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Coral Princess, with more than 700 balcony staterooms, was custom built to navigate the historic Panama Canal. Be sure to try the Bayou Café and Steakhouse, which features New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole cuisine, join friends for cocktails and Movies Under the Stars by the pool or try some decadent treats at the International Café. The Italian specialty restaurant was voted one of the “Best Cruise Ship Specialty Restaurants” at sea. A cruise on board the Coral Princess promises to leave you fully entertained.
Peter started 'Springs Military History' in 2014, which offers family military research and personalised battlefield tour itineraries. His knowledge of military history and his many years of research make him the ideal person to lead the 2020 Military History Battlefield tour.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Thursday 17 November, 2022 Departure from Brisbane
This afternoon board Coral Princess for our fantastic cruise to
Papua New Guinea. Be on deck for our departure, cruising into
Moreton Bay and through to the Coral Sea, a spectacular sight alive
with sailing vessels of all kinds.
DAY 2 Friday 18 November, 2022 At sea
Our first day at sea, this is the perfect opportunity for you to explore
and enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship. This afternoon join
Peter for his first discussion on World War Two history. We’ll begin
an examination of why Japan made the fateful decision to go to war.
We’ll look at the beginnings of war in the Pacific, with emphasis
on Australia’s reaction to what some saw as a possible invasion of
Australia. At home, Prime Minister Robert Menzies in August 1941
resigned as Prime Minister after the Labor Party disputed Menzies
returning to Britain to represent Australia’s interests. Six weeks
later Arthur Fadden resigned and former unionist John Curtin
advised the Governor-General that he had a majority in the House.
On 7 October 1941, Curtin became Prime Minister. In this session
we’ll also discuss the first Japanese bombing attack on Darwin on
19th February 1942, the first raid that killed 250 people. Timor and
Darwin were the closest bases from which the Allies could launch
an air or sea counter-attack.
DAY 3 Saturday 19 November, 2022 At sea
The talk this afternoon will begin with the Battle of Milne Bay on the
southeastern tip of Papua, given that we will disembark at Alotau,
the capital of the Milne Bay Province tomorrow. Milne Bay was a
likely stepping stone for the Japanese towards Port Moresby. The
battle took place in August 1942 when the Japanese Navy landed 1,200 men in an all-out assault on the Allies’ base. But Japanese
marines couldn’t breach the Allies’ defence line. Peter this day will
also talk briefly about the fabulous Conflict Islands, which we visit
in two days’ time. There are 21 tropical islands in this chain forming
a huge blue lagoon, said to be the only coral atoll in the world under
private ownership. Peter will also discuss the beautiful Trobriand
Islands, in the Solomon Sea, off the south eastern most extension
of Papua New Guinea. The Trobriands are often called the islands of
love. We visit Kitava on Monday 31st and Kiriwina on Thursday 3rd.
The Trobriand island of Kiriwina is a raised atoll some 48 km long
covered largely with swamp. The chief settlement is Losuia. It was a
U.S. air and naval base from where the Allies bombed the Japanese
at Bougainville and the Shortland islands in 1943.
DAY 4 Sunday 20 November, 2022 Alotau (Milne Bay), PNG
After cruising the Kawanasausau Strait and Milne Bay, today we visit
sites of military interest at Alotau, provincial capital of the Milne Bay
Province. The first Japanese landing took place on the north coast of
Milne Bay on the night of 25 August 1942 when they were pushed
back by Australians. After the Japanese defeat this backwater was
turned into a large Allied base. Airfields were expanded and miles of
roads were constructed. A destroyer repair base and a torpedo and
patrol boat base were constructed by Australian and the American
forces. The Army says the Battle of Milne Bay is one of the Australian
Army’s most overshadowed battles with attention mostly drawn to
the Kokoda campaign fought at the same time.
DAY 5 Monday 21 November, 2022 Kitava, Trobriand Islands
Another history talk on land today as we enjoy the famed and
beautiful Trobriand Islands. We call today at the port of Kitava.
With spectacular reefs, this is a snorkeler’s dream. The Allies used
Kiriwina in an important island-hopping campaign during the Pacific
War. Kitava is 30 km east of the largest island of the Trobriand group.
DAY 6 Tuesday 22 November, 2022 At sea
A free morning to relax aboard Coral Princess. This afternoon we
will discuss the wartime trail also known as the Kokoda Track which
rises to over 4,000 metres. The track begins 40 kms inland from Port
Moresby which is on the Coral Sea. Peter will discuss the significance
of this campaign for not only Papua New Guinea but Australia and
the region. The discussion will follow the advance of the Japanese
over the Owen Stanley Range through Kokoda and Isurava and the
fighting withdrawal of the Australian troops. Then to the turning of
the Japanese back up the track and the recapture of Kokoda. Peter
will also speak into the oft over looked campaign to remove the
Japanese from the beacheads of Buna, Gona and Sananada.
DAY 7 Wednesday 23 November, 2022 Rabaul
We enter Simpson Harbour and land at Rabaul near the twin
volcanoes of Tavurvur and Vulcan. The Japanese invaded Rabaul in
January 1942 and quickly over ran the Australian defenders. The
Australians who were captured were killed at places such as Tol or
shipped elsewhere. On the 1st of July 1942 the Montevideo Maru
was sunk by a U.S. submarine with over 1000 prisoners on board. A
memorial to those soldiers is located at Bita Paka cemetery, which we
will visit. Also in the cemetery are the graves of the first Australians
killed in the First World War when a small group of Australians
attacked a German radio station. We will visit the military museum
near the cemetery that contains many relics from the war. We will
also see the Japanese-built tunnels of Rabual some of which contain
WW2 era barges that are slowly rusting away.
