so they must be pretty good. Pizzas are included in your cruise fare, but if you wish to have one delivered to your cabin it will be an extra $3. Of course you can order one to go and take it to your cabin yourself and save the $3.

    Day 8 – Doini Island, Kawanasausau Strait & Milne Bay

    Our final stop in PNG is another tropical island. Doini Island is located in the heart of Milne Bay on the Eastern tip of PNG. This is another tender access stop, but well worth it for the reward of white sandy beaches and crystal blue water as far as the eye can see.

    Doini-Island-PNG-Boats
    Doini Island Papua New Guineas
    Doini Island Papua New Guinea

    Another fantastic snorkelling spot, and unlike Kitava, Doini is a resort. This means there are facilities, a bar and live music. The locals from the surrounding islands have a market running where you can purchase souvenirs.

    After spending the morning soaking up the sun on Doini it’s back on to the Dawn. Once everyone is on board we set sail and make our way through the Kawanasausau Strait.

    Dawn-Princess-Room-Service
    Dawn-Princess-Milne-Bay-PNG
    Princess Cruises Sunset at Sea

    I planned ahead and ordered some guacamole and corn chips to be delivered to our room as well as a bottle of champagne. We watched the islands pass by from the comfort of our cabin balcony munching on dip and sipping on champers. It was such a relaxing way to watch PNG fade in to the distance as we started our journey back to Australia.

    Day 9 – Sea Day, Homeward Bound & 2nd Formal Night

    We start our day with breakfast in bed. Well, to be more precise breakfast on our balcony. For $49 you can enjoy a champagne breakfast for two in your cabin.

    It was quite a funny event. Four trays were delivered with a vast amount of food. The trays covered my bed as there wasn’t anywhere else to put them. We had a breakfast feast of fresh fruit, smoked salmon, pastries, coffee, tea, fruit juice and of course there was a bottle of Prosecco.

    Dawn Princess Balcony Breakfast
    Dawn Princess Balcony Breakfast

    After a filling breakfast what better to do than waddle down to the Sanctuary and laze around for the morning. The Sanctuary is the Sea Princess’ adults only slice of relaxing nirvana. For $20/person half day or $40/person for a full day ($30/full day for entire trip) you can enjoy an exclusive little area of the ship. Leave yourself in the hands of the Serenity Stewards who will offer you healthy drinks and snacks while you laze around on the ultra comfortable deck chairs.

    Princess Cruises The Sanctuary
    Princess Cruises The Sanctuary

    That evening was our second and final formal dinner on the cruise. Snappy cocktail dresses for the ladies, jackets and ties for the men. Another multicourse feast was consumed and more waddling ensured.

    Dawn Princess Balloon Drop
    Dawn Princess Balloon Drop

    The night finished with the 50th Anniversary Golden Balloon Drop Gala Party. A sea of golden balloons was dropped from the Atrium ceiling on those dancing below.

    Day 10 – Sea Day, Final Day on Board

    Our final day on Sea Princess had arrived and it was probably our laziest day of all. Well that was after we hit the sales. If you like to shop, then this is the day to do it. Sales everywhere!

    Cruising Sales
    Cruising Sales

    It is also the day where you need to pack. All bags need to be tagged and put out for collection before you head to dinner. Insiders tip, make sure you have an adequate over night bag that you can pack all those essentials you need to keep with you until disembarkation in the morning.

    Dawn-Princess-Packed-Bags

    We had one last dinner in the Rigoletto and bid a fond farewell to Jesus and Nemanja, who had looked after us like silk worms. Then it was on to The Nook for final nightcaps and more farewells. At this point I am feeling quite sad to leave my newly formed family.

    Early to bed as we had an early disembarkation time in order to meet our flight back to Sydney in the morning.

    Day 11 – Arriving in Brisbane

    We wake up and we are in Brisbane. Josh and I don’t bother about breakfast (but it is available if you want it), we just grab our belongings and head to our designated area to disembark. You will have a time, which is allocated to you.

