Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands
Cruise To Indonesia
13 Days
30 April 2026
Departs 15 May 2027
Details
Bali to Darwin aboard Le Jacques-Cartier
Sail through the heart of the Coral Triangle, where beaches, mangroves, and rainforests host an amazing biodiversity, and where the surrounding seas comprise the richest coral reef system in the world. You will also encounter a rich human history as you discover the colonial legacy of European powers who fought one another for control of the trade in valuable spices, and as you visit with villagers whose way of life continues age-old traditions.
Leaving Bali, the aptly-named “Island of Gods,” your first port of call, on the island of Sumbawa, is also your first encounter with a traditional village, where you will be welcomed by the residents and introduced to some of their customs.
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture. On this 12-day voyage from Bali through the myriad islands of eastern Indonesia to the northern shores of Australia you will sail through the heart of the Coral Triangle, where beaches, mangroves, and rainforests host an amazing biodiversity, and where the surrounding seas comprise the richest coral reef system in the world. You will also encounter a rich human history as you discover the colonial legacy of European powers who fought one another for control of the trade in valuable spices, and as you visit with villagers whose way of life continues age-old traditions. Leaving Bali, the aptly-named “Island of Gods,” your first port of call, on the island of Sumbawa, is also your first encounter with a traditional village, where you will be welcomed by the residents and introduced to some of their customs. This glimpse of ancient and enduring ritual is followed by a day exploring the abundant wildlife of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to an incredible diversity of species, including the eponymous Komodo dragons, giant monitor lizards that grow to more than ten feet long. On the islands of Flores and Alor, you will experience some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities of the voyage, as well as an opportunity to delve into the customs and traditions of the indigenous Takpala people. And in the Barat Daya Islands you will find more of the same, as well as amazing birdlife, including 162 different species, a number of which are endemic. A full day in Band Neira in the Maluku Islands (spice islands) introduces you to the history of these small volcanic outcroppings that were fought over by virtually every colonial power interested in the South Pacific and the trade in cloves, nutmeg, and mace. As you walk the streets of the town, you will discover an eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture—the remnants of a long and tumultuous history. Kitikiti Waterfall and Triton Bay, both on the coast of West Papua, provide two days of unparalleled diving, snorkeling, swimming, and Zodiac cruising in the “epicenter of the Coral Triangle.” And your last call, before a day at sea brings you to Darwin, Australia, and the end of the voyage, will be in the Kei Islands, located in the heart of the Malukus, home to some of Indonesia’s most beautiful white sandy beaches.CruisePackage
Twin Share/Double. Single available on request.
Inclusions
- Comprehensive 11-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Jacques Cartier, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- 11 Nights Twin Share Accommodation in a Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including marine biologist Mar Stiles and historian Craig Benjamin
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Denpasar to the ship on the day of embarkation
- One included activity in each port of call
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on land Transfer from the ship to the airport in Darwin at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Itinerary
Terms & Conditions
From
$15,670 | Per Person Twin Share
Cruise To Indonesia
13 Days
30 April 2026
Departs 15 May 2027
Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands
13 Days