DAY 8 Thursday 24 November, 2022 Kiriwina Island
Today we are back in the Trobriand Islands visiting Kiriwina island,
the largest of the group. We’ll have a morning tour of the island
and market. En route Peter will discuss the vital airstrip built on the
island in mid-1943 for U.S. and Australian aircraft. Japanese aircraft
attacked Kiriwina on five occasions.
DAY 9 Friday 25 November, 2022 Conflict Islands, PNG
Today we will visit and talk about the stunning Conflict islands
forming a beautiful large atoll. (Bring sun cream, snorkels and
goggles.) During World War II US troops in these islands cut a swathe
through Panasesa island’s coconut palms to create an important
grass airstrip. Among the 21 islands, apart from Panasesa, there’s
another five Conflict islands beginning with ‘Pan’. Paradise can be
confusing at times.
DAY 10 Saturday 26 November, 2022 At sea
This afternoon we have our second last get together with discussions
on wartime Japan’s midget submarine attack in Sydney Harbour
sinking the ferry Kuttabul, which was being used as a RAN depot ship.
Kuttabul sank with 21 Allied naval ratings, including 19 Australians.
DAY 11 Sunday 27 November, 2022 At sea
As we arrive back in Brisbane tomorrow, at 3pm today we will
examine wartime Australia with Queensland becoming a support
base for the war effort in the South West Pacific. With the rapid
capture of Singapore by the Japanese and the bombing of Darwin
and Townsville, Queensland felt especially vulnerable. Brisbane
soon became a major training centre for Australia’s armed services.
DAY 12 Monday 28 November, 2022 Brisbane
We arrive in Brisbane today and disembark the Coral Princess.
Brisbane soon became a major training centre for Australia’s armed
services. We have a Brisbane sightseeing tour of the city visiting,
among other stops, the Shrine of Remembrance and the MacArthur
Museum. We will check into our hotel and later enjoy a farewell
dinner.
DAY 13 Tuesday 29 November, 2022 Departure
The tour concludes.
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID | Inside | 9,10,11 | $3,995 | $5,965 |
| IC | Inside | 5,12 | $4,150 | $5,995 |
| IB | Inside | 5,10,11,12 | $4,195 | $6,065 |
| OW | Oceanview (obstructed) | 8 | $4,310 | $6,295 |
| OE | Oceanview | 5,8 | $4,590 | $6,860 |
| OC | Oceanview | 5,6 | $4,695 | $7,060 |
| BD | Balcony | 9,10 | $4,840 | $7,335 |
| BC | Balcony | 12 | $4,885 | $7,425 |
| BB | Balcony | 11,12 | $4,925 | $7,500 |
| MD | Mini Suite | 9,10 | $5,295 | $8,250 |
| Included port and handling charges and cruise taxes | $610 | $610 | ||
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this tour without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. Coral Princess is operated by Princess Cruises and the fly, cruise and tour arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Princess Cruises brochure. All passengers must complete the Princess Cruises online check-in on www.princess.com as well as a Travelrite International booking form.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on general transport and foreign exchange rate at 28/7/21. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment: A deposit of $750 per passenger should be sent with a booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed (usually within 24 hours) a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 90 days prior to the commencement of the fly, tour and cruise holiday. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to all payments made by credit card. If fares change due to government regulations and currency fluctuations Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts. Travelrite tour credits are non-refundable.
Cancellation Charges:
* Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 91 days or more | $ 750 |
| 90 - 65 days | 50% of full fare |
| 65 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The cruise is based on arrangements that do not
allow for any refunds in respect to accommodation, meals or
other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents:
All passengers will require a
valid passport with at least six months validity. If not an
Australian passport holder, check with Travelrite International
for visa requirements.
Travel Insurance:
Adequate travel insurance is highly
recommended to cover cruise members for the consequences
of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees
which could result from such events such as illness, accident,
death etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers And Conditions:
The cruise arrangements
have been made on the basis of a minimum number of
passengers travelling. In the event that less than the
required number of passengers have confirmed their
booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite
International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving
a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to
proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
Tour Participion:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be
accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing
all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to
refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that
Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or
any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, it’s agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these fly/cruise/stay holidays shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/ cruises, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners risk throughout the fly/cruise/stay holiday. The passage contract between the carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these fly/cruise/stay holidays and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/cruise/stay holiday and/or make such changes in the fly/cruise/stay holidays as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruises. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any leagal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of Princess Cruises passage contract, detailed on Princess Cruises web site.
Delays And Unforeseen Events:
You engage
Travelrite Inter-national to book this tour on your behalf
and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as
your agent for the purpose of making contracts between
you and the various providers of accommodation,
transportation and other services that comprise the tour.
Travelrite International may without reference to you
provide or make available to you, or may as your agent
engage any third party to provide or make available to
you, any good or service which Travelrite International
reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to
maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise
accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances
in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any
reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney
for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International
any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite
International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard.
Travelrite International advises you to obtain travel
insurance generally including in respect of the risk that
any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $750 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by contacting Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established family-owned business that’s been operating in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 35 years. Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), is fully Accredited with ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“All the sightseeing tours were interesting and enjoyable with excellent commentary by local guides.”
“Well organised, excellent tour group leaders and the museums visited were the best parts of the tour.”
