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7-night coastal expeditions aboard the Aqua Blu Ambon and Spice Islands Cruise
Nowhere in the world does centuries-old culture exist within an evolutionary melting pot quite like Ambon and the Spice Islands. Located in the Asia-Oceania transitional zone where animal species have intermingled through the millennia, the collection of wildlife found in this region would have stolen the limelight if it had existed anywhere else in the world.
It is here, however, that unbridled nature and wildlife has to share the stage with culture and heritage. In between forays to underwater gardens and lush bird-filled forests, explorers will undoubtedly be drawn to the region’s eventful history as the global key spice trading hub in the 16th and 17th century. The existence of an amazing historical narrative, told through compelling relics and tradition that lives large on the the Spice Islands to this day, is what makes this region a truly worthwhile destination to cruise.
Every itinerary aboard the Aqua Blu luxury explorer yacht is designed to offer a highly-personal, enjoyable and all-encompassing experience of the enthralling, culture-rich Ambon & Spice Islands region of East Indonesia.
With our expert English-speaking guides, local connections and on-board dive instructors, we have assembled a range of world-class expedition excursions and activities tailored to guests with various preferences, making our cruises truly memorable from start to finish.
Aqua Blu Ambon & Spice Islands cruises depart from Ambon. Cruises run from October to November every year.
As the focal point of the global spice trade in the 16th and 17th century, this region is endowed with well-preserved European relics alongside vibrant local traditions. Enriched by lava flows from the immense active volcano of Gunung Banda Api, nutrient-rich underwater gardens flourish in a kaleidoscope of colors. A series of world-class diving and snorkeling sights await, as do discoveries of fantastic native bird species in the lush forests.
This coastal expedition takes us from Labuan Bajo all the way up to Ambon, part of the Lease Islands of the Central Maluku Region and includes the eastern end of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, the Forgotten Islands and the mythical Banda group along our proposed route.
Along the way, discover intriguing native tribes, active volcanoes, rare and unusual marine habitats, as well as Banda Neira, the epicentre of the Old World spice trade where well-preserved relics coexist with rich local tradition.
The Spice Islands in the Maluku region was once the center of the global spice trade. Centuries-old traditions and European relics on Banda Neira, once a booming spice hub, sit against the backdrop of Gunung Banda Api (“Fire Mountain”), an active volcano that’s also a hiker’s and birdwatchers’ favourite. Lava flows into the sea has created magnificent underwater gardens.
Raja Ampat, a land of glittering blue waters and strange rock formations, is part of the Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, the Indonesia’s second easternmost province. The region is home to endemic and rare bird species, including the exquisite Wilson’s bird of paradise. As well as the most diverse marine habitats in the world.
The Spice Islands in the Maluku region was once the center of the global spice trade. Centuries-old traditions and European relics on Banda Neira, once a booming spice hub, sit against the backdrop of Gunung Banda Api (“Fire Mountain”), an active volcano that’s also a hiker’s and birdwatchers’ favourite. Lava flows into the sea has created magnificent underwater gardens.
This journey takes guests south across the Banda Sea to The Forgotten Islands, where the world’s most remote and spectacular dive and snorkel sites can be found. Visit the intriguing village of Alor, home to the colorful Abui tribe.
Disembarking in Maumere, guests can visit the famed Flores’s famous Kelimutu volcano lakes before their onward journey.
Setting the stage for the greatest luxury cruise expeditions in the Coral Triangle
Setting the stage for the greatest luxury cruise expeditions in the Coral Triangle