Threads of Time — SeaTrek’s Indonesia Textile Cruise

“Tribal Weaving of the Lesser Sunda Islands” is one of SeaTrek’s most popular cruises and always sells out. Led by British textile experts David and Sue Richardson, the voyage allows passengers to explore the extraordinary ancestral traditions and amazing landscapes of the Lesser Sundas.

Textiles are the predominant form of artistic expression in a group of islands where each region has its own unique textile culture, its own style of dress, and its own motifs, all still made on back-tension looms.

This year, this 13-day/12-night cruise takes place from May 16-28 aboard the Ombak Putih.

During the journey, passengers learn about the central role that textiles take in every significant stage of life, especially marriage and death. Sadly, weavers are not passing on these skills to the next generation. So the cruise also affords a unique opportunity to witness a dying art form before it’s gone forever.

The Richardsons look forward to introducing guests to the people and culture of each island, sharing their knowledge during day-to-day shore excursions as well as through a series of evening talks.

The graceful pinisi schooner Ombak Putih offers access to villages and beaches that would otherwise be almost impossible to reach. Along the way there’s time to enjoy the amazing volcanic scenery, meet the villagers, visit traditional markets, buy local textiles, swim and snorkel over psychedelic coral reefs, relax and have fun.

In conjunction with this cruise, SeaTrek is offering an optional, three-day, pre-cruise tour, which travels by land through remote parts of Flores Island to visit Lio weavers and the color-changing volcanic crater lakes of Mount Kelimutu. This includes a stay at the lovely Kelimutu EcoLodge.

Click here for details of this special textile cruise and here for more information on the pre-cruise trip.