Pioneering expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions' new flag ship Heritage Adventurer has made cruise history on her maiden voyage as the first expedition vessel to visit the remote village of Pasir Putih on Indonesia's Buru Island.
Around 1,000 people from 6 local villages packed the white sand beach with school children, local dignitaries and chiefs, including the esteemed Chief of Regency Mrs. Safitri who traveled 6 hours to personally preside over the event, greeted Heritage Adventurer's intrepid guests on its first voyage Indonesian Explorer as they arrived by Zodiac.
Heritage Expeditions owners Aaron and Nathan Russ described the welcome and new friendship between the New Zealand-based company, its guests, and the people of South Buru Island as an “incredible privilege” and fitting first outing for the pioneering expedition vessel.
“Being welcomed so full-heartedly by these incredibly friendly people into their way of life on this tropical island paradise, who are just as interested in us as we are in them, and sharing these unforgettable moments with our guests is why we do what we do,” says Nathan.
Aaron agreed, saying making connections with and supporting remote communities, understanding and experiencing new cultures, and exploring the wilderness and enjoying wildlife encounters well off the beaten path was the “true essence of authentic expedition cruising”.
“We are incredibly proud to continue the family tradition of sharing incredible adventures with our guests. Being able to offer these unforgettable moments is all part of the Heritage Experience.”
Heritage Adventurer, with her peerless expedition capabilities and timeless blend of sophistication and comfort was the perfect successor to the Heritage fleet and our signature experiential expedition travel, he added.
“It's fantastic to see our guests, both existing and new, fall in love with Heritage Adventurer and rightfully restore the pride and mana in our 'Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising', says Aaron.
“We are incredibly proud to be the custodians of this iconic vessel and continue her history and story as a true pioneer.”
Once ashore, guests were welcomed with a series of traditional dances and a formal greeting from Mrs. Safitri before celebrating their arrival sharing a specially prepared feast, dancing and learning everything about island life and culture with new found friends.
Guests were then free to enjoy exploring the village and the wildlife-filled jungles and coral reefs of one of the most biologically-rich regions on the planet.
Indonesian Explorer visits remote and little-known tropical islands of Indonesia and includes swimming with the Whale Sharks in Kwatisore Bay, visiting Komodo National Park, home to the famed Komodo Dragon, exploring Jacques Cousteau’s “underwater nirvana” Wakatobi National Park, snorkeling the turquoise waters and rainbow corals of Raja Ampat, and more. Guests will discover powdery white sand beaches, untamed jungles, and exquisite underwater worlds om this journey.
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