Date
Jul 16, 2028 - Jul 27, 2028
Trip Type
By Sea

Group Size: Up to 92 participants across all co-sponsors
Price: Starting from $13,990 per person, double occupancy 
Co-sponsored with: Princeton Journeys, Carlton Alumni Adventures, and other sponsors to be announced

Activity Level
3

Trip Overview

Experience the total solar eclipse of July 22, 2028 on a rare Indonesian eclipse expedition that pairs one of nature’s most awe-inspiring celestial events with the dramatic island landscapes of the Lesser Sundas. Positioned directly on the path of totality, enjoy
approximately five minutes of totality, among the longest viewing opportunities available. Open decks provide comfort, mobility, unobstructed horizons, and freedom from land-based crowds, while the days before and after the eclipse offer stargazing beneath Indonesia’s dark tropical skies.

Begin with one night in Bali at the 5-star Hyatt Regency Bali, a gracious start to the expedition. Then embark the privately chartered Island Sky for an 8-night voyage through Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands and remote eclipse-viewing waters south of the archipelago. The journey showcases the quiet “Secret Gilis” of southwest Lombok, traditional villages of Sumba, the volcanic shores of Flores, Solor, and Adonara, UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park, and the remote island landscapes of Satonda and Moyo. Along the way, encounter coastal communities, distinctive island cultures, ranger-led wildlife viewing, crater lakes, remote beaches, and superb snorkeling. With Zodiacs, the ship uses flexible landings and remote anchorages to reach reef sites, villages, ranger stations, beaches, and island wilderness inaccessible to larger vessels.

Aboard the 59-stateroom Island Sky, guests enjoy a comfortable, intimate home at sea with open viewing decks, spacious accommodations, excellent cuisine, and strong expedition capability. A fleet of 14 Zodiacs and an expedition team of 10 naturalists allow for exceptional snorkeling encounters and remote island exploration. Unlike a fixed land program, the ship provides a mobile platform that can be positioned within the eclipse path according to final navigational and weather considerations, while the voyage itself reveals a mosaic of vibrant cultural traditions and the natural beauty of the Indonesian archipelago.

itinerary map

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Schedule by Day

Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select the "print page" button above.

Depart the United States on independent overnight flights to Indonesia crossing the International Date Line enroute.

Cross the International Date Line enroute to Bali.

Arrive in Bali, Indonesia’s fabled “Island of the Gods,” and transfer to the 5-star Hyatt Regency Bali for a one-night stay. Set along Sanur’s beachfront amid tropical gardens, the hotel offers a gracious introduction to the island. This evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner with fellow travelers and program staff, and learn more about the eclipse expedition ahead. 

Overnight: Hyatt Regency Bali

Meals: R, D

Travel inland for an introduction to Bali’s artistic traditions and rural beauty. Visit artisan villages known for classical painting and traditional weaving, then continue to Sidemen Valley, one of Bali’s most beautiful rice-growing regions, for a guided walk among terraced fields, village paths, and volcanic views. This afternoon, embark the Island Sky, settle into your cabin, and gather on deck as the ship sets sail on the 8-night eclipse expedition ahead. 

Overnight: Island Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Arrive off the quieter southwest coast of Lombok and go ashore by Zodiac for an introduction to Sasal coastal culture, with possible village visits, weaving traditions, pearl farming, or rural landscapes. After lunch, explore the nearby “Secret Gilis,” where clear waters, quiet beaches, and coral reefs offer opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, or beach time. This evening, sail toward the eclipse site as the astronomy program begins on board. 

Overnight: Island Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Spend a purposeful day at sea as Island Sky approaches the remote eclipse-viewing position. Lectures prepare guests for totality, with guidance on eclipse science, safe viewing, photography, and what to watch for as the light changes. By evening, the ship reaches the path of totality in the remote waters south of Indonesia. After dinner, gather on deck for pre-eclipse stargazing beneath dark tropical skies.

Overnight: Island Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Today is the defining moment of the expedition: The total solar eclipse of July 22, 2028. From the ship’s open decks, experience approximately five minutes of totality, with unobstructed horizons and freedom from land-based crowds. As the Moon covers the Sun, the corona appears and the surrounding sea and sky are transformed in a rare moment of daytime darkness. Afterward, celebrate on board with time for reflection, photography sharing, and an expert-led eclipse recap.

