Learn about the tapestry of cultures and customs that make up Indonesia on this 17-day cruise from Bali to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Relax on secluded beaches and snorkel and dive extraordinary coral reefs. Rich in wildlife, this South Pacific cruise will not disappoint.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Bali and board the National Geographic Orion for your Indonesian adventure! (D)
Day 2: Sumbawa, Lesser Sunda Islands
Stop at the Indonesian island of Sumbawa and attend a lively cultural display put on by local villagers. Among the festivities, witness a traditional wedding ceremony and a local boxing match. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Komodo
Arrive at Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living lizard: the Komodo dragon. Join the park rangers to learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants and take a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at 'Pink Beach,' named for the coral fragments that lend their color to the sand. (B,L,D)
Day 4-5: Flores / Alor
Journey to Flores, a small island which was once an important Portuguese sandalwood trading center. Visit the town of Larantuka, a refuge for deserters of the Dutch East India Company, and meet with the locals to learn about their history and customs. Travel to the island of Alor, known for the rich biodiversity of its reefs, and venture to its rugged interior to experience the traditions of the indigenous population. Visit a market selling intricate ikat textiles, and marvel at ancient bronze moko drums at a local museum. (B,L,D)
Day 6-7: At Sea / Banda Islands, Moluccas
Amid the glittering Banda Sea lie isolated coral reefs and atolls. Take a day to explore these tropical gems, then sail into the Moluccas archipelago, also known as Maluku or the Spice Islands. Visit the nutmeg-rich island of Run, which played a pivotal role in the 17th century spice wars and was traded by the British in exchange for the Dutch island of New Amsterdam, later renamed New York. Delve into the history of the Dutch East India Company at Bandanaira island, and go swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. (B,L,D)
Day 8-9: The Banda and Arafura Seas
In true expedition fashion, these two days remain flexible to take full advantage of the conditions of the moment. Whether exploring on walks ashore, or with mask, fins and snorkel, this region is rich with possibilities.
Day 10-12: At Sea / The Asmat
Arrive in the enchanting Asmat region, which spreads across mud flats and mangrove forests, with raised wooden boardwalks linking one village to the next. Elaborately painted “warriors” escort you to one of the stilt villages on shore to attend a fascinating welcome ceremony.
Your next exploration is dictated by the tides, as you venture to neighboring villages by Zodiac and encounter the ancient culture of the Asmat people, who are renowned for their woodcarving. (B,L,D)
Day 13-14: At Sea/Torres Strait and Thursday Island, Australia
Spend a relaxing day at sea before sailing into the Torres Strait. Stop at Thursday Island to learn about the pearl industry which once made this island known, and continue on to explore Cape York. (B,L,D)
Day 15-16: The Great Barrier Reef and Lizard Island
Spend two days immersed in the wonders of the world's largest reef system: Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel or dive with a vast amounts of marine life, including starfish, sea anemones, reef sharks and turtles. Cruise south along the Queensland coast to Lizard Island National Park, a secluded group of islands considered sacred by the indigenous Dingaal people. Explore the white-sand beaches and coral gardens inhabited by colorful fish and giant clams. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Disembark in Cairns, Australia
Arrive in Cairns and disembark. Transfer to the airport for your connecting flights. (B)
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner