At a Glance
Explore a nearly forgotten chapter of world history on this luxury, 8-day cruise of Indonesia through Ambon and the Spice Islands. Embrace fascinating culture, nature and wildlife and experience some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving.
Departing from Ambon, Indonesia, set sail on the luxurious Aqua Blu cruise ship for an expedition to the Banda Islands, more commonly known as legendary the Spice Islands. Immerse yourself in the enthralling history of the Dutch East Indies Company, who once traded New York’s Manhattan for the nutmeg that grew here. Experience a spectacular living museum where time stands still for centuries-old Dutch and British forts, mansions and relics. Swim with manta rays and sea snakes at some of the world’s best snorkelling and dive sites. Scale active volcanoes, cycle through scenic fishing ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- Premium selected wines and beer, non-alcoholic drink
- Excursions with knowledgeable local guides
- Group transfers between vessel on recommended flights
- Snorkelling equipment and wet suits
- Scuba diving
- All available non-motorized water sports
- Laundry
- Internet connection (intermittent depends on locations)
- All meals while on board
- 7 nights’ on board the luxurious Aqua Blu cruise ship in Category 3 cabin on a twin share basis (upgrades available at an additional cost).
Itinerary
 |
Departing from Laha Bay, a famous muck diving site in Ambon, the crew warmly welcome you aboard the Aqua Blu. Settle into your luxurious suite and take time to explore your home away from home. Sip a cocktail in the Sky Lounge Bar. Mingle with other guests in the Alfresco dining area. Splash around in the jacuzzi or laze on the lounge day beds. Pamper yourself Balinese massage and aromatherapy in the onboard spa. Or, simply look out over the stunningly blue water and keep an eye out for marine life including manta rays and sperm whales. For the adventurous, there is also an opportunity to go birdwatching and trekking inland. In the evening, enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua Blu
Lunch, Dinner |
In the early morning, set sail along the scenic north coast of Ambon to the island outpost of Saparua. En route, stop off in the coastal town of Hila to explore Fort Amsterdam, an old Dutch fortification built by the Dutch East Indies Company in 1637. Continue on to Saparua, the site of the famous 1817 Indonesian rebellion against Dutch forces, where an action-packed afternoon awaits. Make a splash swimming, diving, snorkelling, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. Discover local pottery-making at Ouw village. Explore historic forts and uncover other relics. Or, venture into vibrant bird habitats where you may spy endangered Far Eastern Curlew and Great Knot. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. You will travel overnight from Saparua to Banda Islands. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
As the sun rises, Kora-Kora war canoes greet the Aqua Blu as it enters the Banda Neira Harbour. Step back in time at the old Dutch fort Belgica, which was in its prime during the 16th and 17th centuries when Banda Neira was the most hotly contested island in the world. The reason for the conflict? The spice trade! Banda Neira grew nutmeg, a pantry staple that was once only found in this specific location. This humble brown spice resulted in numerous battles between the Dutch and their rivals, namely the Portuguese. If you prefer to stay by the beach, a sparkling, sapphire sea surrounds the Banda Islands, brimming with exquisite corals and ocean life. Feel free to swim, snorkel or otherwise do as you please. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Delve deeper into this remote part of Indonesia and experience local culture and traditions that have remained unchanged for decades. Explore the world’s oldest nutmeg plantations and learn about the cultivation and history of this lucrative spice. You won’t have to look far to see the wealth such spices wrought: the Instana Mini (Mini Palace), once home to the Dutch controleur (inspector), looks utterly out of place the jungle with its giant granite slabs, huge wooden doors and bright floor tiles. Another must-do activity involves scaling the mighty Gunung Banda Api by foot. One of the most active volcanoes in the region, Gunung Banda Api is known for its impressive ash emissions, lava fountaining and occasional lava flows, some of which reach the sea. It is also known as the “Island of Sea Snakes” for the number of slippery serpents you will find in the area. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Watch the sunrise over the sheer, 300-metre tall cliffs of Pulau Manuk, another volcanic island rising three kilometres from the seabed. Like Gunung Banda Api, this island is a haven for sea snakes as well as reef sharks, which flock to the area for its underwater thermal springs. Enjoy a day of swimming by the Aqua Blu and make the most of the suite of water sports on offer. With the crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life, today is a great day for underwater photography. Make sure to venture close to shore where you will likely find hot rocks, where warmth from the volcano bubbles up from underground. