Northern Australia & the Indonesian Archipelago

Welcome to Cairns, the capital of Tropical North Queensland and the departure point for your cruise. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites collide – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The town itself exemplifies the laid-back lifestyle that Queensland is famous for and is packed with great places to eat, al fresco bars and vibrant markets.  This afternoon, you’ll board Scenic Eclipse II, your home for the next 17 days. Be greeted with a glass of Champagne, meet your personal butler and settle into your luxurious suite. Join your fellow guests at the Sky Bar for a cocktail with a view over the vibrant city as you depart ready for your adventure of a lifetime.   Please book your flight to arrive into Cairns prior to 02:00 PM.

It’s just a short sail north to your first port, to the glamorous resort town of Port Douglas. Once a sleepy fishing village, the town became the state’s most famous tourist destination in the 1980s thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Today, the streets are lined with high-end boutiques and chic restaurants, while dazzling yachts bob off the multi-million-dollar marina. Spend the morning strolling through the charming town waterfront, sampling local produce on offer at the many cafes and restaurants along Macrossan Street. Or head to the stunning Four Mile Beach, a long strip of golden sand fronting on to calm, turquoise water just on the edge of Port Douglas.  Departing Port Douglas just after lunchtime and begin sailing north alongside the Great Barrier Reef. Cruising through crystal-clear waters dotted with hundreds of islands and coral cays is a truly spectacular sailing. Grab a seat at the Observation Lounge or ask your butler to bring afternoon tea to enjoy on your private verandah. 

The Great Barrier Reef runs almost the full length of the Queensland coast and this morning you’ll be cruising in the northermost section, alongside the remote Cape Yorke Peninsula. Sitting on the outer edge of the reef, around 60km from the mainland, is Creech Reef and the secluded Sandy Cay, only accessible by smaller vessels like Scenic Eclipse II. The coral reefs here spread up to 40km wide and comprise some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. Scenic Eclipse II will stop off Sandy Cay, so you can step off into your own private island in the middle of the Coral Sea. The GPS Dynamic Positioning allows your Discovery Yacht to maintain her location without dropping anchor into sensitive seabed, preserving the pristine destinations youre visiting.  This is one of the best snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef, where an incredible variety of fish and coral awaits, and the warm water temperature means you can happily bob about in there for hours. In these calm waters, Scenic Eclipse II can open the marina so you can dive straight in or make use of the many water toys on board. 

Continue north overnight and discover a truly unique location in Queensland and a travel wish list of many Australians as we dock in Cape York, the northernmost point of mainland Australia. This experience is marked by the sight of the rocky headland overlooking startlingly aqua seas few people ever get to see. Toast your visit with a glass of Champagne from the Sky Bar or Observation Terrace as your ultra-luxury yacht cruises past the “Tip of Australia”.  Then, continue on to the Torres Strait; an archipelago of more than 100 islands that stretch from Cape York to Papua New Guinea. These islands have a fascinating and distinct blend of cultures, influenced by both ancient Indigenous peoples and modern history. Arriving at Thursday Island this afternoon, you’ll be able to learn more about this captivating cultural mix as well as the history of British settlement and the region’s pearling industry.

Enjoy two relaxing days in ultra-luxury comfort at sea as Scenic Eclipse II makes her way north-west into Indonesian waters. This morning, you can do as much or as little as you want. Perhaps soak in the comforts of your luxuriously appointed suite, which cocoons you with the luxuries of a 6-star hotel. Or ask your butler to bring breakfast to your suite, where you can enjoy it on the verandah as the deep blue waters of the Arafura Sea slip by outside.   Then take some time to explore your Discovery Yacht. Visit the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on Deck 10, where you can watch the world slip by from the comfort of a private cabana. Step into the tranquil Senses Spa on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, plunge pool and KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the nine bars and lounges on board. Curl up with a good book in the library of the Observation Lounge or take one with you and find the hanging egg chairs on Deck 7. For something more interactive, check the daily program to see what lectures or discussions the Discovery Team are running and learn more about upcoming ports, wildlife or activities on offer. 

