Indonesian Explorer
Indonesian Explorer
$14375
Indonesian Explorer
18 Days Starting in Bali, Indonesia and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Denpasar, Mt. Agung, Sumbawa Island, Komodo National Park, Kodia Island, Wakatobi National Park, Buru Island, Seram Island, Misool Island, Raja Ampat, Manokwari, Arfak Mountains, Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve, Cenderawasih Marine Park, Papua, Biak Island, Rusbasbedas Island, Liki Island, Jayapura, Lake Sentani, Sepik River, Kopar Village, Madang
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
Heritage AdventurerGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
Age range:
18-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Photography, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Indonesian Explorer" expedition, a captivating journey through Indonesia and Papua New Guinea's remote tropical islands. This adventure begins in Bali, where you'll explore cultural and historical treasures before setting sail on the Heritage Adventurer. Discover the majestic Komodo Dragons in Komodo National Park, snorkel in the vibrant waters of Raja Ampat, and swim with Whale Sharks in Cenderawasih Marine Park. Experience the rich biodiversity of Wakatobi National Park and the endemic wildlife of Buru and Seram Islands. Engage with local tribes, witness traditional dances, and explore World War II relics. With expert naturalists guiding you, this expedition offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes, concluding in the picturesque town of Madang. Enjoy onboard accommodations with meals, house beer, wine, and soft drinks, ensuring a comfortable and enriching journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Denpasar, Bali
Location: Denpasar, Mt. Agung
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
For centuries Bali has captivated the imagination of artists, writers, and travellers with its landscapes of emerald terraced rice fields back-dropped by the sacred volcano of Mt. Agung. Make your way to your hotel where our group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Denpasar
Location: Denpasar, Sumbawa Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast followed by time to explore the cultural and historical delights of Bali’s capital. This afternoon transfer to Heritage Adventurer where your Captain and Expedition Team will welcome you aboard as we set sail for Sumbawa Island.
Day 3: Sumbawa Island
Location: Sumbawa Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
East of its more famous sibling Lombok, mountainous Sambawa Island blends laid back island life with spectacular volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles and beautiful sandy beaches replete with stunning coral reefs and remote bays awaiting exploration. Historically divided between east (Bimanese speakers) and west (Sumbawanese speakers) this isolated island that time almost forgot juxtaposes luxurious mansions alongside old wooden huts, remote wilderness and traditional Adat law and lore. Today we will experience a number of time-honoured traditions and cultural encounters including meeting the creators of the famed intricate hand-woven ikat fabric, observing martial arts displays and ancient tribal rites for a truly authentic immersion in the local culture.
Day 4: Komodo National Park
Location: Komodo National Park
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A sanctuary for the giant monitor lizard, the Komodo Dragon, walk along a forested pathway to a viewing area for a closer look at these prehistoric reptiles which can grow up to 3 metres (10 ft) in length and weigh up to 135 kilograms (300 lbs). The surrounding forest is home to Timor Deer, the favourite prey of the dragons, as well as elegant Yellow-crested Cockatoos. Enjoy the first snorkelling excursion off splendid Pink Beach, with world-class experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”.
Day 5: Kodia Island
Location: Kodia Island, Komodo National Park
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we are welcomed by the stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters of coral reef fringed Kodia Island. While excellent snorkelling and beachcombing are a given, hikers, photographers and birders will want to explore the dry forests home to an impressive number of birds and wildlife. Today is an authentic expedition day.
Day 6: Wakatobi National Park
Location: Wakatobi National Park
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Famously described by legendary underwater explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau as an “underwater nirvana”, Wakatobi is a cetacean highway and home to breathtaking coral walls. Today’s snorkel excursions reveal an incredible array of marine reef inhabitants; underwater photographers will appreciate a bizarre macro world among corals as shallow as 20 feet. Highlights include colourful frogfish, octopus, marbled snake eels, cockatoo wasp fish, flying gurnards, multitudes of crab species, and dazzling anemones.
Day 7: Buru Island
Location: Buru Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fascinating and seldom visited, Buru Island is located at the boundary between the bio-geographic zones of Australia and Asia. A high proportion of the species of birds and mammals that occur here are found nowhere else with 10 endemic bird species and 4 endemic mammals as well as a number of near-endemic species. This morning we will explore these remote shores together with our expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy opportunities to explore the forests in search of wildlife and many of the endemic species and enjoy the hospitality of local communities during village visits.
