This is an expedition itinerary covering remote regions. The captain and expedition team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximize guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of the voyage. Below are the key destinations the ship aims to visit.
This voyage includes 3 full sea days and 8 half sea days. During this time, relax on deck and enjoy onboard presentations from guest lecturers, plus workshops and demonstrations.
Banda Neira
The Banda archipelago is the historic heart of the spice trade and was once the world’s only source of nutmeg until the mid-19th century as Portuguese, Dutch and English fought for control over the spice trade. While approaching and entering the Zonnegat channel, witness a thrilling spectacle as Moluccan rowers in traditional kora kora canoes greet the ship and escort her into the harbor. Go ashore to be welcomed by the nutmeg dance of the local school students, before touring the historic township. Spend time snorkeling and diving over the nearby lava flow reef system and trying local foods along on the waterfront. Explore Fort Belgica, built by the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1611. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance before enjoying a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the fort.
Kitikiti Waterfalls, Mommon Peninsula
Visit the mesmerizing Kitikiti Waterfall, which flows out of the lush jungle and falls directly into the ocean. Enjoy the chance to swim under this truly memorable waterfall, feeling the chilled fresh water meeting the warm ocean water and explore the surrounding crystal clear lagoons by snorkeling or kayaking. Delve deeper into this pristine landscape by Xplorer cruise in search of hidden lagoons or on a rainforest walk and spot exotic birds such as hornbills and birds of paradise along the way.
Misool, Raja Ampat
Arrive at Misool, one of the four largest islands of Raja Ampat. Visit Balbulol Lagoon, an almost landlocked inlet populated with conical-shaped islets undercut at sea level that rise from turquoise waters like Christmas Trees. There is time to swim and kayak amongst the islands in this beautiful lagoon, as well as to explore the island by Xplorer tender vessel and beachcombing. Embarking on a hike here will lead to a higher viewpoint to experience the amazing rock island formations. Also enjoy a Sasi Laut ceremony, a traditional custom of Raja Ampat communities to preserve the ecosystem and effectively protect marine species by limiting fishing during a designated period.
Wayag, Raja Ampat
More Raja Ampat treasures await today. Explore the scattered karst beehives of the Wayag Islands. This natural treasure is nature at its most vibrant both above and below the water, with emerald karst islands rising from the brilliant turquoise water. Explore the magnificent waterways and lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac with time to swim in crystal clear waters and walk on white-sand beaches amongst the many islands. The coral reefs here provide exceptional diving and snorkeling, with many vibrant corals and tropical fish species to discover. After lunch, there is an opportunity for an energetic hike up to famed Pindito Peak, which rewards with panoramic views over the island and its spectacular lagoon.
Sorong, Raja Ampat
Sorong is the ship’s departure point from the Indonesia region. Lush mountains covered with forest surround the town and fishing a is major part of the local economy. Here, go ashore to visit the Sorong Nature Conservation Park to see the big old trees planted by the Dutch many years ago. Also be welcomed by the Moi Tribe, the owners of the land, who are culturally unique from other peoples in the surrounding regions. Enjoy demonstrations such as the making of the traditional Papuan handwork bag and a tour of a dragonfruit plantation. Later, enjoy a relaxing guided walk through the forest to look for birds.
Tobi (Helen Reef), Palau
Enjoy a true expedition stop at the small island of Tobi, home to around 30 people who live a traditional lifestyle. Meet the local people, who speak their own language of Tobian as well as some English; and enjoy snorkeling, swimming and beachcombing from the beach at Helen Reef. The island is known as a nesting site for lesser-crested terns and green sea turtles.
Sonsorol, Palau
Isolated Sonsorol Island is one of the 16 States of Palau and is home to a population of between 25 and 65 people who are culturally and linguistically related to the Yap and Caroline Islands. Learn about their subsistence lifestyle disconnected from the modern world while visiting the village, and dive and snorkel the fringing reef and coral gardens.
Koror, Palau
Koror is the main state of the Republic of Palau, as well as the main island. Koror City is home to about half of the country’s population. The land mass of Koror is not large, with hundreds of islands and islets of volcanic and limestone reef construction that present a stunning vista of craggy forested islands surrounded by emerald seas. Snorkeling and diving at Neco or Carp Island will reveal the underwater wonders to be discovered here. Later, go ashore in Koror, where there may be options to visit the Belau National Museum or Etpison Museum, which celebrates and educates about Palauan culture.
Koror is the main state of the Republic of Palau, as well as the main island. Koror City is home to about half of the country’s population. The land mass of Koror is not large, with hundreds of islands and islets of volcanic and limestone reef construction that present a stunning vista of craggy forested islands surrounded by emerald seas. Snorkelling and diving at Neco or Carp Island will reveal the underwater wonders to be discovered here. Later, go ashore in Koror, where there may be options to visit the Belau National Museum or Etpison Museum, which celebrates and educates about Palauan culture.
Yap, Yap State
Learn about Micronesian Yap Island’s ancient monetary system of stone money, where limestone discs were quarried and carved into coins known as Rai, which can be as large as 13 feet or as small as 4 centimeters in diameter. There is an opportunity to visit the Yap Living History Museum to learn about Micronesian people and their time-honored customs and culture, as well as snorkel and dive the lagoon with its coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Ulithi, Yap State
Snorkel and dive from some of Koror’s palm-fringed beaches on a truly deserted islet in a remote part of the world. Enjoy the tropical vista of white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs home to sea turtles, coconut crabs and sea birds. There is also an opportunity to visit the Ulithi Turtle Project and the vibrant community village.
