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; Lembar; Celukan Bawang; Probolinggo; Pulau Menyawakan; Semarang; Krakatoa; Pantara Island; Pulau Bintan; Singapore
General Info:
Start your journey in Cairns, wandering the Esplanade, exploring Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Daintree National Park, and visiting the quaint fishing community of Cooktown before cruising one of the world's seven wonders - the Great Barrier Reef. Thursday Island offers a wet landing and an introduction to the indigenous Torres Strait Islanders. Cultural exploration continues in Yirrkala, an Aboriginal artisan community where bark paintings, weavings and Didgeridoos abound. In the cosmopolitan city of Darwin, don't miss Mindil Beach, Litchfield National Park and 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. Wildlife lovers prepare to be amazed in Loh Liang; this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is home to nearly 6,000 Komodo dragons, manta rays, whales, dolphins and turtles. Benoa instantly entrances visitors with Bali's spectacular beauty, calm waters, small village atmosphere and Batik artistry. Savor satays and secluded beaches in Kepulauan Seribu, and Pantara Island. Conclude your Indonesian adventure in Singapore by exploring the Botanic Gardens, Chinatown and Little India.
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 United States 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 3 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.
Day 18 | Lembar, Lombok, Indonesia: Beautiful Lombok is a small, rarely visited port, offering a look at island life without large resorts. Dominating the island is Indonesia's second largest volcano, Gunung Rinjani, but this island is known for its lovely beaches and great surfing spots, deep turquoise-blue bays and massive headlands. Other sites of interest include Suranadii Temple, Narmada Temple and Pringgasela village.
Day 19 | Celukan Bawang, Bali, Indonesia: This Bali port is not a typical Western resort town, and will offer local flavor and experiences. Visit Lovina Beach with its volcanic black sand, and Puri Agung Beleleng Compound, the home of the first king of Beleleng Regency. Shop for handicrafts and try the tasty local food dishes.
Day 20 | Probolinggo, Java, Indonesia: This pretty port town is home to the ethnic minority Tengger people who have kept hold of their traditions and customs for many centuries. The main tourist attraction here is Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia's most spectacular volcanoes. Although the top has blown off the volcano, the 7,641-foot peak has a cone that is still active.
Day 22 | Pulau Menyawakan, Indonesia: Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will thrill at this remote location where only small ships and ferries go unless you charter a flight. This lovely area boasts white-sand beaches, rainforest, coastal mangroves and a biodiverse reef system that welcomes snorkelers or divers with 35 types of corals and sponges on what will feel like your own private island.
Day 23 | Semarang, Java, Indonesia:This port is the gateway to take a day trip to Borobudur, the Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 8th century. There's also plenty to do in Semarang. There is excellent Chinese food around town and important historical sites like Gedung Batu - the city's oldest Chinese temple complex, or the Old Quarter featuring Dutch colonial architecture including Lawang Sewu, a massive building and Sam Poo Kong, a 15th century temple in Chinatown.
Day 25 | Scenic Cruising Krakatoa, Indonesia: Get up close to well-known Krakatoa. The Krakatoa Volcano eruption of 1883 was about 10 times more explosive than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Prior to the eruption there were three linked volcanic peaks. With over 70% of the island destroyed, Krakatoa and the two nearby islands of Lang and Verlatan are the remnants of this eruption. The still-active volcano has periodic small eruptions.
Day 26 | Pantara Island, Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia: Pantara Island is a small remote port in The Thousand Islands chain. Its secluded location is perfect for beach time on the pure white-sand surrounded by emerald-green waters. Or take a Zodiac tour to cruise around this beautiful, unspoiled tropical paradise.
Day 30 | Pulau Bintan, Indonesia: A short boat ride from Singapore, Pulau Bintan has some of the best white-sand beaches in Sumatra. Its northern Lagoi area is an upscale resort destination but the real cultural experience can be found in Tnajung Pinang where its eclectic mix of building styles, including Dutch colonial, and the noisy, bustling streets offer exposure to memorable rustic charm.
Day 30 | Singapore: Say hello to Stamford Raffles' engaging city, a modern metropolis which is blended with the traditional historic towns of the founders. These include Chinatown, Little India and the Malay community of Kampong Glam. The Singapore River meanders through the center of the island with vistas of skyscrapers and historic shop houses, often side-by-side. Singapore is a tropical garden city with flowers and greenery everywhere. Among the attractions are the domes at Gardens by the Bay located near Marina Bay and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Botanic Gardens. Orchard Road is the epicenter for shopping some of Asia's leading retailers and includes both international brands and local shops.
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
Darwin Heritage Walk
Iconic Darwin
Indigenous Litchfield
Kakadu Scenic Flight with Yellow Water Cruise
Baun Village
Ende City Expereince and Lionese Village
The Three Color Lakes
Komodo National Park and Pink Beach
Komodo National Trek
Batuan Temple and Balinese House Compound
Fascinating Culture of Lombok
Sasak Tradtional Village and Kuta Beach
Sekotong and Cocotinos Beach
Munduk Hiking
Snorkeling at Menjangan Island
Ulundanu Temple Excursion
The Amazing Mount Bromo
Borobudur Discovery
Boroburdur and Prambanan Temple
Semarang City Journey
Bitan Highlights
Full Day Tanjung Pinang and The Island of Kind
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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