Passage through Melanesia

from 

AU$19,155

per person
 
Duration: 12 Nights
Destination: South Pacific
Cruise Line: Scenic Eclipse
Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
Cabin: Suite Twin Share
Departure/Arrival Port: Cairns to Nadi
Deal Code: DCF803F

 

 

Description

Pacific Ring of Fire - passage through Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu

Departure Date: 1 October 2024

The World's First Discovery Yacht is coming to Australia for two years of truly all- inclusive voyages. Designed for the experience of a lifetime, Scenic Eclipse II features two on board state-of-the-art helicopters and a custom-designed submersible Scenic Neptune II, and a wealth of ultra-luxury features.

From reef-fringed volcanic islands and ritual ceremonies in the mysterious Solomon Islands, to the raw beauty and relaxed atmosphere of Vanuatu, you will leave amazed and deeply touched.


 The Scenic Difference
 
Every detail of your all-inclusive journey has been carefully considered to create a truly carefree experience and memories to last a lifetime.
  • Only 200 guests for an exclusive small-ship experience and more multiple landings each day
  • A specialist Polar Discovery Team of up to 20 members
  • Butler service for every guest and an almost 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio
  • Up to 10 dining experiences from casual to fine dining
  • The finest selection of included premium branded beverages, all day, every day
  • Indulgent 550m² Senses Spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio
  • Engaging lectures and education program with on board experts
  • Scenic Discovery excursions

Scenic Eclipse II

The design of Scenic Eclipse II is inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht and its innovative features have set the benchmark in 6-star ultra-luxury cruising. The Discovery Yacht is equipped with two state-of-the-art Airbus H130-T2 helicopters^ and a next-generation submersible^ which provides guests with 270-degree panoramic underwater views.

Scenic Eclipse is intimate and luxurious, with an almost 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio for only up to 228 guests. Guests can take a culinary journey at up to 10 dining experiences and eight bars and lounges. The 550sqm Senses Spa, Vitality pools, dedicated yoga and Pilates studio and state-of-the-art gym provide an opportunity for complete rejuvenation and the spacious suites all feature butler service.

Itinerary Map

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairns

Welcome onboard Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht. Settle into your luxurious suite and enjoy the first destination of this incredible journey: Cairns, the gateway to tropical north Queensland. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites collide – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Please book your flight to arrive into Cairns prior to 02:00 PM.

Day 2 - At Sea

Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board our ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces, relax in a therapy lounge in the spa, or tempt your palate from one of the dining venues.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing break as we sail to the Solomon Islands, making the most of the services and activities onboard. Indulge in the Senses Spa, relax in the cabanas, or simply view the spectacle of the ocean while enjoying a cocktail.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands

The largest island in the Solomon Islands is covered in tropical rainforest, with picture perfect coasts lined with palms and white sandy beaches. Surrounded by clear water and abundant wildlife, cool off in the ocean as you explore. Learn of the Battle of Guadalcanal while visiting the World War II relics and monuments.

Freechoice: Explore World War II relics and monuments to learn about the Battle of Guadalcanal, or visit the National Museum and an artefact market. Alternatively, join your local guide for a tour of the city and the Central.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Owaraha (Santa Ana Island)

Stand out on the Observation Terrance with your morning coffee as we navigate through the picturesque channels on our way to Owaraha. Known for preserving ancient traditions, Owaraha is the ideal place to see the traditional dances and intricate handicrafts fashioned by the island’s villagers, dressed in ornate costumes, body paint and masks. At Nafinotoga, Spirit Houses contain ancient skulls and bones of the Snake Clan and Turtle Clan chiefs.

Discovery: Snorkel or kayak around the Owaraha’s beautiful coral reefs before exploring the island’s cultural activities.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Ndende Island

Also known as Santa Cruz, Ndende Island offers stunning lagoons brimming with marine life, stretches of reef, remote islands sprinkled with deserted beaches, crystalline caves, and many picturesque villages. You will be warmly welcomed onshore by a traditional cultural bamboo band and dancers.

