Kimberley Expedition with the Spice Islands
Aboard National Geographic Orion | August 14-31, 2015
Home to lost cultures that predate the pyramids, the Kimberley guards its secrets: strange and beautiful landscapes, mystical cave paintings, and extraordinary wildlife—including monstrous saltwater crocodiles. Explore it, then venture into the Spice Islands for spectacular snorkeling and diving, the colonial history of the 16th-century spice trade, and meet welcoming people who continue to live close to their ancestral traditions. Plus, search for rare Komodo dragons, whales, and more.
DAY 1-3: U.S./BROOME, WESTERN AUSTRALIA/ EMBARK Depart for Broome, cross the International Date Line (lose a day) and arrive on Day 3. Make your way to the National Geographic Orion and set sail. (D)
DAY 4: ROWLEY SHOALS We explore three coral atolls with crystal clear waters off the Kimberley Coast. With abundant marine life and untouched coral, Rowley Shoals is one of the world’s most pristine marine environments. National Geographic Orion will give you access
to snorkeling and diving from the sand cays that make up the shoals as well as sea kayaking, weather permitting. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: AT SEA A day at sea is an opportunity to sit back, relax, chat with new found friends, read or attend a lecture, or take advantage of life aboard Orion: have a massage to unwind, a sauna for sore muscles, or enjoy a good book and a refreshment on deck. The day is yours to do as you wish. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: FRESHWATER COVE Wandjina tour guides join us on a scenic walk to view Wandjinas and Gwion Gwion rock art in ancient caves. We will also see distinctive Boab trees with carved Wandjina figures on them. Today is a fascinating walk back in time. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: CAMDEN HARBOUR & SHEEP ISLAND After a failed attempt at settlement by Victorian sheep farmers in 1864, this area is rarely visited from the sea. Nature has gradually reclaimed the ghostly ruins, leaving fragments of a hard life from long ago. Colonial history buffs will enjoy the
atmosphere here and we can also visit nearby Sheep Island with its graves of the ill-fated settlers. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: BIGGE ISLAND We land by Zodiacs on this rocky island jutting out of vividly colored aqua seas. Small monjon rock wallabies and the northern quoll thrive here free of predators found on the mainland. The island is famous as a site for some amazing rock art. Join the expedition team as they point out the Wandjina figures, distinctive for what appear to be haloes around the head of each figure. Painted by the Wunambal people, you may also see images of sailing ships and figures smoking pipes, which have been interpreted as representing seafaring European visitors in the 19th century. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: KING GEORGE RIVER & FALLS Today Zodiacs will take us up the King George River, revealing spectacular scenery and a wealth of bird species. The almost vertical sheer canyon walls have been eroded over millions of years and look like stacks of sandstone reminiscent of a child’s building blocks. The river drains the Gardner Plateau and the falls are the highest single-drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley. For guests looking for a bit more adventure, you will be able to take a steep walk to the top of the falls and have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim. (B,L,D)
DAY 10-11: WYNDHAM/AT SEA These are relaxed days, cruising south as National Geographic Orion makes an operational stop at Wyndham to clear customs in Australia before proceeding north to EastTimor. Listen to informal talks from our staff, preparing us for the exciting days ahead. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: JACO ISLAND, EAST TIMOR This small uninhabited island is considered by the traditional
Timorese to be Lulic, a sacred place. Here we receive a traditional welcome and see endemic bird species. With dazzling white-sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, we will be able to swim, snorkel, dive, and explore. (B,L,D)
DAY 13: DILI Explore the evolving cosmopolitan capital of East Timor, where there is still much evidence of its 500-year history as a Portuguese colony, and a strongly Catholic population. See the giant Cristo Rei statue as we approach the harbor. Visit the local craft market and see the colorful local woven fabrics called tais. (B,L,D)
DAY 14: LARANTUKA, INDONESIA In the 1600s, Flores was an important Portuguese trade center, particularly for sandalwood coming from Portuguese Timor. As Dutch influence spread throughout the 17th century, Portuguese populations from other areas, such as Malacca and Makassar, moved to Larantuka. Today Larantuka is a neat little seaside township with spectacular views. Our visit will allow us to meet the local people and learn of their history and customs, as well as swim, snorkel, and dive off the white-sand beaches. (B,L,D)
