ALEXA PRIVATE CRUISES LAUNCHES ITS' SPICE ISLAND SAILING ROUTE AROUND THE BANDA ISLANDS

Maumere to Ambon via Alor and The Banda Islands

ALEXA Private Cruises is today, launching a new sailing package, inspired by the 'Old Spice Merchants Routes' and re-discovering ALEXA's heritage as a former traditional Phinisi (pi-ni-si) Spice boat.

Guests begin their romantic adventure with ALEXA, in Maumere, East Flores, and sail this special route for 10 nights and 11 days across the Indonesian Archipelago, one of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring coral reefs to explore in the world. ALEXA, sails to the stunning Banda islands, taking in along the route: Kumba, Lembata, Alor, Wetar, Moapora and Manuk islands before sailing onto Banda and Ambon.

The adventure starts with an easy sail across the northern tip of Flores to the luscious forests near Maumere, then it's onto Kumba Island where guests can enjoy a light display from this notoriously active volcano that spurts lava every 30 minutes or so.

On Lembata Island guests journey to the traditional hunting village of Lamalerap and witness a community whose livelihoods depend entirely on the sea. Fishermen practice whaling in the area and you'll see them busy at work in their sailboats. Encounters with some of the most exotic wildlife from sharks to shy turtles and large Manta Rays to birdlife, are possible.

Our next stop is Alor Island for a Sun-Rise Scuba dive or snorkel in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, or take an afternoon out to walk along pristine beaches and enjoy a beautiful picnic prepared by the crew, set up with antique chandeliers and designer chosen rugs from Uzbekistan.

Guests then anchor at the Banda Islands for the last few days and step into the old town of Banda Neira, to learn about this fascinating part of Indonesia. Centuries ago the Dutch used the island as a way to control plantation production and there are many historic houses and fortresses to see including the last working nutmeg plantation in the archipelago. Looming over the island is the active Gunung Api volcano, and guests can hike through the beautiful endless green forest to see smoke seeping out of the top of the volcano.

ALEXA'S crew provides a seamless service and every imaginable luxurious possibility from holistic offerings, Spa treatments and culinary delights created by the on-board private Chef; it's the ultimate romantic adventure in the luxury private yachting world for guests to experience and create great memories of this Spice Island route with ALEXA Private Cruises.

Spice Merchants Package: 10 nights, 11 days inclusive of all facilities – Scuba Diving, Snorkel equipment, massage therapist, Meals provided by our Gourmet Chef and A crew of 7 from £42,500 - £47,200.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors: For further press information, images, or interviews please contact Sarah Taylor at: E: ALEXA@taylormadepr.com or Tel: 0207 183 1075

About ALEXA Private Cruises:

ALEXA Private Cruises offers the ultimate in on-board understated luxurious sailing experiences on the Indonesian Archipelago, providing bespoke spa pampering, true privacy and gourmet Chef cuisine in the comfort of a one expansive cabin, for individually tailored experiences for couples.

An exclusive luxury private vessel, offering guests every conceivable indulgence aboard the ALEXA, moored within the islands of Komodo National Park and the Raja Ampat archipelago to the East of Indonesia.

ALEXA Private Cruises enables guests to indulge their senses and enjoy the ultimate romantic adventure and once in a lifetime unforgettable experience on-board.

Of traditional Phinisi (pi-ni-si) boat design and with a colourful and exotic history, ALEXA once carried cargos of spices between the islands of Sumba, Flores, Sumbawa and Sulawesi. She is now docked in Flores, where cruises customarily begin.

Highlights include:

• Privacy and exclusive use of ALEXA with one Master cabin
• Option for families to accompany (2+2)
• Personal Gourmet Chef
• Awards winning massage therapist – part of the Oazia team
• PADI & SSI accredited Diving Instructor – introduction Scuba course, Open Water, Advanced open water and specialties: Photography, Deep Diver and Night Diver
• For certified divers – unlimited dives per day
• Water Sports – including Wakeboarding, waterskiing
• Open air cinema
• Under the stars sleeping option
• Bespoke personalised itineraries

ALEXA Private Cruises offers a professionally managed and qualified 7-man international and multilingual crew (with 5 Indonesian born crew) including: a Cruise Director who is a certified dive instructor, a Resident Spa Therapist, Private Chef and Captain with 15 years navigating experience, to ensure a guaranteed high level of service, security and quality of experience.

www.ALEXAprivatecruises.com

SPICE MERCHANT ROUTE:

Day 1: Maumere

Maumere to Ambon via Alor and The Banda Islands 10 Nights and 11 Days Cruise Programme

Begin your journey by boarding ALEXA in Maumere, East Flores. Our representative will greet you at your hotel or the airport, assist you with luggage and escort you to the ALEXA. While your luggage is transferred, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink of champagne and tour the facilities aboard. You will also meet the rest of the team and receive a safety briefing for your stay with us. Once you are settled, a light lunch will be prepared and the afternoon will be spent relaxing from your journey. ALEXA will depart to Kumba Island in the evening.

