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Solar Eclipse 2023: Indonesia to Australia’s Kimberley – with Smithsonian Journeys

Solar Eclipse 2023: Indonesia to Australia’s Kimberley – with Smithsonian Journeys

From AUD $25,720

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Description

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travellers 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.

This 16-day cruise aboard Le Lapérouse, designed to explore the natural wonders of eastern Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and the Kimberley region of Australia, has been specially adapted to include observation of the total eclipse of the sun that will occur on April 20, 2023.

Setting sail from fabled Bali, your expedition begins with two days of swimming, snorkeling, and hiking in Komodo National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989, and home to unique flora and fauna, including the emblematic Komodo Dragon.

A day at sea brings you to the northern coast of Timor-Leste, where your time is split between discovering the history and culture of this recently independent country in the capital city of Dili and enjoying the white sand beaches, music, and crafts of the small villages that dot the coast east of Baucau.

Heading south across the Timor Sea, you arrive in Wyndham, Western Australia, gateway to the Kimberley region. Devote three days to the exploration of this great wilderness area, including a Zodiac™ tour of King George River and a sampling of the aboriginal rock art of Swift Bay. You will also have the opportunity to cruise the Ord River, fly over the fascinating Bungle Bungle mountains, or explore one of the world’s last remaining frontiers in El Questro.

Next comes the centerpiece of your expedition, as Le Lapérouse sails back into the Timor Sea to take up a position in the path of totality of the solar eclipse, which will last for more than three hours from late morning to early afternoon on April 20, with an approximate period of totality of just over one minute.

Returning to the Kimberley, enjoy three more days of exploration, including the world-famous Montgomery Reef, revealed each day by massive tides, the “Horizontal Falls” of Talbot Bay, described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘one of the greatest wonders of the natural world’, and the rich breeding ground for Green Turtles, Brown Boobies, Roseate Terns, and many other species in the Lacepede Islands.

Your voyage ends in the resort town of Broome in Western Australia.

