Cruises In Indonesia: 6 Enriching Small Ship Cruise Tours For A Vacay In 2024

19 Oct 2021

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Indonesia is an astonishing island nation, and offers some absolutely unique experiences to its visitors. With gorgeous islands, pristine beaches, azure ocean, unexplored forests and rare wildlife, you can be sure of an unforgettable vacation. The adventure opportunities are also countless. One such thrilling experience are the cruises in Indonesia. If you ever visit this destination, taking a small ship cruise tour should definitely be on your bucket list.

Top 6 Small Ship Cruises In Indonesia

Here are the 6 most popular small ship cruises in Indonesia that you experience on your trip to this unique Island nation:

1. Katharina

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A traditional ‘Pinisi’ vessel of Indonesia that has been designed as an elegant yacht. It takes cultural trips through the Eastern Indonsian archipelago several times a year. Your trip is made wonderful by a highly knowledgeable and passionate 12-member crew onboard. They have good awareness of the place. The 14-meter long MS Katharina Indonesia can accommodate upto 14 guests. It has 6 luxurious and spacious cabins that feature individually controlled facilities and services including private bathroom, air conditioning, and more. The guests get to enjoy good food, snacks and drinks like tea, coffee and mineral water during the cruise journey. Katharina also features interesting options on board to relax, including the sundeck or the lounge and bar, with entertainment services like music centre, TV and DVD. You may also buy some select wines, beer and other drinks from the bar. The tour itinerary includes several thrilling experiences amidst the Indonesian archipelago including snorkeling, volcanic mountain hiking, village excursions, beaching and more.

Cabins: 6 luxurious cabins
No. of guests: 14 guests
Cost: INR 26,400/per day

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2. Ombak Putih

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The M/S Ombak Putih is a traditional schooner liveaboard in Indonesian. Throughout the year, it takes countless short cruise and sailing trips in and around the Eastern Indonesian archipelago. The 42-meter long Ombak Putih carries out these trips along with its 14 member crew who know the ocean and islands very well and can ensure a highly enriching and adventurous experience to its guests. There are 12 amazing and stylish cabins that can accommodate up to 24 guests. Every cabin has its own climate control facility, private bathroom, and so on. Guests will be provided delicious food and snacks along with tea, coffee and mineral water during the trip. A highlight of Ombak Putih is its semi covered decks where guests can bask some sun along with enjoying the breeze. There are other seating spaces including a spacious lounge and bar that features DVD, TV, and music centre facilities. Taste some tasty beer and exotic wines at your own expense during the trip. The itineraries includes snorkeling activities, exploring rustic villages of Indonesia and visiting volcanic mountains. You would also get ample time to relax on the beach.

Cabins: 12 cabins
No. of guests: 24 guests
Cost: INR 19,300/per day

3. Mega Buana

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Set out on an adventurous Indonesian cruise journey in Komodo on the Mega Buana phinisi. This 27-meter long boat features 6 twin bunk-bed cabins and can easily accommodate 12 passengers. Each cabin has its own storage space, charging ports, and fan. There are 2 bathrooms that can be shared among the guests. The bathrooms are provided with toiletries and fresh water. Savour some delicious and freshly cooked dishes from authentic Indonesian cuisine while sitting at the best spot of the Mega Buana. The open main-deck is furnished with a big wooden table and 4 benches around it. Other seating areas include pouffes where guests can sit and enjoy the view. And to complete your cruise experience, there are loungers at the upper deck for soaking the sun. Take this cruise for an off-beat tour that includes a lot of swimming, snorkeling and hiking. This is a good option for a budget-friendly tour in cruise in Indonesia.

Cabins: 6 twin bunk-bed cabins
No. of guests: 12 passengers
Cost: INR 12,800/per day

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4. Plataran Phinisi Felicia

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Plataran Phinisi Felicia is a super spacious boat for cruising from Labuan Bajo. It is a great option for families, couples and friends alike as the boat features 4 twin cabins with bunk beds and 2 master cabins. The cabins are elegant and feature private bathrooms well equipped with hot water shower and other facilities. The cabins are designed in traditional Indonesian style also feature individual room facilities like air conditioning. Plataran Phinisi Felicia oozes luxury, with its amazing furnishing elements including wood panelling and wooden beams. There are also two dining areas – 1 indoor and 1 outdoor. Enjoy mouthwatering meals, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic). While on board, you can enjoy using the home entertainment system and TV. Lazing on the loungers kept at any of the two sun decks is also an amazing option. Or you can simply catch some talks with co-travelers at the seating facility provided at the shaded sections of the boat. Enjoy all of this while heading to explore Indonesia wonderful destinations starting from East Nusa Tenggara’s Labuan Bajo, cruising around Flores and Komodo Island. This adventure cruise will give you chance to spot the local wildlife, especially Komodo dragons. You also get to indulge in snorkeling and diving to explore the diverse marine life. Spend 2 unforgettable nights on this luxury cruise tour along with experience crew member to bring you the best experience.

