From the Solomon
Islands to Papua: Into
the Heart of Melanesia
Sail from the Solomon Islands to the remote shores of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Discover volcanic islands, ancient tribal cultures, coral reefs alive with color, and the wild beauty of the Bismarck Sea — on a true expedition through the Pacific's living Eden.
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Walk through historic WWII battlefields and memorials surrounded by tropical forest.
Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life — one of the world's richest biodiversity zones.
Rabaul Volcanoes
Witness steaming volcanic landscapes and the haunting remains of the old town buried in ash.
Sepik River Villages
Journey deep into the heart of Papua's culture — remote villages, ancient carvings, and river life.
Melanesian & Polynesian Heritage
Experience three great civilizations — Polynesian, Melanesian, and Indonesian — blending along one route.
Untouched Islands of the Bismarck Sea
Sail through isolated, little-visited islands accessible only by expedition ship.
From Sea to Volcano to Jungle
A rare combination of coral reefs, mangroves, volcanoes, and tribal traditions — all in one journey.
Honiara - Jayapura
From
/per person
Dates
5 Apr 26 - 18 Apr 26
Duration
14 nights
Ship
SH Minerva
Embark on an extraordinary voyage through Papua New Guinea — a living Eden of vibrant cultures and untouched nature. Sail from the Solomon Islands to the Bismarck Sea, exploring volcanic coastlines, rainforest shores, and remote island villages. Encounter ancient traditions, rare birdlife, and coral reefs alive with marine life and WWII relics.
Honiara, Guadalcanal Island
Begin your voyage in the Solomon Islands' vibrant capital, where tropical hills hide WWII relics and island life hums along the shoreline.
Florida Islands, Tulagi Island & Roderick Bay
Cruise among tranquil turquoise lagoons and coral-ringed isles once scarred by war — now peaceful sanctuaries rich in marine life.
Cruising Kasolo Island (Kennedy Island), Njari Island
Sail past small, untouched islands steeped in wartime history and alive with marine life — perfect for snorkeling and exploration.
Rabaul
Discover Rabaul's dramatic volcanic caldera and its haunting wartime tunnels, set against steaming peaks and vibrant markets.
Kimbe Bay
Dive into one of the world's richest marine ecosystems — a paradise of coral gardens, tropical fish, and crystal waters.
Garove Island
Cruise into the flooded caldera of this extinct volcano and visit villages where time flows to the rhythm of Melanesian traditions.
Tami Island
Step ashore on a remote coral atoll known for intricate wooden carvings and welcoming island communities.
Crown Island
A tiny, picture-perfect island surrounded by turquoise waters — ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply soaking up paradise.
Madang
Experience Papua New Guinea's most colorful coastal town, with vibrant markets, colonial charm, and scenic volcanic backdrops.
Manam Island
Sail past the "Island of Fire," one of Papua New Guinea's most active volcanoes — a striking natural spectacle rising from the sea.
Sepik River, Kopar Village
Journey deep inland by Zodiac to meet the people of the Sepik River — famed for their elaborate spirit houses and ancestral art.
Wewak
Uncover WWII heritage and Melanesian hospitality in this gateway to Papua's northern coast and the mighty Sepik region.
Jayapura, Papua
End your voyage on Indonesia's frontier, where jungle-covered hills meet the sea and cultures of Melanesia and Asia intertwine.
The Journey of Your Dreams
An expedition across Melanesia, from the Solomon Islands to Papua's northern shores. Sail through the Bismarck Sea aboard our boutique expedition ship, discovering coral reefs, volcanic islands, and vibrant tribal cultures untouched by time.
Coral Kingdoms
Dive into the warm, crystal waters of Kimbe Bay — one of the richest coral ecosystems on Earth.
Volcanic Horizons
Explore Rabaul's smoking calderas and the haunting beauty of its ash-covered landscapes.
Tribal Traditions
Travel upriver to the Sepik villages, where ancient artistry and spirit houses tell stories centuries old.
The Journey of Your Dreams
An expedition across Melanesia, from the Solomon Islands to Papua's northern shores. Sail through the Bismarck Sea aboard our boutique expedition ship, discovering coral reefs, volcanic islands, and vibrant tribal cultures untouched by time.
