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Exploring the Malay Archipelago - with National Geographic

16 Days Darwin to Manila
Exploring the Malay Archipelago - with National Geographic
Exploring the Malay Archipelago - with National Geographic
Exploring the Malay Archipelago - with National Geographic
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Kei Islands
Kei Islands
Banda Neira
Banda Neira
Manila
Manila
Darwin
Darwin
Darwin
Darwin
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
New Release Cruise

Overview

Ponant
Cruise Operated By:
 (6) Reviews Total No. of Cruises 310
Begin your journey in Darwin and cruise through to Manila onboard Le Laperouse and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with Ponant and Global Journeys.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Trip Length
Cruise Length

16 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Darwin

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Manila

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Cruise Shi
Cruise Ship
Le Laperouse
Ship Reviews
2 Ship Reviews
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Ship Class
Ship Class

Ponant Explorers

Passengers
Passengers

184

Crew
Crew

118

Ship Launch
Launched

2018

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

MNLDRW15

Itinerary

Departs: 18:00

Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Ships will dock at Fort Hill Wharf.

Top Things to Do in Darwin:

  • cruise the Darwin Harbour
  • explore Litchfield or Kakadu National Park
  • visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
  • take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
  • visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the 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 proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they 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. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

The Kei Islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Beneath the mostly Christian facade, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive.

Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.

Triton Bay, located in West Papua, Indonesia, is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity. The bay's crystal-clear waters are perfect for diving and snorkelling, offering vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and colourful fish.

The surrounding limestone cliffs and lush rainforests provide a dramatic backdrop for kayaking and exploring secluded beaches. Visit the ancient rock art sites, which offer a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage. Triton Bay’s pristine environment and diverse attractions make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the 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 proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they 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. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Banda Neira is one of ten volcanic islands and the administrative centre of the Banda Archipelago. The Banda Islands, better known as the legendary 'Spice Islands' of the Ancient World, were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries.

They are covered with towering, aromatic, tropical-evergreens and surrounded by a sparkling, sapphire sea. Its waters are brimming with exquisite corals and abundant ocean life, making the Banda Islands not only a historically significant destination, but also an internationally recognised diving spot.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the 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 proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they 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. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the 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 proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they 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. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the 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 proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they 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. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Arrives: 07:00

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila is the Philippine's sprawling capital city and a bustling hub of diverse cultures and heritage. Manila’s heady assortment of historical influences combine to give the city its unique identity. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Manila:

  • visit Fort Santiago
  • admire Filipino art at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
  • take a scenic drive to Tagaytay
  • take the ferry to Corregidor Island to see sites that played pivotal roles in WWII
Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life On Board

Ponant
 (6) Reviews
Total No. of Cruises 310
It's time to join Ponant's team of experienced naturalist guides and expedition experts to discover some of the world’s most distant and sought-after shores, venture into the heart of extreme lands and be immersed in nature on one of many Zodiac outings and shore excursions. Whether you dream of stepping foot on the Antarctic more Peninsula, witnessing the incredible rise of Montgomery reef in the Kimberley or meeting and interacting with local communities in the Arctic, Ponant, the world leader in luxury expeditions can take you there.
Le Lapérouse
Le Lapérouse

Named after the French explorer, Le Lapérouse offers luxury expeditions to the corners of the earth. Read more

Expedition Comfort
Expedition Comfort

Enjoy 24 hour room service and luxury amenities in your ocean facing accommodation. Read more

Infinity Pool Days
Infinity Pool Days

Watch the ocean pass by from the infinity pool and bask in warmth of the solarium. Read more

Inside The Blue Eye
Inside The Blue Eye

Have a multi-sensory experience as you sip a cocktail in the chic underwater lounge. Read more

The Adjustable Marina
The Adjustable Marina

A sundeck on sea days or a water sports platform, the innovative marina adds more to life onboard. Read more

Relaxed Dining Settings
Relaxed Dining Settings

Dine inside or out in the main restaurant where French gastronomy and service will impress. Read more

Ship Reviews (2)

Ponant Reviews
Reviews 2 Reviews
Average Rating 5 out of 5
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Australia's Iconic Kimberley 6 , VIC, Australia, Apr 2024
All of the trip was good, using Ponant the first time was good, food, good and variety, all the trips that were arranged were as expected. Hannah our travel advisor at Global Journeys was excellent, always ready to help with anything .
Fantastic Kimberley   6 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2023
One of the best holidays we have ever done Expensive, yes but you get what you pay for in the end This was 6* cruising at its best. The daily and at times twice daily zodiac excursions were special and led by well informed guides all of whom had professional qualifications in a relevant field.

Food was of the highest standard an the open bar well read more stocked to meet all tastes. Don't worry too much about formal gear, a sports coat and a colourful dress are all that is required on the two gala nights. On the other nights, slacks and polo are fine.

We helicoptered to Mitchell Falls which again was expensive but well worth it. Forget about the Horizontal Falls boat ride. Those that went were very dissatisfied as the most exciting of the two Falls is now closed due to a boating accident. I've seen more challenging wave sets in Moreton Bay. Overall 11/10 from us and very highly recommended
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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