Coral Princess Cruises Goes Tropical

Multi award-winning Coral Princess Cruises, pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising in Australia and the South Pacific, has kicked off its 25-year anniversary celebrations with a new brochure that brings together some of its most remote and exotic cruise destinations: Papua New Guinea and Melanesia.

The new brochure features five different culturally and environmentally sensitive cruises – ranging from 10 to 15 nights – to far-flung reaches of Papua New Guinea and Melanesia including the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

In March, Coral Princess founder Captain Tony Briggs and his wife, Vicki will host the 15-night “Noumea to Cairns” cruise aboard Coral Princess’s purpose-built luxury expedition vessel, ‘Oceanic Discoverer’ – a far cry from the World War II submarine chaser on which Tony started expedition-style cruising on the Great Barrier Reef in 1984.

The “Noumea to Cairns” cruise – the first of a series of special anniversary cruises for 2008 hosted personally by Tony and Vicki – explores the Melanesian archipelago. Accommodating a maximum of just 72 guests, ‘Oceanic Discoverer’ explores the spectacular cone volcano that forms Vanuatu’s Ureparapara Island and, at Santa Anna Island, guests are greeted by warriors bearing swords and blowing conch shell horns. And there’s plenty of opportunity to snorkel among pristine coral gardens and large pelagic fish.

‘Oceanic Discoverer’s’ purpose-built excursion vessel, ‘Xplorer’, glass bottom coral viewer and fleet of inflatable Zodiacs also allow passengers to intimately explore the reefs and remote islands.

Excursions are guided by naturalists and experts who interpret the natural, cultural and historical highlights of the region. In true expedition style, the itinerary may vary to take maximum advantage of opportunities to view wildlife, go snorkelling or diving, or visit local villages and attractions.

‘Oceanic Discoverer’ is designed to provide all the comfort and facilities of larger cruise ships, yet is small enough to access remote and pristine sites inaccessible to other ships.

Prices for the 15-night “Noumea to Cairns” cruise start at $10,150 per person, twin share, cruise only, in a Main Deck B stateroom. The voyage departs March 21, 2008. The 10 and 12-night cruises to Papua New Guinea start at $7,500 and depart October 2008 and 2009.

For further information and reservations contact 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au.

A Report by The Mole

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