DAY 15: KOMODO At the world renowned Komodo National Park, we go in search of the world’s largest living lizard: the Komodo dragon. These prehistoric creatures can grow up to ten feet long and weigh 300 lbs. Learn about the conservation of these giants from park rangers, who join us on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Just a short distance away is Pink Beach, named for the red coral fragments that lend their color to the sand. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking or just relaxing on the beach are all options today. (B,L,D)
DAY 16: BADAS, SUMBAWA We’ll experience the strong culture of the Pamulung villagers with an elaborate cultural display of a mock traditional wedding ceremony and a local boxing match. (B,L,D)
DAY 17-18: BALI, INDONESIA/DISEMBARK/U.S. Arrive this morning to the island of Bali and transfer to the airport for your flight home on Day 17, then arrive home the next day. (Day 17: B)
KIMBERLEY EXPEDITION WITH THE SPICE ISLANDS COST PER PERSON / DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
CABIN CATEGORY: 01 02 03 04 05 06
$ 12,640 $ 14,670 $ 17,430 $ 19,080 $ 22,780 $ 26,390
COST PER PERSON / SINGLE OCCUPANCY 1S 2S
$ 18,950 $ 26,150
COST INCLUDES: All accommodations aboard ship; meals indicated and non-alcoholic beverages; shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees; special access permits; snorkeling equipment and activities; use of kayaks, tips (except to ship’s crew); taxes and service charges; services of a Lindblad expeditions leader; naturalist staff and expert guides; services of a ship physician.
NOT INCLUDED: Air transportation; extensions; passport, visa, or immigration fees; meals not indicated; travel protection plan; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, voyage DVD, laundry, etc. Gratuities to ship’s crew are at your discretion.
NOTE: There will be a surcharge for scuba diving, which will include equipment and the guidance of a certified divemaster.
Advance Payment: $1,000 per person
Airfare is an additional cost. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements for a $50 per person service fee. Please confirm arrival and departure dates prior to booking flights.
Sample Airfares – Economy: .......................from $2,300 Business Class: ...............from $9,000 Sample airfares are subject to change.
Cancellation Policy: # of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee 180 or more days $750 179-120 days Advance Payment 119-90 days 25 % of trip cost 89-60 days 50% of trip cost 59-0 days No Refund
Responsibility: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests prior to final payment, and to prospective guests upon request.
Travel Protection Plan: Travel protection and medical insurance are recommended.
BALI POST-VOYAGE EXTENSION: 3 DAYS / FROM $1,370 The mention of Bali evokes a picture of paradise. You’ll find it in the beaches, verdant countryside, and luxurious accommodations—and you’ll find much more. Walk through temples carved into caves centuries ago, stroll jungle footpaths among friendly long-tailed macaques, dine on fantastic Balinese specialties, and discover the history, art, and spirituality of this picturesque land. Call for details.
FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:
Smith Travel Office of Alumnae Relations
33 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01063 [email protected]
800-225-2029 or Fax 413-585-2015
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Zodiac landing craft, a hydrophone, underwater video cameras, a video microscope, and a crow’s nest camera on Kimberley voyages. Plus kayaks, snorkeling gear for all guests, scuba gear for 24 guests, a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and a glass-bottom boat on all South Pacific, Indonesia and the Kimberley with Spice voyages. All expedition equipment except for scuba diving is offered in Borneo.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Laundry, a full-time doctor, video chronicler, National Geographic photographer and Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, plus undersea specialists, divemasters, and Global Perspectives guest speakers on select voyages.
WELLNESS: A wellness specialist, fitness center, massage/LEXspa treatment room, and sauna are on board. A whirlpool hot tub on the Observation Deck doubles as a plunge pool in warm temperatures.
National Geographic Orion
CAPACITY: 102 guests in 53 outside cabins. REGISTRY: Bahamas. OVERALL LENGTH: 338 feet.
PUBLIC AREAS: Outdoor café, lounge with bar, restaurant, sun deck, reception desk, state-of-the-art lecture theater, library, global gallery, marina platform, mud room, and a centrally located elevator. Guests are welcome on the “open bridge” to meet the captain and officers and learn about navigation.