Trip Name
Solar Eclipse 2023: Indonesia to Australia's Kimberley – with Smithsonian Journeys
Days
16
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 BENOA, BALI
If it's a taste of exotic authenticity you're after, prepare to be spell-bound by the island of Bali, tucked away in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. The beauty and diversity of its landscapes, the depth and richness of its cultural heritage and the plethora of activities on offer here make Bali a little slice of heaven on Earth. The island's southern coast enthrals with its white sand beaches, its picturesque little fishing villages such as Benoa, and its hills patchworked with terraced rice paddies further inland. Nicknamed 'the Island of Gods' for its sumptuous temples, Bali is the beating heart of Indonesian Hinduism.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 3 KOMODO NATIONAL PARK
Between the islands of Sumbawa and Florès, Komodo National Park welcomes you to discover its natural wonders. At the very heart of the Indonesian archipelago, the three islands that form it – Komodo, Rinca and Padar - owe their renown to the famous eponymous dragons, enormous lizards over two metres long, which live in its grassy savannah. This jagged and hilly volcanic territory belonging to the Sunda Islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its incredible terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Admire its palette of colours, intermingling the sparkling whites of the beaches, the deep blues of the coral-filled water and the soft greens of its pastures.
Day 3 - Day 4 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 4 - Day 5 DILI
Located on the northern coast of the island of Timor, along the narrow plains between the central mountains and the Ombai Strait, the seaside resort of Dili is the capital of East Timor, a former Portuguese colony that has been independent since May 2002. The uniqueness of this territory, still preserved from the tourist routes, is unveiled thanks to the beauty of its intact landscapes, with dense tropical forest covering undulating hills, coral reef and immaculate sandy beaches. You will be enchanted by this small and peaceful town with a distinctive Portuguese atmosphere, and will discover the riches of its historic and cultural heritage during your visit.
Day 5 - Day 6 BAUCAU
Located on the north coast of East Timor, not far from the Wetar Strait, the city of Baucau inspires wanderlust. The country’s second-largest city, where the vestiges of a Portuguese colonial past spanning nearly four centuries can still be found, is a small corner of paradise known among diving enthusiasts. And with good reason: this earthly paradise, nestling between lush green hills and long white-sand beaches lining a turquoise sea, is particularly renowned for its Coral Triangle. The latter is home to multiple protected marine species, some fifteen endemic corals, and 76% of the world’s coral reefs.
Day 6 - Day 7 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 7 - Day 8 WYNDHAM
Wyndham is the northernmost town in Western Australia and in many ways is the gateway to the Kimberley. It is surrounded by some of the most spectacular landforms, rivers and wetlands in the Kimberley.
Day 8 - Day 9 KING GEORGE RIVER
The journey up the King George River is nothing short of breathtaking. The 80-metre-high sides of the gorge display varying degrees of weathering of the ancient Warton sandstone. The colours and textures of the gorge change with the light as you travel further up the river creating a continual changing scenery that is simply stunning. The journey culminates at the King George twin falls; the highest single-drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley (80 m or 260 ft). Fed by wet season run-off the level of water cascading over the falls varies from year to year. Your Expedition Team will escort you in either the Zodiacs® or ships tenders to the foot of the twin falls, and explain all about the stunning geological formations of the canyon.
Day 9 - Day 10 SWIFT BAY
The Bonaparte Archipelago, is a stunningly rugged maze of islands stretching almost 150 km along Western Australia's remote Kimberley coast. Its colour and scale conspire to take ones’ breath away. Its distant location has meant it has remained an unspoilt and remarkably pristine location to explore and experience. Phillip Parker King named “Swift's bay" after Jonathon Swift (1667-1745) the author of Gulliver’s travels. The ‘T’ shaped bay is composed of heavily fractured sandstone providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters are examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art. Join your expedition team ashore for a guided walk to a number of rock art galleries depicting these unique rock art styles.
Day 10 - Day 10 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 11 - Day 11 TOTAL ECLIPSE OBSERVATION
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Day 12 - Days 12 - 13 COLLIER BAY
Lying to the east of the Buccaneer archipelago, the ancient landscapes of Collier Bay have been shaped by the massive tidal movements the region is renowned for, creating a photographer’s paradise. With a tidal range exceeding 14 metres, recorded near Yule entrance at the southern end of the bay, they are among the largest in the world. This massive daily movement of water creates unique phenomena that occur nowhere else in the world. Nestled in the centre of the Bay is Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef system. As the tide falls a raging torrent of water cascades off the top of the reef, creating turbulent ‘rivers’ and mini waterfalls. At the Southern end of the Bay, Talbot Bay is home to the world’s only ’Horizontal Falls’ described by Sir David Attenborough as “One of the greatest wonders of the natural world.” Hidden in the many caves and grottos of this ancient landscape are a multitude of ancient Rock Art galleries. Here you can find spectacular examples of the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles. As we are at the mercy of weather and tide conditions in this region, the activities mentioned above are only possible experiences and can’t be guaranteed.
Day 13 - Day 14 LACEPEDE ISLANDS
The Lacepede Islands are Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), and have been named by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The breeding colony of Brown Boobies is possibly the largest in the world. Up to 20,000 Roseate Terns have also been recorded here. Other birds breeding on the islands include Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, Crested, Bridled and Lesser Crested Terns, Common Noddies, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers. Join your expedition team for a guided Zodiac® tour to view the prolific wildlife. Due to the sensitive nature of the environment, landings are prohibited on the Lacepede Islands.
Day 14 - Day 15 BROOME
Located in the northwest of the Kimberley region and in the far north of Western Australia, the town of Broome is reputed for its history and its glorious pearling era. The fascinating Chinatown district, which is the historic city centre, and the famous Japanese Cemetery, dates back to 1896, and has a past marked by the immigration of numerous Chinese and Japanese workers, attracted by the prosperous pearl industry at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. Broome is also famous for the “Staircase to the Moon”, an optical illusion created by the Moon reflecting on the sand banks at low tide, like a staircase climbing up towards the sky, a unique spectacle provided by nature…
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $25,720Deluxe Stateroom
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $28,650Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $30,110Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $31,870Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $44,730Deluxe Suite
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $60,810Prestige Suite Deck 5
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $64,030Prestige Suite Deck 6
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $67,240Privilege Suite
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $73,960Grand Deluxe Suite
09-04-202324-04-2023AUD $77,760Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travellers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call.
    • Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
    • The solar eclipse of April 2023, one of only five total solar eclipses remaining worldwide this decade.
    • Searching for dragons and exploring the spectacular underwater world of Komodo National Park.
    • Discovering the recent tumultuous history and traditional culture of Timor-Leste.
    • Viewing the spectacular sandstone cliffs of the King George River Gorge.
    • Experiencing the awesome tidal phenomena at Montgomery Reef and Horizontal Falls.
    • Searching for iconic bird species including White-bellied Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kites.
    • Enjoying the guidance of an experienced and highly qualified expedition team throughout the voyage, providing expertise and insight into the region's geology, history, culture, flora, and fauna.

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