Make the most of another relaxing sea day indulging in the many exceptional dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse II. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club (be sure to return later to visit the large gelato fridge). For lunch, the Azure Bar & Café serves light meals, pizza and salads that are available for grazing throughout the day. Elements is the main restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood.   The selection of specialty restaurants on board allows you to dine around the world each night. Channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s Asian Fusion; choose one of the sunken Japanese-style tables for an authentic ambience. Take a seat at the bar at Sushi @ Koko’s to watch the chefs at work or enjoy the spectacle of teppanyaki-style dining inspired by the markets of Asia at Night Market @ Koko’s, an exclusive experience for just eight guests at a time. Journey to France at Lumière, a contemporary fine dining French restaurant replete with a luxurious Champagne bar. 

You’ll spot land early this morning, the remote Tanimbar Islands. One of Indonesia’s most far-flung outposts, this archipelago of 65 islands sits just a few hundred kilometres north of Darwin. The islands range from densely forested hills to low lying swamplands and deserted beaches. As Scenic Eclipse II sails towards the largest island, Yamdena, and the capital, Saumlaki, discover a bustling city home to around 20,000 people.  Smaller villages on the island have retained many of their unique cultural traditions, including music, dance and crafts. The Tanimbar Islands are also famous for the rare birds that inhabit the untouched forests, making it a popular destination for ornithologists. Be sure to listen closely as the Scenic Eclipse gently and silently glides by.  

There are millions of beaches in Indonesia yet the ones you’ll see today might be the country’s most beautiful. The Kai Islands are part of the Maluku Province and are made entirely of white sand and coral. Talcum powder beaches are lapped by the strikingly blue waters of the Banda Sea and fringed with lush rows of palm trees. Despite their jaw-dropping beauty, these islands remain far off the tourist trail, and you’ll be unlikely to see another visitor.  Spend today living out your castaway fantasies on a deserted island, swimming and snorkelling in the warm water or just lazing on the sand.  

The Banda Islands have long fascinated travellers for more than 700 years. Once known as the Spice Islands, this legendary cluster of exotic ports was a thriving trading hub for rare spices like nutmeg and mace. In 1512, Portuguese explorer Francisco Serrao completed an arduous round the world journey and became the first European to ever set foot on Banda Neira. For the next three centuries, these tiny volcanic outcrops were highly prized and fiercely fought over by every great colonial power. This intriguing history is woven into the fabric of the island, with grand Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture lining the streets and imposing forts looking over the harbour. Explore the town, hear its colourful stories, and get an insight into its tumultuous past. Offshore, the snorkelling around Banda Neira is some of the best in Indonesia and can be enjoyed by Scenic’s selection of water toys, like stand-up paddle boards or kayaks.

Today is the perfect opportunity for some relaxation and rejuvenation whilst we sail out to sea. For the ultimate wellbeing at sea, the indulgent Senses Spa awaits on Deck 6. This expansive 550m2 gold-leaf emblazoned spa is like nothing you’ll see on any other ship in the world. Inside this luxurious retreat you can be pampered with a range of ESPA treatments* including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as alternative therapies like Tibetan bowl sound healing. After your treatment, cool off in the Vitality plunge pool on the Senses Spa Pool Deck or warm up in the exclusive KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge, where heated, aromatherapy-scented loungers gently purify the body. You’ll also find saunas, steam rooms, therapeutic pressure showers, and a hair and beauty salon within the spa complex.  For a more active indulgence, the state-of-the-art gym is fully equipped for cardio workouts and strength conditioning – all with a spectacular view of the ocean. The Yoga & Pilates Studio, the only of its kind at sea, offers traditional yoga and Pilates classes, plus aerial yoga (using silk hammocks strung from the ceiling), TRX and mindfulness meditation. 

After sailing across the Banda Sea, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at Alor Island this morning. The easternmost and largest of the 20 islands in the Alor archipelago, Alor has rugged volcanic terrain dotted with traditional villages. A site to behold and one for the avid photographer.   Alor Island is home to a number of unique Indigenous tribes that live in the same way they have for thousands of years. Visit a local village this morning to see the striking architecture and well-preserved customs. Alor is also known as ‘the island of a thousand mokos’. Mokos are a small bronze drum believed to have originated from the Don Dong culture of Vietnam and many homes on Alor will have one in pride of place.  Just after midday you’ll set sail for Sika Island, a tiny outcrop off the north coast of Alor. This beautiful island is a conservation area and best known for its population of dugongs. Reaching up to three metres long and weighing 400kg, these enormous sea mammals float gracefully through the crystal-clear water munching on sea grass and can be spotted from Deck 10 or the Observation Lounge through Scenic’s Swarovski crystal telescope.  Tonight, order a night cap from your butler and stay up late as you’ll be sailing past an extraordinary island around 11 pm. Pulau Komba is home to Mount Batutara, an active volcano that erupts every 20 minutes. Even at night, you should be able to see the glowing lava and explosive spray as you pass by. 

