New Guinea and Australia Cruise Trip Registration

New Guinea Odyssey Cruise from

Cairns to Darwin, Australia

October 24th – November 9th, 2026

16-Night cruise aboard the Ponant LeSoreal

Trip Leader: Jeff Koss; jeff@spacecoastskiclub.com

Your travel club is planning a cruise trip from Cairns to Darwin to explore the areas of Northern Australia, New Guinea and Southern Indonesia.  This cruise will be on the Ponant Cruise Line's Le Soleal, a 264-passenger small, luxury cruise ship with 132 staterooms and suites. The small size allows it to navigate to many smaller ports. This is an ice-rated exploration ship with a fleet of rubber zodiac boats to explore unique travel destinations and isolated beaches.  Only ten cabins are available for this group travel for a maximum of 20 travelers.

In New Guinea, the traces of the modern world end at the edge of impenetrable rainforests, mysterious volcanic fjords and pristine coral reefs. These last wild frontiers are home to countless communities with ancestral and secret traditions. In Papua New Guinea, on the shores of Alotau, Tufi, Madang and Kopar, at the mouth of the Sepik River, meet them amidst traditional ceremonies and fascinating landscapes. In Indonesian territory, unspoilt nature reveals its treasures: whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, the karst islands of Triton Bay and the immaculate beaches of the Kai Islands are all invitations to explore.  There will be many opportunities to snorkel and SCUBA dive some of the world's most beautiful and pristine coral reefs.

This cruise is not designed for anyone with significant mobility issues. Hiking on unimproved paths, Zodiac wet beach landings and many snorkeling opportunities make this a poor choice for those needing walking assistance.

Travel Schedule:

Current plan is to arrive in Cairns on 22 October and depart Darwin on 11 November after the cruise.  Due to the cruise length, no club organized pre- or post-cruise tour packages are being planned.  The trip leader will recommend a hotel for the group and day tour activities that travelers can consider in Cairns and Darwin.

Ports of Call & Excursions

October 24, 2026 - Cairns

Washed by the Coral Sea, the harbor town of Cairns is located on Australia's north-east coast. The seafront esplanade is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk, swim and picnic under the shade of swaying palm trees

Embarkation 10/24/2026 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Departure 10/24/2026 at 6:00 PM

October 25, 2026 - At sea

October 26, 2026 - Alotau

Alotau became the provincial capital of Milne Bay and serves as our port of entry into Papua New Guinea.  Perhaps the most significant history surrounds the Battle of Milne Bay; site of the first land defeat of the Japanese army in the Pacific War.  Join your expedition team for a tour taking in the town markets and WWII memorials

October 27, 2026 - Tufi

Often described as the “Scandinavia of the tropics”. The spectacular Tufi “fiords” plunge over 90 metres deep and rise over 150 metres vertically above the water making for a spectacular backdrop.  Guests will travel into the ancient mangrove forests of the Fiords to witness one of the most colourful traditional performances in all of Papua New Guinea.  There is also the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear waters of Kamoa Beach.

October 28, 2026 - Tami Islands

The Tami Islands (Kalal, Wanam & Idjan) are a small group of uplifted coral atolls.  The two larger islands each have a beautiful, crystal-clear blue lagoon with abundant marine life and stunning coral formations.  Tami Islanders are renowned artisans and are most famous for their intricately decorated bowls.

October 29, 2026 - Madang

Madang Township was once known as the "prettiest town in the South Pacific".  Its peninsula setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands.  Today, you will be treated to a number of cultural performances showcasing the local customs, costume and dance of the coastal, midland and highland communities.

October 30, 2026 - Kopar

Kopar village’s location at the mouth of the Sepik river makes it an important trading point for surrounding villages. Guests will be welcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performance, including the famous “dragon dance.” There will be an opportunity to walk around the village of Kopar.

October 31, 2026 - Jayapura, Papua

Jayapura City is the provincial capital of Papua province, Indonesia. It is a modern industrial city contrasting markedly with the surrounding hinterland where Papuan tribes live a subsistence lifestyle.  Leaving the city behind, guests will travel to the traditional village of Asai on Lake Sentani. Here you can enjoy a cultural performance and witness life in a traditional Papuan village. Asai is famous for its production of Tapa cloth.

November 1, 2026 - At sea

November 2, 2026  and November 3, 2026 - Cenderawasih Bay

Cenderawasih Bay is located at the western end of New Guinea Island, south-east of the Bird's Head Peninsula. Covering more than 1.4 million hectares the bay is home to an abundant array of uninhabited islands, pristine coral reefs and the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark.  Cenderawasih Bay is part of the Bird’s Head seascape, the center of marine biodiversity at the heart of the coral triangle.  Depending on the conditions, you may have the opportunity to snorkel and swim with Whale Sharks.

