destination
australia
z-West Papua & Maluku - Voyage of Discovery
trip specifics
price
2011
|
Ctgy |
Type |
Price ($US) |
|
B |
Stateroom |
$6,950 |
|
A |
Stateroom |
$8,070 |
|
JS |
Junior Suite |
$9,585 |
|
DS |
Deluxe Suite |
$10,500 |
|
BS |
Balcony Suite |
$12,525 |
|
OS |
Owners Suite |
$14,550 |
duration
12 daystrip dates
Coming Soon!trip level
view explanation
highlights
CairnsRabaul
Wewak
Jayapura
Urbanasi
Mapia Atoll
Raja Ampat
McClure Gulf
Kei Islands
Tanimbars
Darwin
accomm types
Small Ship
Day 1 - Cairns, Australia – Embark
The Cairns region is internationally recognized for world class attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by tropical rainforests. Visitors enjoy browsing at indigenous art galleries, shopping at the night markets and dining out on multicultural cuisine in the many restaurants along the esplanade.
(Optional direct charter flight to Rabaul)
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner
Day 2 - At Sea
As you become familiar with your new home base, sit back, relax and let Orion's staff cater to your needs as you admire the surrounding beauty from the top deck.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 - Wewak
Wewak is the capital of the East Sepik province of Papua New Guinea. It is located on the northern coast of the island of New Guinea, the largest town between Madang and Jayapura. Between 1943 and 1945, during World War II, Wewak was the site of the largest Japanese airbase in mainland New Guinea. The base was subjected to repeated bombing by Australian and U.S. planes, most notably in one massive attack on August 17, 1943. Directly to the west of the town center is a peninsula known as Cape Wom, which was the site of the surrender of Japanese forces in New Guinea. A small memorial stands here.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 - Jayapura
We will be welcomed by enthusiastic dancers in traditional dress, initiating us in true Moluccas tradition with sago, gifts, and spices placed on an honored ancestral tray. General MacArthur’s WWII memorial is here and the museum will be open to us. Traveling through Jayapura we may ascend the surrounding hills to view the point where MacArthur and the Allies landed in 1944, turning it into a giant military base en route to reclaiming the Philippines.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 - Urbanasi Island
Urbanasi Island, Papua is that classical tiny little island with white sand beaches, surrounded by coral that you image Robinson Cruiso sitting on waiting for his recue.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 - Mapia Atoll
Mapia Atoll, Papua, is north of the equator, is a classic atoll structure in the middle of nowhere, as remote as it gets. Spend the day in clear waters, snorkeling and swimming after a day at sea cruising through the Padaido Island Group.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 - Raja Ampat
“Raja Ampat”, or “Four Kings” archipelago encompasses more than 3.6 million hectares of land and sea off the north-western tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of marine species in the world. For those who snorkel this is one of the great sites for fish numbers and massive coral colonies. In the afternoon we visit the port of Sorong. Here, experience first hand the sights and smells of everyday Papuan life by visiting local markets.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 - McClure Gulf
Sailing at night through the most westward point in our circumnavigation of New Guinea, board our Zodiacs for the port of Kokas, a prosperous fishing town of about 4,000 Papuans that belong to the Fak Fak Regency. Cruise eastward to Sapar Island in the McClure Gulf (Teluk Berau) and explore by Zodiac ancient Papuan rock art, first discovered in 1678. The rock seawalls showcase sprayed pigment from layers of stenciled hands with varying tones of red ocher, black ash, and white ground limestone. Predominant designs feature hands, fish, birds, angled boomerang-like objects and part animal, part human figures.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 - Kei Islands
Kei Islands are a special Orion place. Spectacular beaches are combined with exclusive cultural performances for Orion guests. Inhabitants called the islands Nuhu Evav (Evav Islands) or Tanat Evav (Evav Land), but are known as Kei for people from neighboring islands. “Kai” is actually a Dutch colonial era spelling, still persisting in books based on old resources. The islands are on the edge of the Banda Sea, south of the Bird’s Head Peninsula of New Guinea, west of the Aru Islands, and northeast of the Tanimbar Islands.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 - At Sea
Take this time to catch up on rest from the busy adventures over the past days. Enjoy the onboard amenities and talk with fellow travelers about their experiences with the local heritage.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 - Sangliat Dol & Weluan Beach, Yamdena Island
Sangliat Dol This traditional village in the Tanimbar islands of Maluku is the center of the ancient "boat" culture of Maluku. In the center of the village is a stone boat, built to symbolize the arrival from the sea of the original inhabitants of Maluku. 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 artefacts 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.
Weluan Beach
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.
Sepik River (Watam Village)
The meandering Sepik River is the longest river in PNG and for years has been a major trading artery linking the coast and the interior. Orion takes position today at the mile-wide river mouth nearby the small village of Watam. The dense vegetation and swampland to be seen along the river's edge is home to many species of birds. Our visit to the village will give you an insight into a way of life that very few outsiders have witnessed. With no roads, phones, electricity or luxuries to be had, the open and happy outlook of the villagers will touch you. A "dragon" dance welcomes us ashore, punctuated by singing and lots of laughter, as we are all marked with a red ceremonial mark on our cheek.
Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12 - Darwin, Northern Territory – Disembark
Darwin is Australia’s closest city to the equator and the gateway to the Top End. Following bombing during World War II, Darwin was more a frontier town of crocodile and buffalo shooters and pioneer cattlemen. After the city was wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974 it was rebuilt as Australia’s cosmopolitan northernmost tropical capital. Beyond the city lies Litchfield National Park (about 2 hours drive) and to the south-east the teeming wetlands of Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu. Much architecture remains from the city’s early periods, with museums, markets and an incredible diversity of restaurants to keep visitors entertained. The harbor foreshore area is a great place to discover the city’s maritime links. Say goodbye to Orion and opt to explore this fabulous city in one of the many activities they have to offer.
Take a relaxing cruise on an old pearl lugger, a thrilling flight in a seaplane or a gentle hovercraft trip. Spend a day out fishing for barramundi, jewfish, golden snapper and threadfin salmon, or go for the adventure of scuba diving around shipwrecks. At sunset, savor a taste of Asia’s night markets at Mindil Beach, where you can browse the food stalls for a picnic dinner on the beach.
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 programes, 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.
Arrival/Departure Information: The West Papua & Maluku cruise begins in Cairns and ends in Darwin. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames.
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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