Raja Ampat and The Spice Islands - 18 Nights Sorong to Darwin

Sorong (population 200,000) is a coastal city in the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua, 100km south of the Equator, and bordering the Sorong Regency. It is the gateway to Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands, rich in coral reefs in an area considered the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity. It is also the logistics centre for Indonesia's thriving eastern oil and gas frontier, and a major container terminal. Read more about Sorong, Indonesia

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Read more about Roon Island, Indonesia

Read more about Kwatisore Village, Indonesia

Wayag Island is one of the islands within the Raja Ampat district in the province of West Papua, Indonesia. It lies 10 km north of the equator, and just 144 km NW of the NW tip of New Guinea. The island is known for its beautiful atolls and amazing underwater life. Read more about Wayag Island, Indonesia

Read more about Kofiau, Indonesia

Pulau Misool (Misool Island) is one of the four largest islands of the Raja Ampat (the Realm of Four Kings) archipelago, comprising over 1,500 islands, in West Papua, Indonesia. They create a spectacular view of closely-spaced islands covered with bright tropical flora and fauna. In addition there are caves everywhere. Read more about Pulau Misool, Indonesia

Ambon is a tiny though mountainous, well-watered and fertile island in the middle of the Maluku islands in Indonesia. The favourite activity of visitors is diving, as Ambon is home to an underwater garden of very healthy coral growth, and resultant varied marine life that is easily accessible, and shows no indication of human interference. Discover centuries-old fortresses and the literature of local kingdoms that traces the story of the people, from periods of prosperity to escalating and controlled trades, harsh colonialism, a gruelling struggle, and finally, to independence. Read more about Ambon Island, Indonesia

The Banda Islands are a volcanic group of ten small volcanic islands in the Banda Sea, about 2,000 km east of Java, and are part of the Indonesian province of Maluku. Until the mid-19th century the Banda Islands were the world's only source of the spices nutmeg and mace produced from the nutmeg tree. These days the islands are also popular destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling. Read more about Banda Islands, Indonesia

The new Darwin cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf is adjacent to the convention centre, only one kilometre from Darwin’s CBD. Modern amenities, hotels and parking are there, plus a mini-market with beautiful local productions – Aboriginal art and crafts, diamonds and opals, and eateries, distinctive of the Top End. Darwin is a home port for the small luxury vessels Coral Princess and Coral Discoverer that explore the Kimberley coast to Broome. Read more about Darwin, Australia