Ambon and the Spice Islands – BD631
Ambon and the Spice Islands - BD631
Ambon and the Spice Islands is 7 nights luxury on the small ship Aqua Blu. Take this Indonesia Cruise from Ambon to the Spice Islands. See volcanoes, stunning marine life and architectural history.
The Spice Islands are made of over 1,000 islands in the Maluku region. It was once the center of the global spice trade which has left traditions and European relics from the sixteenth century. Banda Neira sits against the backdrop of Gunung Banda Api or Fire Mountain, an active volcano that is a paradise for bird watchers and hikers.
Underwater, the Spice Islands have a unique array of marine life. Lava flow from the Gunung Banda Api eruption in 1988 set off a massive rebirth of coral reefs. Today they are among the liveliest and most diverse marine habitats in the East Indonesian Archipelago.
COUNTRIES:
Indonesia
WATERWAYS:
Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Banda Sea
Itinerary ~ Ambon and the Spice Islands
Day 1 Saturday
AMBON
Welcome to your 7 Nights Ambon and the Spice Islands Indonesia Cruise. 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. Dinner and overnight.
Embarkation: 3:30pm
Recommended Flight: Jakarta to Ambon, Garuda Indonesia – GA646*
Day 2 Sunday
SARAPUA
Early morning departure along the scenic north coast of Ambon sailing for the island outpost of Saparua. 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 the European relics, explore bird habitats or go diving before departing Sarapua for an overnight crossing to the Banda Islands.
Day 3 Monday
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 Tuesday
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.
Day 5 Wednesday
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.
Day 6 Thursday
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. Attempt to search for the ruins of an old British fort before arriving at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits.
Day 7 Friday
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.
Day 8 Saturday
AMBON
Alas , this is the last day of your Ambon and the Spice Islands - Indonesia Cruise. Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark after a sumptuous breakfast for your outbound flight.
Disembarkation: 6:30 am
Recommended Flight: Ambon to Jakarta, Batik Air – ID 6171
Pricing ~ Ambon and the Spice Islands
2020
2021
| Price Per Person in Double (USD) 2020 | Category 1 Bridge & Forecaste Decks (25-31 SQM) | Category II Main and Lower Deck (22-32 SQM) | Category III Main & Lower Decks (12-14 SQM) | Charter Rates - Normal Season | Charter - Peak Season: Jan 4, 19 & Dec 26, 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Nights - Saturday Departures | 10,675 | 9,625 | 7,525 | 258,000 | 286, 650 |
| 12 Nights - Saturday Departures | 16,475 | 14,850 | 11,600 | 398,000 |
Price Per Person in USD
Supplements
- Single supplement: 25% in addition to the adult rate
- Seven year age minimum on all departures
- Children under 12 years old will receive a 20% discount
- A third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount
Features ~ Ambon and the Spice Islands
Includes
- All meals while onboard
- Beverages (non-alcoholic, select premium wines, sparkling wine and national beer)
- Excursions
- Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- Scuba Diving (certified divers only)
- Non motorised water sports
- Transfers to/from vessel when arriving or departing on recommended flights
- Internet (limited connection)
- Laundry
Excludes
- Air tickets
- Guide and crew gratuities
- Boutique purchases
- Private transfers to/from vessel
- Spa Services
- Visas
Blue Danube Holidays are authorized distributors of Aqua Expeditions cruises.
See The Ship
Aqua Blu
There is plenty of room on the Aqua Blu to get together or to get away. There are indoor and outdoor bars and indoor and outdoor dining areas. You can relax in the lobby lounge and bar or take in the views on the observation deck. The ship is complete with an outdoor jacuzzi with lounge day beds, a library, exercise zone and spa. There is also complimentary internet (subject to location).
On board are diving equipment, kayaks, stand up paddleboards for passengers to explore independently. We also offer 2 Alson Flash tenders and 2 Zodiac RIB rescue boats for sports and discovery.
The ship was converted from a British Navy vessel to a private luxury yacht in 2006 and refurbished to join the exquisite Aqua Expeditions fleet in 2019. The vessel is powered by 2 660hp Lister Blackstones and develops a cruising speed of 12 knots. Electricity at 220V and 110V is supplied by 2 Volvo Penta 225 KW generators.
There are 15 Design Suites over 4 decks in three categories:
Cat 1: 25 - 31 sq meters or 269 ft sq (min)
Cat 2: 22 - 31 sq meters or 237 ft sq (min)
Cat 3: 12 - 14 sq meters or 129 ft sq (min)
Gallery
We hope you are inspired to join us on the Ambon and the Spice Islands - Indonesia Cruise. Here are some Tourist Authority Links to help your research: Indonesia – Ambon – Spice Islands – Bali – Komodo – Raja Ampat
Note: This itinerary is subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
