The World visits Milne Bay

Captions: 1. Canadian tourists who were seen delving into Milne Bay's rich World War II history took time to pose happily and with candid smiles at the Alotau War Memorial. 2. An American couple (left) and English couple (right) from The World look at Trobriand artifacts at Alotau's War Memorial Park.3. Renowned Anthropologist Dr Sullivan (second from left) and friends from California pose outside the Alotau market.4.  An American tourist rushes in to the Alotau market for green coconuts to beat down the scorching sun.

 

By LORRAINE JONATHAN                                        

                

 Cruise liner mv The World docked into luxurious tranquility when Milne Bay became its port of call recently.

The Bahamas flag- bearing ship of 250 crew and 200 passengers sent many of its curious passengers ashore on foot and carefree on their bicycles.

Among guests on the 200m-long vessel was renowned anthropologist Dr Nancy Sullivan who is currently based in Madang.

She was accompanied by tourists from California and others from 40 different countries who all exclaimed that they were set to explore beautiful Papua New Guinea.

Dr Sullivan has been a strong advocate of tourism as a way forward for Papua New Guinea and as a guest on The World lectured to tourists from 40 different countries on Papua New Guinea.

"Tourism is good for PNG,” she said.

“It brings much-needed funds to these remote communities, encourages them to maintain a traditional lifestyle and prevents the young men, in particular, from having to seek to work in the cities where they are subject to many dangerous influences."

Dr Sullivan and her friendly entourage cycled to the Alotau War Memorial which was highlighted on the day of their arrival by Trobriand craftsmen and their impressive artwork.

 Soon after they parked their bicycles outside the Alotau Town Market next to several marketing stalls of the informal sector sprawled at the entrance of the market.

While a few stepped in to grab some young, thirst-quenching coconuts and cordial ice blocks, the more adventurous tourists made a bolder move toward the betelnut and tobacco stalls.

The tourists cycled through the outskirts of the quiet town while most of the local people observed a quiet Sunday of Christian worship.

The World, which departed on the same day that afternoon, is no ordinary cruise liner but a floating residential community owned by residents of the ship from 40 different countries.

While she shares similar facilities to those on board a cruise liner, she is more unique because of her residential nature.

Her features include a grocery store and delicatessen, boutique, athletic facilities that include a golf simulator, putting green, casino, full-sized tennis court, jogging track and gym.

The World boasts four restaurants and entertainment including a movie theatre and music performances.

 Classes are also offered for dance, navigation, cooking, language, arts and crafts, music, computers and photography

Her 200-300m bedroom luxury apartments have open plan living and dining areas with master and guest bedrooms that have ensuite bathing facilities.

A full-sized kitchen is also a feature and Internet access is provided to each residence.

The World's website www.aboardtheworld.com describes having a private apartment onboard as "the magic carpet that provides you with the ride of your life with the comfort of home".

While some residents live onboard full time others visit their floating home periodically through the year as their ship slowly circumnavigates the globe.