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Spirit of Freedom/Lissenung Opt 1 [CD1098]

13 Days / 11 Nights - Papua New Guinea, Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Lissenung, and Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

This itinerary departs from the USA on Saturday. Stay in Cairns for 1 night. Travel to Lissenung for 5 nights. Then back to Cairns for one night before you board the diving vessel the next day (Monday). After disembarking from the dive vessel stay in Cairns for one more night. Your arrival day back into the USA will be on Friday morning.

Just north of Australia lies Papua New Guinea - The Land of the Unexpected. Lissenung Island has a white sandy beach, tall palm trees, beautiful flowers and magnificent sunsets.

Australia's northeastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. Home to the Spirit of Freedom Diving Expedition

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Cairns (1 Night), Lissenung (5 Nights), Cairns (1 Night), Live -Aboard Dive Expedition (3 Nights), Cairns (1 Night)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Brisbane, Cairns to Port Moresby, Port Moresby to Cairns, Brisbane to Los Angeles
• Papua New Guinea Domestic Flights - Port Moresby to Kavieng, Kavieng to Port Moresby
• Australian Domestic Flights - Brisbane to Cairns, Cairns to Brisbane
• Australian Live-Aboard Spirit of Freedom Diving Expedition includes: Opportunity for up to 11 Dives, En-suite cabin with daily service, Chef prepared meals, Australian wine & soft drinks with evening meals.
• Shuttle Transfers - Cairn Airport to Accommodation (Return), Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return)
• Boat Transfers - Kavieng Airport to Lissenung Island (Return)
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 (Sat) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Brisbane

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Brisbane.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

Day 2 (Mon) - Australian Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Cairns.

Day 2 (Mon) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Days 2 to 3 (Mon-Tue) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Enjoy 1 night at your 4-Star CAIRNS accommodation.

Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel's prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.
 
<b>Hotel Amenities</b>
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service  
 
<b> Preferred Room</b>
Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.
 
<b>Room Upgrades</b>
Past T12-15 (Other Upgraded Room Types)
- Executive Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
- Deluxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe Premium - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.
 
<b>Need to know</b>
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

Day 3 (Tue) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Day 3 (Tue) - International Flight, Cairns to Port Moresby

International flight from Cairns to Port Moresby.

Day 3 (Tue) - Papua New Guinea Domestic Flight, Port Moresby to Kavieng

Travel within Papua New Guinea by domestic air from Port Moresby to Kavieng.

Days 3 to 8 (Tue-Sun) - 5 Nights Accommodation on Lissenung Island

Picture a small private island with a white sandy beach, tall palm trees, beautiful flowers, magnificent sunsets and traditional bungalows.

Situated on the northwestern end of the island of New Ireland, you find yourself in this small, laid-back town. Often referred to as a typical "Somerset Maugham" South Pacific island setting, you are now right between two crystal clear oceans: The South Pacific in the north and the Bismarck Sea in the south. Surrounding this beautiful hideaway are some of the most colourful reefs and the best fish life this planet has to offer.

Lissenung Island Diving Information:

Daily boat trips to the outer reefs, drop offs and wrecks with a maximum of 3 dives per day are offered. We usually start at 9 am with 2 morning dives and return to the island for lunch. In the afternoon, you can either go out for a third boat dive, relax on the island or do a shore dive at Lissenung.


For divers staying at Lissenung, these afternoon shore dives are free of charge! With almost 175 different species of fish, this is a nice little added bonus! Our house reef is also the spot to do night dives, with another whole bunch of different fish, molluscs and crustaceans coming out to play and feed.

Due to the fact that they are a dedicated dive resort, and thus work around the diving and the best conditions for diving, departure times may be changed to suit our guest's wishes and the conditions. This means that we may depart at 8 am in order to catch an incoming current, and hopefully lots of fish, at our chosen dive sites for that day.

