Coral Expeditions’ Bold New Era of International Journeys for 2026-27
Coral Expeditions is launching an expanded lineup of international expeditions for 2026 and 2027, with fresh itineraries across Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, the South Pacific, the Spice Islands, and New Zealand. The fleet—operated and flagged in Australia—will deliver immersive experiences that reveal remote landscapes, vibrant cultures, and strong historical links to Australia.
We’re thrilled to see that they will continue offering their Raja Ampat expeditions, which we were lucky enough to join a few years ago (read about our the top 5 highlights from our with Coral Expeditions in Raja Ampat here!)
Papua New Guinea & Melanesia
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Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea (10 nights, Rabaul → Port Moresby, aboard Coral Adventurer; twin share, from ~$13,280 full fare) departs on 28 October 2026 and 2 October 2027.
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Passage Through the Melanesian Arc (14 nights, Port Moresby → Port Vila; aboard Coral Adventurer; twin share, from ~$14,950 full fare) leaves on 12 November 2026 and 19 October 2027.
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Papua New Guinea Discoverer (12 nights, Madang → Cairns; aboard Coral Discoverer; twin share, from ~$13,800 full fare) sets sail on 13 October 2026.
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Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea (12 nights, Cairns → Rabaul; aboard Coral Adventurer; twin share, from ~$13,940 full fare) is scheduled for 16 October 2026 and 22 September 2027.
New Zealand Adventures
After the PNG/Melanesia season, the schedule returns annually to New Zealand to offer sailings in December/January that explore the East Coast, South Island (including Fiordland and Stewart Island), and the Sounds. Two highlighted voyages:
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Sounds & Stewart Island from Bluff to Bluff (8 nights, Coral Adventurer; twin share, from ~$8,570 full fare) on 16 December 2026.
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South Island & Fiordland from Bluff to Wellington (10 nights; on 24 December 2026, twin share, from ~$9,990 full fare).
Spice Islands & Indonesian Archipelagos
New options will also take travellers through Indonesia’s diverse island regions with both cultural and aquatic focuses:
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Raja Ampat and Spice Islands (18 nights, Darwin → Sorong, aboard Coral Geographer & Coral Adventurer; twin share, from ~$23,990 full fare) starting from 6 September 2026 to 3 September 2027.
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Island Empires & Ancient Mariners (14 nights, Darwin → Makassar; aboard Coral Geographer; twin share, from ~$13,950 full fare) with departures on 28 November and 12 December 2026.
What Sets This Program Apart
The latest schedule shows Coral Expeditions investing in deeper engagement with remote communities and regions close to Australia. The new itineraries push into less-visited areas, combining nature, culture, and history—often emphasising connections to Australia, whether through heritage, politics, or geographies shaped by trade and conflict. Guests can expect expert guides, purpose-built expedition vessels, and “Xplorer” tenders to get off the beaten track.
Email or call us today to enquire!
Me (Melissa) looking back at our ship anchored in Wayag Lagoon. This was on the 18 night Raja Ampat and Spice Islands itinerary from Darwin. Image by Grace Picot.
