Dual destinations
Featuring vast seas studded with 17,000 islands of unique character, Indonesia is the perfect tropical setting for a small ship cruising expedition.
Exclusive dual-destination sailings in East Indonesia
Embark on Aqua Blu’s most comprehensive sailings, exploring the top highlights in destinations including Bali-Komodo, Spice Islands, Raja Ampat, and West Papua.
Apart from its regular itineraries, Aqua Blu offers highly exclusive dual-destination cruises as one-off itineraries each year. These 9- and 12-night voyages sail to a number of East Indonesia’s uncharted and rarely explored islands. This is the perfect opportunity for those looking to discover the hidden gems of this region, which not many get a chance to see.
These journeys incorporate key aspects of Aqua Blu’s regular itineraries with unique additions along the route. Each of the 12-night expeditions include one-of-a-kind excursions such as visits to the intriguing Abui tribe of Flores at Alor, journeys to the multicolored Kelimutu volcano crater lakes in Flores, and explorations of the stunning landscapes of southern Raja Ampat and the Forgotten Islands.
Combine the best of many worlds
Discover our itineraries
Spice Islands & Forgotten Islands
This coastal expedition takes us from Ambon all the way down to Labuan Bajo, with stops along the eastern end of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, the mythical Banda group, and the Forgotten Islands – a distant and isolated islands chain which isn’t often visited by expeditions and cruises in East Indonesia. Experience hikes through uncharted landscapes, cultural excursions to discover colonial relics, and snorkeling and diving in some of the world’s most biodiverse waters.
Spice Islands & Forgotten Islands
This coastal expedition takes us from Ambon all the way down to Labuan Bajo, with stops along the eastern end of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, the mythical Banda group, and the Forgotten Islands – a distant and isolated islands chain which isn’t often visited by expeditions and cruises in East Indonesia. Experience hikes through uncharted landscapes, cultural excursions to discover colonial relics, and snorkeling and diving in some of the world’s most biodiverse waters.
Best of The Spice Islands & Forgotten Islands
Trip highlights and excursions
Explore the Forgotten IslandsAs the name suggests, the Forgotten Islands are rarely visited and largely unexplored. They stretch across Southern Maluku at the edge of the Indonesian archipelago. These islands are home to some of the world’s most spectacular diving sites, with visibility reaching as far as 50 meters below the water’s surface.
Encounter hammerhead sharksAnother rare sighting but a true stunner – scalloped hammerhead sharks are known to reside in the waters surrounding the Spice Islands. Daily snorkeling and diving sessions with Aqua Blu offers the best opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures.
Discover Banda NeiraThe epicenter of the Old World global spice trade, Banda Neira is a kaleidoscope of tradition, culture, nature and wildlife. Banda Neira’s claim to fame originated with the myristica tree. Once found only on the Spice Islands, the tree was the source of nutmeg and mace. Today in Banda Indonesia, the oldest nutmeg plantations in the world remain, and like the Alba truffles of Italy, Banda nutmeg is still regarded as the highest grade varietal of the spice in the world. In addition to its rich history and cultural heritage, Banda Neira boasts breathtaking natural scenery. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with colorful coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Meet the Abui tribeOn our dual destination itineraries between Spice Islands and Flores, guests have the opportunity to witness centuries-old traditions come to life as the indigenous Abui tribe welcome them with their intricate dance performances.
Dive with sea snakesThe volcanic island of Pulau Manuk is also referred to as the island of snakes, thanks to the population of sea snakes which frequent its underwater thermal springs. A number of species can be spotted while snorkeling and diving in this region.- Explore the Forgotten IslandsAs the name suggests, the Forgotten Islands are rarely visited and largely unexplored. They stretch across Southern Maluku at the edge of the Indonesian archipelago. These islands are home to some of the world’s most spectacular diving sites, with visibility reaching as far as 50 meters below the water’s surface.
- Encounter hammerhead sharksAnother rare sighting but a true stunner – scalloped hammerhead sharks are known to reside in the waters surrounding the Spice Islands. Daily snorkeling and diving sessions with Aqua Blu offers the best opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures.
- Discover Banda Neira
The epicenter of the Old World global spice trade, Banda Neira is a kaleidoscope of tradition, culture, nature and wildlife. Banda Neira’s claim to fame originated with the myristica tree. Once found only on the Spice Islands, the tree was the source of nutmeg and mace. Today in Banda Indonesia, the oldest nutmeg plantations in the world remain, and like the Alba truffles of Italy, Banda nutmeg is still regarded as the highest grade varietal of the spice in the world. In addition to its rich history and cultural heritage, Banda Neira boasts breathtaking natural scenery. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with colorful coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
- Meet the Abui tribeOn our dual destination itineraries between Spice Islands and Flores, guests have the opportunity to witness centuries-old traditions come to life as the indigenous Abui tribe welcome them with their intricate dance performances.
Embarkation
Meeting Point: Arrival terminal, Pattimura International Airport (AMQ), 03:15 PM
Guests will be welcomed by the Aqua Blu team at Pattimura International Airport and escorted on a short transfer to Ambon Harbor. Following this, they will board Aqua Blu at around 04:30 PM.
Disembarkation
Guests will disembark Aqua Blu at La Prima Hotel at 8:00 AM. Following this, they will be taken on a short 15-minute transfer to Komodo Airport (LBJ).
Upon arrival, guests will be able to board the recommended flight Batik Air ID6332 at 9:50 AM to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
Our ship going to Indonesia
