Darwin, the capital and largest city of Australia’s Northern Territory, is a lively tropical centre. This multicultural city has residents from more than 50 cultural backgrounds, all contributing to its well-known friendly and relaxed lifestyle. You can explore Darwin’s recent and strong history through its famous buildings. For instance, there’s the impressive Parliament House, which opened in 1994 and showcases tropical architecture. Another highlight is the heritage-listed Admiralty House, a traditional stilted tropical home that has survived two cyclones and several air raids.

As you set sail, you can make the most of the many services and activities on board, such as the spa, fitness centre, swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey, without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows offered on board, depending on the activities available.

Lovers of the open sea will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species.

Today, you will arrive at the white sand beaches of the Kei Islands. The local people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Alongside their Christian faith, they proudly maintain a rich and unique cultural heritage. Local history states that the ancestors of today’s Kei islanders came from Bali, which was once part of the powerful Hindu Majapahit Empire. You can spend the day swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of a beautiful tropical island.

Triton Bay is one of three regions in Indonesia’s West Papua province that make up the famous Bird’s Head Seascape, along with Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay. Marine biologists recognize the Bird’s Head as the centre of the Coral Triangle with more fish and coral species than anywhere else on Earth.

Its incredible biodiversity, high level of unique species, rich habitats and relatively intact ecosystems make it one of the world’s greatest areas of tropical marine wilderness. You will be able to embrace the area by zodiac rides through stunning karst or mushroom islands covered in rainforest. Then, dive into the lively underwater world full of life.

The ships should be in the Indonesian province of West Papua today - specifically on the Bomberai Peninsula and in Sebakor Bay. Here, you will be able to admire the stunning coastlines, complex karst formations, and rich marine life, as well as the Kitikiti Waterfall, where you can enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and underwater.

Another peaceful day at sea.

After a long day at sea, we reach the western end of New Guinea island, Cenderawasih Bay, south-east of the Bird's Head Peninsula. The bay lies within the heart of the coral triangle covers more than 1.4 million hectares the bay and is home to several uninhabited islands and diverse coral reefs.

The abundance of food found near the floating fishing platforms, called bagans attract the world’s largest fish: the Whale Shark. Over the years the whale sharks have learnt the habits of local fishermen who catch baitfish at night in these bagans. Whale sharks have become visitors, drawn to feed on the baitfish that spill from the nets near the surface. Conditions permitting, you might have the opportunity to swim with them.

Much like Day 6, Day 8 offers a tranquil day at sea — a chance to unwind, reflect on your journey so far and take full advantage of the ship’s facilities and onboard activities.

Today focuses on the modern industrial provincial capital of Papua province, Jayapura. This city contrasts with the surrounding hinterland where Papuan tribes live a subsistence lifestyle. The majority of Jayapurans are transmigrants from western Indonesia who control most of the industry and economics of the region.

Later in the day you will leave the city and travel to the traditional village of Asai on Lake Sentani, a place known for its production of Tapa cloth. Here you can enjoy a cultural performance and witness life in a traditional Papuan village.

Kopar, a village at the mouth of the Sepik river in Papua New Guinea, marks your destination after a week on board. The people of the Sepik region speak more than 250 languages and are bound together through intricate systems of trade and shared cultural traditions."

The crocodile is honoured as the water spirit in the Sepik Province where the men’s spirit house serves as the hub for important village decisions, boys’ initiation rites, and ceremonies to pay respect to the spirits. Visitors receive a warm welcome ashore with a traditional ceremony and cultural performance that includes the famous Dragon Dance. There will also be a chance to walk through the village of Kopar and witness the rhythms of traditional life in the lower Sepik.

Madang Township, once known as the ‘prettiest town in the South Pacific’, is the next port of call. Set on a picturesque peninsula, the area is a showcase of lush parks, winding waterways, towering shade trees, and glittering tropical islands.
The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. The town is also known for its Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by different cultural groups from across the Madang Province. Today, you will also be treated to several cultural performances showcasing the local customs, costume and dance of the coastal, midland and highland communities.

Today the ship will arrive at the seldom visited Tami Islands (Kalal, Wanam & Idjan). These are a group of uplifted coral atolls, with two main villages on the two larger islands and many smaller reefs and cays. In the centre is a beautiful, crystal-clear blue lagoon with lots of incredible marine life and stunning coral formations. Tami Islanders are renowned artisans and are most famous for their intricately decorated bowls.

Tufi is famous for its fjords which plunge over 90 metres deep and rise over 150 metres vertically above the water making for a spectacular backdrop.

Traditional village life remains deeply rooted among the people, many of whom live in remote communities along the Cape Nelson coastline and the slopes of Mount Trafalgar. The area is known for its production of tapa cloth, made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree and skilfully decorated. People often travel into the ancient mangrove forests of the fjords to witness one of the most colourful traditional performances in all of Papua New Guinea.  You will also have opportunity to swim and snorkel in the calm and clear waters of Kamoa Beach.

Today, your destination is the provincial capital of Milne Bay as of 1969, Alotau. Today, the port town has a population of approximately 16,000 and it serves as the journeys port of entry into Papua New Guinea. Missionaries, miners, pearlers, Japanese, American warships and most of all the Battle of Milne Bay have all contributed to the History of Milne Bay. It was in this location that the invading Japanese army suffered their first land defeat in the Pacific War in 1942.

Alotau is considered one of the most easy-going towns in the whole of Papua New Guinea with local people being very warm and welcoming.

Much like Day 6, Day 9 offers a tranquil day at sea—a chance to unwind, reflect on your journey so far, and take full advantage of the ship’s facilities and onboard activities.

The final day focuses on the harbour town of Cairns, located on Australia's north-east coast. Visitors often walk on the seafront esplanade and swim under the shade of swaying palm trees. The hills surrounding Cairns form the gateway to the Queensland Rainforests, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for their fauna and flora from the Gondwana era.