MEALS: All meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. The cuisine is international with local flair, featuring tastes of the regions we explore. Menus are created by award-winning chef Serge Dansereau of Sydney-based restaurant, The Bathers’ Pavilion.
CABINS: All cabins feature ocean views, private facilities, climate controls, internet access for your own laptop, and a flat-screen TV with DVD/CD player. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category 1 and Category 3 include #301, 322, 323, and 512.
CATEGORY 1: Main Deck with oval windows #316, 318, 319-321
CATEGORY 2: Main Deck with large oval window #302-312, 314, 315, 317
CATEGORY 3: Upper Deck—Suite with window #401-412, 414-419
CATEGORY 4: Bridge Deck—Deluxe suite with window #511, 515
CATEGORY 5: Bridge Deck—Suite with balcony #501, 503-506, 508
CATEGORY 6: Bridge Deck—Owner’s suite with balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 *Cabin 509 does not have a balcony
CATEGORY 1 SOLO: Main Deck with oval windows or portholes #301, 322, 323
CATEGORY 3 SOLO: Bridge Deck—Suite with window #512
NOTE: Sole occupancy cabins available in Categories 1 and 3. Shared accommodations available in Categories 1 and 2.
NOTE: Third person rates available at one-half the double occupancy rate in designated triple occupancy cabins.
The state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion is the newest addition to the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet. A fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an ice reinforced hull, National Geographic Orion is at home navigating polar ice as well as small harbors in the South Pacific.
Note: Scuba divers must be certified by an internationally recognized dive association prior to the voyage, and certification cards and logbooks must be shown on board. Divers must have logged 25 dives in total and made a dive within the 12 months preceding the voyage.
OBSERVATION DECK
DOCT
OR’S
OFFI
CE
MUD
ROOM
ZODIAC BOARDING
301303305307309
311315
319
321
323
302304306308310
312314
316
320
318
322
317
BRIDGE DECK
RESTAURANT MARINA PLATFORM
ELEVATOR
401
403
405
407
409
411
415
417
412
414
416
402
404
406
408
410
UPPER DECK
ELEVATOR
OUTDOOR CAFELOUNGE
LIBRARY
GLOBAL GALLERY
RECEPTION419
418
502
501
503
505509
507
511
515
504
506
508
510
512
MAIN DECK
ELEVATOR
BRID
GE
EXPEDITION DECK
SUNDECK
ELEVATOROBSERVATION LOUNGE
SAUNA
FITNESS CENTER/LEXSPA TREATMENT ROOM
LECTURE THEATERWHIRLPOOL HOT TUB
Category 1 and 2 cabin.
Dining on deck.
Lounge.
Observation Deck with whirlpool hot tub.
Category 5 suite with balcony. Category 6 owner’s suite.
RESERVATION FORM
Kimberley Expedition with the Spice Islands Aboard National Geographic Orion
August 14-31, 2015 Please reserve _________ place(s) on the August 14-31, 2015, Kimberley & Spice Islands expedition. Passport Name: _______________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________________ Preferred Name for Name Badge: _____________________________________________ Passport Name: _______________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________________ Preferred Name for Name Badge: _____________________________________________ Street Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________________ State:__________________ Zip: __________________ Home Phone: ___________________________________ Business Phone: _________________________________ Fax: ___________________________________ E-Mail: ___________________________________________________ Accommodations: Double Single Twin/share with friend _____________________________
I need assistance in securing a roommate
Please contact me about arranging air travel
Please contact me regarding the Optional Bali Extension Please indicate choice of cabin category in order of preference: 1st choice:__________ 2nd choice:________
Enclosed is my deposit check of $1,000 (per person) payable to Lindblad Maritime Enterprises, Ltd. Charge my deposit of $___________ ($1,000 per person) to my:
Visa MasterCard American Express Discover Account Number: _________________________________________________________________ Expires: ________________ Cardholder Signature ______________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Please return to: Smith Travel
Office of Alumnae Relations 33 Elm Street
Northampton, MA 01063
800-225-2029 or Fax 413-585-2015