The Adventure Continues - Indonesia and PNG

 After Darwin we head towards a new area of expedition.

Day 12

We woke to a sunny day, warm (approx 32 deg), slight swell and a few white caps as we sailed  north-west across Beagle Golf towards the Timor Sea. Our next 2 days at sea. Time to chill out and just lie around, play trivia, gym (maybe), eat (Seabourn rule - you must consume food at least every 45 mins) followed by, or with, more alcohol.

Throughout the ship there are many options.

The Restaurant

The Club

The Colonnade

The Pool Deck

Coffee and ice cream at the Square

A snack if in dire need of top up

A lot of new guests joined in Darwin and the majority has now shifted to Americans. The average age has also shifted upwards (just) so we are probably in the younger mix well at least we feel that way😊.

First day at sea - we both hit the gym, although I'm not sure how long that will last.

We dined with the Captain and 2 Kiwi ladies which was followed by very good entertainment from a new singer onboard from Australia. An  excellent soprano . A pleasant night was had.

Day 13 (Half way mark)

Another day at sea, calmer seas and warm. It was also our first day of cloud cover for the trip. Another day spent around the pool. Julie had a massage and I headed to the jacuzzi. There are spots around the ship to see and/or chill out (beside the cabin).

The veranda

Expedition Lounge

The Shop

Another Jacuzzi on 9 Deck away from the crowd

The Zodiac Deck

That night we were invited to dine with the soprano singer - Antoinette Halloran (she is from Melbourne) and 2 Americans from San Diego. A pleasant  dinner with much laughter. Having dined with the Captain the previous evening, it is clear we are now in demand 😁. The evening entertainment was some great singing from the Cruise Director.

Off to bed.

Day 14

We arrived early at our first stop being Mansuar Island. It is nestled within the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Raja Ampat Islands in the pristine  area of Indonesia. They have won international acclaim for their captivating underwater vistas, unspoilt shorelines and teaming with wildlife above and below the surface.

We were in a later group to go exploring so I had time for a massage, small breakfast before jumping into the zodiac for some snorkelling. 

And it was amazing. Clear warm waters, a stack of fish of all colours and sizes and masses of coral. The snorkelling lasted for about 45 mins and then back to the ship for lunch. It's amazing our a short snorkel takes so much out of you. A bit tied when reboarding. 

Also made a big mistake of not putting on enough sunscreen. Got burnt!!

After lunch the ship cruised to another island - Yenwaupnor, where we were able to go ashore and visit the small local village. 

The local kids helping us ashore - very cute

Entrance to the school

Another cute inhabitant

Back onboard, the day has been very hot and humid so a dip in the pool was in order, some drink and ice-cream. We had an early dinner and then off  to bed for a good sleep.

Day 15

Day 15 was at another island within Raja Ampat. This time Wayag Island. It's nestled at the northernmost tip of the region and is a treasure trove of natural wonders. It has numerous karst limestone hills rising from the sea and is a magic landscape.

We had an early start for the zodiac cruise through the lagoon. The trip started with a bumpy crossing to the lagoon due to the sea breeze and choppy sea but once inside it was calm and beautiful.

Back onboard for lunch and a decision to go snorkelling or an afternoon swimming from a beach within the lagoon. We chose the beach. 

But first lunch. Lunch is becoming a challenge. In fact all meals are tough. With my expanding waistline I go to the Colonnade for lunch with the strict intention of just a salad and no booze. I fail every time. The options available look so enticing that the idea of a salad rapidly fades and my plate is again full with all sorts of delights. And of course it needs a glass of wine (or 2) to accompany the meal. The result=weight 😔

The afternoon trip was a lazy beach rest and snorkel within the lagoon.

The kayaks ready to explore

Local wildlife

It was a great day, tiring, but great.

That night we dined with the Future Cruise Consultant and 3 Americans. It was a blast. Much merriment and we were the last group to leave the Restaurant. The night finished with a visit to the Pool Deck disco and a night cap 😄

Day 16

We sailed to Misool which is within the Yapap Lagoon still in the Raja Ampat region. It's characterised by it's karst limestones formations, coral reefs and mangrove forests. The weather remains kind to us, warm days, calm waters, no breeze but slightly clouding..

The early morning zodiac exploration was just a bit early for us so we decided to sleep in and enjoy the pool deck in peace with most guests are out.

The afternoon trip to the beach was great. Snorkelling off the beach.

We were greeted by the crew with some champagne to start off the adventure.

The snorkelling wasn't as good as the previous days, the day being slightly cloudy didn't bring out the colour of the fish and coral but still was fun.

It was a lovely beach.

Back onboard for a quick jacuzzi and sauna before dinner. We decided on the buffet as it has a market theme, in particular the seafood.

Once again we were joined by Antoinette (the soprano entertainer) and had a very funny night. Near the end of the meal we were joined by our 2 Kiwi friends and the laughter continued. Last to leave the Colonnade. A great night topped off with a Swans victory. 😀 

Day 17

A day at sea as we cruised across the Arafura Sea heading towards Agats. 

During the journey we crossed the Equator and had the mandatory visit by King Neptune and his entourage.

 

Who then set about initiating those who have not crossed before.

After that, had initially planned as lazy day around the pool but the weather gods finally gave us some overcast skies and slight drizzle. Might get to read some of the book. However just as I settled in to a comfy spot with a cup of latte, the sun broke through so into the bathers and off to the pool. Passed on lunch (just too much food).

Invited to dine with the Hotel Manager. We had cruised with him on the Venture when we did the Amazon. Lovely guy. He has had a very interesting career with Seabourn and with several private (and very wealthy) families. The food was excellent coupled with great company.

