destination
australia
z-Dragons and Spice - Darwin to Singapore
trip specifics
price
2011 Rates
|
Superior |
$10,995 |
|
Majestic |
$11,495 |
|
Premium |
$12,195 |
|
Classic |
$13,195 |
|
Explorer |
$15,095 |
|
Grand Titan |
$17,595 |
|
Owners Suite |
$25,595 |
duration
17 daystrip dates
Coming Soon!trip level
view explanation
highlights
Darwin, AustraliaBathurst Island
Kupan, Timor, Indonesia
Waingapu, Sumba
Pura Kanbera
Komodo Island Park
Balobalong Besar
Padang Bai, Bali
Semarang, Java
Karimun Jawa Island
Kumai, Kalimantan, Borneo
Tanjung Padan
Belitung Island
Singapore
accomm types
Small Ship
This cruise is one segment of the year long Voyage of the Great Explorers world cruise and is part of Chapter 6: Ferdinand Magellan — In Search of the Spice Islands. Magellan’s search for a sea route to the Spice Islands led him across the Pacific Ocean. On the final chapter of your global world circumnavigation, you’ll travel from Darwin to the Spice Islands of Indonesia, then on to Singapore. En route, you’ll explore intriguing cultures, and discover wildlife ranging from extraordinarily beautiful to completely bizarre.
Small Ship World Cruises aboard the Spirit of Oceanus
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Day 1 - Darwin, Australia
Arrive in Darwin, Australia and check into your included hotel.
Day 2 - Darwin, Australia
Capital of the Northern Territory and by far the most populated and largest of the area’s cities, Darwin is situated on a gulf of the Timor Sea, and serves as regional center of the “Top End.” Most modern of Australia’s capitals, Darwin (named after Charles) has been rebuilt twice, once after Japanese bombings in WWII, and again after cyclone Tracy in 1974. Morning at leisure. Prior to embarkation, enjoy a highlight tour of Darwin en route to the ship.
Days 3 - Bathurst Island
Bathurst is home to Australia’s Aboriginal Tiwis. Bathurst is a welcoming community in which to experience authentic Tiwi life and culture. The creation of unique Aboriginal handicrafts, such as batiks, screen-printed fabrics, wood carvings and bark paintings in natural Outback dyes is the island’s specialty. Admire the Tiwi’s batiks, fabric screen-painting, wood-carving and bark-painting, and watch demonstrations from our Aboriginal hosts.
Day 4 - At Sea
Day 5 - Kupang, Timor, Indonesia
The populous city of Kupang was an important trading port in the early Dutch and Portuguese colonial times, and many ruins of the era still exist. The West Timor city is perhaps most famous as the final destination of Captain Bligh’s epic 41-day, 3,618 nautical mile drift after the HMS Bounty mutiny in 1789; Bligh navigated with only a sextant and a pocket watch. Captain Bligh landed here after being set adrift by the Bounty mutineers. The town retains the influence of Europeans.
Day 6 - Waingapu, Sumba / Pura Kanbera
The eastern Indonesian island of Sumba was known as the Sandalwood Island for centuries; until penicillin, sandalwood was the cure for many diseases, and Sumba was its primary east-Asian source. Waingapu is the island’s largest town, and is known for its fine beaches, excellent fishing (marlin, tuna, mahi mahi) and elaborate ikat weavings. Visit an ikat-weaving center near Waingapu to view these splendid woven tapestries and the intricate dyeing technique. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 7 - Komodo Island
The 150-square-mile island of Komodo, just one of Indonesia’s 17,500 islands, is most famous for its native Komodo “Dragon,” a giant lizard that exists nowhere else on earth. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo National Park shelters about 6,000 of the creatures, at home in the rugged hillsides’ thorny vegetation and surrounding white sandy beaches. Park rangers guide us through forests searching for the Komodo dragon. Afterward, snorkel in coral gardens off Pink Beach. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 8 - Balobalong Besar
Part of an idyllic circular coral reel atoll set between the Flores and Java Seas, the tiny island has idyllic snorkeling and a small friendly village. Inhabitants of this coral atoll greet us warmly. Wander the village and beaches or snorkel with our naturalists. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 9 - Badas, Sumbawa / Satonda Island
The large volcanic Indonesian island of Sumbawa lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, the 25,000-mile horseshoe from south New Zealand through the Aleutians to the tip of South America. Sumbawa’s Mt. Tambora exploded in 1815, and at four times larger than the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa, east of Java, was the most destructive volcanic activity in recorded history. Visit Badas’ old Sultan’s Palace, and stroll a village with megalithic stonework. We might even see an impromptu bull-race! (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 10 - Padang Bai, Bali
Padang Bai is a sleepy little town in eastern Bali, with some of the most secluded and quiet beaches on the legendary island, and good access to the stunning countryside, natural attractions, and cultural villages of northern Bali. Experience the charm of Bali with a visit to artisanal villages, a highland volcano, exquisite temples or a beach community. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 11 - At Sea
Day 12 - Semarang, Java
Capital of central Java along its northern coast, Semarang is a bustling city of about 1.5 million, and is known primarily as gateway to the legendary Borobudur temple compound. The famous 8th- and 9th-century Buddhist temple was restored with UNESCO’s help in the 1970s, and is one of the most popular and monumental of its World Heritage Sites. Enjoy a full-day excursion to the historic Buddhist site of Borobudur. Ultimate Explorers Experience. See at right.
