On this Indonesian trip to the center of the Coral Triangle experience a world seen by very few. This 19-day voyage aboard 120-guest Coral Geographer or Coral Adventurer begins in Darwin, Australia, and spends time in the nature lover’s paradise of Raja Ampat, with additional time exploring the historic Spice Islands and culturally-rich West Papua; the itinerary also operates in reverse.
Raja Ampat harbors more than 75% of the world’s coral and fish species, offering a dynamically bright reef system for quite possibly the best snorkeling in the world, making it mandatory to get in the water or aboard the glass-bottom boat as many days as possible on this itinerary, to witness the natural wonders of the area. This itinerary includes snorkeling in turquoise water, hiking up to see breathtaking views of karst islands and searching for unique birds.
SCUBA dive (additional cost) with highly qualified, experienced and popular dive instructors who provide an outstanding service to all guests. Dive instructors patiently guide those who have never dived before through a resort dive program and expertly guide certified open-water divers to quality dive sites. A comprehensive range of dive equipment, including wetsuits, is provided.
The Spice Islands also offer incredible snorkeling, but the highlight is certainly the islands’ unique history. With the entire world’s supply of nutmeg and mace between the 12th and 15th centuries, the Spice Islands have drawn explorers from all corners of the world, infusing this area with colonial sights and artifacts traded from faraway cultures. This itinerary offers a tour through a nutmeg plantation, a village tour highlighting remnants of Dutch colonization and experiences of local flair through traditional dances.
The last few days of this Coral Triangle cruise is spent searching for whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, and exploring traditional villages to learn about the unique way of life and interesting customs of the local people.
This Indonesia cruise departs from Darwin, Australia, and finishes with an optional charter flight back to Darwin from Sorong, West Papua. This itinerary also operates in reverse, embarking in Sorong following an optional charter flight from Darwin. An alternative 17-day West Papua, Raja Ampat & Micronesia itinerary travels farther north to explore Micronesia, including Palau and Yap, before disembarking in Yap.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruises and Indonesia trips.
Receive $1,500 in travel credit per person when you book your select 2024 departure of the below-linked Islands of Indonesia Cruise.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Applies to specific dates and itineraries, ask an Adventure Specialist for details. See all cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.
Book your select June-October 2024 departure of The Kimberley Cruise for savings up 25% per person.
Offer valid on new double occupancy bookings only, subject to availability and can only be combined with Explorer Club Benefits for returning travelers. See all cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.
Trace the path of the seafaring 16th century Makassan fishermen on this 15-day Sulawesi cruise. Snorkeling Indonesia is a highlight in the turquoise waters of Taka Bonerate National Park. Kayak, dive and swim amongst vivid marine life and famed waters. Visit Rinca or Komodo Island to see the prehistoric komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. Witness the ancient ceremonies of the Toraja people on an included one-night overland expedition.
SCUBA dive (additional cost) with highly qualified, experienced and popular Dive Instructors who provide an outstanding service to all guests. Dive Instructors patiently guide those who have never dived before through a resort dive program and expertly guide certified open-water divers to quality dive sites. A comprehensive range of dive equipment, including wetsuits, is provided.
On this 15-day itinerary between Australia and Sulawesi, explore the undiscovered paradise of Indonesia’s less-visited islands. Journey into the heart of a region where traditional lifestyles continue in areas of astounding beauty. Encounter traditional cultures from Pulau Alor to Lamalera, Sogori, Torajaland and Tana Beru. Experience the dramatic beauty of Indonesia at Flores, Komodo and Takabonerate. This journey through the archipelago is a feast for the senses.
An alternative 17-day itinerary—Into the Wilds of Borneo—offers the chance to traverse through the islands of the Java Sea from Singapore to Makassar, for rich natural heritage, wildlife and traditional cultures. Explore mighty rivers carved through dense rainforest jungles, discover cultural traditions of unique coastal cities, and connect with rare fauna and flora in the wild. A highlight: cruise the ink-black waters of the Sekonyer River to arrive at the orangutan sanctuary and conservation facility at Camp Leakey.
The 120-guest Coral Geographer is home base for the majority of the trip. Built for adventure and crafted for comfort, Coral Geographer features special attention to food and wine, efficient ship-to-shore operations, stability and Australian flare. Also featured is an overnight at the family-run Toraja Misiliana Hotel in the mountains of Sulawesi.
Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipelago, with over 17,000 islands. Each one has its own allure and its own story. The diversity of the cultures among the Indonesian archipelago is only matched by the diversity of the wildlife. The marine parks are home to the most biodiverse reefs in the world, and the rainforests are home to unique creatures both large and small. Many of Indonesia’s islands are relatively untouched and sometimes difficult to get to, making this Islands of Indonesia small ship cruise the perfect way to see them.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruises and Indonesia trips.
The Coral Geographer is a 120-guest Australian expedition cruising in Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. Built with state-of-the-art expedition features and crafted with convenience in mind, she offers a wine cellar, showcase galley serving fine cuisine, private balconies with most guest cabins, six Zodiacs and two Xplorer tenders. In March 2021, Coral Geographer joined her sister ship, Coral Adventurer, as one of the newest small ships cruising Australia and beyond. Due to demand, Coral Geographer features four additional 600-square-foot suites, for a total of six Bridge Deck Suites, plus many well-stocked bars and an elevator that accesses every deck.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Coral Geographer review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every expedition vessel in Australia. Please read our Coral Geographer review below then contact our experts to compare this ship with other small cruise ships and yachts offering Australia small ship cruises and options to cruise Indonesia.
Choose the Coral Geographer for a top-notch experience with particular attention to food and wine, elevator access to all decks, increased availability for spacious top-deck suites, stability and Australian feel. This new Australia ship delivers one of the most modern expedition platforms to actively adventure along the rugged and remote coastlines of Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia and their neighboring islands.
Coral Geographer’s cultural and laid back common areas feature a motif derived from the Australian lifestyle. Her design focuses on fostering community, offering comfort and showcasing the vistas that she sails through. A shallow draft and state-of-the-art navigation and propulsion systems enable access to places that large cruise ships often cannot reach, and her modern stabilizers ensure a smooth ride. The elevator connects every deck, enabling all guests to easily move about the ship.
Coral Geographer’s over 10,500 square feet of open deck space, including a wraparound Promenade Deck with panoramic views, encourages passengers to soak in the wild nature and inspiring vistas that the ship cruises through. The navigator observation lounge in the Bridge invites guests to interact with the captain and comfortably learn about the ship’s operations and navigation. The lecture lounge on the Bridge Deck offers a library with reference materials that educate on the places and nature that Coral Discoverer welcomes her passengers to. The library also features audio-visual tools for daily expedition briefings and scheduled expert lectures. Also on the Bridge Deck, the multipurpose Expedition Room is a space ready to host special gatherings such as marine research missions.
Coral Geographer’s gym is equipped with elliptical trainers and treadmills for guests with fitness routines. Two public restrooms offer respite without needing to return to your cabin. WiFi is available in all guest areas (added cost), ensuring connectivity for those who want it. The reception desk provides information and the gift shop offers gifts and travel essentials that may not have made it into your suitcase.
Coral Geographer features a special focus on wine paired with crisp, mouthwatering, small-scale cuisine. Her modern showcase galley, beside the dining room at the rear of the Promenade Deck, invites guests to observe the magic in the making of refined modern dishes featuring locally sourced produce. Special diets may be accommodated with advance notice. Meals are served in one seating, at both the long communal “wine” table (finished with Australian stone) in the center of the room, as well as smaller circular tables throughout the dining room. This set up both fosters community among guests as well as provides opportunities for small groups to enjoy meals together.
Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is a plated, multi-course affair. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate Coral Geographer’s discerning wine menu that reflects the depth and variety of Australian wine, as well as the curated wine cellar featuring modestly priced boutique wines for daily drinking and exceptional vintage Australian reds. Showcase wines, artisanal Australian and New Zealand spirits, selected beers, juices and soft drinks are an order away among Coral Geographer’s selection of indoor and outdoor bars, including the Explorer bar on the sundeck, an opportune place to sip sunset drinks with panoramic views. Coffee and a selection of teas are also available around the clock.
Passengers intrigued by Coral Geographer’s mechanical technology are welcome to take an engine room tour. Guests inspired by the authentic cuisine served on board are invited to accompany a chef for a market tour. For the adventurers aboard, two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers at once in full seats with a covered overhead area and a swing-arm, forward-facing ramp that creates a walkway directly to the shore. These tenders are cradled on the aft of the Explorer Deck, from where guests can easily embark and disembark right from the ship. The Xplorers are then hydraulically lowered and raised between the Explorer Deck and the ocean. Coral Geographer’s six Zodiacs are raised and lowered from the Bridge Deck, enabling more rugged exploration. On select departures, kayaks and/or a glass-bottom boat are also on board.
