Steppes Travel's Exploratory Adventure Cruise to Papua New Guinea with Chris Packham

Departs 8th November 2016 

Join Steppes Travel and Chris Packham - naturalist, nature photographer, author, and presenter of the much loved BBC2's Spring Watch - to explore the depths of Papua New Guinea on board the luxurious True North.  

Steppes Travel's exclusive 12-day trip sails around the remote islands of Papua New Guinea, travels 70 miles up the Sepik River, and in true beyond the ordinary style, 'recces' parts of the New Britain coastline that have never been visited before.  Steppes is delighted that Chris Packham will be leading the trip, who will not only provide expert narrative throughout the day, but will also give fascinating talks on board, as well as offer photographic tuition to ensure guests capture the very best shots along the journey.

True North is an exceptional luxury adventure cruise ship, purpose built to access shallow coastal areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.  In addition, True North has access to six expedition boats and a helicopter, which gives guests both flexibility in terms of activities and the opportunity for explorations in smaller more intimate groups.  While manoeuvrable speed boats take small groups to snorkel around pristine coral, others are able to soar over dramatic mountains and volcanoes by helicopter for a totally different perspective.

With just 18 spacious and modern cabins, True North feels more like a floating boutique hotel than expedition ship with five star service, sun decks, al fresco dining and gourmet Modern Australian cuisine.  An extremely knowledgeable crew of 20 are on hand to look after guests along with on board naturalists and marine biologists.  

Highlights of the trip will include expedition boating deep into the jungle and snorkelling or diving in the crystal clear waters of Lusancay Island, Umboi Island and the fiords of Tufi.  Onshore, guests will encounter the overwhelming hospitality of isolated communities and see an unchanged way of life at places like Angoram, with its fascinating waterside market, and Lake Kambarumba with its stilted village.  Guided by Chris Packham and North Star's naturalists and marine biologists, there will be endless opportunities to see spectacular bird of paradise, fish, turtles and dolphins as well as an abundance of fascinating flora and fauna. Other highlights will include hiking up volcanoes, fishing for tuna and sailfish and exploring isolated grottos deep in the jungle…

But one of the most exciting parts of the journey will be venturing into East New Britain and exploring places where True North has never before been to.  Home to virgin forests and fringing coral reef, here there will be the chance to visit a small community near to Tavolo where 500 people strive to protect the reef, struggling to preserve Papua New Guinea's rich natural history for generations to come. 

Steppes Travel's Papua New Guinea Luxury Cruise with Chris Packham departs on 8th November 2016 out of Cairns and is a once in a lifetime opportunity to discover the secrets of Papua New Guinea on board a luxurious cruise ship with a huge range of activities available, thanks to its expedition boats and helicopter.  And an exclusive opportunity to spend time with Chris Packham, who will be on hand to share all his knowledge both of wildlife and photography.

This 12-day cruise costs from £10,895 per person based on full board in a twin cabin, including Private Charter flights and all activities except helicopter flights. 

For further press information please contact: Cedar Tree Public Relations Ltd

Frangelica Flook frangelica.flook@cedartreepr.com

Henrietta Quicke henrietta.quicke@cedartreepr.com

T: +44 (0) 20 7978 4534 M: +44 (0) 7747 606 898

Notes to Editors:

Some of the remote islands of Papua New Guinea the trip expedition will include:

Ferguson Island: An exhilarating day of jungle trekking to spot countless varieties of birds including colourful parrots, hornbills, wild fowl and the famed bird of paradise as well as rare species of butterfly, and the chance to catch a glimpse of the tree kangaroo.  For botanists, Papua New Guinea is home to over two thirds of the world's orchids. 

Tufi: One of the world's most prolific dive sites with crystal clear waters and picturesque fiords. 

Soloman Sea:  With the boat anchored in the middle of the Soloman Sea amongst the corals of Star Reef explore the strikingly beautiful Lusancay Islands and snorkel in some truly spectacular locations.  And for those interested in fishing, there are tuna, mackerel and sailfish aplenty…

Jacquinot Bay, New Britain:  Take expedition boats deep into the jungle to visit isolated villages, grottos and pristine beaches.

Tavolo, East New Britain:  An exciting exploratory phase of the cruise venturing into regions of Papua New Guinea True North has not sailed through before.  Situated in the Pomio District of East New Britain Province with extensive fringing coral reef and pristine forest, around 500 people live in small hamlets near to Tavolo.  The PNG government has established a small Wildlife Management Area around Tavolo and the community is also committed to preventing any large scale development on the adjacent reef.  A visit to this small community should provide fascinating 'village-level' insight into the struggle to preserve Papua New Guinea's rich natural history.

Umboi Island:  A volcanic island off the coast of New Britain best known as the home of the 'ripen' - a giant, nocturnal flying creature that resembles a pterodactyl and glows in flight!  Despite numerous accounts the creature's existence has never been verified and chances of seeing this mythical beast are akin to spotting the Loch Ness Monster.

Vitiaz Strait:  Long Island, which lies in the Vitiaz Strait is home to two stratovolcanoes - Mount Reaumur and Cerisy Peak. With the summit of the volcanic complex having collapsed there is a large caldera that is more than 10 kilometres across. There are hiking opportunities, helicopter flights and the likelihood of seeing turtles hatch and make their precarious journey to the sea. 

Sepik River:  The longest river in Papua New Guinea and one of the great river systems of the world, Sepik River has a large catchment area and supports numerous landforms including swamplands, tropical rainforests and mountains. Biologically, the river system is possibly the largest uncontaminated freshwater wetland system in the Asia-Pacific region.  Encounter overwhelming hospitality and an unchanged way of life at places like Angoram with its fascinating waterside market and Lake Kambaraumba with its stilted village.  Expect a traditional 'sing-sing' greeting featuring giant crocodile puppets that gyrate through crowds of dancers and drummers. 

Bagabag Island & KarKar Island:  Take expedition boats to the outer-reef to spot fish, turtles and dolphins and enjoy the hospitality of the local people who are happy to share their unique culture and way of life. The island is rich in betel-nut and other natural foods while pigs run feral around the island. Or fly over the volcanic island of Karkar (the latest eruptions on this island occurred in the 1970s) – a particularly remarkable spectacle.