Day 8: Seram Island
Location: Seram Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
One of Indonesia’s relatively undiscovered gems, Seram Island seamlessly blends stunning tropical island aesthetics with biologically rich and rare flora and fauna of the Wallacea region at the crossroads of Asia and Australasia. In addition to having Indonesia’s deepest cave, Hatu Saka, and the world’s longest underground river, Sapalewa; 6 of Seram Island’s 28 mammals and 33 of its more than 213 bird species are endemic or near endemic. Our explorations here could include venturing into the jungle to look for the endemic Salmon-crested/Seram or Moluccan Cockatoo (the largest of the white cockatoos), Thrush, Oriole, Honeyeater, Myzomela and Friarbird, and visiting a stilt house village where life continues unchanged. Though headhunting is no longer practised, traditional weapons including bow and arrow are still used for hunting.
Day 9: Misool Island
Location: Misool Island, Raja Ampat
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Part of the Sultanate of Tidore during the spice trade wars, Misool Island is the second largest island in the aquatic wonderland that is Raja Ampat (aka Four Kings Islands, named after its four main islands) and our introduction to this stunning marine environment. Rich in heritage, it was colonised by the Dutch, however still maintains its cultural essence and traditional ways of life with indigenous constructions, folk dance and respect for nature prevailing. On land, discover caves hidden among verdant forests featuring rock art dating back more than 5,000 years, while under its protected waters Dugong, Bumphead Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimp, Pygmy Seahorse and more can be found among spectacular coral gardens and sea-cave cemeteries. Over the course of the day we aim to explore the labyrinth of caves and passages, and hike up to the viewing platforms to enjoy the spectacular vistas Raja Ampat is rightly famous for.
Days 10-11: Raja Ampat
Location: Raja Ampat
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lapped by stunning turquoise waters, Raja Ampat’s collection of 1,500 tiny, jungle-cloaked islands are among Indonesia’s most beautiful. We plan to spend 2 days exploring the bounty of rainbow corals, shoals of multi-coloured fish, intriguing ocean-carved limestone formations and jungles of this tropical paradise of forgotten islands. Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waters surrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,200 types of reef fish and make for exceptional snorkelling and Zodiac cruising. On land, spotting the brilliant Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise and Red Bird-of-paradise will be high on our agenda here, with early morning visits planned ensuring the very best opportunity for all to see these remarkable birds in their natural habitat and, hopefully, witness their rarely-seen mating dance around their ‘lekking’ trees. Other activities could include beachcombing, visiting villages and engaging in cultural exchanges with locals and forest walks.
Day 12: Manokwari and Arfak Mountains
Location: Manokwari, Arfak Mountains, Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located at the top of the Bird’s Head Peninsula and surrounded by lush rolling hills and impressive spine of the Arfak Mountains, Manokwari is the capital of West Papua. Options here include an early rise travelling high into the Arfak Mountains to the Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve exploring the higher elevations and misty tropical montane rainforests with their exceptional suite of endemic plants, animals and birds. During our journey we will be on the lookout for the Western Parotia and Vogelkop Bowerbird, and visit the viewing hides for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe the Magnificent Bird-of-paradise, among the region’s 320 bird species. Alternatively enjoy a sleep in and explore the fascinating town of Manokwari, home to more than 24 different tribal groups.
Day 13: Cenderawasih Marine Park
Location: Cenderawasih Marine Park, Papua
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming with the iconic Whale Sharks of Kwatisore Bay in Cenderawasih Marine Park. One of the best places in the world to snorkel with these gentle giants, we aim to visit the local fishermen’s Bagans (handmade floating platforms) where these mega-fish (known to grow more than 12-metres in length), hopeful of catching some of the smaller fish escaping fishermen’s nets, are known to congregate. This spectacular 15,000-square-kilometre marine park is also home to some of the finest coral reef examples in the world and 18 tropical islands, which we will explore, where 209 species of fish and 4 species of turtle can be seen. We also plan to visit a village where the locals live by a unique mix of traditional, Dutch and modern influences.
