Alotau, Milne Bay

Wednesday we arrive early in Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province. Many of the population of around 10,000 rely on the sea for their livelihood and as a result the busy harbor is the focal point of the town. Cargo movements drive harbor activity, and there’s an array of colorful vessels to be seen. We have a surprise at breakfast as a group of local dancers performs for us aboard the ship.

We board some shuttle buses for a tour of the area which takes us to a site with the rusty remains of some WW II American landing barges. Later we move to a lookout point and then to a tiny village where we are welcomed with some fresh fruit and a tour of the houses. We see the inside of a cook house for the first time. Cooking is done in a separate house as wood fires are used. In the afternoon we take a guided walking tour around the town that takes us to a memorial of the Battle of Milne Bay and to the local market. This is our last day in Papua New Guinea and we are already getting a little nostalgic and sad. This is Halloween and the dining room is decorated with many carved pumpkins which the crew members have carved as part of a contest. The waiters are in costume. Later we were treated to a performance by our multi-talented crew ranging from singing and dancing to magic. Today is a day at sea on our return to Cairns and we are given tours of the galley and bridge. Lectures are held on mammal life in the Pacific and an overview of WWII in the Pacific. Last night there was also a presentation on JFK and PT 109. The seas are a little rough on our crossing today and some passengers are feeling a little queasy.