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Day by Day Summary and Map
Land Segment of Itinerary
Thursday - Jul 18, 2024
Day 1
Perth, Australia
Friday - Jul 19, 2024
Day 2
Perth, Australia
Air Travel
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Day 2 - Friday - Jul 19, 2024
Day 2
Cruise Begins
Broome, Australia
Arrive in Perth and transfer to the InterContinental Perth Hotel (or similar) where you'll spend one night. On Day 2, fly to Broome, board National Geographic Orion in the afternoon, and take to the waters of the Indian Ocean. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 2.
Saturday - Jul 20, 2024
Day 3
Lacepede Islands, Australia, Australia
Weather dependent, we will operate the Zodiacs through the low lying Lacepede Islands off the coast of the Dampier Peninsula or explore Yampi Sound. This group of islands has been classified an Important Bird Area where you will have the opportunity to see what is possibly the largest breeding colony of brown boobies in the world. Other birds, such as the masked booby, eastern reef egrets, and ruddy turnstones inhabit the islands as well. ... Read More
Sunday - Jul 21, 2024
Day 4
Talbot Bay, Australia
The Horizontal Waterfalls in the Buccaneer Archipelago are created by the rapid tidal fall on the ocean side of the cliffs. When conditions are right, a "waterfall" up to ten feet high may form as the trapped landward waters cascade out through the narrow gap to the ocean side. Enjoy a trip by Zodiac to witness this extraordinary phenomenon. Later in the day, guests can join the naturalist guides on an excursion to Cyclone Bay to explore the twisted geological folds of the ancient seabed. ... Read More
Monday - Jul 22, 2024
Day 5
Cruising Montgomery Reef, Australia
Conditions permitting, the tide at Montgomery Reef may drop rapidly away and a raging torrent of water erupts, as miles of surrounding reef appear to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac maneuvers us into a channel in the reef as water cascades down on either side. It is the perfect spot to watch for cormorants, egrets, and sandpipers foraging for sea life trapped on the surface of the reef. Below the waterline, opportunistic sea turtles, reef sharks, and many larger fish also take advantage of this feast. ... Read More
Tuesday - Jul 23, 2024
Day 6
Cruising Hunter River, Australia
This is one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, lined with green rainforest, mangroves, and soaring red cliffs. National Geographic Orion drops anchor near Naturalists Island, also known by its indigenous name, Wunumpurramarra-a stunning backdrop to our day's explorations. The Hunter River has many crocodiles, and we keep an eye out for them on a Zodiac foray through the mangroves. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior, today presents a wonderful opportunity. The distance from Naturalists Island to the famous Mitchell Falls and Plateau is about 30 miles, and guests may choose to take an optional helicopter tour over some spectacular terrain. ... Read More
Wednesday - Jul 24, 2024
Day 7
Bigge Island, Australia
Onboard Zodiacs, visit this rocky island jutting out of aqua seas, famous for Wandjina rock art. Composed of weathered sandstones and dolerites forming a rugged terrain, Bigge Island is crisscrossed by many deep grooves in the rock, forming valleys and fissures which support the island's vegetation. Small monjon rock-wallabies and the northern quoll thrive here free of predators. ... Read More
Thursday - Jul 25, 2024
Day 8
Jar Island, Australia, Australia
Today, our naturalists lead us to an outdoor Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art gallery on Jar Island. Discovered by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, the rock images are estimated to be up to 40,000 years old. Nearby there is a wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that became lost and crashed during World War II. If time allows, explore the crash site and the remains of the plane. ... Read More
Friday - Jul 26, 2024
Day 9
Koolama Bay, Australia
Zodiac up the King George River with its almost vertical sheer canyon walls. Enjoy the opportunity to explore it at water level, and experience its towering red rock canyon walls. The river drains the Gardner Plateau here into spectacular King George Falls, the highest single-drop waterfalls in the Kimberley. ... Read More
Saturday - Jul 27, 2024
Day 10
Darwin, Australia
Sunday - Jul 28, 2024
Day 11
At Sea
Spend time on deck with the onboard team of naturalists; listen to compelling presentations in the lounge; or enjoy one of the many onboard amenities. National Geographic Orion is required to make a quick technical stop in Darwin to clear the vessel and guests out of Australia before departing for Indonesia. ... Read More
Monday - Jul 29, 2024
Day 12
Savu Island, Indonesia
This morning, we arrive in Indonesia at the small island of Sawu, located in the Sawu Sea. The deep trenches and strong current of the sea in this region make it an important corridor for migrating whales and sea turtles. Many species of fish can also be found in the vibrant coral reefs. Explore the area both above and below the sea by snorkel, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. ... Read More
Tuesday - Jul 30, 2024
Day 13
Waingapu, Indonesia
The ancient harbor of Waingapu on the east coast of Sumba Island is one of Indonesia's hidden gems, with a beautifully rugged coastline that beckons to be explored. Our arrival will be celebrated with music, bright costumes, and traditional dance. The quality, pattern, and motifs of the ikat of East Sumba make it one of the most unique textiles in Indonesia. We'll head inland to meet the locals and learn the history of these colorful pieces of woven art. ... Read More
Wednesday - Jul 31, 2024
Day 14
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Pink Beach, Indonesia
Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world's largest living lizard-the Komodo dragon. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers, who join us on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then, enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the soft pink hue that arises from the blending of red coral fragments and white sand. ... Read More
Thursday - Aug 1, 2024
Day 15
Satonda Island, Indonesia
Kananga, Sumbawa, Indonesia, Indonesia
Today, we visit the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda-a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island's sacred lake. This afternoon, visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively cultural display. ... Read More
Friday - Aug 2, 2024
Day 16
Bali
This morning we arrive in Denpasar on the lush island of Bali. Following disembarkation get a taste of this paradise, where life and art are interwoven. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.