Flores Island is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations. Set on the far eastern edge of the island, it was founded by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and spent many years as the trade and administrative centre of the region.   Scenic Eclipse II will be able to dock right in the centre of the city. Wander the streets at your leisure and soak in its cool maritime flavour. Witness the Portuguese connection, along with a rich Catholic history in the buildings that surround you. Admire the famous Katedral Reinha Rosari, known as the Church of Iron and resembling an ornate Disney castle. The city is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics over Easter and you may see early preparations underway for the grand Holy Week celebrations. 

Sailing along the southern coast of Flores, you’ll arrive at the port of Ende this morning. One of the largest towns on the island, it offers a dramatic approach, sitting on a peninsula surrounded by black sand beaches. Whilst the town is small it’s the nearby Kelimutu National Park that entices countless visitors.  The park is home to Mount Kelimutu, a dormant volcano that has three spectacular lakes in its craters. The lakes change colour throughout the year, thanks to underground gases being released through volcanic vents. They may be vivid turquoise, blue, green, white or even pink. Local legend says that the lakes are the resting place for departed souls, some evil, some innocent. Stare into the milky waters and you’ll soon see why they inspire such myths. If you can draw your eyes away from the lakes, look up and try to spot the park’s endemic bird species, like the Floresian eagle, Timorese tesia and Wallacea owl. 

This is a momentous day for all those aboard Scenic Eclipse II, cruising into one of the world’s great natural treasures. Today come face to face with the eponymous species of giant lizard that has been roaming these forests for millions of years.  Stretching up to three metres in length and weighing over 150kg, the Komodo dragon is a lizard unlike any other. It lives on just a handful of islands in the Indonesian archipelago, with the majority found on Komodo Island.   Board Scenic Eclipse II again at midday to cruise around the island to the famous Pink Beach. The soft sand is coloured pink by finely crushed pieces of coral and shells, just one of seven pink beaches found anywhere in the world. The turquoise water that laps the shoreline makes for a striking contrast. Beneath the surface, the wonders continue with hundreds of species of coral and an abundance of fish.  

Sailing west overnight, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at the port of Badas on Sumbawa Island this morning. Order your breakfast to your room and get ready for sights to behold. Though it is close to Bali and Lombok, Sumbawa has yet to be discovered by tourists and retains its strong cultural identity. The few who do venture here come mostly for the epic surf, spectacular reefs and wild terrain, and there’s plenty to satisfy a taste for adventure.  The island of Sulawesi sits directly north of Sumbawa and its local Makassarese culture has had a strong influence on the island. You can tour a village where you’ll see centuries-old traditional cultures still in practice, like rice pounding and weaving. 

After more than two weeks exploring volcanic highlands, traditional villages and untouched wilderness, it’s time for some relaxation. This morning, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at the perfect place – Senggigi Beach on Lombok Island. Your Discovery Yacht will depart close to midnight, so you have a full day to unwind, partake in water activities or simply soak up paradise  Lombok is just a short distance from Bali, but the islands are worlds apart. With far-fewer tourists, you’ll be able to find a quiet stretch of sand, empty waves and more laid-back shopping streets. Senggigi Beach is Lombok’s main strip, and the beginning location for many adventures. With a late departure, toast to the final sunset of your cruise enjoying the stunning views from the Sky Bar with your favourite cocktail in hand. 

Arrive at your final port this morning, Bali, the Island of the Gods. It’s just one of more than 18,000 islands that make up the country of Indonesia, but it’s long been a favoured destination for Australian travellers. Spectacularly beautiful, culturally diverse and brimming with luxury, Bali is truly a little piece of paradise.   Scenic Eclipse II will dock off the coast of Benoa, a peninsula on the southern edge of the island. Farewell your fellow guests and crew before you depart, taking with you memories of exotic islands, fascinating cultures and unparalleled 6-star indulgence.  Please book your flight to depart out of Denpasar after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.