Day 2: Kumba Island

Begin your day with ALEXA by anchoring at Kumba Island, which is home to an active volcano. We will head for land and take a stroll along a gorgeous pebble beach. Your diving and snorkeling equipment will be prepared, in the meantime, for an underwater exploration of the beautiful coral reef that fringes the island. Dive into clear turquoise water and swim among exotic schools of fish. Regular encounters with Sharks & large Rays are possible and there is a wealth of macro life to keep any diver or snorkeler fascinated for hours. Post dive, we will return to the ALEXA and prepare for a delicious freshly caught fish dinner. Tonight we will sail to the island of Lembata.

Day 3: Lembata Island

We will arrive on Lembata Island in the morning, and journey to the traditional hunting village of Lamalerap. Here, you'll witness a community whose livelihoods depend entirely on the sea. Fishermen practice whaling in the area and you'll see them busy at work in their sailboats. In the evening, we will prepare a beautiful champagne dinner. Overnight ALEXA will cruise towards the Alor Archipelago.

Day 4: Alor Island

Our overnight cruise takes us to the shores of Kalabahi, the main town on the island. Enjoy hiking through lush hills and continue until you reach the village of Takpala. Here, you'll spend the morning experiencing local Indonesian life and learning about their culture. We return to ALEXA for a light lunch, before spending the afternoon in the turquoise waters. The colourful slopes around Pura Island are the home of the endearing mandarin fish, but they are also the home of frogfish, Blue Ribbon Eel, leaf fish, Harlequin ghost pipefish, and pygmy sea horse – perfect for a dive or a snorkel. The bays are also perfect for whatever watersport you choose. ALEXA will spend the night on anchor in a secluded cove

Day 5: Sailing

Spend the day at sea and rest on-board as you cruise from Alor Island. We will depart from Alor in the morning and sail past the picturesque islands of Sunda and Maluku. This area is perfect for an exploratory dive within the untouched reef, and we will hunt for seahorses, rhinoceros fish and other small critters. During the journey, gaze at the endless white sand islands that pass you by from the deck of the vessel as you sip fresh juice and graze on specially prepared dishes by chef. ALEXA will motor overnight and reach Wetar Island in the morning.

Day 6: Wetar

Wake up and step onto the island of Wetar. From there, we will make our way to the tiny islet of Reong and trek to the mainland. Here, you'll indulge in a dip in the natural hot springs. In the afternoon, you'll visit a traditional village sparsely populated with hunter-gatherers. After, return to the cruise and marvel at the beautiful landscape as you sail to the north coast of the island.

Day 7: Moapora

Arrive in Moapora and spoil yourself with a beach day on the idyllic island. Grab your snorkels and discover alluring coral gardens and vibrant tropical fish. In the afternoon, make your way to a local village full of ripe orange and coconut groves. Take this opportunity to meet the friendly locals that live on the island and enjoy a cup of sweet tea with them in the afternoon. In the evening, we will prepare a beautiful beach BBQ dinner whilst you take in another beautiful sunset.

Day 8: Manuk

Begin the day on the pristine island of Manuk, where you'll spend time admiring exotic wildlife. Keep your eyes open for rare birds. There's a good chance you'll spot frigate birds, gannets and more. In the early afternoon, we will begin the crossing to the Banda archipelago, a region famous for its natural beauty and cultural history. On the journey we will look out from the deck to the horizon and hope to catch a glimpse of the sperm whales and orcas that populate the area. A gourmet meal will be prepared and the evening will be spent at your leisure.

Day 9: Banda Islands

In the morning, anchor at the Banda Islands and step into the old town of Banda Neira. Learn about the fascinating history of this part of Indonesia. Centuries ago, the Dutch used the island as a headquarters to control plantation production. Here, you'll take a tour through ancient fortresses and historic houses. Continue your hike and admire the active Gunung Api volcano looming in the distance. With the afternoon at leisure for snorkeling or diving, or perhaps another Spa Treatment, the evening brings with it a stunning sunset

Day 10: Banda Islands

Return to the island after breakfast and embark on an unforgettable hike up Mount Gunung Api. Take in the beautiful sights of endless green forest and smoke spewing from the top of the active volcano. After, take a stroll through the last operating nutmeg plantation in the archipelago. Here, you'll witness how nutmeg and lace are grown, harvested and processed.

Day 11: Ambon

On your final day, arrive in Ambon in the morning and we will ensure one final sunrise dive.

For the remainder of the morning, we recommend relaxing on the stunning beaches of Liang or Latuhalat, snorkeling off the coast to discover more colourful coral reefs. In the afternoon we will enjoy a final lunch to say farewell and will assist you with your onward travel plans.