Cabins: 4 twin cabins and 2 master cabins
No. of guests: 12 guests
Cost: INR 56,900/per day

5. Plataran Phinisi Felicia Ambasi

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Experience a luxury cruise journey to the incredible Komodo National Park on the Plataran Phinisi Felicia Ambasi. This year-round service provides one of the most popular adventure cruises in Indonesia. This luxury cruise features 4 stunning cabins out of which 3 which have double beds and 1 which has a bunk bed. Each cabin has modern bathrooms and air-conditioners. Plataran Phinisi Felicia Ambasi can take up to 8 guests at a time, on a trip providing them personalized services. The guests can enjoy their food at the large dining area that is equipped with a coffee station and a flatscreen TV for their entertainment. The spacious outdoor sundeck is an interesting hangout space for enjoying the views and the breeze sitting on the chairs or beanbags. Enjoy this 3-nights/4-days long cruise tour that gives you the opportunity to go trekking in Rincaa and encounter the Komodo Dragons. You also get to enjoy hiking in Padar and bring alive the photographer in you by witnessing the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the region. Another highlight of this is snorkeling to explore the Pink Beach’s World Heritage Site. Snorkel in various other pristine beaches of Indonesia to witness the abundant marine life species including manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, and countless tropical fish.

Cabins: 4 luxury cabins
No. of guests: 8 guests
Cost: INR 50,200/per day

6. Komodo Cruise Anema

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Enjoy a 5-star cruise tour to Komodo National Park on the luxurious The Komodo Cruise Anema. This a perfect option for small family or groups for a wildlife excursion to this unique Indonesian national park. The cruise has 4 cabins out of which 2 are Deluxe cabins and 2 are Master cabins. Each cabin features a bathroom and a double bed. Guests can spend their time relaxing spacious indoor lounge, or the comfortable dining area and bar. They can also use the outdoor lounge and dining area to enjoy the breeze and views. This 3-nights long Komodo cruise starts from Labuan Bajo every Monday and Friday. During the cruise tour, guests can indulge in exciting adventure activities including trekking to see the Komodo Dragons in Rinca and snorkeling amidst the colourful reefs. They would also get to relax on the breach and savour some delicious BBQ along with a chance of witnessing a stunning sunset.

Cabins: 4 cabins
No. of guests: small groups
Cost: INR 16,000/per day

Further Read: 6 Best Restaurants In Denpasar To Treat Your Taste Buds To Indonesian Delights

We are sure that by knowing about these amazing small ship cruises in Indonesia must have thrown you into excitement. If yes, plan a trip to Indonesia with your family, friends or partner and pack your bags right away. This super-adventurous cruise journey is something that you must surely experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises In Indonesia

Do cruise ships go to Bali?

Bali is a popular port of call by various cruise lines including luxury as well as specialist cruise lines. However, itineraries depend on the duration of the cruise. While some cruises visit other Indonesian islands, others begin or end in South East Asia or Australia.

Where do the cruise ships dock in Bali?

Port of Benoa is where the cruise ships dock in Bali. This port is situation in small blob of land in the southern area of Bali. The piece of land is connected to the rest of the island with a narrow isthmus.

How do I get from Singapore to Indonesia?

It takes over 60 minutes to travel from Indonesia to Singapore. The duration majorly depends on the water current and the weather conditions during your travel. You need to reach HarbourFront in Singapore and catch a ferry to Batam.

How much is the ferry ticket to Batam?

Two-way ticket from HarbourFront to Batam is SG$48 (INR 2500 approx.) per person. Batam Fast Ferry and Majestic Fast Ferry are two of the main operators for ferry to Batam.

How far is Batam from Bali?

Bali is 1617 kilometres away from Batam.

Which is better a cruise or all-inclusive resort?

Cruise might be a better choice for you if you don’t want to plan other things in itinerary like on the shore sightseeing etc. On the other hand, an all-inclusive resort offers more facilities in the price and are rather expensive than cruises.

What is the best time of the year to go on a cruise?

Summer and Fall are the best seasons to plan for a cruise trip.