 |
|---|
The Spice Islands & Ambon
Bringing a nearly forgotten chapter of world history back to life, the Ambon & Spice Islands 7-night cruise expedition across the Banda Sea is an enthralling adventure embracing culture, nature and wildlife.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in luxury and exclusivity on board the stunning Aqua Blu
Enjoy an immersive experience of the Spice Islands & Ambon
Marvel at the stunning marine biodiversity and stunning landscapes
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE AMBON
Arrive at Ambon Pattimura Intl Airport where you will be warmly greeted and welcome for a short transfer to the pier for boarding onto the Aqua Blu at Laha Bay, a famous muck diving site where there are opportunities for trekking and bird-watching inland.
Overnight: Aqua Blu
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: SARAPUA
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. Discover local pottery-making at Ouw village, visit a local market, see European relics, explore bird habitats or go diving before departing Sarapua for an overnight crossing to Banda Islands.
Overnight: Aqua Blu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: 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.
Overnight: Aqua Blu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: BANDA NEIRA & GUNUNG API
Spend the day exploring the oldest nutmeg plantations in the world, learning about the cultivation and history of the spice. Hike the active volcano of Gunung Banda Api. In this remote part of Indonesia, experience local life with traditions unchanged for decades before departing Banda Harbour at night.
Overnight: Aqua Blu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: PULAU MANUK
Savour a sunrise breakfast on board against the backdrop of 300-metre tall cliffs of Pulau Manuk, a volcanic island rising 3 kilometres from the seabed. This is a haven for fish-hunting birds, as well as sea snakes and reef sharks flocking to enjoy the area’s underwater thermal springs. After sundown, cruise northwards to Pulau Run, a historic island traded by the British for Manhattan in 1667.
Overnight: Aqua Blu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6: PULAU RUN
Arrive at Pulau Run, the westernmost of the Banda Islands, at sunrise. Swim, fish, snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters, or go on village tours, trekking and birding. After finding the ruins of an old British fort, arrive at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits. Later, board the ship for an overnight crossing to Nusa Laut.
Overnight: Aqua Blu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: NUSA LAUT & MOLANA
On the north side of Nusa Laut, bike through the scenic fishing villages of Ameth and Akon. This is also home of the dugong, the Southeast Asian cousin of the American manatee and a vulnerable species. Cruise to Molana Island, a small but heavily forested island with fantastic reefs.
Overnight: Aqua Blu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8: DEPARTURE AMBON
Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark after a sumptuous breakfast for your return flight home or continue your exploration of Indonesia and beyond.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Aqua Blu
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. 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.
The Details:
* Available on Private Charter as well as scheduled voyages departures
* Minimum 7 nights voyage (flexibility on customization)
* Maximum guest capacity up to 30 persons across 4 decks in 3 different suite categories
* All meals, non-alcoholic drinks except for house wines & beers, park and harbour fees, fuel & crew are included
* Diving equipment, alcoholic beverages, special dining are on request basis and can be added
* Private exclusive charters starts from USD$37,000 per night for the entire boat
What we love about Aqua Blu
* Plenty of social areas indoors and outdoors including a gym, library, spa and even a plunge pool
* Complimentary Laundry
* State of the art contemporary design and modern furnishings
* Superb crew to guest ratio offering an intimate experience including a cruise director, dive instructor and guides
* Perfect sized cruise for a corporate retreat, wedding at sea or big family journey.