Coral Expeditions

Island Empires & Ancient Mariners (14 nts)

Island Empires & Ancient Mariners

14 nights Darwin to Makassar or reverse

In the East Nusa Tenggara Islands, every island tells a different story. Sail through the Bugis and Bajau communities scattered across the Banda Sea, then venture into Toraja’s remarkable highlands in Sulawesi.

Departs

  • 28 November 2026 Darwin-Makassar
  • 12 December 2026 Makassar-Darwin
Coral Expeditions cruises map of Island Empires of Ancient Mariners cruising itinerary

Prices for 2026

Press the arrow on the next line to see the full price list.

2026 prices – Coral Geographer

Cabin 2026 Full Fare 2026 NRMA* Xplorers Club Silver** Xplorers Club Gold***
Coral Deck Stateroom $13,950 pp $12,555 pp $11,927 pp $11,299 pp
Promenade Deck Stateroom $15,950 pp $14,355 pp $13,637 pp $12,919 pp
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom $20,950 pp $18,855 pp $17,912 pp $16,969 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite $25,950 pp $23,355 pp $22,187 pp $21,019 pp

All prices are per person, twin share in AUD.

Multiple Cabin Discounts: Please ask us about discounts for 2+ cabins.

*NRMA members (not an NRMA member? Ask us and we’ll help you sign up) – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare. Savings are subject to availability on selected dates. MYNRMA Members also get complimentary Deposit Protection and 1x complimentary bottle of wine.

**Xplorers Club Silver – Receive 5% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on any of their cruises between 6-13 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 5% off the full fare for the Xplorers Silver).

***Xplorers Club Gold – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on a combination of cruises totalling between 14-50 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 10% off the full fare for the Xplorers Gold).

Click here to see full terms and conditions of Xplorers Club prices.

Inclusions

  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Wifi Access – Starlink standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
  • Post-cruise Transfer when arriving into Darwin
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Expedition diary, along with a photo gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Premium Internet services
  • Scuba Diving (additional Cost)
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)

Itinerary Highlights

  • Special Event: Meet the people of Tana Toraja, high up in the mountains of Sulawesi, and encounter their astonishing cultural traditions and funeral rituals.
  • Walk in the tracks of the endangered Komodo Dragons and spot this iconic monitor lizard in the wild with local guides.
  • Gaze out over the tri-coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu National Park.
  • Meet the beachside boatbuilders of Tana Beru and admire the skillful construction of Phinisi ships.
  • Meet the Abui people of Alor Island and watch the Lego Lego dance in their traditional village.
  • On Padar Island, hike to the summit to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf for your 6:30am embarkation, or at Makassar Port for a 4:00pm embarkation.

Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Arrive at Tablolong Bay, and listen to the bright, harp like sounds produced by the traditional Sasando instrument with a beachside performance. Later, there is an opportunity to swim.

Small, rugged Alor Island is home to approximately 140,000 people who speak 50 different languages. Visit the open-air Kadelang Market, the 1000 Moko Drums Museum and a traditional village, where you will be warmly welcomed. Witness the ceremonial Lego Lego dance in the traditional Abui tribe village, and dance rhythmically to the sound of gongs and Moko drums.

Be welcomed by villagers with a traditional dance and share their way of life, which is rooted in ancient beliefs and utilises traditional tools and methods. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase the exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.

From the coastal town of Ende, travel a scenic road up to Kelimutu. On the way, meet the Sisters of the Saint Francis Order over morning tea to learn about their social work within the local community. Arrive at the spectacular tricoloured Crater Lakes, where we may throw stones into the lakes for good luck. Later, enjoy lunch at Kelimutu Eco Lodge accompanied by the traditional music of Flores.

This morning, take on a 4km return climb to Padar Island’s peak for sweeping views of rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and the surrounding blue seas, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Alternatively, explore the island by Xplorer cruise or enjoy snorkelling and diving.

Take a walk with local rangers to see the Komodo dragon and visit the local village. You will learn of the legends of the Komodo dragons and their mythological significance to the peoples of these islands. Later, enjoy a stroll along the dusky pink sands of Pink Beach and swim or snorkel/dive in the clear water.

An ideal spot for beachcombing, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and diving, where turtles often come ashore, offering the chance to see nests and hear from expert Guest Lecturers about their lifecycle.

Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as we make our way to Palopo Port, the gateway to Tana Toraja. Participate in onboard activities, including workshops and lectures led by our special guests and Expedition Team.

Travel overland for 3.5 hours into Sulawesi’s highlands to Tana Toraja, renowned for its striking limestone landscapes and rich Torajan culture. Visit the traditional Tongkonan houses in Marante, the stone graves and Tau-tau effigies at Lemo, and the hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. Explore the bustling Torajan market and the 400-year-old mountain village of Kete Kesu, then stay overnight in a local hotel, savouring traditional cuisine accompanied by local music and dance.

The small island of Sagori is home to the Bajau and Bugis people where they will welcome us to explore their village and daily life. The surrounding white sandy beaches, as well as several shipwrecks, make it perfect for beach walking, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.

Traditionally, wooden Phinisi ships have been crafted by Bugis boat builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. Hear the seafaring tales of the boat builders and climb into a Phinisi ship to admire its size and the craftsmanship of the boat builders.

Arrive at Makassar Port at 8:00am, or if arriving in Darwin, Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00am.

Embrace the unexpected – it’s part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.

Coral Expeditions

Coral Geographer

Life among Indonesia’s islands is simultaneously untamed and comforting. Embark on our purpose-built expedition ships designed to access untouched paradises with ease. Drift through the sprawling archipelago aboard Coral Geographer where meals from our open galley, served alfresco, harmonise with views of volcanic shores and coral lagoons. Step ashore for village ceremonies, snorkel biodiverse reefs of the Coral Triangle, or explore ancient maritime traditions. With intimate camaraderie and warm service, each day on deck fosters both discovery and connection, creating a sense of home away from home.

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Coral_Geographer_Explorer_Deck_Balcony_Stateroom2

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