Indonesia, Papua New Guinea & Melanesia: Cenderawasih Bay and Rabaul
Island Adventure in the Coral Sea
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Darwin to Lautoka
23 nights of expedition aboard Silver Cloud from Darwin through the island worlds of the Coral Sea to Lautoka on Fiji. You cross the Arafura Sea, visit the remote Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua and follow an arc via Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to Vanuatu. The voyage combines rare reef snorkelling spots with encounters in traditional villages where the outside world seldom arrives. Premium all-inclusive with butler service and premium wines remains the reliable foundation of this unusual journey.
Route highlights
- Darwin opening the voyage at Australia's Top End
- Pulau Nai and Kokas in the Indonesian archipelago
- Cenderawasih Bay with whale sharks and pristine reefs
- Madang and Rabaul in Papua New Guinea against a volcanic backdrop
- Garove and Kasolo as seldom-visited islands
- Owaraha in the Solomon Islands with traditional boatbuilders
- Ambrym Island in Vanuatu with active volcano and dance rituals
- Lautoka as gateway to the main islands of Fiji
The Route
Darwin
23 nights
Lautoka
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SUN · 06 Sep 2026Darwin · EmbarkationDeparture 20:00
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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MON · 07 Sep 2026At sea
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TUE · 08 Sep 2026Pulau NaiArrival 13:00 Departure 19:00
Set in the remote Banda Sea region of the Indonesian archipelago, this small uninhabited island floats in deep blue water among rarely visited islets. Coral reefs and untouched beaches make it a quiet highlight of expedition voyages through eastern Indonesia.
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WED · 09 Sep 2026KokasArrival 13:30 Departure 18:00
This small port lies on the coast of the Indonesian province of West Papua on the Gulf of Bintuni. It serves as a starting point for visits to prehistoric rock paintings on the surrounding coastal cliffs.
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THU · 10 Sep 2026Misool IslandArrival 07:30 Departure 17:00
Misool is one of the four main islands of Raja Ampat off West Papua and lies within one of the richest marine regions on Earth. Among mushroom-shaped limestone rocks, hidden lagoons and coral gardens live manta rays, turtles and countless reef fish.
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FRI · 11 Sep 2026SanwinggraiArrival 04:00 Departure 11:00
In Indonesia's Raja Ampat archipelago off the western tip of New Guinea lies the small village of Sanwinggrai. The region ranks among the most biodiverse coral reef areas in the world.
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SAT · 12 Sep 2026Pulau NumArrival 10:00 Departure 18:00
In Cenderawasih Bay off the northern coast of West Papua, Indonesia, this island lies within the eponymous national park, Indonesia's largest marine reserve. Giant whale sharks that surface year-round make the region a unique diving destination.
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SUN · 13 Sep 2026KwatisoreArrival 06:00 Departure 18:00
Kwatisore, on the southern edge of Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua, is renowned for the whale sharks found here year-round, which gather around the fishermen's nets. The sheltered bay forms part of Indonesia's largest marine national park.
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MON · 14 Sep 2026AisandamiArrival 05:45 Departure 10:30
Aisandami sits on Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua, encircled by dense rainforest that reaches down to the calm water. The village in Teluk Wondama lies within Cenderawasih National Park, with its pristine reefs and mangroves.
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MON · 14 Sep 2026Tanjung MannguarArrival 14:30 Departure 18:30
Tanjung Mannguar is a remote headland in the Indonesian province of West Papua on the edge of Cenderawasih Bay. Coral reefs and rainforest-covered karst cliffs define this stretch of coast, part of one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the Coral Triangle.
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TUE · 15 Sep 2026Pulau RouwArrival 06:00 Departure 12:00
Off the northern coast of West Papua, Indonesia, in the sprawling Cenderawasih Bay, this uninhabited island is fringed by mangrove forests and coral reefs. It lies within the protected area of Indonesia's largest marine national park and serves as a rarely visited anchorage for expedition cruises.
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TUE · 15 Sep 2026Maransabadi IslandArrival 13:30 Departure 18:00
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WED · 16 Sep 2026At sea
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THU · 17 Sep 2026VanimoArrival 12:30 Departure 18:00
Vanimo sits on the north coast of Papua New Guinea, close to the border with the Indonesian province of Papua. Long sandy beaches on the Bismarck Sea and untouched surfing conditions define this small port town.
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FRI · 18 Sep 2026Ali IslandArrival 06:30 Departure 12:30
Ali Island lies off the north coast of Papua New Guinea in Sandaun Province, just a few hundred metres from the mainland. The small coral island is home to the Ali-speaking community, known as skilled outrigger boat builders and fishermen.
