Bali
Bali 05/08/2024
Arrive in Bali and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow travelers this evening at a welcome reception. (D),
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05/08/2024 |
05/08/2024 |
Bali
Bali 05/09/2024
This morning, we check out of the hotel and head off into the countryside and the artists' town of Ubud—famous for silver working, wood carving, and batik. As we wind our way up into the hills, we'll pass exquisite Hindu temples, lush forests, small villages, and the terraced rice fields cut into the cliffs. From water buffalo, to ducks, to harvest, learn how all the pieces of rice production flow together and nothing is wasted. Following lunch, and free time to wander through the galleries in Ubud, we'll head back to Benoa where we embark the National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D),
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05/09/2024 |
05/09/2024 |
Ubud
Ubud 05/09/2024
This morning, we check out of the hotel and head off into the countryside and the artists' town of Ubud—famous for silver working, wood carving, and batik. As we wind our way up into the hills, we'll pass exquisite Hindu temples, lush forests, small villages, and the terraced rice fields cut into the cliffs. From water buffalo, to ducks, to harvest, learn how all the pieces of rice production flow together and nothing is wasted. Following lunch, and free time to wander through the galleries in Ubud, we'll head back to Benoa where we embark the National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D),
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05/09/2024 |
05/09/2024 |
Cruise Starts (Embarkation)
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 05/09/2024
This morning, we check out of the hotel and head off into the countryside and the artists' town of Ubud—famous for silver working, wood carving, and batik. As we wind our way up into the hills, we'll pass exquisite Hindu temples, lush forests, small villages, and the terraced rice fields cut into the cliffs. From water buffalo, to ducks, to harvest, learn how all the pieces of rice production flow together and nothing is wasted. Following lunch, and free time to wander through the galleries in Ubud, we'll head back to Benoa where we embark the National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D),
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05/09/2024 |
05/09/2024 |
Benoa
Benoa 05/09/2024
This morning, we check out of the hotel and head off into the countryside and the artists' town of Ubud—famous for silver working, wood carving, and batik. As we wind our way up into the hills, we'll pass exquisite Hindu temples, lush forests, small villages, and the terraced rice fields cut into the cliffs. From water buffalo, to ducks, to harvest, learn how all the pieces of rice production flow together and nothing is wasted. Following lunch, and free time to wander through the galleries in Ubud, we'll head back to Benoa where we embark the National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Bali Highlights & Twin Lakes - 9 hours - Benoa
Highlights:
- Your adventure begins at the conclusion of your welcoming ceremony.
- After boarding your motor coach you’ll drive through the emerald green hills and into central Bali.
- Your first stop is Sangeh Monkey Forest, a 34-acre sanctuary for hundreds of monkeys.
- Visit the 400-year-old Pura Bukit Sari Sangeh Temple.
- Next on your itinerary, you’ll see Lake Bratan. Located almost 4,000 feet above sea level, this sparkling lake sits in the crater of Mt. Catur.
- Then, you’ll make a photo stop at a viewing area where you can look out over the “twin lakes,” Buyan Lake, the smallest lake in Bali, and Tamblingan Lake.
- Continuing on, you’ll head over to the highland village of Munduk for lunch.
- After lunch, you’ll visit the colourful Pasar Candi Kuning market. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also purchase handicrafts, paintings, and fabrics.
- Your final destination is the village of Tohpati, famous for its fine batik. After observing the batik process you can try your hand at painting traditional batik designs.
- Later, you're invited to browse for souvenirs, gifts and fine Balinese crafts.
- When your exciting highland exploration comes to an end, you’ll return to your motorcoach, perhaps laden with crafts from the market or Tohpati, for the relaxing ride back to your ship.
Tour Duration: 9 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Benoa Port
- Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance, Welcome dance
- Soft drinks/ mineral water/ refreshments, Lunch
Not Included:
- Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance
- All services which are not mentioned on the program above.
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Bali’s Heritage Sites – 9 hours - Benoa
Highlights:
- After a traditional Balinese pendet welcome dance, you’ll board your motorcoach and travel to Tohpati near the capital city of Denpasar. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful landscapes of coastal plains, lush terraced hillsides, rice paddies, and fruit and spice plantations.
- Once you arrive in Tohpati, you’ll visit a factory to see first hand the entire batik process.
- After observing the batik process you can try your hand at painting traditional batik designs.
- Later, you're invited to browse for souvenirs, gifts and fine Balinese crafts.
- Re-board your coach and travel to Penglipuran Culture Village. The village people live under strict rules just like their ancestors centuries ago.
- Continuing on, you’ll visit Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple of Bali. Perched over 3,000 feet up the gentle slopes of Mt. Agung, Bali’s largest and holiest temple dates back 2,000 years.