Coral Kingdoms
Dive into the warm, crystal waters of Kimbe Bay — one of the richest coral ecosystems on Earth.
Volcanic Horizons
Explore Rabaul's smoking calderas and the haunting beauty of its ash-covered landscapes.
Tribal Traditions
Travel upriver to the Sepik villages, where ancient artistry and spirit houses tell stories centuries old.
Expedition Itinerary
13 nights of exploration across Melanesia and Papua, from coral reefs and volcanic islands to remote river villages and timeless tribal traditions.
Day 1
Honiara, Guadalcanal Island
The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara sits on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal at the mouth of the Matanikо River. A relatively new city, it grew up around a U.S. military base during and after WWII. In 1952 it superseded Tulagi as the premier city of these islands. Honiara's U.S. War Memorial provides a comprehensive war-history lesson of the area. Today the town is laid-back and relatively tourist free with a real-life atmosphere.
Day 2
Florida Islands, Tulagi Island
The Florida (Nggela) Islands in the Central Province of the Solomon Islands blend natural beauty and rich history. Once the capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, Tulagi Island, off the south coast, was devastated during fierce 1942 fighting after Japanese occupation. Today, it's a peaceful town known for WWII relics, sunken warships, and wreck diving, offering a quiet reflection on its dramatic past.
Day 3
Florida Islands, Roderick Bay
In Roderick Bay, white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs frame calm, crystal-clear waters. A striking landmark rises from the shallows – the MS World Discoverer, an expedition cruise ship wrecked in 2001, now listing dramatically and creating an extraordinary backdrop for snorkelling adventures.
Activities:
- •Snorkelling With the Expedition team
- •Included Zodiac Cruising with the Expedition team
- •Included Kayak with the Expedition Team Optional
Day 3
Cruising Kasolo Island (Kennedy Island)
Kennedy Island, (also Kasolo or Plum Pudding Island), is a tiny forested islet named after John F. Kennedy. In August 1943, after their craft was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, the crew of PT-109, led by Lieutenant Kennedy, abandoned ship, swam ashore, before making their way to nearby Olasana Island. Kasolo Island's lush rainforests are home to the Solomon Islands fruit dove, the Solomon Islands honeyeater and the Solomon Islands flying fox.
Day 3
Njari Island
Puerto Natales is a charming port town along Last Hope Sound and an ideal gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. The park's highlight is an imposing trio of granite pillars that dominate the landscape. This vast area includes glaciers, vibrant teal lakes, lush forests and thundering rivers, and is home to diverse wildlife including guanaco, Darwin's rhea, armadillo and the Patagonian fox, and is one of the world's top places to see puma.
- •Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included
- •Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included
Day 4
At Sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship's observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert's view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
- •Lectures on the history of the region
- •Photography workshops
- •Wildlife spotting
- •Discussions with experts
Day 5
Rabaul
Rabaul, the former capital of New Britain in Papua New Guinea's northeastern tip, is a town with a remarkable volcanic history. Situated inside a flooded caldera and near the active Tavurvur volcano, Rabaul has been rebuilt multiple times, including after the 1994 eruption. Its bustling markets, rich wartime heritage and a strategic harbour make Rabaul an intriguing destination. An observatory oversees the country's volcanic activity.
Day 6
Kimbe Bay
The island of New Britain features the secluded volcanic Kimbe Bay, renowned for its diverse marine ecosystem. The crystalline waters host coral reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish, WWII wrecks and coral-capped seamounts. Inland, treks lead to an active volcano and the rejuvenating thermal waters of the jungle-clad Garu Hot River. The bay's rainforest is home to Blyth's hornbills, eclectus parrots and red-knobbed imperial pigeons.
Activities:
- •Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included
- •Zodiac Cruising with the Expedition team — Included
Day 7
Garove Island
Tiny, far-flung Garove is part of the Vitu Islands in the Bismarck Sea and is defined by its rich marine biodiversity. The island wraps around a massive, horseshoe-shaped flooded caldera. Nearby dive sites reveal multi-hued fish darting among sea fans and anemones, while reef sharks, schooling jacks, and barracuda patrol the deep. Back on dry land, tiny villages nestle amid towering coconut palms.
