Arrive at Darwin, Australia and embark on Le Laperouse between 3pm tp 4pm. Darwin is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Discover the new Parliament House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture and Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that have survived two cyclones and numerous air raids. You will also enjoy the bustling waterfront of the Timor Sea.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

The Kei Islands are blessed with kilometers of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Beneath the mostly Christian facade, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkeling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.

Triton Bay is one of three regions in Indonesia’s West Papua province that comprise the Bird’s Head Seascape (the other two are Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay), which is now considered by marine biologists to be the epicenter of the Coral Triangle. It contains more fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet. Its unparalleled marine biodiversity and endemism, habitat richness, and relatively intact nature of its ecosystems are unique. Join your expedition team for a zodiac voyage through the spectacular rainforest capped karst islands. Later in the day enjoy the opportunity to explore the richness of the underwater realm.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet with the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges to coral reefs and lush green jungle. The attractions of the remote Banda archipelago seem endless. Better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, these small volcanic landmasses were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries. Every colonial power of significance fought for control of these ten small islands that today have become largely forgotten. Walking the streets of Banda Neira is a surreal experience as your eyes are drawn to the eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture, the remnants of a rich and tumultuous history. It is, without a doubt, the most historically significant and interesting of all the “Spice Islands”.

Ambon is an island steeped in history from the first European contact by the Portuguese in 1526 to its strategic role in WWII. Today there still remains many historical and cultural sites among the remnants of forts built by the Dutch East Indies Company during the heyday of the spice trade. The ANZAC War Cemetery near Ambon commemorates the Allied soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. All this aside, it is the friendliness of the Ambonese people that will leave the greatest impression. Today you have the opportunity to undertake a tour by local bus with your expedition team and local guides to visit the historical and cultural sites across the island.

Legendary underwater explorer and conservationist, Jacques Cousteau referred to the Wakatobi islands as an “Underwater Nirvana”. The Wakatobi Marine Park comprises a total of 1.4 million hectares and is recognized as being one of the most biodiverse marine systems on earth. The region is also home to the largest barrier reef in Indonesia, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.  Located right in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Wakatobi Islands offer crystal clear pristine waters containing a rich biodiversity of underwater life, a true paradise for snorkelers and divers. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkeling on an idyllic uninhabited tropical island.

The unique culture of the Alorese continues among the Takpala indigenous group who have preserved their traditional architecture and ceremonies. The island of Alor is also known as the island of a Thousand Moko’s. The Moko is a small bronze kettledrum which is believed to have originated from the Dong Son culture of Vietnam. However, it remains a mystery as to how these prehistoric Dong Son drums arrived in Alor. Local legend says that the Moko’s were discovered buried in the ground, and indeed mokos are still being uncovered today. Join the expedition team and local guides for a tour by local transport to Takpala village, the Museum of a Thousand Mokos and the thriving main market of Kalabahi.

Imagine a pure blue sky with only a few cotton wool clouds lazily bobbing across it, a calm sea that gently laps against a beach where the soft sand is neither golden nor black, but a delicate powder pink. Pink Beach is one of just seven beaches on the planet where this very special pink sand can be seen. The distinct pink hue results from the mixture of calcareous white sand with the eroded deep red skeleton of the organ pipe corral. The fringing coral reef is in excellent condition, the waters are crystal clear and harbor colorful reef fish that can be found just a short distance from shore. Enjoy an afternoon ashore at Pink beach, one of the easiest places in the tropics to snorkel and explore nature’s richest realm.

Situated on the volcanic island of Komodo, Loh Liang is the gateway to Komodo National Park. This protected nature reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, is home to a wonderfully rich marine environment and numerous terrestrial species. Most notably, the world’s largest living species of lizard, commonly called “the Komodo Dragon”, can be observed there. These prehistoric-looking reptiles can measure more than 3 meters in length and weigh around 70 kg. They can be found nowhere else. You will set off in search of them during a trek, accompanied by park rangers. A unique and unforgettable experience.

If it's a taste of exotic authenticity you're after, prepare to be spell-bound by the island of Bali, tucked away in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. The beauty and diversity of its landscapes, the depth, and richness of its cultural heritage and the plethora of activities on offer here make Bali a little slice of heaven on Earth. Today, disembark and begin your journey home or continue your travels on your own.