- Next, is a delicious buffet lunch featuring Indonesian dishes in the village of Rendang. As you enjoy your meal, marvel at the breathtaking views of the rice paddies and Mt. Agung.
- Following lunch, you’ll journey to the village of Klungkung for a photo stop at Kertha Gosa.
- Finally, you’ll travel to your ship with photos and memories to share with everyone back home.
Tour Duration: 9 hours
Tour can operate: Full day
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Benoa Port
- Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance, Welcome dance
- Soft drinks / mineral water / refreshments / lunch / snacks
Not Included:
- Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance.
- All services which are not mentioned on the program above.
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Mt. Batur & Rural Bali with a Local Family – 8 hours - Benoa
Highlights:
- This unique full-day excursion not only introduces you to a local family but offers you the opportunity to learn a little bit about their culture and language.
- Your day begins with a pendet welcome ceremony at the pier.
- Then, you’ll board your motorcoach and travel into central Bali.
- You’ll continue on to a charming village and disembark at a Balinese home and meet a local family. After a warm welcome, you’ll join them for a traditional Balinese breakfast, which may include fried banana fritters and rice cakes served with coffee or tea.
- Later, you’ll go for a stroll through the village and stop for a welcome dance performed by local children. Then, you’ll walk through the farms and watch the farmers at work in the rice fields.
- To experience the spiritual side of Bali, you’ll climb back aboard your coach bound for Kehen Temple, considered the most beautiful Hindu temple on the island.
- You’ll then proceed to an Indonesian buffet lunch in the village of Kintamani, which sits on the edge of Mt. Batur. Relax over your delicious meal while marvelling at the outstanding views of the active volcano and the sparkling waters of Lake Batur
- Kemenuh is the centre of the intricate art of woodcarving. You’ll visit a woodcarving studio and watch skilled craftsmen.
- Before returning to port, you can comb through the gallery and purchase these wooden works of art that capture the spirit of this incredible place.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Full day
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Benoa Port
- Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance, Welcome dance
- Soft drinks/ mineral water/ refreshments, Balinese breakfast, lunch
Not Included:
- Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance
- All services which are not mentioned on the program above
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05/09/2024 |
05/09/2024 |
Satonda Island
Satonda Island 05/10/2024
Our first stop is the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda — a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island's sacred lake. This afternoon, visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively cultural display. Witness a traditional wedding ceremony and a local boxing match. (B,L,D),
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05/10/2024 |
05/10/2024 |
Kananga
Kananga 05/10/2024
Our first stop is the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda — a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island's sacred lake. This afternoon, visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively cultural display. Witness a traditional wedding ceremony and a local boxing match. (B,L,D),
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05/10/2024 |
05/10/2024 |
Komodo
Komodo 05/11/2024
Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world's largest living lizard—the Komodo dragon. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers, who will join us on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then, 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),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Komodo Dragon Adventure with Pink Beach – 4 hours - Komodo
Highlights:
- During your half-day adventure, you’ll take an approximately 30 minute moderately active trek through the dry, tropical grasslands to a viewing point for a look at these massive creatures, later, you’ll cool off in the sparkling waters of nearby Pink Beach.
- After boarding the tender, you’ll cruise across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to Komodo Island.
- Once you step off at the park’s entrance, you’ll be met by a friendly English-speaking guide and a park ranger who will share their intimate knowledge of the park as you head out on an approximately 30 minute moderately active walk.
- After arriving at the viewing point have your camera ready, a Komodo dragon or two may make an appearance.
- To experience this undersea phenomenon for yourself you’ll return to the jetty for the transfer by boat to Pink Beach where you can swim and dive in the inviting waters (snorkelling gear will be provided).
- Then, take in the splendid views as your boat glides through the ocean on your return trip to your ship with wonderful memories to share both with passengers and family back home.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Loh Liang Jetty
- National Park Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance
- Soft drinks / mineral water / refreshments
- Snorkeling equipment
Not Included:
- Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance
- All services which are not mentioned on the program above.