Coral Geographer features one suite category and three stateroom categories, all exterior-facing with portholes or view windows and en suite bathrooms. All cabins receive daily housekeeping and offer optional laundry service available at an added fee. All staterooms are twin share and feature authentic, native Australian flare that complements the casual yet plush ambience found throughout the ship. Common to all cabins are a wardrobe, desk, arm chair and generous storage space. Cabin amenities include a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and an alarm clock. Electrical outlets are 10amp, accommodating two or three pins.
Toraja Misiliana Hotel, owned and run by a local Torajan family since 1980, offers 105 guest rooms that are designed with a combination of international ambiance and traditional Torajanese culture. All rooms offer magnificent views of beautiful gardens or a mountain panorama with a peaceful atmosphere. And the over 150 staff members ensure that all guests are treated with care—the reason that Toraja Misiliana Hotel has won countless national and international awards.
The hotel is located in the center of Toraja Land, making it the most accessible hotel by public transportation as well as close to the main tourist attractions. Toraja Misiliana Hotel faces the Sa’ dan river and is only 1.25 miles away from Rantepao town and 7.5 miles from Pongtiku airport. After a long day, guests enjoy the uniquely shaped swimming pool, the tennis court or spa that offers a traditional massage treatment.
Guests at Misiliana Hotel experience the beauty and excitement of Toraja culture combined with 24-hour, high quality service and facilities, bringing the true Toraja spirit. The property puts Toraja culture on display with hand-woven fabrics throughout, Toraja coffee on order and ceremonies on the calendar.
There are a variety of room options at this Indonesian hotel. All rooms offer air conditioning, a private bathroom with shower (most also with a tub), WiFi, a television, telephone, minibar, gourmet breakfast, a mountain or garden view and a welcome fruit plate. Most rooms also come equipped with a safe and select rooms offer a hair dryer.
The Deluxe and Deluxe Plus room includes two twins or a queen bed, with roughly 485 square feet (45 sq m). The Cottage Suite is designed and decorated following the shape of the Toraja traditional house, offering twin beds or a queen bed and roughly 375 square feet (35 sq m). The Tongkonan Suite is an authentic Toraja traditional house, with one queen bed and approximately 430 square feet (40 sq m).
The Junior Suite offers a romantic, wood-carved building with a queen bed and roughly 645 square feet (60 sq m). The Family Suite‘s 915-square-foot (85 sq m) two-story house offers a kitchen, dining room, living room and balcony; its king bed and two twin beds sleeps 4 adults or a family of 5. The Executive Suite offers 387 square feet (36 sq m) of luxury: a pantry, dining room, living room, indoor and partial outdoor bathroom, plus one king or two twin beds.
Finally, the President Suite is palatial at 1,615 square feet (150 sq m), offering a pantry, dining room, living room, work space, private breakfast, butler service, private entry, dedicated security system and a king bed.
Travel from Australia aboard the 120-guest Coral Adventurer to the remote sights and sounds of the rarely visited New Guinea. On these New Guinea cruises, experience some of the world’s most striking and intact cultural regions as they emerge into the 21st century and venture into the most remote corners of Papua New Guinea on a series of distinct departures with trip lengths to suit a range of travel needs.
The main, 13-day New Guinea cruises are an opportunity to immerse into the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea that is rarely seen and mostly inaccessible by land. Papua New Guinea is home to the largest area of intact rainforest outside of the Amazon. This voyage uncovers little-visited islands, volcanic mountains and pristine rainforest wilderness areas forged by mighty rivers. Sail past spectacular Kadovar Islands, known for its volcanic activity. Venture up the mighty Sepik River to see riverfront village life little changed in hundreds of years. Buy traditional crafts such as masks and carvings at the village market of Bien. Snorkel, swim or dive on vibrant reefs at the Fly Islands and visit the unique Bubbling Springs Reef at Dobu.
An alternative 22-day itinerary—Through the Islands & Atolls of Micronesia—is not listed (inquire for details). Cruise westbound from Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, to Sorong, Indonesia, with visits to all four states of the Federated States of Micronesia: Yap, Cuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae.
Read on for details about this Papua New Guinea cruise, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Pacific Island cruises and Pacific Island trips.
Built for adventure and crafted for comfort, the 120-guest Coral Adventurer Australian expedition ship offers a wine cellar, open galley serving small-batch cuisine, private balconies, six Zodiacs and two Xplorer tenders. This sister ship to the Coral Geographer, built in Norway and launched in 2019, is one of the newest small ships cruising Australia and beyond. Notable features include multiple well-stocked bars, two 600-square-foot suites and an elevator accessing all decks.