    Leaving is the reverse of boarding. You will need to go through immigration and then clear customs. Pull out all those shells and wooden items people. Yes you will be able to bring them in, they just need a good once over to make sure that is all you are brining in. They will be given a shake out and inspection to clear them of bugs etc.

    Then it is a case of picking up your luggage and heading to your reserved bus transfer or a cab to your next destination.

    All in all it was a very easy, non hassle way to taste what PNG has to offer. I would highly recommend it to those interested in visiting PNG.

    How was cruising with Princess to Papua New Guinea? The staff go above and beyond, and you will feel like family by the time you disembark. Sadly you may also be 5kg heavier. I really should have titled this “Eating my way to PNG with Princess”!

    Sara xxx

    Belly Rumbles travelled on the Sea Princess to PNG as a guest of Princess Cruises.
    Majority of the photos above were taken on the Canon EOS 7D Mark II using the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 and EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lenses

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    1. PNG Insight

      May 02, 2019 at 11:59 pm

      What a great way to visit PNG? RABAUL is the best place in PNG to go out and see what PNG can offer as a tourist destination.

      Lovely photos too.

      Reply
    2. Nicole Motteux

      January 22, 2018 at 2:41 pm

      Enjoyed reading your account. Great photos too. I am very interested in coffee. What was the coffee like on the ship? And, did you get to visit any coffee growers or enjoy PNG coffee cafes.

      Reply
    3. Barbara Bell

      July 07, 2017 at 1:54 pm

      Hi Sara - what a great and well rounded review (no, not commenting on the weight gain you mentioned lol). You answered several queries which I had which was wonderful. Looks like you had a fabulous trip and I will certainly be looking for further reviews in the future. Thank you.

      Reply
    4. Philip Hobson

      January 31, 2017 at 11:07 pm

      Sara, I will be on Sea Princess in Oct 2017. Just want to know how formal the Formal Nights are. Are suits. shirts ties etc required to go into the ding room or will trousers & shirt suffice? Thanks

      Reply
      • Sara

        February 01, 2017 at 3:59 pm

        Hi Philip, Definitely a jacket and as a tie doesn't take up much room, I would pack one of those too. Some guys get really dressed up for the formal nights (as well as women), others you will find in a suit with a tie.

      • Philip Hobson

        February 02, 2017 at 2:12 am

        Thanks Sara. Appreciate the reply 🙂

    5. Elizabeth

      October 30, 2016 at 10:07 pm

      What a fantastic review. Thank you for taking the time it was very helpful

      Reply
    6. touristexpedition

      April 13, 2016 at 9:35 am

      You showcase Doini Island is so beautiful! I also try to go there now ...
      Thank you,

      Reply
    7. Jul

      March 29, 2016 at 7:42 pm

      If you are contemplating your next holiday to Papua New Guinea here is some great reading to take with you This Autobiography is a great insight into the culture of Papua New Guinea. "Kissim Savvy" (meaning gaining knowledge) by Rita Lowther based in PNG and told with a vivid commentary of its people and their traditions.

      Reply
    8. Joe Ankenbauer

      March 15, 2016 at 11:38 am

      This trip looks incredible! I've always had PNg on my bucket list, but I never thought of taking a cruise there!

      Reply
    9. Christopher

      March 15, 2016 at 11:32 am

      The images of the food and locals are fantastic!!! It's looks like you had a blast. Why is this place so off the radar?

      Reply
    10. Vicky and Buddy

      March 14, 2016 at 5:13 am

      I really like that you are guaranteed that the ship won't leave without you if you book your tour through Princess Cruises. That was a concern I had on my last cruise. And it looks like they have great tour options as well. I'm glad you were finally able to visit PNG.