After dinner it was another round of 'Liar, Liar'. We won again (another Seabourn cap.😃)

Day 18

We arrived in Agats in the early morning, mooring some 7 kilometres offshore due to the tidal conditions.

Agats is a town in Asmat Regency, South Papua, Indonesia. Its an elevated settlement on a tidal plain. It was a Dutch outpost in 1938 and was notable for its cultural practices of the Asmat people.

Due to the distance and time to the village, it was an early zodiac trip and all those going went at the same time in a zodiac convoy.

 

It was about 90 min trip to the village. Rain was predicted but luckily did not eventuate. It was hot and humid.

Going up the river we were greeted by the locals.

Arriving at the village we were then given a rousing welcome

We spent about 90 mins there being entertained before reboarding the zodiacs and headed back to the Ship. It was a long trip back but Seabourn, as it does, met us on the return to provide refreshments (champagne) to help combat any dehydration.

Back onboard, a bite to eat and a cold beer. Perfect way to end the adventure.

Later in the afternoon, a game of baggo (which I duly won with a final throw).

It was a very long day so early to bed. The challenges of getting old😏

Days 19 - 21

The next 3 days were at sea. So plan to relax and prepare for the final 2 stops in PNG.

The first morning had us in a competitive mood so firstly a game of baggo against the ship's officers. I failed to reproduce my victory form of the previous outing and was eliminated in the first round.

Julie made it through to the second, but alas, also failed to advance any further.

The passengers ended up winning. The prize for the winner was a cuddly polar bear.

After that we had a couple of games of backgammon (I won 😊) and then off to trivia. The team went well with a sterling second place - but no prize 😒.

The afternoon was spent around the pool and jacuzzi. Although Julie dragged me up for afternoon tea (as if we need more food in between meals 😕.

Dinner had a Thai theme - very nice. The alcohol consumption is definitely reducing. It's just too hard. Gone are the days when we drank well into the night. Maybe we need Sally and Garry to be onboard to spur us on😊.

The evening's entertainment was our new friend - Antoinette singing on the pool deck.

A pleasant day.

The next sea day - and nothing planned. The weather was warm and a bit windy. A game of trivia came and went (we did rather poorly). Gym, jacuzzi and an afternoon nap.

Nothing much else to report. The steak that night was HUGE and very tasty.

Early to bed.

The final sea day was another uneventful day. More of the same from the previous day. Just chilled. We moved up the trivia ladder with a second place - but no prizes.

Day 22

We sailed into Milne Bay (PNG) in the early hours . We tied up at Alotau for our excursions. Milne Bay was the scene of the 1st Japanese defeat during WW2 as it advanced southward. The township of Alotau has several memorials depicting the events.

Our tour started in the rain. Julie elected to stay onboard and avoid the predicted soaking. We headed off in a minibus convey through the town to a hillside that overlooked Milne Bay. However the rain continued to come down so the sight was somewhat blocked.

 Next stop was at a local market - the rain was heavier. The roads here are somewhat deteriorated so walking through the mud was the order of the morning.

It is a poor township with roads, buildings and general infrastructure in serious need of attention. There is  just no money. However the people appear happy in their lives.

After the market we headed to a small village outside of the town where we were treated to a bit of the local culture.

There was dancing, cooking and items to buy.

The rain stopped as we arrived at the village, which was fortunate, in it's place was extremely high humidity. Still it was an interesting and entertaining visit.

Back on the minibus just in time as the rain recommenced.

Back onboard after the 3.5 hr tour for some lunch. That was followed by a game of backgammon and a rest getting ready for the night's entertainment.

Dinner was an Indian theme. Very nice.

A late night drink and then to bed.

Day 23

We awoke in Conflict Islands which is to be our final visit before disembarking in Honiara. This archipelago consists of 21 coral atolls of the coast of PNG.

It was windy with choppy seas and cloud cover. There were many activities planned and Julie elected to go off and do more snorkelling. I decided to stay onboard thinking the weather would prohibit any decent viewing. BIG mistake. Back onboard everyone was raving about the abundance of sea life and coral.

Releasing the baby turtles into the sea

Arriving back onboard it was time for a rest around the pool and a drink

This was followed by another fun dinner and the final show featuring our 2 fabulous singers

We stayed up late at the Club with a few friends eventually getting to bed well after midnight. Sleep came quickly.

Day 24

Final day at sea and time to pack. I started off wandering down to breakfast. The intention was to have a small and healthy start to the day. Instead I was greeted with 'Happy Birthday' from the staff (2 days early) and a special breakfast treat

So much for a healthy start😕.

It's a bit rough and windy but given the fabulous weather we have had throughout the trip, 1 day of rough sea is ok.

We have lunch and dinner plans for the final day. A time to farewell new friends. Tomorrow we arrive in Honiara and board a flight to Sydney.

It has been a fabulous cruise - far more than I expected. The Kimberleys were amazing, the Indonesian and PNG expeditions were beautiful, especially the meeting of the locals and seeing the wildlife. The weather has been kind and the time passed quickly.

In respect to the cruise, this ship is a great way to do these kinds of expeditions, especially compared to the larger cruise ships. The use of the zodiacs got us into places where normal cruising just can't go. In addition, a very comfortable way to sail.

The food onboard was excellent, the staff terrific, great (but limited) entertainment and we were very lucky to have a fabulous Cruise Director.

So I have come to the end of the story.

Stayed tuned for our next adventure - Eastern Mediterranean in July.