Cruise Ship
Asia | Windstar Cruises - Wind Spirit
Departure Dates:
March, May, ask for details.
Ports of Call:
Cairns; Port Douglas; Thursday Island; Yirrkala; Darwin; Kupang; Ende; Loh Liang; Benoa
General Info:
Arrive early in Cairns to allow extra time to wander the Cairns Esplanade, explore the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Daintree National Park, and experience the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef -one of the largest, most diverse ecosystems on the planet and the world's only natural wonder visible from space. Thursday Island offers the adventure of a wet landing and an introduction to the indigenous Torres Strait Islanders. Cultural exploration continues in Yirrkala, an Aboriginal artisan city where bark paintings, weaving and some of the finest Didgeridoos abound. In the cosmopolitan city of Darwin, don't miss Mindil Beach, Kakadu National Park, and Crocosaurus Cove, home to turtles, water buffalo and saltwater crocodiles. Cross the Timor Sea to Kupang, Indonesia where friendly locals delight in showing their tenun ikat woven cloths and secluded beaches. Expand your idea of color upon entering Ende, Flores. This small hidden harbor is the launch point to visit Mount Kelimutu volcano with its mysterious 3-color crater lakes and Blue Stone Beach, known for its gorgeous multi-colored rocks.
TYPE OF VESSEL
The Wind Spirit is a sleek, four-masted sailing ship accommodating 148 guests. With four decks, Wind Spirit feels like your own private small ship. Wind Spirit features wide open, teak decks - quite unusual for small ships. Guests will find hidden nooks for private moments giving them a feeling of being on their own private veranda.
ITINERARY
Day 1 | Cairns, Australia: Here is the gateway to see the Great Barrier Reef and no one should miss it if you've come this far, so plan to expand your stay here. Other highlights of Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park with stories of the indigenous aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, the beautiful gorges, beaches and mountainous rainforest of Daintree National Park and the Cairns Esplanade full of local flavor in its bars and restaurants. Day 2 | Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia: Port Douglas is known for sitting adjacent to two UNESCO sites, the world's largest reef system, Great Barrier Reef and the biodiverse Daintree Rainforest. It has delightful beach resorts and popular Macrossan Street, lined with boutique shops and restaurants. Swim in crystal-clear Mossman Gorge, crocodile watch at Daintree River, relax on the palm-fringed golden sands of Four Mile Beach or snorkel the Low Isles and the outer reef. Day 5 | Thursday Island, Queensland, Australia: Part of the fun of Thursday Island is the wet landing needed to get there. It will seem like time stands still on this colorful island paradise, which is home to the indigenous Torres Strait Islanders whose lifestyle has evolved from the sea. During World War II Thursday Island became a military base for Australian and U.S. forces. Enjoy a drink on the pub deck overlooking aquamarine waters and offers a chance to interact with the friendly locals. Day 7 | Yirrkala, Australia: Yirrkala is part of the Arnhem Northern Territory, which is aboriginal. It is known for being an aboriginal artisan city where bark paintings, weaving and some of the finest Didgeridoos can be seen at the Yirrkala Arts Center. Children here are taught both their native Yolngu Matha and English and ancient spiritual practices for burials, marriages and other rituals are still very much alive here with rituals serving as a way to pass spiritual understandings to future generations. Day 10 | Darwin, Australia: This cosmopolitan city where over 50 nationalities are represented is a gateway to large Kakadu National Park and its popular waterfront has several lovely beaches like Mindil Beach, known for its night markets and green areas like Bicentennial Park and Litchfield Park. Crocosaurus Cove and Crocodylus Park both offer opportunities to see the wildlife of the area including turtles, water buffalo and saltwater crocodiles. Day 13 | Kupang, Timor, Indonesia: This remote off the path area is the first port of entry to Indonesia from Australia. During World War II it served as a refueling and landing site for the long flights from Europe. The locals here are very friendly and love to laugh. They will delight in showing you their woven cloths called tenun ikat with their beautiful and sometimes mysteriously formed patterns. For some secluded relaxing try Tablolong Beach or Lasiana Beach. Day 14 | Ende, Flores, Indonesia: Located on the island of Flores, Ende has both a hospital and a university and people with good English skills. This remote harbor is located near Mount Kelimutu volcano where the three crater lakes change colors all the time, and also near Blue Stone Beach with rocks of all colors, At Wologai Traditional Village you will see traditional houses, master wood carvers and traditional cloth weavers. Day 15 | Loh Liang, Komodo National Park, Indonesia: The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges. Day 17 | Benoa, Bali, Indonesia : Described as paradise, Bali's spectacular beauty is difficult to describe in words. The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches of the small village of Benoa have made it the prime water sports area of Bali. Bali Volcano, also known as Mount Batur is a popular sightseeing destination with magnificent views from the Batur Caldera. Batik is still very popular in Bali and is considered one of the country's most highly developed art forms.
FOOD AND DINING
All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24-hours. All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks are offered to guests. There is also a welcome cocktails reception as well. Options include Amphora Restaurant, Candles, Veranda, The Lounge, and the Pool Bar.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES/EVENTS
Guests are allowed unlimited access to use all water sports equipment and there is also on-board entertainment. A casino, library/computer center, lounge, pool, whirlpool, and screening room are also available for guests at their leisure.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Explore beautiful landmarks throughout your journey with many highlighted excursions. Below are just a few of the many that you can experience on your voyage.
Coastal Aboriginal and Cultural Experience
Daintree Delights
Jungle Zip Line Adventure
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Thursday Island Highlights
Arnhem Land Cultural Adventure
Barramundi Cooking Masterclass
Botanic Gardens by Segway
Darwin Harbour Eco Cruise
Iconic Darwin
Indigenous Litchfield
Kakadu Scenic Flight with Yellow Water Cruise
Baun Village
City Tour and Lionese Village
The Three Color Lakes
Komodo National Park and Pink Beach
Komodo National Trek
STATEROOMS OR CABINS
Gracious Staterooms | Every inch of your stateroom is designed for comfort. Luxurious Egyptian cotton linens wrap you in pleasant sleepiness as you stretch out in your queen bed. Your spacious bath features granite counter tops, ample storage, and a roomy shower with massage shower head. L'Occitane bath products invite you to indulge, while comfy waffle-weave robe and slippers entice you to relax. You'll find fresh fruit and flowers always waiting for you after a day of sun or sightseeing. And, of course, everything else you need and expect, flat-screen television and DVD, Bose SoundDock, wireless Internet access, private safe. And always at your fingertips, anything you wish from room service.
Owner's Suites |With an expansive 220-square-feet, the Owner's Suite gives you everything offered in a stateroom, plus lots more, including a beautiful sitting area and separate in-room dining space.
SPA
WindSpa | Available to guests who wish to take time and relax after an adventurous day out exploring.
FITNESS
There is a fitness center on board for guests who want to continue their workout while sailing.
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