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Discover the Ancient Wonders of Papua and Spice

Discover the Ancient Wonders of Papua and Spice

From AUD $7,670

Description

Experience a voyage to the Spice Islands, in the heart of Indonesia.

From Cairns to Darwin, you will set sail aboard Le Lapérouse for a 13-day expedition cruise in a tropical environment of great beauty.

First you will sail along the Great Barrier Reef before passing the legendary Cape York, at Australia’s northernmost point.

Further north, you will visit small villages of thatched houses in the Asmat region, one of the most isolated and mysterious regions in the world. With deeply-rooted traditions and ancestor worship that is still very much alive, some of the tribes living here have still had no contact with the outside world.

You will then sail into the heart of Triton Bay. This ancient coral reef raised by tectonic forces shelters a multitude of species of fish.

The highpoint of your cruise: sailing in the Maluku Islands, dubbed the “Spice Islands”. In the 16th century, it was here that European settlers would come to get cloves and nutmeg, spices that were much sought-after at the time. In addition to the Kei Islands and their stunning beaches, you will discover Banda Neira, shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences.

Trip Name
Discover the Ancient Wonders of Papua and Spice
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - CAIRNS
Washed by the Coral Sea, the harbour town of Cairns is located on Australia's north-east coast. The seafront esplanade is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk, swim and picnic under the shade of swaying palm trees. The hills surrounding Cairns form the gateway to the Queensland Rainforests, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for their fauna and flora from the Gondwana era.
Day 2 - Day 2 - AT SEA
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Day 3 - Day 3 - CAPE YORK
Cape York Peninsula is a large remote peninsula located at the tip of North Eastern Australia. The region has been described as the largest unspoiled wilderness in Australia. The relatively undisturbed eucalyptus wooded savannahs, tropical rainforests and other types of habitat are now recognized for their global environmental significance. At the tip of the peninsula lies Cape York, the northernmost point on the Australian continent, that usually takes travellers 5–7 days over some of the planet’s toughest and remotest roads. The easiest way to “stand on the tip” is to take a luxury voyage, be transferred ashore by ship’s zodiac directly onto the beach and walk the last 500m!
Day 4 - Day 4 - AT SEA
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Day 5 - Day 5 - AGATS (WESTERN PAPUA)
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Day 6 - Day 6 - AT SEA
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Day 7 - Day 7 - TRITON BAY
Triton Bay is one of three regions in Indonesia’s West Papua province that comprise the Bird’s Head Seascape (the other two are Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay), which is now considered by marine biologists to be the epicentre of the Coral Triangle. It contains more fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet. Its unparalleled marine biodiversity and endemism, habitat richness, and relatively intact nature of its ecosystems are unique. Join your expedition team for a zodiac voyage through the spectacular rainforest capped karst islands. Later in the day enjoy the opportunity to explore the richness of the underwater realm.
Day 8 - Day 8 - SEBAKOR BAY (WESTERN PAPUA)
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Day 9 - Day 9 - KEI ISLANDS
The Kei Islands are a natural paradise with brightly coloured coral reefs offering some of the best diving sites in the world. You will have the opportunity to snorkel on the fringing reef from our fleet of zodiacs. The islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali. Today mostly Christian, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive.
Day 10 - Day 10 - BANDA NEIRA (MOLUKKAS)
From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges, to coral reefs and lush green jungle… The attractions of the remote Banda archipelago seem endless. Better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, these small volcanic landmasses were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries. Every colonial power of significance fought for control of these ten small islands that today have become largely forgotten. Walking the streets of Banda Neira is a surreal experience as your eyes are drawn to the eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture, the remnants of a rich and tumultuous history. It is without doubt the most historically significant and interesting of all the “Spice Islands”.
Day 11 - Day 11 - AT SEA
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Day 12 - Day 12 - DARWIN
Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Discover the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture and Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids. You will also enjoy the bustling waterfront on the Timor Sea.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 5
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 6
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 5
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 6
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Owner's Suite
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 3
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 5
12-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Inclusions

    • Zodiac® outings & shore visits with your expedition team.
    • Discover the Asmat region and its small traditional villages, inhabitants and warrior ceremonies.
    • Expeditions in a Zodiac® to Triton Bay’s karst islands, decked with tropical vegetation, and to explore the caves in Sebakor Bay.
    • The Malukus, the paradisiacal Spice Islands.
    • Many opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in idyllic sites.

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