Highlights

• Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
• Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
• A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included activity in each port of call.
• Discovering the lush and idyllic islands of Indonesia and experiencing their extraordinary biodiversity in the air, on land, and under the sea.
• Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Encounters with local people and introductions to their customs and traditions.
• Extensive possibilities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters with pristine coral reefs.
• Opportunities for PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) to join an experienced onboard instructor on dives at unbelievably clear dive sites (additional expense)

Diving

Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.

The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.

Equipment supplied: Diving wetsuit, Stabilising jacket, Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge, Diving computer (for divers mastering their use), fins

Ponant All-inclusive:

• Fine dining in all the restaurants
• The Open Bay: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day
• Free WiFi internet access
• 24-hour room service
• Access to the fitness centre and steam room or sauna, depending on the ship
• Conferences delivered by naturalist guides and guests of honour
• Non-motorised water sports activities, such as kayaking or stand-up paddling (diving not included)
• Activities offered during expedition cruises
• Transfer to the ship on embarkation day

Departs: 15 May 2027

Prices are subject to change based on availability and include maximum saving amount. Prices correct as at 4 March 2026.

Day 1: Bali, Benoa

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: Badas, Sumbawa

The port of Badas is part of the greater township of Sumbawa Besar, on the island of Sumbawa. Like most of Sumbawa the people hold their culture strong as a major part of their identity. The island has a strong influence from the Makassarese of Sulawesi, who over the centuries have introduced a lot of their culture into Sumbawa. Join your expedition team and local guides for a tour by bus to Pamulung Village where you will be welcomed by the head of the village and have the opportunity to witness first-hand the local traditions of rice pounding, weaving and also witness a wedding procession. Your visit will conclude with an exciting Sumbawa buffalo race, an event that will be held in honour of our visit.

Day 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 4: Maumere, Flores

Floresians have an ancient culture stretching back millennia before the first arrival of Europeans in search of trade opportunities. Their history is shared through oral traditions and is recreated in song and dance. The mountainous terrain of Flores has preserved the diversity of cultures and Maumere serves as the capital of the Sikka district and main trading port. Few tourists make it to Maumere with most stopping at Labuan Bajo and heading west to the islands of Komodo. Consequently, Maumere and has kept its charming atmosphere, an eclectic mix of a bustling trading town and a coastal paradise. Join your expedition team and local guides for a tour by local transport to the markets and tribal villages in the hinterland of Maumere.

Day 5: Kalabahi, Alor

The unique culture of the Alorese continues among the Takpala indigenous group who have preserved their traditional architecture and ceremonies. The island of Alor is also known as the island of a Thousand Moko’s. The Moko is a small bronze kettledrum which is believed to have originated from the Dong Son culture of Vietnam. However, it remains a mystery as to how these prehistoric Dong Son drums arrived in Alor. Local legend says that the Moko’s were discovered buried in the ground, and indeed mokos are still being uncovered today. Join the expedition team and local guides for a tour by local transport to Takpala village, the Museum of a Thousand Mokos and the thriving main market of Kalabahi.

Day 6: Barat Daya Islands

If you are looking for exoticism and authenticity, then you will be captivated by the Barat Daya Islands, an Indonesian archipelago lying to the east of the Lesser Sunda Islands, bathed by the Banda Sea and surrounded by coral reefs. With their fine sandy beaches, marine environments, preserved nature and paddy fields, these islands in the Maluku archipelago are a real concentration of the beauty South-East Asia has to offer. A lush environment in which fauna and flora flourish. Notably, there are almost 162 different bird species including four endemic ones and three endangered ones.

Day 7: Banda Neira, Maluku Islands

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 8: Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon

North of Triton Bay, in the Indonesian province of West Papua, lie the Bomberai Peninsula and Sebakor Bay. A real paradise for divers, this protected, authentic and very wild area boasts an exceptional biodiversity. Here, you will be able to admire the superb Kitikiti Waterfall where you could enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and under water.

Day 9: Triton Bay, West Papua

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 10: Kei Islands, Maluku Islands

The Kei Islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Beneath the mostly Christian facade, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.

Day 11: At sea

During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 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. Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.

*All prices and availability are correct as of 4 March 2026 and are strictly subject to change without notice. Advertised price is based on per person, twin share departing on 15 May 2027 in a Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom and includes all advertised discounts. Other departures may be available and may attract a seasonal surcharge. Further terms and conditions apply.
The Ponant Bonus price is the lowest price offered on day of booking. The maximum savings amount a passenger can save is up to 30% on the referenced cruise price. The Ponant Bonus is structured to provide the highest saving the earlier a passenger books a Ponant cruise. Depending on availability of the cruise, the percentage amount may decrease, and the "Ponant Bonus" price may increase. The Ponant pricing structure is managed by Ponant and not RAC Travel and is subject to their terms and conditions. 

^RAC Member bonus advertised in EUR in line with currency used on-board Ponant ships. Onboard credit is per stateroom and cannot be transferred or redeemed for cash.

Please enquire with your local RAC travel consultant for full terms & conditions, current pricing and availability.
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