Day 13 - Karimun Jawa Island
A chain of 27 mostly beach islands 70 miles north of Semarang, the Karimunjawa chain’s largest island is also called Karimunjawa, with spectacularly clear coral reefs for diving and endless sandy beaches for swimming. The island also features fine resorts and great hiking paths offering panoramic views along the way. Zodiacs whisk you to the island of Menjangan Kecil, for snorkeling and a beach barbecue. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 14 - Kumai, Kalimantan, Borneo
A seaport on the southern shores of massive Borneo, Kumai is the main village of the Kumai district in the Kalimantan province, which occupies about 5/6ths of lower Borneo. In addition to some religious sites and good beaches, the area is noted for Tanjung Puting National Park, the largest protected “swamp” forest in Southeast Asia, home to Borneo orangutans. Take a cruise on local boats up a lush jungle river lined with exotic nipa palms to an orangutan sanctuary.
Day 15 - At Sea
Day 16 - Tanjung Padan, Belitung Island, Indonesia
Where the Java Sea meets the South China Sea lies the 3,000-square-mile Sumatran-province island of Belitung. Known primarily for its pepper, the west coast town of Tanjung Pandan is known for its scenic terrain, calm and quiet white-sand beaches, and unspoiled offshore islands appealing to divers and snorkelers. Locals provide a traditional welcome performance on the idyllic beach of Tanjung Tinggi. Snorkel or beach-walk. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Days 17 - Singapore
Disembark from the final leg of the Voyages of the Great Explorers at mid-day for homeward flights. Modern, bustling Singapore fascinates with its rich history, eclectic architecture, designer shops and gourmet restaurants.
Small Ship World Cruises aboard the Spirit of Oceanus
Extend your trip
Kakadu National Park 3-Night pre- or post-cruise, from Darwin
Head into the wilds of Katherine Gorge, renowned for dramatic geology, indigenous art and Cutta Cutta Caves National Park. Enjoy a breakfast cruise of Nitmiluk Gorge, then on to Kakadu National Park, a treasure-trove of Aboriginal culture.
Bangkok & Chiang Mai 5-Night pre-or post-cruise, from Singapore
Your adventure combines Bangkok’s Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha, an elephant training camp (where you can ride if you wish!), an encounter with the hill people of Baan Pang Daeng, Singapore’s famed botanical gardens and more!
Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.
Single Travelers: Single and triple are available upon request where applicable. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, our Roommate Share Program guarantees double occupancy rates in Majestic, Premium and Classic category cabins.
Land Cost Includes: One night hotel accommodations is included. All taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected. Transportation and shore excursions as indicated on the itinerary and all meals aboard the ship or where indicated.
Not Included: Airfare from your home city or return; passport or visa fees; excess baggage charges; air departure taxes; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind. Fuel surcharges may apply.
Arrival/Departure: Embarkation and disembarkation locations depend on the chosen itinerary. Suggested times for inbound/outbound flights also depend on the itinerary and point of embarkation and disembarkation. Please contact us for further details.
Payment Policy: A deposit of 25% of cruise-tour fare for all Grant Titan and Owner's Suite cabins or 20% of cruise-tour fare for all other cabin categories per person is required to confirm a reservation. Final payment for all Voyages of the Great Explorers cruises my be received no later than 120 days prior to departure, or in full at time of reservation if less than 120 days advance payment period.
Cancellation Policy: Per person cancellation charges for all Grant Titan and Owners Suite cabins:
Anytime 180+ days prior to departure $1000pp*
179-120 days prior to departure full deposit (25%)
119-61 days prior to departure 50% of fare
60-31 days prior to departure 75% of fare
30-0 days prior to departure 100% of fare
Per person cancellation charges for all cabin categories:
Anytime 180+ days prior to departure $200pp*
179-120 days prior to departure full deposit (20%)
119-61 days prior to departure 50% of fare
60-31 days prior to departure 75% of fare
30-0 days prior to departure 100% of fare
*A future cruise credit will be made available, to be applied to future bookings.
Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout the Voyage of the Great Explorers is aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. This all-suite vessel accommodates 114 guests. Each suites feature view windows, ample closet space, large marble vanity and sink, a lounge area, bathrobes, spa bath amenities, in-room safe, a chilled refreshment center, and satellite telephone access. Several suites also feature sliding glass doors and private teak balconies. The Oceanus has a dining room, two lounges, sun deck, sports deck, hot tub, library and game room. There is elevator access to all passenger decks. Open dining features continental and regional cuisine.
Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature, culture, history and the outdoors.
Photo Credit: Cruise West
General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
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