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Indonesia - Spice Islands to Raja Ampat Cruise
The Spice Islands in the Maluku region was once the center of the global spice trade. Centuries-old traditions and European relics on Banda Neira, once a booming spice hub, sit against the backdrop of Gunung Banda Api (“Fire Mountain”), an active volcano that’s also a hiker’s and birdwatchers’ favourite. Lava flows into the sea has created magnificent underwater gardens.
Raja Ampat, a land of glittering blue waters and strange rock formations, is part of the Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, the Indonesia’s second easternmost province. The region is home to endemic and rare bird species, including the exquisite Wilson’s bird of paradise. As well as the most diverse marine habitats in the world.
Raja Ampat, a land of glittering blue waters and strange rock formations, is part of the Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, the Indonesia’s second easternmost province. The region is home to endemic and rare bird species, including the exquisite Wilson’s bird of paradise. As well as the most diverse marine habitats in the world.
21 September, 2024 to 03 October, 2024 (reverse)
Cabin. From
$ 16,140 USD pp
15 individually-designed suites in 3 categories across four decks. 2 pairs of interconnecting suites available.
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Indonesia - Spice Islands to Raja Ampat Cruise itinerary:
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 INDONESIA Ambon
Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon and board Aqua Blu at Laha Bay, a famous muck diving site. There are also opportunities for trekking and birdwatching inland.
Day 2 INDONESIA Saparua
Early morning, depart for the island outpost of Saparua, sailing along the scenic north coast of Ambon. Disembark en route at the coastal town of Hila to explore the old Dutch fortification, Fort Amsterdam. Continue onto Sarapua, where a host of water activities await, or discover local pottery-making at Ouw village, visit a local market, see European relics or explore bird habitats.
Day 3 INDONESIA Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes as the boat enters the harbor. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, once the most hotly contested island in the world in the 16th and 17th century, and learn about the colorful story of the Old World spice trade.
Day 4 INDONESIA Pulau Koon & Pulau Gorong
Snorkel, swim, kayak and spear-fish in the numerous blue pools and over the sparkling coral reefs on the Koon Island, also known as the Marine Superhighway because of its location along a migratory route. Kayak into the narrow waterway entrance in Manawoka of Gorong island to view shallow reefs and deep dropoffs. Set sail to Misool after dinner.
Day 5 INDONESIA Misool
The mignificient land and seascape of Misool are said to own some of the finest reefs on the planet. Take a easy trek on small sandy coves and land-locked lakes. Snorkel, swim, kayak and spear-fish in the numerous blue pools over the sparkling coral reefs.
Day 6 INDONESIA Wayil
Explore Wayil's secret lagoons and limestone peaks on Aqua Blu's fleet of tenders, and discover your very own snorkeling/swimming spot or beach. Relax on the tranquil beaches with sunset cocktails.
Day 7 INDONESIA One Thousand Temples
Arrival at One Thousand Temples group after breakfast. Explore cave systems, mysterious moon jellyfish lakes and embark on unforgettable tender trips through karst island seascapes with the opportunity to discover ancient rock art.
Venture into the inner sanctum of Tomolol Cave, Misool’s famed subterranean experience featuring a river-sized waterway that flows through its massive interior.
Day 8 INDONESIA Penemu Islands
Explore the mesmerizing terrains and lagoons of the Penumu Islands on a tender. Snorkel at Batu Burung (Melissa’s Garden) before ending the day at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits. Dinner onboard while cruising towards Arborek.
Day 9 INDONESIA Wayag
Watch the magnificence of Pulau Wayag’s limestone islets and lagoons unveil before your eyes as the sun rises. Climb to the top of Mount Pindito for a bird’s eye view of the stunning surroundings and attempt to spot rare birds of paradise before making the lagoons and reefs your home for the day.
Day 10 INDONESIA Aljui Bay & Pulau Pef
Visit a pearl farm in Aljui Bay before cruising to Pulau Pef and Yangello for snorkeling and watersports in the afternoon. Explore hidden lagoons and karst limestone islets aboard our tenders or kayaks. Arrive at Dayang Island for dinner.
Day 11 INDONESIA Dayang Island
Embark on a morning trek with our guides to look for birds of paradise in the lush forest. Dayang island is known for plenty of marine life, especially manta rays. Snorkeling is excellent at Wai along the bordering reef systems. For adventurous divers, explore the sunken wreckage of a WW2 P47D fighter plane and the beautiful reefs and sea-mounts of Tapok.
Day 12 INDONESIA Birie Island
Arrival in Birie, a group of islands, bays and lagoons that lie just off the coast of north Batanta. Discover mangrove-fringed bays and plenty of wildlife en route to the spectacular waterfall in Batanta mainland. Ship will cruise eastwards towards Sorong during dinner.
Day 13 INDONESIA Sorong Harbour
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard in Sorong before your outbound flight.
Please Note:
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
Indonesia - Spice Islands to Raja Ampat Cruise reverse itinerary:
show main itinerary
Please Note: *
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
Day 13 INDONESIA Sorong Harbour *
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard in Sorong before your outbound flight.
Day 12 INDONESIA Birie Island *
Arrival in Birie, a group of islands, bays and lagoons that lie just off the coast of north Batanta. Discover mangrove-fringed bays and plenty of wildlife en route to the spectacular waterfall in Batanta mainland. Ship will cruise eastwards towards Sorong during dinner.