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SAT · 19 Sep 2026MadangArrival 08:00 Departure 19:00
On the north coast of Papua New Guinea, Madang opens onto a sheltered lagoon full of coral reefs and offshore islets. The tropical port town is regarded as one of the prettiest in the whole Pacific thanks to its lush vegetation, waterways and proximity to the Bismarck Sea.
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SUN · 20 Sep 2026Garove IslandArrival 13:00 Departure 18:00
Garove Island is a volcanic island in the Witu group north-west of New Britain in Papua New Guinea, in the Bismarck Sea. Its flooded caldera bay, framed by dense tropical forest, ranks among the most beautiful and safest natural harbours in Melanesia and is rarely visited by tourists.
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MON · 21 Sep 2026RabaulArrival 08:30 Departure 23:30
Rabaul lies on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea. The port town sits in a volcanic caldera and has been markedly changed since the Tavurvur eruption of 1994.
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TUE · 22 Sep 2026At sea
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WED · 23 Sep 2026Kennedy IslandArrival 12:30 Departure 18:00
Small, densely forested island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. It owes its name to John F. Kennedy, whose patrol boat PT-109 was sunk in surrounding waters in 1943 and who found refuge here with his crew.
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THU · 24 Sep 2026Kolo Hite IslandArrival 06:30 Departure 11:30
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FRI · 25 Sep 2026Santa Ana (Solomon Islands)Arrival 13:00 Departure 18:00
In the eastern Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the small island of Santa Ana lies off the main island of Makira. The traditional dances and wood carving of its inhabitants make this isle an authentic destination.
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SAT · 26 Sep 2026At sea
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SUN · 27 Sep 2026Ambrym IslandArrival 06:30 Departure 13:00
Ambrym in the central Vanuatu archipelago of the South Pacific is a black volcanic island whose two active calderas Marum and Benbow contain permanent lava lakes. The island is the spiritual heart of Vanuatu, with traditional sand drawing and the famous Rom dance masks.
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MON · 28 Sep 2026At sea
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TUE · 29 Sep 2026Lautoka · DisembarkationArrival 07:00
Silver Cloud Expedition
Silver Cloud Expedition was converted in 2017 from luxury liner to expedition ship: ice-reinforced hull, Zodiac fleet, 296 guests. What remained: Silversea service, the all-inclusive philosophy and a standard of comfort unmatched in the expedition class.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most prestigious suite on board, available with a second bedroom. A separate living and dining area, a generous marble bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the sea. Butler service included.
Grand Suite
The most spacious suite on Silver Cloud, available with two bedrooms. An elegant living and dining area, two bathrooms and a large veranda in the forward position. Ideal for the highest demands on space. Butler service included.
Royal Suite
A stately suite with a separate living and dining area, available with a second bedroom. A marble bathroom and a private veranda with sweeping forward views. Butler service included.
Medallion Suite
A generous midship suite with a sitting area, a marble bathroom and a veranda with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Butler service included.
Silver Suite
A stylish suite with a separate living area, a marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower, and a particularly large veranda. Butler service included.
Vista Suite
An elegant suite with a large picture window instead of a veranda, a cosy living area and a marble bathroom. Butler service included.
Deluxe Veranda Suite
A comfortable veranda suite in a particularly central location, with a seating area, a marble bathroom and a private veranda. Butler service included.
Veranda Suite
The classic Silversea suite: a welcoming living area, a marble bathroom and a private veranda with panoramic ocean views. Butler service included.
Deck plan · Silver Cloud Expedition
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Suite with butler service
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the ship
- Gourmet cuisine 24 hours a day
- Free-seating dining with À-la-carte menus
- 24-hour room service (complimentary)
- Premium beverages: champagne, fine wines, spirits, beers, water and soft drinks
- Personalised minibar, replenished daily
- Gratuities for all staff included
- All entertainment (shows, lectures, performances)
- Wellness facilities (fitness centre, sauna, steam bath in Otium Spa)
Not included
- Specialty restaurant La Dame (may have nominal charge)
- Flights and transfers (unless on All-Inclusive Plus fare)
- Additional paid activities and premium extras
Further options
Additionally included depending on voyage type (Classic / Expedition) and fare (Door-to-Door / All-Inclusive Plus):
- Shore excursions: at least one per port on Classic fares; all Zodiac cruises and guided landings on Expedition voyages
- Expedition extras: expert lectures, a parka to keep and rubber boots on loan
- Economy-class flights from and to your home airport (Door-to-Door and many All-Inclusive fares)
- Airport transfers between airport and ship (Door-to-Door and All-Inclusive Plus fares)
- Hotel night before and after the voyage (Door-to-Door and selected expeditions)
- Private chauffeur service from your door to the airport (Door-to-Door, within about 80 km)
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. 23 nights from EUR 18.990 p.p. With Silversea, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Silver Cloud Expedition?
A maximum of 254 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.