      Reply
    11. Heather Widmer

      March 14, 2016 at 4:37 am

      Wow, such an informative article, thank you! You covered two things I love the most; exotic destinations and cruising! This itinerary looks amazing, I'd love to visit PNG and learn more about the culture and take in some of the excellent snorkeling.
      As for sailing with Princess, I'm particularly impressed with the quality and display of the food from your photos. That pizza with the arugula and pear looks delicious! I've never seen a pop-up beer & wine garden on a cruise, what a fun and unique way to take in the scenery.
      Looking forward to booking a future cruise with Princess 🙂

      Reply
    12. Lotte

      March 14, 2016 at 1:08 am

      I have never been on a cruise so it was really interesting to read this post full of detailed information (like the info about the mandatory safety drill). The food looks really good, particularly the deserts, they look like art!

      Reply
    13. Hugo

      March 13, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Not sure why visiting Papua New Guinea wouldn't be recommended. It's a great place to visit and an opportunity to find out about an interesting culture!

      I'm not a cruise person, but it was good to read about your experience. Need to try it one of these days. How many days does it take before you run out of things to do? 🙂

      Reply
    14. Meg Jerrard

      March 13, 2016 at 9:41 am

      You got some amazing people photography during this cruise. Love it. This actually sounds like the perfect way for us to visit Papua New Guinea - we've been really wanting to plan a trip ever since settling back in Australia, though it keeps getting put off because we're not 100% on the safety in the area. Awesome alternative. Thanks!

      Reply
    15. tammyonthemove

      March 13, 2016 at 8:07 am

      I looked into going to PNG a few years ago, but it was super expensive, because it didn't really have any touristy infrastructure in place at the time. It looks like this has changed a lot. I wouldn't have expected cruise ships stopping there now, and seeing all those locals selling souvenirs. What a difference a few years can make.

      Reply
    16. Sarah Ebner

      March 13, 2016 at 12:05 am

      I have to say that reading through your post and looking at your pics makes me feel that this really was (sorry for the cliche) a "trip of a lifetime" It looks amazing - the cruise and the off-board experiences. It would make it hard to go on holiday again I think, but I'm sure you'll manage it!! What an insight.

      Reply
    17. Curious Claire

      March 13, 2016 at 12:04 am

      I've wanted to go on a cruise for quite a while now and this one looks really good. What def caught my eye the most was that food. It looked so good! I really should stop reading posts when i'm hungry hehe

      Reply
    18. Sarah vs Carbs

      February 07, 2016 at 6:20 pm

      The food looks surprisingly good! I've never been on a cruise, but I'm starting to think I might actually enjoy it.

      Reply
      • Sara

        March 01, 2016 at 10:54 pm

        Just do your homework and choose the cruise that would be right for you. The number of sea days the ports of call and even the size of the ship. You need to take it all into consideration.

    19. Helen | Grab Your Fork

      February 07, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      Have never been to PNG but several workmates have. I would definitely be keen to try the local food. And it's so cute that cruise ships always have a menagerie of towels to greet you every night.

      Reply
      • Sara

        March 01, 2016 at 10:53 pm

        That was the one downside of our trip, I didn't have the chance to try the local food.

    20. john | heneedsfood

      February 04, 2016 at 7:56 pm

      I'm not sure that I have reservations about visiting PNG, I think it's more the case of - I wouldn't really think to ever go there. Our next overseas trip already involves a few countries that require a “high degree of caution”!

      The parts of PNG you saw look pretty interesting and that elevated shot of Rabaul make the ship looks so out of place. Can't wait to see the follow-up posts!

      Reply
      • Sara

        March 01, 2016 at 10:51 pm

        I will admit the ship looked out of place at every port we visited. The Sea Princess is a smaller one in the Princess fleet, to see one of the larger ships there would quite a thing to see.

    21. Jean | Holy Smithereens

      February 04, 2016 at 6:38 pm

      There are some destinations that I think I'd prefer to visit via a cruise, and PNG is one of them. Wonderful photos Sara! Greatly documented, and I love the idea of food specialty through the decades! Going back in time via food is quite unique.

      Reply
      • Sara

        March 01, 2016 at 10:50 pm

        it really was a great was to visit PNG.

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