The Aqua Blu carries her guests in high luxury, comfort and safety while sailing through Eastern Indonesia. Embrace history and luxury on this unique cruise ship.
Aqua Blu Ambon & Spice Islands Cruise
Embrace culture, nature and wildlife on this 8-day Spice Islands cruise aboard the 30-passenger luxury Indonesia yacht Aqua Blu, including regular dive opportunities.
Mar
Nov
Dec
FROM
$10,530
USD
PER PERSON
/
Embrace culture, nature and wildlife on this 8-day Banda Sea cruise aboard the 30-passenger luxury Indonesia yacht Aqua Blu. Cruise among the Spice Islands, famous for their nutmeg with some of the oldest spice plantations on Earth. Enter a living museum where time appears to have stood still for decades and centuries-old relics, such as the Dutch Fort Belgica, exist alongside rich Indonesian local traditions such as nutmeg cultivation and kora-kora war canoe racing.
Embark on a unique itinerary exploring the culture-rich Spice Islands and the biodiversity hotspots of Raja Ampat. Revel in the rich colonial heritage of the Banda Islands, then sail onwards to the uncharted islands of Wayil and Thousand Temples, home to remarkable snorkel & dive sites, jellyfish lakes and mangrove forests.
Various alternative departures complete positioning routes, each offering some unique stops over 11-12 days, for a longer cruise that blends two of Aqua Blu’s regularly occurring itineraries. Motor between Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands to seek out endemic and rare bird species, experience the most diverse marine habitats in the world and discover centuries-old traditions at the former center of the global spice trade. Alternately, cruise between Flores and Ambon to discover intriguing native tribes, active volcanoes, rare and unusual marine habitats, and the epicenter of the Old World spice trade. The unlisted Spice Islands, Raja Ampat & West Papua itinerary goes further, adding time exploring West Papua’s waterfalls, beaches and whale sharks.
Cruise Indonesia in style aboard the 30-guest, all-suite, luxury yacht Aqua Blu. Her brass-and-beige appointments, 5-star cuisine, inviting Jacuzzi, collection of adventure gear and attentive crew will ensure an unforgettable experience. And her history as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle means she is equipped for this expedition to lesser-visited parts of Indonesia. This vessel is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter cruises due to her private yacht feel and size.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruises.
Spice Islands & South Raja Ampat Expedition Itinerary
Ambon, IndonesiaAmbon, Indonesia
Tthe main 8-day Spice Islands & South Raja Ampat cruise operates round-trip from Ambon, Indonesia. Visit the Spice Islands of Banda Neira, Pulau Koon and Boano, and the southern Raja Ampat islands in and around Misool for an itinerary full of culture, nature and wildlife.
Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon. Board the ship and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard, curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross. Settle into your cabins and bid farewell to the harbor as you set sail along the scenic northern coast of Ambon.
Approach the Banda Islands at sunrise, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes at the harbor. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Nassau on Banda Neira–which used to be most hotly contested island in the world back in the 16th and 17th century. Walk through ancient passageways now bustling with modern life, yet still showcasing a treasure trove of history. After lunch, head out for a snorkeling or diving excursion, and end the evening with a sundowner at Fort Belgica.
Spend the day exploring some of the finest reefs on the planet. Off the remote island of Koon, divers and snorkelers can look forward to visiting ‘Too Many Fish’, an aptly named site with plenty of reef fish sightings as well as occasional pop-ins by leopard sharks and hammerhead sharks.
The Wayil region of Raja Ampat features a number of uncharted islands, each harboring pristine beaches and secret lagoons. Enjoy kayaking among the reefs or head out for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. After lunch, head out to Yillet – an island featuring some of the world’s most iconic diving and snorkeling sites – before returning to the ship.
Wake up to the magnificent Thousand Temples karst island and lagoon complex. In the morning, explore mysterious jellyfish lakes and karst island seascapes, witnessing ancient rock art before touring the magnificent caverns of Tomolol Cave. In the afternoon, visit the remote Fibiacet Island – home to some of Indonesia’s most biodiverse waters – before returning to the ship for sundowners.
Head out early in the morning to the lush forests of Kapatcol, home to the Lesser and King birds of paradise. After the morning’s bird-watching excursion, plunge into the surrounding lapis lazuli waters for a refreshing dive or snorkel. In the afternoon, visit the remote Blue Water Mangroves and Crocodile River in search of saltwater crocodiles basking in the sun. Cap off the day with a tender tour of the mangrove channels with cocktails and canapes.
Arrive early morning at Boano, a small island located between the Seram and Banda Sea. Head out for a dive or snorkel along the island’s coral fringed walls, where you may encounter sharks and schools of pelagic fish. After lunch, revel in a cocktail demonstration, and spend your final evening relaxing on the sun deck, taking in the ocean breeze.
Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark, after a sumptuous breakfast, for your outbound flight.
Included
All meals while on board; non-alcoholic beverages, house wines and beer; all excursions; snorkeling equipment and wetsuits; SCUBA diving (certified divers age 10 and over only); laundry; satellite internet (limited connection); and group transfers to/from vessel on recommended flights.