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cruise northwards to Pulau Run, a coconut-fringed island traded by the British for the then swampy pit of New York’s Manhattan in 1667. Unbelievably, this trade was described as the “real estate deal of the millennium”, due to the Pulau Run’s wealth of nutmeg and mace. Little did they know the modern metropolis Manhattan would become! What Pulau Run lacks in skyscrapers and taxis, it makes up for in pristine beaches, colourful canoes, thick jungle and crisp clove-scented air. Swim, fish, snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters. Mingle with locals in the village. Or, wander off in search of the old British fort before heading back to the beach for a cocktail party. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. You will overnight cross to Nusa Laut. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Start your day with a leisurely cycle on the north side of Nusa Laut, through the scenic fishing villages of Ameth and Akon. The friendly albeit endangered dugong, cousin to the American manatee, calls this area home. If you’re lucky, you’ll see their smooth heads peering above the surface of the water. In the afternoon, cruise to Molona Island, a small but heavily forested island with fantastic reefs. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Come full circle back to Ambon and disembark after a sumptuous breakfast to commence your onward journey. If you have time before your flight, head into town to discover why Ambon translates literally to “pretty”. In Kota Ambon, you will find an attractive and sophisticated city with tree-lined streets and a wealth of artisanal cafes and stores that would not seem out of place in a capital city. Beyond the city, traditional hamlets – marked as either Christian (with white crosses) or Muslim (by the presence of mosques) – are the focus of everyday life, with narrow winding streets lined with spices drying in the sun. The pristine beaches of the north coast are also worth a look! NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastAccommodation
Dates & Prices
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Ambon, Indonesia.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Ambon. The closest major airport is Ambon’s Pattimura International Airport (AMQ). Domestic flights serve Ambon’s Pattimura International Airport (AMQ) from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Garuda Indonesia Airlines provide convenient flight time connections to coincide with the Aqua Blu’s embarkation and disembarkation times.
In the Maluku region of Indonesia where Ambon and the Spice Islands are located, the monsoon season runs opposite to most of the country. This means that from October through to May, Ambon and the Spice Islands receive little rainfall. Taking sea condition into consideration, the best month to sail Ambon and the Spice Islands is from October through to March. Temperature highs in the region from October through to March range from 29-31 degrees Celsius (85 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit). At night, temperature falls to a low of 21-24 degrees Celsius (73 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall averages 130mm in the months of October through to March, with the lowest rainfall in November (103mm).
- 16 luxurious design suites ranging from 130 sq. ft (12 sq. m) to 366 sq. ft (34 sq. m) with portholes or windows, inclusive of ensuite bathrooms
- Deluxe ensuite bathrooms with spacious walk-in shower, and overhead rain-shower
- Premium king-sized bed or twin beds
- All suites are fully air-conditioned
- Equipped with pampering organic natural hair and bath amenities
- Nespresso machines available in select cabins
- Closet with electronic safe
- 15 individually-designed suites in 3 categories across four decks. 2 pairs of interconnecting suites available.
- Cat I: 8 suites – Bridge Deck (1 suite), Forecastle Deck (2 suites), Main Deck (2suites) and Lower Deck (3 suites)
- Cat II: 4 suites – Bridge Deck (1 suite), Forecastle Deck (1 suite) and Main Deck (2 suites)
- Cat III: 3 suites – Main Deck (1 suite) and Lower Deck (2 suites)
Sun Deck: With an elevated vantage point, the Sun Deck offers spectacular 360-degree views wherever you sail in the picturesque East Indonesia region. Equipped with a barbecue, outdoor seating with umbrellas and wraparound lounge sofas, this is the perfect location for sunrise yoga, evening grill party or night stargazing.
Jacuzzi & Lounge Daybeds: The outdoor jacuzzi is complete with plush daybeds for sunbathing and lazing perfect after a diving or snorkelling session
Spa & Exercise Area: Indulge in Balinese massage and aromatherapy from our onboard therapist or work up a sweat in the outdoor exercise area. Take your massage outdoors, if you wish.
Sky Bar Lounge: Exchange the days’ tales of marine sightings over a cocktail at the stylish Sky Lounge Bar, while looking out to gorgeous views of the surrounding seas.
Dining Room: Experience refined Indonesian-inspired cuisine onboard Aqua Blu in an inviting and stylishly-appointed dining room on the Main Deck.
Alfresco Dining Area: Located on the Forecastle Deck, the alfresco dining area is the ideal spot to enjoy freshly prepared meals. Choose to mingle with other guests, or retain a sense of privacy while enjoying the fresh breeze and stunning sea views.
Private Speedboat: boasts two Alson Flash private speedboats used for daily excursions to nearby islands, each with a capacity of 16 passengers. One tender with a capacity of eight divers is used exclusively for diving activities.
Watersports Equipment: a comprehensive suite of top-of-the-line, non-motorized watersports equipment, including diving and snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
