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Experience the magic of Palau

Voyage To The Spice Islands & The Coral Triangle

Example 16 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
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Sail for the tropical paradise of the Spice Islands and the Coral Triangle on this 16-day South Pacific Cruise! Dive beneath the crystal waves to experience pristine coral reef systems, and step on shore to interact with the villagers who still live in the area.
View an underwater world as you sail from the Spice IslandsExperience the beauty of the Spice IslandsExperience the wonder and beauty of the Spice IslandsSnorkel off stunning sand beachesView unique underwater wildlifeExperience the magic of Palau
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1-2: Palau / Embark

Arrive in Palau and overnight in a hotel.

Day 3: Palau, Micronesia/Embark Ship

The Palau Archipelago is a well kept idyllic secret, rich in natural beauty and steeped in ancient culture. Relax at your hotel or set off for a day exploring the islands before boarding the National Geographic Orion in the afternoon.
Dive or snorkel in the lagoon to get a first taste of the vibrant coral reefs, or pay a visit to Jellyfish Lake. After centuries of biological isolation, the huge jellyfish in the lake have lost their ability to sting, making them safe to swim with.

Day 4: Palaus Rock Islands

Spend the day in the Rock Islands' Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the area by zodiac and discover the rich flora and fauna which await onshore. Alternatively, relax on the whitest beaches you will ever see and snorkel or dive among the gardens of coral.

Day 5: At Sea

Spend a day at sea as you sail south towards the Raja Ampat archipelago. Settle in to life on board by stopping at the bridge or attending presentations from the expedition team.

Day 6-8: Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Arrive in the Raja Ampat Archipelago, which has been found to have the richest coral reef biodiversity for its size in the world. The Coral Triangle features 75% of all known coral species and more than 1,220 types of reef fish. Zodiac to the shore to receive a big Papuan welcome and attend several cultural events, such as a mock wedding ceremony, cooking displays, and a visit to the school. The Misool Islands, one of the famed ‘Four Kings’ of the Raja Ampat region, are a mecca for snorkelers, divers, and kayakers.

Day 9: Kokas & Arguni, Fak Fak, Indonesia

Visit Kokas and Arguni to view the soaring mountains, pristine rain forest, and dozens of the most ancient, primal tribes on the planet. Use zodiacs to get up close to 20,000-year-old rock art near the fishing village of Kokas and explore the fascinating skull caves and rock art of the Macassan culture. See the remains of the secret underground Japanese bunkers which were built on the island during World War II. Witness the traditional gabagaba and learn about the myriad cultures which have passed through the region.

Day 10: Bandanaira, Banda Islands, Moluccas

Sail into the Molucca archipelago, also known as the Spice Islands. Aa kora kora, or traditional war canoe, escorts you to the enchanting island of Banda Naira, which once the center of the Spice Island trade and a hub of the Dutch East India Company. Stroll past Dutch architecture, and visit Fort Belgica, which was built to protect the spice trade.

Day 11: Banda Run, Banda Islands, Moluccas

In the morning, arrive on the island of Run, best known for being traded for New Amsterdam (later renamed New York) in the 17th century. Stroll among the nutmeg trees on the island, thought to be over 400 years old, as you explore and learn about the island's fascinating history.

Day 12-14: Southeast Moluccas

Sail for Indonesia’s 'Forgotten Islands,' the Southeast Moluccas. This series of archipelagos spans over 200,000 square miles of ocean and features hundreds of islands. The undersea world of the Banda Sea is extraordinary, while the remote islands offer interesting opportunities for encounters with local cultures and endemic flora and fauna. Your schedule in the area is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected. Explore by zodiac and kayak on the water and use the ship's full arsenal of tools for inland exploration.

Day 15: At Sea

Enjoy the views as you sail back towards port.

Day 16: Darwin / Disembark

Disembark in Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory. Relax in a dayroom or explore the city, before transferring to the airport for your connecting flight home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
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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.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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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.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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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.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
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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.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
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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.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
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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.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
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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.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
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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.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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