Choose the Coral Adventurer for a first-class experience with special attention to food and wine, efficient ship-to-shore operations, stability and Australian flare. This new Australia ship delivers one of the most modern adventure platforms to actively explore the rugged and remote coastlines of Australia, Indonesia and their neighboring islands.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Coral Adventurer firsthand, and can help you compare this vessel to other small cruise ships offering Australia cruises, New Zealand small ship cruises, Indonesia cruises and Pacific Island cruises. Read our dedicated Coral Adventurer Ship Review written by one of our specialists, or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Coral Adventurer, including deck plans, cabin images and a photo gallery. We’ve been aboard many Pacific Island and Australia expedition ships and can be your ultimate resource to discover if this is the best small ship for your travel needs.
Coral Adventurer’s authentic and casual spaces feature materials, art and colors derived from the Australian lifestyle. Her design focuses on communal living, livability and vistas. A shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allow access to locations normally closed to large cruise ships, and her active stabilizers dampen sea motion. An elevator accesses all but one deck (Vista Deck), ensuring everyone can move about the ship with ease. The stern is equipped with a multi level hydraulic lift that lowers the Xplorer tender to the Coral Deck to facilitate comfortable and easy access to daily excursions for all.
Coral Adventurer’s more than 10,500 square feet of open deck space, including a wraparound Promenade Deck with panoramic views, invites guests to take in the surrounding beauty firsthand. The navigator observation lounge in the bridge welcomes guests to chat with the captain and comfortably observe the ship’s operations and navigation. The lecture lounge on the Bridge Deck features an onboard reference library with reference materials reflecting Coral Adventurer’s destinations and wildlife, and is equipped with multimedia capabilities for daily expedition briefings and scheduled expert presentations. Also on the Bridge Deck, the Expedition Room offers a multipurpose room to host marine research missions, adding to Coral Adventurer’s atmosphere of a purpose-driven expedition vessel.
Her gym enables workouts as desired on elliptical trainers and treadmills. Four public restrooms offer respite without needing to return to your cabin. WiFi is available in all guest areas (added cost), ensuring connectivity for those who want it. The reception area provides information and the gift shop offers items that may have missed being packed, among other items.
Coral Adventurer offers her guests a special focus on wine paired with fresh, indulgent, small-batch cuisine. Her unique open galley, beside the dining room on the aft of the Promenade Deck, invites guests to watch as exquisite modern dishes featuring locally sourced Australian produce are prepared. Special diets may be accommodated with advance notice. Meals are served in one seating, at one long communal ‘wine’ table (finished with Australian stone) in the center of the room, surrounded by smaller circular tables; this arrangement encourages mingling with fellow travelers as well as caters to small groups. Choose to also enjoy your first two meals of the day on the stern of the Promenade Deck eating outside with the ocean air.
Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is a plated, multi-course affair. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate Coral Adventurer’s selective wine list that reflects the depth and variety of Australian wine, as well as the curated wine cellar featuring modestly priced boutique wines for daily drinking and exceptional vintage Australian reds. Showcase wines, artisanal Australian and New Zealand spirits, selected beers, juices and soft drinks are available throughout Coral Adventurer’s multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including the Explorer bar on the sundeck which offers an excellent spot to enjoy sunset drinks with 180-degree views. Other beverages include 24-hour coffee and a selection of teas.
Travelers interested in Coral Adventurer’s inner workings are invited to take an engine room tour. On select Indonesia and Pacific Island departures, those interested in the native cuisine may accompany a chef on a market tour. For the explorers aboard, two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers at once in full seats with a covered overhead area and a swing-arm, forward-facing ramp that creates a walkway directly to the shore. These tenders are cradled on the aft of the Explorer Deck then hydraulically lowered to the Coral Deck where guests can easily embark and disembark right from the ship. Coral Adventurer’s six Zodiacs are raised and lowered from the Bridge Deck, enabling more intrepid exploration. On select Indonesia and Pacific Island departures, kayaks and/or a glass-bottom boat are also on board.
Coral Adventurer features one suite category and four stateroom categories, all outside and above deck with portholes or view windows and en suite bathrooms. All cabins are serviced daily with optional laundry service available at an added fee. All staterooms are twin share and feature Australian decorations that complement the informal yet upscale atmosphere found throughout the ship. Common to all cabins are a wardrobe, desk, arm chair and ample storage space. Cabin amenities include a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and an alarm clock. Electrical outlets are 10amp, accommodating two or three pins.
