Cruise Excursion: Rabaul, East New Britain, PNG 2018 @julescruisecompanion #nursing #cruise

Good morning! One way to stay a little bit fitter when you're on a cruise ship is to walk the stairs… So I just climbed up from Deck 6 — legs are burning, but it's worth it! Helps balance out all that glorious buffet food. And speaking of balance — this ship's walking track is perfect. Most cruise ships these days have one — this one loops the top deck, and there's even a little sign to tell you how many laps equal a kilometre. Helps me feel just a little bit smug before heading to the pastry counter! Now this is interesting — "A Taste of Egypt" in the Marquee Lounge later today. Might check that out after we’re back on board. We’re docked off the Gazelle Peninsula in the Bismarck Sea — and the town we’re exploring today is Rabaul. It’s got a fascinating — and frankly dramatic — history. Originally, Rabaul was developed by the Germans in the late 19th century when Papua New Guinea was part of German New Guinea. Then the Australians took over during World War I. And during World War II — well, Rabaul became one of the major Japanese bases in the Pacific. It’s had its share of troubles too — especially from the very ground it’s built on. It sits atop a volcanic caldera, and it's surrounded by not one, not two, but four volcanoes. The most infamous are Tavurvur and Vulcan. The big eruption came on September 19th, 1994 — and it destroyed 80% of the town. Can you imagine that? You’ll see footage from our visit to the observatory — where we could still see the tops of two-story buildings poking out above the ash level. That’s how much fell that day. This is one of the most breathtaking spots in town — but also one of the most sobering. From here, you can see where hot springs seep into the bay and change the color of the water — proof that the earth below is still very much alive. Tavurvur and the peninsula The observatory also has a display on the four types of volcanic debris. I’ve never had such a crash course in geology. And yes, pyroclastic means “fire and broken rock.” You're welcome. We visited the Japanese tunnels next — they stretch 150 meters through solid rock. They were carved out to move supplies inland and store ammunition. It’s eerie but fascinating to walk through these remnants of such a different time. Our tour also included a visit to the Nonga General Hospital — the main hospital here in Rabaul. Now, I know that sounds a bit unusual for a cruise shore excursion, but this was actually one of the most insightful parts of the day. We were welcomed by staff who were warm, gracious, and eager to share their experiences. It’s a 250-bed hospital — and they run it with just 200 staff. The wards are simple, with open ventilation, and many services are nurse-led — about 80% of their operations are run by nurses. It’s humbling, and honestly, we could learn a thing or two back home. After that — time to relax! We had a lovely salad and roast chicken lunch at the Rabaul Yacht Club. There was a bit of a dance performance and — surprise! — a python. Just casually. I’ll let the footage speak for itself… This whole journey has been made possible thanks to our floating home — [insert ship name here — e.g., Coral Princess, Pacific Explorer, etc.]. She’s a beautiful mid-sized ship, carries just over 2,000 passengers, and has everything from fine dining to trivia night, and yes — a very tempting bakery. Cruising through Papua New Guinea gives you this incredible mix — breathtaking natural beauty, complex colonial history, living cultural traditions, and moments that genuinely stay with you. So — another amazing day in the Pacific. Thank you, Rabaul. You’ve been unforgettable. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell if you want to keep exploring with me. Until next time — safe travels and soft landings! P&O Pacific Aria visit to this historically significant PNG harbor town was exciting. Visit the seismic center and lookout over Simpson Harbor and the Bismarck Sea. Visit the hot springs and volcano from the 1994 eruption. Visit the Japanese War caves. The highlight was a visit to Nonga General Hospital. Subscribe to my channel for notifications of new videos. My book HANDY CRUISE COMPANION, Cruise with Confidence is available on Amazon http://bit.ly/HandyCruiseCompanioneBook Check out my website http://www.julescruisecompanion.com.au/ Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/julie.burgess.5011 Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julescruisecompanion/?hl=en Copyright JCC