Passage through Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu

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.

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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, see the intricate handicrafts fashioned by the area natives. Take a dip in the warm tropical waters, or maybe go snorkelling around the coral reefs thar surround the island. (B/L/D)

Also known as Santa Cruz, Ndende Island has been identified as an Important Bird Area supporting a population of endemic Santa Cruz Shirkbills. While they can be rare to see, search with our on board Discovery Team and your in-suite binoculars. Admire the quality handmade Melanesian artefacts around the island. (B/L/D)

Vanikoro is an ancient volcano with visible old lava flows, which receives more than 5,000 mm of rainfall annually. French explorer La Perouse’s ship Boussole was wrecked on the island in 1788. The second ship, Astrolabe, was also wrecked but survivors salvaged enough to build a small vessel and sailed away, while two of the crew remained on the island into the early 1800s. (B/L/D)

Champagne Bay is one of the world’s most exquisite beaches. A freshwater spring flows into the lagoon, creating a spa-like bubbling sensation at low tide. As Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo has been inhabited for many years by Melanesian people known as Ni-Vanuatu, who still observe many ancient traditions. Spend the day relaxing on this powdery beach, set amongst mountains, plantations, farms and lowland forest. (B/L/D)

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 local displays of black magic and kastom dances. Adventurous activities include hiking through rainforests and walking around the rim of two active volcanoes, Mt Benbow and Mt Marum. (B/L/D)

Ringed by blissful beaches, a remarkable coastline, and packed with waterfalls, the dream of a tropical paradise is bought to life on Efate Island. Discover the bays and beaches, islands and inlets of Efate. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

After a busy week, this is your opportunity to unwind, socialise and make the most of ship life. (B/L/D)

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. (B)