Day 14: Biak & Rusbasbedas Islands
Location: Biak Island, Rusbasbedas Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The seldom-visited Biak Island in the Schouten Islands archipelago of Cenderawasih Bay boasts the highest endemic biodiversity in Papua including 17 endemic birds. Among the species we may encounter are the Long-tailed Honey-buzzard, Red-capped Flowerpecker, Yellow-bibbed Fruit-dove, Geelvink Imperial-pigeon, Biak Black Flycatcher and Numfor Paradise-kingfisher and Leaf Warbler. In the afternoon we plan to sail to the pristine and isolated Rusbasbedas Island with its white sand beaches, shear drop-offs and enormous corals teeming with brightly coloured fish make it paradise for snorkellers and beachcombers.
Day 15: Liki Island
Location: Liki Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a warm welcome on Liki Island, part of the Koemamba Islands in formerly Dutch New Guinea, where villagers share local customs and traditions along with some of the island’s culinary delights. Explore the forest looking for wildlife on a nature walk, or snorkel along the edge of the abundant coral reef on this charming and rarely visited island.
Day 16: Jayapura
Location: Jayapura, Lake Sentani
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The peaceful paradise of Lake Sentani, the glittering freshwater lake reflecting the steep, verdant mountains in the Cyclops Strict Nature Reserve of Papua’s capital Jayapura, is renowned for its famous artifacts, traditional motifs, pottery, woodworking and bark paintings, and is our destination following an early morning arrival. We will journey to the lake’s edge before enlisting traditional longboats, passing stilt houses, as we navigate its many islands. Experience local culture in the form of dance and artists at work making bark paintings and bride money before returning to the ship for lunch and sailing towards Vanimo and Papua New Guinea for our International arrival into Papua New Guinea.
Day 17: Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Location: Sepik River, Kopar Village
Accommodation Name: Heritage Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have allowed plenty of time to fully appreciate this remarkable river, its birds, wildlife and the people who call it home. The Sepik River, the longest in Papua New Guinea, flows from the highlands to the Bismarck Sea. It is a rich arterial river that has fostered great traditional artists. We plan to explore the river by Zodiac, following tributaries and channels in search of local wildlife. Enjoy a warm welcome at Kopar Village where we will experience village life and their traditional Dragon Dance. The world-renowned artists of the region travel long distances to meet the ship and there is the opportunity to purchase unique carvings and more directly from them.
Day 18: Madang - Cairns
Location: Madang
The self appointed ‘Prettiest Town in the South Pacific’, Madang is bound by lush rainforest, calm blue waters studded with volcanic islands, Tupira’s supreme surf break, flourishing coral gardens and rich history. For those disembarking, a flight to Cairns will conclude your voyage, OR continue the adventure with us on Discover the Secrets of Melanesia.
Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and/or opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.
Ship Details
Heritage Adventurer

Ship Overview
Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.
Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.
Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
Heritage Adventurer
Draft:
4.97 metres
Shipyard:
Rauma, Finland
Year Built:
1991
Maximum Speed:
15 knots
Gross Tonnage:
8,378gt
Engines:
3,940 horsepower (x2)
Length:
124 metres
Zodiacs:
14
Beam:
18 metres
Classification:
Lloyds 1AS, GL E4
Cruising Speed:
12 knots
Accommodation:
140 guests
Range:
8,600 nautical miles
Deck Plans
Deck Plan
Deck Plan
Cabins
Deck 5 Superior
Superior Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Worsley Suite
Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Main Deck Triple
Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Main Deck Twin
Superior Single
Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Triple
Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Deck 4 Superior
Superior Cabins on Deck 4 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Heritage Suite
Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, free laundry, US$100.00 per person SPA credit, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Main Deck Single
Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
What's Included
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Discovery fund
The tour includes a discovery fund to cover various exploration activities.
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Hotel accommodation
One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room, including dinner and breakfast, is provided.
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Transfer to ship
Transfers to the ship are included in the tour package.
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Onboard accommodation and meals
All onboard ship accommodation with meals is included.
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House beer
House beer is included during the tour.
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Wine and soft drinks
Wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included.
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Shore excursions and activities
All shore excursions and activities are included.
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Lectures by naturalists
A programme of lectures by noted naturalists is included.
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Post-cruise transfer and flight
Post-cruise transfer to the airport and flight from Madang to Cairns are included.
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Transport
The tour includes a transfer to the ship, all shore excursions and activities, and a post-cruise transfer to the airport with a flight from Madang to Cairns.
What's Not Included
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Kayaking
Kayaking activities are not included in the tour package.
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Personal items
All items of a personal nature are not included.
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Laundry
Laundry services are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks other than house beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner are not included.
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Gratuities and flights
Gratuities and international/domestic flights, unless specified, are not included.