On this 11- or 12-day Cape York-based expedition of the remote Northern Australian coastline, cruise between Cairns and either Horn Island or Darwin to experience traditions unchanged for centuries, sacred rock art and remote lands only permitted accessible by a fortunate few. Become immersed in the ancient indigenous cultures and prehistoric landscapes found along the northern reaches of Australia’s coastline. Land at the northernmost tip of Australia at Pajinka on Cape York for a champagne toast. Learn and understand the song-lines and lore that shaped this ancient culture, and allow your expert guide to interpret ancient rock art. This journey follows in the wake of Captain James Cook’s voyage of discovery into the communities and cultures of the people of this remarkable coast almost 250 years ago.
The 12-day Cape York & Arnhem Land itinerary (operating east- and westbound) features both northeastern and northern Australian coastline, visiting sites in both Queensland and the Northern Territories. This voyage of discovery takes you far off the beaten track with unique visits to Arnhem Land. An anthropologic journey, this Australian small ship cruise explores the rich cultures of the Tiwi and the Torres Strait, where guests are warmly welcomed to the country. Journey into traditional lands from Cape York and into Yolngu territory in Arnhem Land. See how generations have passed on artistic traditions and how this important cultural legacy is being kept alive today at world renowned art centers.
The 11-day Torres Strait and Cape York itinerary (operating north- and southbound) focuses on northeastern Australia’s Queensland coastline. Experience the vibrant art, culture and natural beauty of the Torres Strait Islands, including community visits of Badu and Moa Islands. Experience remote Osprey Reef, called an “oasis for living creatures of all kinds” by Sir David Attenborough. Snorkel remote reefs and bird-watch at Davie Cay on the northern Great Barrier Reef. Explore Lizard Island’s reefs and beaches and hike to historic Cook’s Look. Share time with local artists and purchase from the source in community art centers. And learn about Indigenous culture and maritime history at Cooktown and Restoration Island. Every 11-day departure offers the opportunity to SCUBA dive (additional cost) with highly qualified, experienced and popular Dive Instructors who provide an outstanding service to all guests. Dive Instructors patiently guide those who have never dived before through a resort dive program and expertly guide certified open-water divers to quality dive sites. A comprehensive range of dive equipment, including wetsuits, is provided.
Passage is aboard either the 72-guest Coral Discoverer or 120-guest Coral Adventurer, both expedition ships featuring a uniquely Australian onboard atmosphere with stylish furnishings, considerable deck space and modern facilities. While exploring Australia’s northernmost territory, appreciate your ship’s glass-bottom boat and Xplorer tender with a water-activity platform for easy entry into the water.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Australia cruises and Australia trips.
This classic 8-day Australia small ship cruise uncovers the secrets of the Great Barrier Reef—an incredible underwater world hidden just beneath the water’s surface. Whether you experience the reef by glass-bottom boat, snorkeling or diving, it is a mystical world filled with coral, marine life and vibrant tropical fish. The informative crew will always be on hand to provide assistance and information about the fascinating reef life and habitat. An experienced dive instructor will also be there to support the exhilarating experience of scuba diving around the Great Barrier Reef.
Discover a paradise of remote and uninhabited islands. Become a relaxed beachcomber or an inquisitive adventurer. The starkness of the remote and unique coral cays will fascinate you. Go snorkeling and coral viewing among teeming fish life on pristine outer reefs and exclusive mooring destinations, offering a unique and unmatched experience of the Reef, all abundant with marine life and dancing corals.
In Cairns, take time to independently explore the city. Discover Cooktown’s fascinating historical museum, offering artifacts including the original anchor and cannon that was jettisoned overboard after Captain James Cook’s ship Endeavour struck a reef and began taking on water. Or visit the Botanic Gardens, where you may catch a glimpse of native Australian wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies. Top off the adventure with a stop on a private island for special sunset drinks.
Special Citizen Science on The Great Barrier Reef themed departures offer a conservation focus with opportunities to meet with researchers, learn about conservation work and participate in citizen science projects. These departures feature their own unique routes; contact an Adventure Specialist for details.
Board the 72-guest Coral Discoverer for your 8-day Great Barrier Reef small ship cruise and enjoy one of the most comprehensive reef tours in Australia. This expedition ship offers an onboard atmosphere of Australian hospitality, with stylish furnishings, generous public spaces and updated technology. Appreciate opportunities to kayak; snorkel; and cruise in a Zodiac, glass-bottom boat or the ship’s special Xplorer tender.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises in Australia and trips to Australia.