Maluku, Sulawesi and the Philippines: Banda Neira and Manila
Adventure in the Malay Archipelago
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Darwin to Manila
Fourteen nights aboard Le Soléal lead from Darwin in Australia into the Malay Archipelago and end in Manila. The route draws a line across the Banda Sea and the Moluccas to the southern Philippines and offers a rare bridge from Australia into Asia. The 184-guest, 142-metre Ponant Classic ship deploys her marina platform and Zodiacs for snorkelling and beach landings.
Route highlights
- Darwin: tropical harbour city in Australia's Northern Territory, gateway to Kakadu National Park.
- Kei Islands and Banda Neira: spice-trade islands at the heart of the Moluccas, once the centre of the global nutmeg trade.
- Triton Bay and Bitsyari Bay: biodiverse coral reefs off West Papua.
- Kitikiti Waterfall: spectacular waterfall that cascades straight into the sea.
- Pulau Molana and Saparua: small Moluccan islands with butterfly-filled bays and old forts.
- Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve: northern Sulawesi reserve home to tarsiers and black crested macaques.
- Limasawa, Cuatro Islands and Cresta de Gallo: lonely Visayan islands off the southern Philippines.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Darwin
14 nights
Manila
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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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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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Triton Bay, 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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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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Pulau Saparua
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Pulau Molana (Ambon)
Off the southern shore of Ambon Island in the Indonesian Maluku province, this small densely forested island catches the eye with white sandy beaches and offshore coral reefs. Its colonial past as a Portuguese and Dutch spice-island stopover is still visible in the stonework of old fortress ruins.
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At sea
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Limasawa
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Cuatro Islands
The Cuatro Islas, four small islands in the Camotes Sea off the west coast of the Philippine island of Leyte, fall within the municipality of Inopacan. The islands of Apid, Digyo, Mahaba and Himokilan are ringed by intact reefs ranked among the finest snorkelling sites in the Visayas.
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Cresta de Gallo Island
Cresta de Gallo is a tiny sand islet in the Philippine province of Romblon, about a two-hour boat ride south of Sibuyan Island. A wafer-thin white sandbar tapers off into turquoise water at both ends, and along the drop-offs lie healthy hard-coral reefs.
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Manila · 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.
In Asia, Le Soléal opens up coastlines and islands between Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia - cultural voyages with scientific accompaniment from the expedition team.
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 | € 8.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 9.590 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 10.580 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 11.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 11.670 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 16.000 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 21.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 22.500 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 36.280 | 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 8.380 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.