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05/11/2024 |
05/11/2024 |
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Maumere (Flores)
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05/12/2024 |
05/12/2024 |
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Watublapi
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05/12/2024 |
05/12/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 05/13/2024
Flores was once an important Portuguese trading center for sandalwood. Known for producing some of the finest ikat weaving in the world, we'll meet the people of this arid island when we travel inland from Maumere to the weaving village of Watublapi. Whereas many other local weaving communities switched to industrially spun yarn and chemical dyes for the sake of saving time and money, the weavers of Watublapi still use the traditional, handspun yarn made out of local cotton, as well as local natural dyes. We'll also see a cultural dance presentation. (B,L,D),
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05/13/2024 |
05/13/2024 |
Banda Neira
Banda Neira 05/14/2024
Sail into the Moluccas archipelago, also known as Maluku or the Spice Islands. In the heart of the Moluccas lay the Banda Islands, where a kora kora, or traditional war canoe, escorts us to the enchanted isle of Banda Neira, which was 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, built to protect the profitable spice trade. Next to Banda Neira, the near perfect conical volcano of Banda Api will be visible, quietly steaming away, and the crystal-clear waters provide us with some great swimming and snorkeling. (B,L,D),
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05/14/2024 |
05/14/2024 |
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat 05/15/2024
Snorkel and dive one of the richest and most intricate marine regions in the world. Explore the steep coral walls and drop offs that are brimming with amazing life — colorful corals, giant clams, and literally hundreds of different fish species. Above sea level, the experiences are just as amazing, with lush islands, towering limestone pinnacles jutting out of the water, and hidden white-sand coves to discover by Zodiac or kayak. On Gam Island, birders may join a pre-dawn nature walk to try to catch a glimpse of the ethereal red bird-of-paradise. (B,L,D),
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05/15/2024 |
05/16/2024 |
MacCluer Gulf
MacCluer Gulf 05/17/2024
Soaring mountains, pristine rainforest, and dozens of the most ancient, primal tribes on the planet can be found on this amazing section of Indonesia. Use Zodiacs to get up close to 20,000-year-old rock art near the fishing village of Kokas. Explore the fascinating skull caves and rock art of the Macassan culture. See the remains of the secret underground Japanese bunkers built here during World War II. Witness the traditional gaba-gaba, or stick dance, and learn about the myriad cultures that have passed through this region. (B,L,D),
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05/17/2024 |
05/17/2024 |
Kokas
Kokas 05/17/2024
Soaring mountains, pristine rainforest, and dozens of the most ancient, primal tribes on the planet can be found on this amazing section of Indonesia. Use Zodiacs to get up close to 20,000-year-old rock art near the fishing village of Kokas. Explore the fascinating skull caves and rock art of the Macassan culture. See the remains of the secret underground Japanese bunkers built here during World War II. Witness the traditional gaba-gaba, or stick dance, and learn about the myriad cultures that have passed through this region. (B,L,D),
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05/17/2024 |
05/17/2024 |
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At Sea
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05/18/2024 |
05/18/2024 |
Asmat District
Asmat District 05/19/2024
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 us to one of the stilt villages on shore, where we'll attend a fascinating welcome ceremony. Our subsequent exploration will be dictated by the tides, as we venture to neighboring villages by Zodiac and encounter the ancient culture of the Asmat people, who are renowned for their woodcarving. (B,L,D),
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05/19/2024 |
05/19/2024 |
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Captain's Choice
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05/20/2024 |
05/20/2024 |
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Aru Island
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05/21/2024 |
05/21/2024 |
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Torres Strait
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05/22/2024 |
05/22/2024 |
Gulf of Papua
Gulf of Papua 05/23/2024
We leave the Asmat region and sail through the Aru and Arafura Seas. During the last ice age, when sea levels were over 100 meters lower than they are today, this region was a land bridge between Australia and New Guinea. We transit the shallow, island-strewn Torres Strait, which separates Australia from New Guinea, to enter the Gulf of Papua. We'll explore the coast and scattered islands looking for that perfect place to spend some time on a deserted beach or snorkeling through a reef bursting with color and life. (B,L,D),
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05/23/2024 |
05/23/2024 |
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Samarai Island
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05/24/2024 |
05/24/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 05/25/2024
It's hard to imagine today that Samarai Island was once a bustling trading port and the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea. The town was evacuated at the onset of the Pacific War and many of its buildings deliberately destroyed. When the war ended, Samarai never regained its earlier importance. Life is much slower paced nowadays, and we'll have a chance to meet and be greeted by the town's residents. As we depart, be sure to be out on deck as the ship cruises through the beautiful neighboring islands.,
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05/25/2024 |
05/25/2024 |
Honiara
Honiara 05/26/2024
Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then, transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will overnight at a local hotel. (B,L),
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05/26/2024 |
05/26/2024 |
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 05/26/2024
Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then, transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will overnight at a local hotel. (B,L),
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05/26/2024 |
05/26/2024 |
Air Travel
Air Travel 05/26/2024
Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then, transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will overnight at a local hotel. (B,L),
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05/26/2024 |
05/26/2024 |
Brisbane
Brisbane 05/26/2024
Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then, transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will overnight at a local hotel. (B,L),
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05/26/2024 |
05/26/2024 |
Brisbane
Brisbane 05/27/2024
Transfer this morning to the airport for your flight home. (B),
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05/27/2024 |
05/27/2024 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
