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The Spice Islands (Coral Discoverer)

The Spice Islands (Coral Discoverer)

From $9,790 AUD

Description

The legendary Spice Islands of the Moluccas drew the first European explorers — Columbus and Magellan — westwards six centuries ago. This spice legacy has bestowed the region with a colourful history as local, Arabic and European trade rivalries competed over the centuries. In addition, these islands are spectacularly beautiful. Volcanic activity millennia ago has created steep islands and underwater ridges where coral reefs and marine life flourish.
Our 11-night expedition follows the legendary spice trail around Banda, takes in the rich heritage of the Sultanate of Ternate, and (if nature allows) culminates in a once in a lifetime experience with the gentle giants of the sea – the Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua. With a special one-way charter flight for our guests, you will arrive and depart from Australia.

Trip Name
The Spice Islands (Coral Discoverer)
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 63 metres Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms) Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016 Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising in the Southern Hemisphere. The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer is the grand vision of Coral Expeditions, pioneers in expedition and adventure cruises around Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia. Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, can seat all 72 passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers. Coral Discoverer is equipped with latest technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters and is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and wireless internet facilities. Coral Discoverer was built to the exacting international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and specifications in Cairns, Australia, with one aim in mind; to create the ultimate small ship cruising experience. Australian flagged, and staffed entirely by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be unique. After the refurbishment, the Sun Deck has evolved to become a new social space and the hub of on board community living. This area has been converted into an undercover deck area complete with round ‘Explorer Bar’ with bar stools and sun deck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment. Guest accommodation has also received a substantial upgrade with the addition of six Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms providing coveted inside/outside living quarters. Each of our other Stateroom grades has also received a full upgrade with updated bathroom fixtures, soft furnishings and artwork making for an even more comfortable stay on board Coral Discoverer. The Coral Discoverer offers five different grades of staterooms, ranging from Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms to Main Deck Staterooms. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are on the top deck and have private balconies opening out from french windows. All rooms are furnished with contemporary flair and feature original artwork, a small private en-suite, individually-controlled air-conditioning, an iPod dock, ample storage and Australian toiletries. All staterooms are serviced daily. Each stateroom is spacious, sized between 15sqm (161 square feet) to 20 sqm (215 square feet) and has either a balcony, feature picture windows or porthole windows. Most staterooms can be configured to either junior king or twin bedding. FACILITIES ON BOARD > Sun Deck with undercover area, sun lounges and ample seating > Three fully stocked cocktail bars, including brand new round Explorer Bar on Sun Deck > Spacious, modern dining room, recently refurbished > Forward lounge > Reference library > Gift shop > Open bridge > Workout Area > Wireless internet available for laptops, mobile devices or via onboard guest computer > Limited laundry facilities available > SCUBA diving department (selected itineraries)

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Depart Darwin
Board at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure. In the evening, join your fellow travellers at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks in anticipation of a remarkable journey discovering the Spice Islands.
Day 2 - Day 2: At Sea
Spend the day at leisure as we cross the Timor Sea towards Banda Neira. Join our Expedition Staff in the lounge for an informative introduction.
Day 3 - Day 3: Banda Neira & Spice Islands
In the middle of the Banda Sea lies an enchanted fragment of history, the centre of the Spice Island trade. Originally the world’s sole source of nutmeg and mace, these nine tiny islands have attracted traders since at least 2,000 years ago. See Banda’s famous Kora Kora canoes in action and enjoy lunch on board before exploring Fort Belgica, built in 1611. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance before enjoying a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the fort.
Day 4 - Day 4: Banda Neira and Run Island
This morning, choose to either wander through the streets of Banda Neira, past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism and enjoy morning tea along the water front, or spend the morning snorkelling or diving on the nearby lava flow reef system. Visit Run Island and learn about its strange connection to Manhattan, as forged on the Treaty of Breda between the English and Dutch.
Day 5 - Day 5: Molana Island & Saparua
Awake at Molana Island, with time for a morning snorkel over the pristine reef environment. Visit the historic town of Saparua; a crowd will lead us to 17th century Duurstede Fort, where a war party will dance for us.
Day 6 - Day 6: Bacan Islands: Pulau Kasiruta
Today we visit the historic Bacan Islands. Go ashore at Pulau Kasiruta, the second largest island in the Bacan archipelago, with dense rainforest and a mountainous terrain. Visit a local fishing village before spending the afternoon enjoying water activities off white sand beaches.
Day 7 - Day 7: Ternate
Visit the Sultan’s Palace and Fort Tolukko, taking in the panoramic views of volcanic Mount Gamalama. A scenic drive will take us to a spectacular lava flow off the volcano, which has been active in recent years. Enjoy some free time to explore the local markets, or visit the Cengke Afo Clove Plantation. This afternoon there is time for a snorkel at a nearby reef system.
Day 8 - Day 8: Tobelo
Round the northern tip of Halmahera and visit the humble town of Tobelo. The bay here is surrounded by lush green islands and a jigsaw of coral atolls. Visit the communal House or Hibualamo, where we will be entertained with traditional dancing, music and singing. If time permits we may enjoy water activities at nearby Karkara Island.
Day 9 - Day 9: At Sea
Spend a relaxing day at sea. Attend presentations by our Guest Lecturer and Expedition Team.
Day 10 - Day 10: Roon Island
Roon Island is renowned for its nearby dive and snorkelling spots, including a Japanese Zero underwater wreck. Conditions permitting, take a glass bottom boat tour.
Day 11 - Day 11: Cenderawasih Bay & Kwatisore
We enter Cenderawasih Marine Park and go in search of the biggest fish in the sea, the beautiful Whale Shark. This region is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to swim with these majestic animals and we may have a chance to snorkel among them. Visit Kwatisore Village to learn about the local culture through traditional dances and games and listen to their talented string band. You may view and purchase local handicraft.
Day 12 - Day 12: Biak
Disembark at 8am and tour the town of Biak, with a visit to the Binsari Cave and other local attractions before boarding a charter flight back to Darwin.
Day 13 - Please Note:
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-09-201801-10-2018AUD$10,040Main Deck A
20-09-201801-10-2018AUD$10,680Promenade B
20-09-201801-10-2018AUD$10,950Promenade A
20-09-201801-10-2018AUD$9,790Main Deck B
20-09-201801-10-2018AUD$12,150Bridge Deck Balcony
20-09-201801-10-2018AUD$16,020Promenade Deck B Sole
01-10-201812-10-2018AUD$10,680Promenade B
01-10-201812-10-2018AUD$10,040Main Deck A
01-10-201812-10-2018AUD$16,020Promenade Deck B Sole
01-10-201812-10-2018AUD$12,150Bridge Deck Balcony
01-10-201812-10-2018AUD$9,790Main Deck B
01-10-201812-10-2018AUD$10,950Promenade A

Inclusions

    • See Banda’s Kora Kora canoes welcome you to Banda Neira
    • Learn the history of the colourful and vibrant Spice Islands and see the locals preparing spices
    • Snorkel and dive on pristine coral reefs at Molana Island or dive the Japanese Zero wreck at Roon Island
    • See traditional ceremonies and dances of Indonesia and West Papua
    • Take in the spectacular lava flow at Mount Gamalama, Ternate
    • Snorkel and swim with the magnificent whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay

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