ITINERARY: 20 DAYS
OCT. 18-20: U.S./DENPASAR, BALI,
INDONESIA
Depart for Bali, crossing the international date
line, and embark the National Geographic
Orion. (D)OCT. 21–24: LESSER SUNDA ISLANDS
Our fi rst stop is the Indonesian island of
Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with
a lively cultural display. At Komodo National
Park, go hiking with park rangers to spot the
world’s largest living lizard—the Komodo
dragon—in its natural habitat; and swim and
snorkel at “Pink Beach,” named for the coral
fragments that lend their color to the sand.
Explore the island of Flores, once an important
Portuguese trading center for sandalwood,
and venture to the rugged interior of Alor to
visit a local market and museum. (B, L, D Daily)OCT. 25 AND 26: AT SEA/BANDA ISLANDS,
MOLUCCAS
Explore the isolated coral reefs and atolls of
the Banda Sea, then sail into the Moluccas
archipelago, also known as Maluku or the
Spice Islands. Visit the island of Run, which
played a pivotal role in the 17th century
spice wars and was traded by the British
in exchange for the Dutch island of New
Amsterdam—later renamed New York.
Delve into the history of the Dutch East India
Company at Bandanaira island, and go
swimming and snorkeling. (B, L, D Daily)OCT. 27: KAI ISLANDS
During a traditional welcome ceremony, sample
local dishes and learn about the islands’ ancient
cultural links to Balinese royalty. Later, we’ll
anchor at a nearby palm-fringed beach. (B, L, D)OCT. 28: TRITON BAY, WEST PAPUA
Dotted with mushroom-shaped limestone
islets, Triton Bay is home to diverse birdlife,
including sulphur-crested cockatoos and
rainbow lorikeets. Explore this lush paradise
by Zodiac, go birding, and snorkel and dive
among beautiful soft corals. (B, L, D)OCT. 29–31: AT SEA/THE ASMAT
Arrive in the enchanting Asmat region, which
spreads across mud fl ats and mangrove
forests, with raised wooden boardwalks
linking one village to the next. Elaborately
painted warriors escort us to a stilt village on
shore for a welcome ceremony. Our sub-
sequent exploration will be dictated by the
tides, as we venture to neighboring villages
by Zodiac and encounter the ancient culture
of the Asmat people, who are renowned for
their woodcarving. (B, L, D Daily)NOV. 1 AND 2: AT SEA/TORRES STRAIT AND
THURSDAY ISLAND, AUSTRALIA
Sail into the Torres Strait and stop at Thursday
Island to learn about the pearl industry that
once thrived here. Swim or snorkel at nearby
islands, or explore Cape York. (B, L, D Daily)NOV. 3 AND 4 : THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
AND LIZARD ISLAND
At a remote northern section of the Great
Barrier Reef, snorkel or dive amid a profusion
of marine life, from starfi sh and sea anemones
to reef sharks and turtles. Cruise south to
Lizard Island National Park, a secluded group
of islands considered sacred by the indigenous
Dingaal people. Explore white-sand beaches
and coral gardens inhabited by colorful fi sh
and giant clams. Trace the steps of explorer
Captain James Cook to the island’s peak,
“Cook’s Look.” (B, L, D Daily)NOV. 5 AND 6: CAIRNS/U.S.
Disembark in Cairns and spend the night at a
seaside hotel before transferring to your fl ight
home. (B)An Indonesian dancer.CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-966-8687 49
ASIA
TRIP DETAILS
DATES: 2014: Oct. 18–Nov. 6
EXPEDITION COST:
Category 1 $16,620
Located on Main Deck with large oval windows
Category 2 $19,180
Located on Main Deck with large oval windows
Category 3 $22,650
Located on the Upper Deck–suite with window
Category 4 $24,730
Located on the Bridge Deck–deluxe suite
with window
Category 5 $29,390
Located on the Bridge Deck–suite with
balcony
Category 6 $33,990
Located on the Bridge Deck–owner's suite
with balcony
See Orion photos and deck plan on page 60.
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
For a single cabin, add $8,310 in Category
1 and $11,330 in Category 3. Airfare is not
included in the expedition cost. Economy
airfare from Los Angeles to Bali and return
from Cairns is $1,810 (subject to change).A Komodo dragon.