East Timor, Moluccas & Lesser Sunda Islands: Banda Neira and Komodo
Island treasures: French elegance and a pioneering spirit of discovery
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Darwin to Tanjung Benoa
This fourteen-night expedition aboard Le Soléal connects Darwin via East Timor and the Banda Sea to Tanjung Benoa on Bali. The route crosses one of South-East Asia's most culturally diverse island regions, from the Portuguese-influenced towns of Timor-Leste to the dragons of Komodo. Zodiac tours, snorkelling over coral reefs and landings at traditional villages structure the days. Le Soléal, with 184 guests, a marina platform and premium all-inclusive service, provides an elegant base. The expedition team interprets geology, anthropology and colonial history.
Route highlights
- Darwin: Embarkation in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory.
- Dili: Capital of East Timor, with Portuguese architecture and the Cristo Rei statue.
- Banda Neira: Historic spice island with Dutch forts and nutmeg plantations.
- Triton Bay and Bitsyari Bay: West Papuan karst islands with whale shark encounters.
- Barat Daya Islands: Volcanic islands in the southern Moluccan archipelago, rarely visited.
- Komodo: Home of the Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park.
- Tanjung Benoa: Disembarkation in southern Bali.
The Route
Darwin
14 nights
Tanjung Benoa
-
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.
-
At sea
-
Dili (Timor)
Dili is the capital of the island nation of East Timor on the northern coast of Timor, between Indonesia and Australia. The Portuguese colonial past still shapes the cityscape, and the 27-metre Cristo Rei statue on a peninsula east of town echoes its more famous sister figure in Rio.
-
Baucau (Timor)
Baucau is the second-largest city of Timor-Leste on the north coast of the island of Timor in South-East Asia. The Portuguese colonial old town with the pastel-pink Mercado Municipal from 1932 sits on the heights, while the white sand beach of Osolata waits below by the sea.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Triton Bay, Westpapua
-
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.
-
Barat-Daya-Inseln
The Barat Daya Islands are a remote Indonesian island group in the Banda Sea, east of Timor and west of the Tanimbar Islands. The region is one of the least visited in the world and home to rare birds of paradise and endemic reptiles.
-
Kalabahi, Alor
Capital of the Indonesian island of Alor in the eastern Lesser Sundas, set picturesquely in a deeply cut bay. Famous for its traditional Moko bronze drums and dive sites with strong currents and rare reef life.
-
Maumere, Flores
On the northern coast of the Indonesian island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province lies Maumere as the main port of Sikka regency. The former mission centre with its Catholic majority is the starting point for trips to the famous three-coloured lakes of Mount Kelimutu and to traditional ikat-weaving villages of the Sikka people.
-
17 Islands Marine Park, Flores
-
Komodo-Nationalpark
-
Badas, Sumbawa
-
Benoa, Bali · 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 | € 10.140 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 10.950 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 12.110 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 12.680 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 13.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 18.440 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 24.780 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 26.050 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 33.040 | Available | 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. 14 nights from EUR 9.620 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.