- •Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included
- •Zodiac Cruise with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included
Day 8
Tami Islands
The inhabited Tami Islands, a four-island archipelago south of Finschhafen in the Huon Gulf, are home to skilled carvers. These islanders craft intricate hardwood bowls, particularly the renowned 'Tami bowls' known for their fine craftsmanship and ceremonial use. These bowls, featuring spirit faces with a distinctive three-peaked headdress (oa balan), are highly valued, with some found in New York's Metropolitan Museum and the British Museum.
Activities:
- •Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included (02h 00m)
Tami Cultural Immersion
included- •Be welcomed in the traditional Melanesian style and get an introduction to Tami Islands society
- •Watch a performance including recreation of historic events and holding different cultural significance
- •You will be introduced to the ancestral spirits in the form of masked dancers during the performance
Day 9
Crown Island
Characterised by dense rainforest, the miniscule volcanic island of Crown Island is barely five kilometres from end to end. Rugged jungle trails offer glimpses of birds of paradise, doves and pigeons, while sapphire waters hide colourful coral reefs beneath the surface. Nearby Kar Kar Island is home to one of the country's most active volcanoes, sprawling cocoa plantations and traditional villages dotted among imposing coconut palms.
Activities:
- •Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included (02 h 00 m)
- •Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included (02 h 00 m)
Kayak with the Expedition Team
optional- •Optional kayaking activity with the expedition team
Day 10
Madang
Madang, a laid-back port town exuding a village vibe, presents a captivating blend of Pacific war history and natural beauty. At the Visitors and Cultural Bureau, WWII artefacts and exhibits recount the battles for this strategic outpost. The surrounding waters host coral reefs teeming with marine life. Rocky hiking trails traverse Mount Wilhelm, offering panoramic views, extending the allure beyond the town.
Day 11
Manam Island
Manam Island is marked by an active stratovolcano, occasionally emitting ash plumes. The island's rugged valleys, forested crags, villages and cultures coexist in the shadow of this natural colossus. The area boasts numerous coral reefs, and Hansa Bay holds sunken American and Japanese ships, along with bombers and fighter planes. These waters have also witnessed sightings of hammerheads and tiger sharks.
Day 12
Sepik River, Kopar Village
The Sepik River gracefully winds through rainforest and swampland, revealing tribal villages and stilt structures on muddy banks. In these homesteads, traditional ways of life persist with tribal ceremonies, spirit houses, and stories behind intricately carved masks and totems. Crocodiles, symbols of power, coexist with revered birds of paradise like Goldie's and sicklebills, punctuating the landscape with bursts of bright plumage.
Day 13
Wewak
Wewak, East Sepik's capital, is a coastal gateway to the vast Sepik River, a winding lifeline through lush sago swamps, nipa palms and tranquil lagoons. Along its banks, stilted villages uphold vibrant traditions, from canoe travel to crafting intricate masks, wood carvings and towering Haus Tambaran spirit houses. Wewak also holds echoes of WWII history, with relics and the Cape Wom Memorial marking Japan's surrender in Papua New Guinea.
Day 14
Jayapura, Papua
Jayapura, Papua's provincial capital, serves as a base to explore the rugged Baliem Valley. Winding trails lead through verdant highlands to secluded waterfalls and saltwater springs. Traditional life endures in tribal villages hidden in the rainforest, featuring religious ceremonies or mock tribal wars. In Jayapura, museums recount the intense WWII battles, where Allied and Japanese forces clashed for control of the Pacific theatre.
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition life as we take you to the furthest more remote regions of the world. The day by day plan and experiences are given as a guide with the actual itinerary depending on weather, sea conditions and guidance of the captain and expedition leader.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transport & Accommodation
- Charter flights to the port of embarkation
- Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- Your selected stateroom
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self service laundry
- Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack
- Refillable water bottle
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transport & Accommodation
- Charter flights to the port of embarkation
- Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- Your selected stateroom
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self service laundry
- Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack
- Refillable water bottle
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
Wildlife Encounters
Meet Magellanic penguins, curious sea lions, and flightless steamer ducks along Chile's wild southern shores, while guanacos roam the windswept Patagonian landscapes beneath soaring Andean peaks.
