Moluccas and Raja Ampat via Banda Neira
Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands
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Kimberley & Northern Australia from/to Darwin
This eleven-night round trip aboard Le Soléal departs Darwin for the Coral Triangle region between Indonesia and West Papua. Raja Ampat is regarded as the most species-rich marine region in the world and hosts around 75 per cent of all known coral species. The voyage links the historic Spice Islands of the Banda Sea with the karst islands of West Papua and seldom-visited atolls of the Kei group. Snorkelling, Zodiac tours and landings alternate with lectures by the expedition team. Le Soléal, with 184 guests, a marina platform and premium all-inclusive service, provides the right base.
Route highlights
- Darwin: Embarkation and disembarkation in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory.
- Banda Neira: Historic centre of the nutmeg trade, with Dutch forts.
- Raja Ampat: Karst islands and reefs in one of the most species-rich marine zones in the world.
- Kitikiti Waterfall: A waterfall that plunges from the rainforest straight into the sea, approached by Zodiac.
- Kei Islands: White sand beaches, traditional villages and coral reefs in the southern Moluccan Sea.
The Route
Darwin
11 nights
Darwin
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Darwin · Embarkation
Darwin is the gateway to the Northern Territory's outback and to Australia's wild Top End. Kakadu National Park (UNESCO World Heritage), with its rock paintings, waterfalls and crocodiles, begins just a few hours away.
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At sea
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Banda Neira, Molukken
Banda Neira is the main town of the Indonesian Banda Islands in the Banda Sea, the original and for centuries the only source of nutmeg. In the 17th century the Portuguese, English and Dutch fought brutally over this spice monopoly, and the Dutch Fort Belgica still towers over the harbour.
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Raja-Ampat-Inseln, Westpapua
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Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon
Hidden waterfall in the remote Kimberley region of north-western Australia. The water plunges straight over a rock ledge into the King George River and can only be reached by zodiac or helicopter.
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Kei-Inseln, Molukken
Small archipelago in eastern Indonesia, part of the Maluku province between the Banda and Arafura Seas. The white sands of Pasir Panjang rank among the finest in Indonesia, while the interior is covered in tropical forest.
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At sea
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Darwin · Disembarkation
Destination
Le Soléal
Le Soléal has sailed as the third ship of the Odyssée class since 2013. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French hospitality. Her name refers to the solar wind - and indeed Le Soléal has her finest moments in light: midnight sun, southern lights, sunsets over the sea.
Off Australia, Le Soléal sails along the Kimberley coast and to the islands of the Torres Strait - expedition routes in one of the earth's last unspoilt coastal landscapes.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Soléal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 9.690 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 10.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 11.600 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 12.160 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 12.830 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 17.780 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 23.950 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 25.180 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 28.890 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 11 nights from EUR 9.286 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Soléal?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
