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On this small ship cruise, Orion will explore Wallacea, the legendary deep water area that separates the Australian and Asian continental plates, home to a unique blend of flora and fauna. Discover the beauty of these tropical islands, the history of ancient trade routes as you follow in the wake of the early navigators and traders who opened this new world of spices, gold and pearls. Stunning islands and ancient cultures including world renowned Asmat Art mark this amazing expedition.

Day 1 - Thursday Island, Torres Strait

Thursday Island (traditionally known as Waiben) is recognized as one of the last frontiers in Australia, as it holds some great Australian history. At the Torres Strait Museum, learn about the feared Russian invasion of 1898. Had it eventuated, the invaders would have been greeted with a salvo from the 6-inch guns which still peer out over the ocean approach from Green Hill Fort, now home of the museum. Wander through pearlers’ cemeteries where stories of this once dangerous occupation are revealed. Or take in brilliant panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and tropical seas from Lions Lookout. Board Orion and settle in to your home away from home.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - At Sea

Spend this relaxing time at sea brushing up on your art and culture while Orion's Expedition team gives presentations and lectures about the Forgotten Islands.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 3-4 - Agats, Asmat

On the island of New Guinea many regions compete for the title of most respected for their carvings and artifacts, but the Asmat region of Papua will always be high on the contenders list. The Asmat regions spread over an area of shallow mud flats and extensive mangroves with village houses built on stilts and wooden walkways, raised above the mud linking one village area to the next. Our visit extends over two days, allowing us flexibility in regards to the tide movements in the area. During our stay, watch cultural performances from the local people as well as visit the Agats Museum. There will be local war canoes on display and the opportunity to visit the local villages and engage with the communities we visit.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5 - At Sea

Your expedition enrichment program will continue as Orion Travels to Cambodia. Relax and enjoy the ambiance on board- the perfect time for a massage.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Yamdena Island

This morning begins with a wet landing on Sangliat Dol - the traditional village in the Tanimbar islands of Maluku and is the center of the ancient "boat" culture of Maluku. The village structure still follows the organization of a boat today. For our visit and for other important events a massive ritual takes place surrounding the stone boat. Traditionally all village decisions would revolve around such a ceremony. After the ceremony the six host families will take their adopted guests on a mini-tour of the village, including seeing the host families housing and cooking areas, an ikat weaving display, and a market area selling ikat weavings, wooden carvings very similar to those found in new Guinea and possible even old Dutch artifacts such as plates and coins. At the end of the morning, as guests finish at the markets they will descend the staircase, again with dozens of locals assisting, back to the beach, the zodiacs, and the ship for lunch.

The remainder of the day after the visit to Sangliat Dol will be spent at Weluan Beach outside of Saumlaki town, the capital of Yamdena and the main administrative area for southern Maluku. Here a wide range of local artifacts including many carvings that almost resemble the style found slightly further east in New Guinea, can be found and purchased if desired. Other products such as the local eucalyptus oil and a potent spirit distilled from the inflorescence of the sugar palm will also be on display. The brave may even sample this distilled liquor! Swimming and rides in local sailing canoes will be available and a giant Christ Statue, (not quite in the same league as Rio!), overlooks the beach giving spectacular views of the beach and nearby township.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - At Sea

One last day is spent relaxing aboard the luxurious Orion as we head to our last stop of the journey - Darwin, Australia.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Darwin, Australia - Disembark

Darwin is Australia’s closest city to the equator and the gateway to the Top End. It is here where we say goodbye and alow you to either explore the city or board flights back home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

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 flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single, Triple and Quad Travelers: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Cost Includes: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programmes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Not Included: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

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.


Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & 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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