A typical day at Lissenung looks a bit like this:

7.00-8.30am Breakfast
9.00am Boat departs for 2 morning dives
approx.1.00pm Lunch (this basically happens whenever the boat returns from the diving)
2.30pm-late 3rd boat dive, free shore-diving on the house reef or time to relax
7.00pm Dinner
8.30pm Night Dive

Day 8 (Sun) - Papua New Guinea Domestic Flight, Kavieng to Port Moresby

Travel within Papua New Guinea by domestic air from Kavieng to Port Moresby.

Day 8 (Sun) - International Flight, Port Moresby to Cairns

Depart Port Moresby Airport in Papua New Guinea and fly to Cairns.

Day 8 (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Days 8 to 9 (Sun-Mon) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Enjoy 1 night at your 4-Star CAIRNS accommodation.

Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel's prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.
 
<b>Hotel Amenities</b>
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service  
 
<b> Preferred Room</b>
Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.
 
<b>Room Upgrades</b>
Past T12-15 (Other Upgraded Room Types)
- Executive Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
- Deluxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe Premium - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.
 
<b>Need to know</b>
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

Days 9 to 12 (Mon-Thur) - 3 Nights Accommodation on Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

For Live-Aboard diving enthusiasts this live aboard dive trip represents the ultimate dive vacation. Dives include Osprey Reef, on the Coral Sea with other sites such as Cod Hole, Dynamite Pass, North Horn, Bougainville Reef, Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. With Gourmet Meals and the Outstanding Level of Service you will feel like you are aboard your own private yacht.

Sample Itinerary

Departing: Cairns 12:00 noon Monday
Returning: Cairns 11:30 am Thursday

Trip Includes:
Transfers to/from Cairns city accommodation
Low level reef flight – Lizard Island to Cairns
Opportunity for up to 11 dives
En-suite cabin with daily service
Chef prepared meals
Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals

Not-included (payable on board): Fuel & Marine Park Levies

Day 1: Boarding Spirit of Freedom at 11:15am at Trinity Wharf (complimentary transfers from Cairns city hotels are available) for a 12 noon departure. Lunch will be served on board while we cruise to the Great Barrier Reef to the north of Cairns, for an afternoon orientation dive and a twilight or night dive.

Day 2: Today we dive Steve's Bommie, on Ribbon Reef # 3. This is an isolated pinnacle that rises from 100 feet at its base to around 15 feet from the surface. Colourful antheas and a vast array of fish cover this bommie, while big eye trevally and barracuda hang out in the blue. Look for nudibranch and stonefish. Today we may also dive the Clam Gardens, where giant clams up to three feet across will amaze you. Some of our other favourite sites in this area of the Ribbons include Flare Point and the beautiful Gorgonia Wall.

Day 3: This morning we will dive the Cod Hole. This is a popular dive site famous for it's resident family of large Potato Cod, (Groper). Good opportunity for photographers. We may also dive Dynamite Pass, possibly as a drift dive, well known as a channel for sharks cruising from the Coral Sea to the Barrier Reef. This afternoon we may dive Lighthouse Bommie, where Golden sea snakes are frequently sighted. In the spring months this site is also a Manta Ray cleaning station. Other sites we may visit today include Challenger Bay and Pixie Wall. This evening we cruise into Watson's Bay on Lizard Island where we will overnight in the lea of the island.

Day 4: This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you have the opportunity to go ashore and explore Lizard Island. At 10:30am you will board a twin-engine light aircraft at Lizard Island for your low level flight over the reef back to Cairns. Arriving back at Cairns airport at approximately 11:30am, the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will meet you for your transfer back to your Cairns city hotel.

Day 12 (Thur) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Enjoy 1 night at your 4-Star CAIRNS accommodation.

Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel's prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.
 
<b>Hotel Amenities</b>
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service  
 
<b> Preferred Room</b>
Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.
 
<b>Room Upgrades</b>
Past T12-15 (Other Upgraded Room Types)
- Executive Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
- Deluxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe Premium - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.
 
<b>Need to know</b>
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

Day 13 (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Day 13 (Fri) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

Day 13 (Fri) - International Flight, Brisbane to Los Angeles

Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.