Day 11 INDONESIA Dayang Island *
Embark on a morning trek with our guides to look for birds of paradise in the lush forest. Dayang island is known for plenty of marine life, especially manta rays. Snorkeling is excellent at Wai along the bordering reef systems. For adventurous divers, explore the sunken wreckage of a WW2 P47D fighter plane and the beautiful reefs and sea-mounts of Tapok.
Day 10 INDONESIA Aljui Bay & Pulau Pef *
Visit a pearl farm in Aljui Bay before cruising to Pulau Pef and Yangello for snorkeling and watersports in the afternoon. Explore hidden lagoons and karst limestone islets aboard our tenders or kayaks. Arrive at Dayang Island for dinner.
Day 9 INDONESIA Wayag *
Watch the magnificence of Pulau Wayag’s limestone islets and lagoons unveil before your eyes as the sun rises. Climb to the top of Mount Pindito for a bird’s eye view of the stunning surroundings and attempt to spot rare birds of paradise before making the lagoons and reefs your home for the day.
Day 8 INDONESIA Penemu Islands *
Explore the mesmerizing terrains and lagoons of the Penumu Islands on a tender. Snorkel at Batu Burung (Melissa’s Garden) before ending the day at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits. Dinner onboard while cruising towards Arborek.
Day 7 INDONESIA One Thousand Temples *
Arrival at One Thousand Temples group after breakfast. Explore cave systems, mysterious moon jellyfish lakes and embark on unforgettable tender trips through karst island seascapes with the opportunity to discover ancient rock art.
Venture into the inner sanctum of Tomolol Cave, Misool’s famed subterranean experience featuring a river-sized waterway that flows through its massive interior.
Day 6 INDONESIA Wayil *
Explore Wayil's secret lagoons and limestone peaks on Aqua Blu's fleet of tenders, and discover your very own snorkeling/swimming spot or beach. Relax on the tranquil beaches with sunset cocktails.
Day 5 INDONESIA Misool *
The mignificient land and seascape of Misool are said to own some of the finest reefs on the planet. Take a easy trek on small sandy coves and land-locked lakes. Snorkel, swim, kayak and spear-fish in the numerous blue pools over the sparkling coral reefs.
Day 4 INDONESIA Pulau Koon & Pulau Gorong *
Snorkel, swim, kayak and spear-fish in the numerous blue pools and over the sparkling coral reefs on the Koon Island, also known as the Marine Superhighway because of its location along a migratory route. Kayak into the narrow waterway entrance in Manawoka of Gorong island to view shallow reefs and deep dropoffs. Set sail to Misool after dinner.
Day 3 INDONESIA Banda Islands & Banda Neira *
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes as the boat enters the harbor. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, once the most hotly contested island in the world in the 16th and 17th century, and learn about the colorful story of the Old World spice trade.
Day 2 INDONESIA Saparua *
Early morning, depart for the island outpost of Saparua, sailing along the scenic north coast of Ambon. Disembark en route at the coastal town of Hila to explore the old Dutch fortification, Fort Amsterdam. Continue onto Sarapua, where a host of water activities await, or discover local pottery-making at Ouw village, visit a local market, see European relics or explore bird habitats.
Day 1 INDONESIA Ambon *
Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon and board Aqua Blu at Laha Bay, a famous muck diving site. There are also opportunities for trekking and birdwatching inland.
Aqua Blu
Vessel Type: Yacht
Length: 198 feet / 60 meters
Passenger Capacity: 30
Built/Converted/Refurbished: 1968/2006/2019
Presenting a brand-new cruise experience in the pristine East Indonesian Archipelago, Aqua Blu is a long-range explorer yacht sailing the region’s most prized destinations, including Komodo National Park, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat on unforgettable 7- and 12-night itineraries.
Where modern luxury meets naval heritage
With a grand legacy as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle and later as the private yacht of a European aristocratic family, Aqua Blu is a compelling maritime statement. A 2019 refurbishment overseen by Dutch yacht design maestro Cor D. Rover brings the vessel to world-class cruising specifications. Guests can expect to embrace an distinguished sense of history and seafaring evolution when they set foot on this one-of-a-kind cruise ship.
Inside the four-deck, 15-suite Aqua Blu, Cor has tastefully paired with a brass-and-ivory interior theme with generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck.
Unlocking access to the Earth’s most intriguing destinations
Faster, further, greater safety and comfort — Aqua Blu’s naval pedigree makes it the perfect vessel to navigate East Indonesia’s vast seas. Having attained the highest international classifications (RINA, SOLAS, ISM) in safety, the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing.
Aqua Blu’s range stands heads and shoulders above that of its peers in East Indonesia. Able to cover vast distances in a short span of time — and in any sea condition — the vessel enables explorers on board to experience the most varied, enjoyable and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world.
On Board Living and Social Areas
Sun Deck with Outdoor Seating, Lounge Sofa and Barbecue
Bridge Deck with Jacuzzi, Outdoor Lounge Area, Spa and Exercise Zone
Forecastle Deck with Outdoor Dining and Seating Area, Indoor Lounge Bar, Library and TV Room
Main Deck with Outdoor Seating, Salon and Dining Room
• A magnificent exploration of culture and nature, discover the best of the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat on this 12-night odyssey