Discovery: Walk across the island to see the schoolhouse and the traditional spirit houses, go kayaking and snorkelling, or explore the outer reefs and other islands by Zodiac. Alternatively, search for the endemic Santa Cruz Shirkbills with your on board Ornithologist.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Vanikoro Island

The five islands of Vanikoro are encircled by a spectacular barrier reef that offers excellent snorkelling. French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse, disappeared in this archipelago after his vessels, La Boussole and Astrolabe, struck the reef in 1788. Visit a monument to Le Pérouse, erected by explorer Dumont Durville in 1827.

Discovery: Take a forest walk with your on board Naturalists to spot the endemic Vanikoro white-eye, the Vanikoro monarch and the delicate Vanikoro orchid, or enjoy kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding with your Discovery team.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

The largest island in the archipelago of Vanuatu, north of New Caledonia, is Espiritu Santo. While its main industries are fishing and farming, you will be dazzled by the beauty of Champagne Bay, one of the world’s most exquisite beaches. A freshwater spring flows into the lagoon, creating a spa-like bubbling sensation at low tide. Espiritu Santo has been inhabited for many years by Melanesian people known as Ni-Vanuatu, who still observe many ancient traditions.

Freechoice: Take the scenic route via coconut plantations local villages to the freshwater Blue Hole, or dive among the wrecks of American naval and military craft at Million Dollar Point. Or, witness a demonstration of tribal dances, ancient arts, traditional cooking and an awe-inspiring fire-walking ceremony. Alternatively, spend the day relaxing on this powdery beach, set among mountains, plantations, farms and lowland forest.

Discovery: Enjoy kayaking, snorkelling or stand-up paddleboarding.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Ambrym Island

Unlike the white sand of Espiritu Santo, the volcanic island of Ambrym is the place to sink your toes into black-sand beaches. Witness the work of woodcarvers who create art out of breadfruit trees and huge tree ferns, and see intriguing displays of the local black magic. Watch the Ambrym Islanders’ famous Rom dance, performed by chanting men in elaborate costumes.

Discovery: Hike through the rainforest with your Discovery team to reach the rim of an active volcano, or snorkel in the clear waters to find dugongs, sea turtles and many colourful species of fish.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Port Vila (Efate Island)

Ringed by blissful beaches and packed with waterfalls, the dream of a tropical paradise is brought to life on Efate Island. Along this remarkable coastline is an abundance of bays, beaches, islands and inlets just waiting to be explored.

Freechoice: Marvel at the breathtaking waterfalls of Rarru Cascades, swim with turtles at Naiwe Beach or learn about Pacific Island life on a tour of the Pepeyo Cultural Village. Alternatively, watch warrior dances who dare to walk on heated volcanic rocks on this amazing tribal tour.

Discovery: Hike along jungle trails, beaches and plantations, or join a guided kayak trip to the tropical rainforest.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Tanna Island

Tanna’s erupting Mount Yasur is regarded as the world’s most accessible active volcano. Known for its continuous activity since Captain James Cook observed ash eruptions in 1774, it’s considered a sacred area by members of the John Frum cargo cult, who believe their deity resides inside.

Discovery: Soak in the Sulphur Bay hot springs at the base of Mt Yasur, or explore Tanna’s Blue Cave. Alternatively, see one the island’s most magnificent waterfalls, taste the world-renowned Tanna coffee, or venture up to the smoking rim of Mt Yasur for an unforgettable experience.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - At Sea

After a busy week, this is your opportunity to unwind, socialise and make the most of ship life.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - Latuoka, Fiji

Disembark in the second largest city of Fiji, Lautoka is located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres north of Nadi. As the gateway to Fiji’s Sun Coast, it’s a pleasant mix of sugar-cane fields, grass-covered peaks, rural villages and market towns. Farewell your new friends, the crew and the Scenic Eclipse.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nadi after 12:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Inclusions: Breakfast

Itinerary Overview

Cairns, At Sea, Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands, Owaraha (Santa Ana Island), Ndende Island, Vanikoro Island, Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu), Ambrym Island, Port Vila, Tanna Island, At Sea, Latuoka, Fiji

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Terms & Conditions

All fares are displayed in Australian Dollars and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.