Passage through Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu (Scenic Expeditions)

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.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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