South American Sea Lion
Magellanic Penguin
Magellanic Flightless Steamer Duck
Guanaco
Wildlife Encounters
Meet Magellanic penguins, curious sea lions, and flightless steamer ducks along Chile's wild southern shores, while guanacos roam the windswept Patagonian landscapes beneath soaring Andean peaks.
South American Sea Lion
Magellanic Penguin
Magellanic Flightless Steamer Duck
Guanaco
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
SH Minerva
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Minerva features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you're taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Minerva has you covered.
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Minerva features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you're taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Minerva has you covered.
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC6 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Fine Dining
Across 3 venues
Launched in 2023
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, sauna & gym
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory, Stargazing Deck
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC6 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Fine Dining
Across 3 venues
Launched in 2023
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, sauna & gym
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory, Stargazing Deck
Staterooms
Bright and spacious staterooms — your cozy home away from home.
Oceanview 20 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Balcony 25 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- 5 m² private balcony
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Junior Suite 32-36 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- 6 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room area
- Luxurious en-suite bathroom
Suite 41 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- 5-10 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower
Premium Suite 41 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- 8-12 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and shower
- Walk-in wardrobe
Expedition Team
Nicki De Souza
Expedition leader
Nicki brings more than 25 years of experience in expedition cruising, along with a passion for nature, exciting new destinations, people and their cultures. Born in Bavaria, she has travelled around the globe and to all seven continents, exploring everything from the Arctic to Antarctica to the tropics and remote gems in between. Nicki is a skilled leader with a passion for nature and a gift for sharing and revealing the world's many wonders.
Conrad Weston
Plants and Ornithologist
With over 30 years of experience, he brings tropical ecology to life through his deep knowledge of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and plants. He has led birding and natural history tours across the Tropical Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Indian Ocean, and beyond— offering rich insight into the ecosystems we explore.
Jacqueline Windh
Historian
Jacqueline is passionate about the early mariners who explored and settled the Pacific. A captivating speaker, she shares her knowledge of geology, anthropology, and traditional navigation both in lectures and informally—whether on a hike, over dinner, or during a zodiac cruise.
Brent Alloway
Geologist
Brent Alloway is a former professor of Quaternary earth science and volcanology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is a very experienced earth scientist and he is particularly interested in landscape histories, volcanism, paleoenvironmental change and human origins. Brent worked several years as an exploration & project geologist in SE Ecuador. Though recently retired from academic teaching and responsibilities - Brent is still very much actively involved in earth science research in southern Chile and Argentina, New Zealand, western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and United States.
Nicki De Souza
Expedition leader
Nicki brings more than 25 years of experience in expedition cruising, along with a passion for nature, exciting new destinations, people and their cultures. Born in Bavaria, she has travelled around the globe and to all seven continents, exploring everything from the Arctic to Antarctica to the tropics and remote gems in between. Nicki is a skilled leader with a passion for nature and a gift for sharing and revealing the world's many wonders.
Conrad Weston
Plants and Ornithologist
With over 30 years of experience, he brings tropical ecology to life through his deep knowledge of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and plants. He has led birding and natural history tours across the Tropical Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Indian Ocean, and beyond— offering rich insight into the ecosystems we explore.
Jacqueline Windh
Historian
Jacqueline is passionate about the early mariners who explored and settled the Pacific. A captivating speaker, she shares her knowledge of geology, anthropology, and traditional navigation both in lectures and informally—whether on a hike, over dinner, or during a zodiac cruise.
Brent Alloway
Geologist
Brent Alloway is a former professor of Quaternary earth science and volcanology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is a very experienced earth scientist and he is particularly interested in landscape histories, volcanism, paleoenvironmental change and human origins. Brent worked several years as an exploration & project geologist in SE Ecuador. Though recently retired from academic teaching and responsibilities - Brent is still very much actively involved in earth science research in southern Chile and Argentina, New Zealand, western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and United States.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.