Overnight: Island Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Arrive off Sumba, one of Indonesia’s most culturally distinctive islands. Using the ship’s expedition capabilities, go ashore where conditions allow a locally guided visit to learn about high-roofed clan houses, megalithic tombs, ikat textiles, and enduring ancestral customs. Depending on local arrangements, the day may also include a coastal walk, market visit, beach landing, or scenic drive through Sumba’s dry hills and palm-fringed countryside. Return to the ship for an evening lecture and stargazing from deck. 

Overnight: Island Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Come ashore on Flores, an island of volcanic landscapes, coastal communities, lively markets, and layered cultural traditions. Guests may choose a longer overland excursion to Kelimutu National Park, where three famed crater lakes are known for their striking colors and dramatic highland setting. A second option remains closer to Ende for a less strenuous exploration of local markets, ikat weaving, coastal village life, and sites connected to Sukarno’s years of exile. This evening, continue west toward Komodo National Park. 

Overnight: Island Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Spend the day in the extraordinary island wilderness of UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park. Join ranger-led walks in search of Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, while learning about the park’s wildlife, rugged ecosystems, and conservation efforts. Later, the ship repositions within the park for snorkeling, swimming, or Zodiac cruising at reef sites and shorelines to experience coral gardens, pristine beaches and dramatic views of the park’s volcanic hills. 

Overnight: Island Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Zodiac ashore this morning at Satonda Island, an extinct volcanic cone, and walk to its saltwater crater lake just inland from the beach. This afternoon, continue to Moyo Island for forest trails, waterfalls, secluded beaches, and swimming or snorkeling, conditions permitting. This evening, gather for the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner, celebrating a voyage that paired a total solar eclipse with Indonesia’s remote island beauty. 

Overnight: Island Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Arrive back in Benoa this morning and disembark after breakfast with transfers to Bali International Airport or continue on the post-trip Bali extension. 

Meals: B

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Pricing

More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.

Cabin Category

Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy

Category 1, Standard Suite forward

$13,990 per person

N/A

Category 2, Standard Suite

$14,990 per person

$24,590

Category 2, Superior Suite

$16,990 per person

$25.490

Category 3, Premium Suite

$18,490 per person

Inquire

Category 4, Corner Suite

$19,990 per person

Inquire

Category 5, Deluxe Balcony Suite

$21,990 per person

Inquire

Category 6, Owner's Balcony Suite

$22,490 per person

Inquire

Category 7, Island Suite

$24,490 per person

Inquire

One hotel night in Bali, Indonesia and eight nights aboard Island Sky • Meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary, including nine breakfasts, eight lunches and nine dinners • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures and presentations • Shared airport transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, wait staff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with group lunches and dinners and aboard the ship • Eclipse viewing glasses and eclipse swag (t-shirt and/or beverage container) • Team of expert naturalists and tour managers throughout the program

U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature

To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. A second payment of $5,000 per person is due one year before departure (July 16, 2027). Final payment is due 180 days before departure (January 16, 2028) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Initial deposits are fully refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of booking, provided that initial deposit was made prior to July 16, 2027. After 30 days, the deposit is nonrefundable. Beginning July 16, 2027, all deposits and payments are subject to 100% forfeiture, regardless of booking date. No refunds will be given for cancellations on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason.

The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.

 

Accommodations

  • One night at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
  • Eight nights aboard Island Sky

Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Bali

Under development, more information coming soon

The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

activity iconThis is a moderately strenuous program that is at times both physically demanding and busy and requires you to be in good health and physical condition. Shore excursions range from a half-day to all day, with the balance of time spent on board cruising to the next destination. moderately strenuous program that is, at times, physically demanding and busy. There will be several opportunities to snorkel and swim in the ocean. You may be required to remove your shoes while visiting temples and other sites. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for an onshore excursion (there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist). Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health.

Travel on land will be by modern air-conditioned motorcoaches, with most drives lasting no more than an hour at a time. During the cruise there will be excursions by Zodiacs, which require the ability to step from the ship to the Zodiac and back again in open water (the ship’s crew will be there to assist you). Walking tours can be as long as two hours, covering one to two miles, and will include walks in cities and towns as well as nature walks over uneven, sometimes muddy trails with moderate inclines or declines. In some
locations, you will be able to choose between a shorter or a longer, more strenuous option. Daily excursions will still operate in rainy or humid conditions. In some instances, elevators are unavailable, and stairs may not have handrails.

This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.

Study Leader(s)

To be announced

Mode of Travel

The Island Sky is a 59-cabin luxury expedition ship. She provides an abundance of public space and state-of-the-art amenities for relaxation, scenic viewing, and taking in lectures.