Exclusions
All air tickets; visas; private transfers; spa services, boutique purchases and items of a personal nature; guide and crew gratuities; insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – full refund except for $500 service charge
120 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The main, Spice Islands & South Raja Ampat cruise begins and ends in Ambon, Indonesia (AMQ). Plan flights to arrive to Ambon by 3:00pm, ahead of the 4:30pm embarkation. On Day 8, disembarkation in Ambon is at 7:00am. Plan flights to depart Ambon no earlier than 8:30am on Day 8. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include: tender rides, kayaking, hikes/walks, wildlife viewing from the ship, swimming, snorkeling, diving and visiting local communities.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 25% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount. To book one of four interconnecting suites, please contact your Adventure Specialist.
Families & Children
Kids 5 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Save 20% per child under the age of 12 years old. A child under 12 years old sleeping as the third person on a sofa bed pays $780(2026) per night.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
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As a former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle and later as the private yacht of a European aristocratic family, Aqua Blu is now exploring the world in a completely new fashion. This 30-guest luxury long-range explorer yacht is now the perfect ship to sail through Indonesia's vast archipelago with the 2019 refurbishment overseen by Dutch yacht design maestro Cor D. Rover. These modern updates bring the vessel to world-class cruising specifications along with luxurious appointments. Guests can expect to embrace a distinguished sense of history and seafaring evolution when they set foot on this one-of-a-kind cruise ship.
Aqua Blu Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Aqua Blu review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Aqua Blu review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Aqua Blu with other small luxury cruise ships and yachts offering Indonesia cruises, Asia cruises and Pacific Island cruises, including private charter cruises.
Choose the Aqua Blu for a newly refurbished small ship that comfortably sails the turquoise waters of Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Komodo National Park. She is also notable for offering an inclusive daily dive package along with snorkeling. Aqua Blu's original craftsmanship combined with modern technology and upgrades have created a fast exploration vessel that can travel further afield with safety and comfort. This ship is able to cover vast distances in a short span of time—and in any sea condition. Having attained the highest international classifications in safety (RINA, SOLAS, ISM), the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing.
Navigate East Indonesia’s vast seas on this ideal vessel to experience the most varied, enjoyable and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world. Enjoy cruising East Indonesia in a way that no ship has ever offered before.
Common Areas Aboard Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu's tastefully paired brass-and-ivory interior theme combines well with the generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck with outdoor seating, lounge and barbecue. The bridge deck offers a Jacuzzi, outdoor lounge, spa and workout zone. Dine outside on the Forecastle deck that also includes an indoor bar, library and TV room. The main dining room, salon and more outdoor seating exist on the Main Deck. This ship comes prepared with kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling and diving gear. Enjoy complimentary internet and laundry service while aboard.
Activities Aboard Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu combines modern luxury with active adventures for a novel means of cruising Indonesia. She carries SCUBA diving gear, including regulators, buoyancy compensators, computers, gauges and tanks, along with a dedicated 8-guest tender used exclusively for diving activities. Divers and snorkelers alike are equipped with a full-body wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins. Above water, the ship's onboard kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and two other 16-guest tenders are the ticket to seek out stunning marine wildlife in comfort and safety. A staircase off the swim step improves on the ladder offered by most ships, enabling easy in and out of the water. Finally, the spa, Jacuzzi and exercise zone enable Aqua Blu's guests to maintain fitness routines and relax after a day of exploration.
Dining Aboard Aqua Blu
Central to every Aqua Blu cruise is the element of five-star dining with a menu created and overseen by a renowned chef who is supported by Consulting Chef Benjamin Cross—a renowned Australian culinarian who will be orchestrating the menu for a uniquely Indonesian-inspired five-star dining experience. Trained by Sydney’s best culinary talents, Cross has masterfully created over 100 recipes that showcase a journey of refined flavors drawn from the ancient Spice Route, relying on local ingredients such as nutmeg and cloves; as well as a variety of seafoods like the giant Papuan prawns sourced from the Indonesian seas.
The Aqua Blu experience will additionally showcase the freshest, sustainably-sourced seafood that the pristine waters of East Indonesia has to offer, as well as custom-designed vegan menu options. Guests can look forward to refined plated dishes as well as convivial communal barbecues and relaxed outdoor dining. Breakfast is served buffet style and offers items including granola, yogurt, fresh fruit and made-to-order eggs. Lunches are a mix of plated and buffet, while dinner is always a plated affair. Exquisite and scrumptious cuisine, set amidst dramatic coastal landscapes, will undoubtedly be the highlight of all Aqua Blu itineraries.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Aqua Blu
This Indonesia yacht includes 15 individually designed sea-facing suites in 3 cabin categories with premium furnishings that befit a luxury odyssey. Each cabin was designed to combine modern luxury with ultimate comfort.
Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
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Sailing Indonesia: Whale Sharks, Corals & Komodo Dragons
Locally-managed cruise featuring whale sharks, Komodo dragons & coral reefs
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Sailing Indonesia: Jewels of Raja Ampat
Locally-run voyage through limestone islets, reefs & secluded anchorages
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Islands of Indonesia
Highlights cruise linking Sulawesi villages, remote islands & rich marine ecosystems
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