November 4, 2026 - At sea

November 5, 2026 - Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon

North of Triton Bay, in the Indonesian province of West Papua, lie the Bomberai Peninsula and Sebakor Bay.  Here, you will be able to admire the superb Kitikiti Waterfall where you could enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature.

November 6, 2026 - Triton Bay, West Papua

Triton Bay is one of three regions in Indonesia’s West Papua province that comprise the Bird’s Head Seascape (the other two are Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay), which is now considered by marine biologists to be the epicentre of the Coral Triangle. It contains more fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet.   Join your expedition team for a zodiac voyage through the spectacular rainforest capped karst islands. Later in the day explore the richness of the underwater realm.

November 7, 2026 - Kei Islands, Maluku Islands

The Kei Islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches.  Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkeling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.

November 8, 2026 - At sea

November 9, 2026 - Darwin

Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle.

 Arrival 11/9/2026 early morning

Disembarkation 11/9/2026 at 7:00 AM

Included in the Cruise Price:

• All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
• Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
• Unlimited Wi-Fi onboard the ship
• Port charges ($900 per person)
• Gratuities ($160 per person) $10 per person per day
• Onboard credit ($100 per person)
• Standard Open Bar Package (Beer, Wine & Cocktails)
• Evening entertainment and events
• Room service 24h (special selection)
• Highly qualified expedition team
• Zodiac landings
• Park entry fees into protected areas
• Electronic Documents

Not included

• Ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
• Visa expenses
• Spa Services
• Laundry Services
• Personal expenses: onboard shops and souvenirs 
• On board medical consultations and drug prescriptions
• Travel Insurance
• No International Air
• No Pre- or Post-Cruise hotels stays

International Air to Australia:

No international airfare is being included in this travel package.  The trip leader will start looking at available flights from Orlando MCO 10 months out from travel (Jan 2026) and share that flight information with the group.  Once the trip leader books international flights, that itinerary will be shared so others can travel together if interested.  Not including international air in the package gives our travelers the most flexibility to fly as they think best; to reserve the airline flights & seat classes they prefer and use any flight credits they have.

Other trip requirements:

• Each traveler will be required to have a valid passport that expires 6 months or more beyond the completion date of this trip (no earlier than 15 May 2027
• Passports must have at least four blank visa pages
• US and Canadian travelers will be required to obtain an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).  This ETA is applied for online and required before travel to Australia.  For more information on the Australian ETA application and APP, please visit:   https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder.
• US and Canadian travelers will obtain a visa for New Guinea from the ship before arrival at the first port of call.
• US and Canadian travelers will require a visa for Indonesia.
  

For more information on this cruise, the ship and onboard experience, please review the Ponant Cruise Lines' 24 October 2026 Trip Page:

Cruise New Guinea Odyssey from Cairns to Darwin - October 2026 | Ponant

What is the SCSTC Trip Price?

The 16-night cruise cabin prices are listed in the table below.  

Ten cabins have been allocated to the SCSTC for this group package. Current allocation is five on deck 3 and five on deck 4. 

Only two of our ten cabins can be single occupant private cabins sold at a 50% additional supplement. Contact our trip leader if you are interested in a private cabin.

Other staterooms and suites on other decks may be available. 

Please contact our trip leader for pricing & availability

Note:  You must be a current member of The Space Coast Ski & Travel Club (SCSTC) or an affiliated Florida Ski Council (FSC) Club  ($1 reciprocity fee) to participate

What is the Payment Schedule?

• $1,000 trip deposit due with trip application & passport copy
• $5,000 due by 1 November 2025 (Single cabin travelers add $2,000)
• Balance Due by 15 April 2026

Trip Cancellation and withdrawal Penalties?

The following trip cancellation schedule and penalties will be applied:

* Plus any other non-refundable charges for airlines, hotels and suppliers

SCSTC Detailed Trip Cancellation Policy

Trip Cancellation Insurance is recommended for each traveler to protect against these penalties.

How Do I Register for this Trip

Please complete a SCSTC Trip Application to secure your spot on this trip.  Only ten cabins are available for this group.  Apply early for most cabin selection

Please provide a clear copy of your passport photo page, including the numbers along the bottom, with completed trip application

Make all checks payable to: **  

Space Coast Ski & Travel Club

 Send Payments To:    

Space Coast Ski & Travel Club
P.O. BOX  372633
Satellite Beach, FL  32937

**To use credit card, add 4.0% to price and contact Jeff to make payments with PayPal

SCSTC Liability and Hold Harmless Release Agreement

 If you have any questions or want a detailed itinerary, please contact our SCSTC

Trip Leader:   Jeff Koss: jeff@SpaceCoastSkiClub.com