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Visas
Visas are not included in the tour package.
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Extensions and travel insurance
Extensions and travel insurance are not included.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a transfer to the ship, all shore excursions and activities, and a post-cruise transfer to the airport with a flight from Madang to Cairns.
Accommodation
Enjoy one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room with dinner and breakfast included, followed by all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Indonesian Explorer tour?
During the Indonesian Explorer tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the Komodo Dragon in Komodo National Park, Timor Deer, Yellow-crested Cockatoos, and a wide range of marine life such as Whale Sharks in Cenderawasih Marine Park. The tour also offers opportunities to see endemic bird species on Buru Island and the Birds-of-paradise in Raja Ampat.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several cultural experiences such as meeting the creators of hand-woven ikat fabric on Sumbawa Island, observing martial arts displays, and experiencing traditional village life on Liki Island. You will also have the opportunity to engage in cultural exchanges with locals in Raja Ampat and witness the traditional Dragon Dance at Kopar Village on the Sepik River.
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What kind of activities are available during the tour?
The tour offers a variety of activities including snorkeling in world-class locations like Pink Beach in Komodo National Park and Wakatobi National Park, exploring caves and hiking on Misool Island, and Zodiac cruising in Raja Ampat. There are also opportunities for bird watching, photography, and exploring local villages.
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What is included in the accommodation and meals during the tour?
The tour includes one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room with dinner and breakfast, followed by all onboard ship accommodation with meals. House beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner.
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Is there any educational component to the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a programme of lectures by noted naturalists, providing educational insights into the regions visited and the wildlife encountered.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
The tour includes a transfer to the ship, all shore excursions and activities, and a post-cruise transfer to the airport with a flight from Madang to Cairns.
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What fitness level is required?
Guests are required to have a reasonable level of fitness in order to participate in landings. While not strenuous, travellers who participate on excursions must be able to climb a ship-side gangway, get in and out of Zodiacs and be able to stand unaided. Each landing and excursion caters to all fitness levels ranging from easy to challenging, ultimately each guest is able to decide how active or relaxing their voyage is.
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Is any clothing included?
Thermally-insulated Muck Boots are provided for use on all our Southern Ocean voyages while guests travelling to the Ross Sea are supplied with an Antarctic grade jacket during their time in Antarctica.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies
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Is there a doctor on board?
Yes, on Heritage Adventurer there is an on board doctor with a small infirmary and on many voyages a First Responder will travel with guests on excursions. Heritage Explorer does not have a doctor on board, however our crew are trained in first aid.
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Are drinks included?
Yes, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on all Heritage Expeditions voyages. Complimentary drinks can also be enjoyed during special events on board while bar purchases can also be charged to your stateroom.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Travelling with Heritage Expeditions is to travel responsibly. As biologists and ornithologists, we are intimately aware of the many issues that confront animals and their habitats, the world's oceans and isolated ethnic groups. We also take action: we actively contribute to the conservation of the places we visit in several ways; we 'buy local' and employ locally; we make sure that travellers are respectful of local customs and traditions; and we dispose of waste responsibly.
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Is there a gym on board?
Yes, Heritage Adventurer has a gym, pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and Spa on Deck 7. While there is no gym on Heritage Explorer, guests have plenty of opportunity to stretch their legs on shore or take the kayaks out, weather permitting.
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What is the onboard currency?
Heritage Adventurer operates in US$ while Heritage Explorer is NZ$.
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Does a single supplement apply?
Heritage Adventurer has 20 dedicated single cabins (12 x Main Deck Single Staterooms on Deck 3 and 8 x Superior Single Staterooms on Deck 5). Heritage Adventurer also has the option of guests sharing in our Main Deck Triple (Deck 3) and Superior Triple (Deck 5) Staterooms. There may also be the option to share a Deck 4 or Deck 5 Superior Stateroom with another solo-travelling guest of the same gender. Heritage Explorer has 2 dedicated single cabins, Wandering, and if these are booked there may be availability to book a Salvin’s Twin/Double or Buller’s as a single at 1.8 times the published per person rate.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985.
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Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi available on both ships. Heritage Adventurer has a connection via satellite and vouchers can be purchased from reception. Wi-Fi is included on Heritage Explorer.
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Are all excursions included?
Yes, all standard excursions are included in the voyage cost. All you will need to pay for on board is anything of a personal nature, laundry, drinks and gratuities.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Heritage Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of heritage expeditions charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.