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

Welcome to 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. This afternoon, you’ll be warmly welcomed on board Scenic Eclipse II, our newest and most advanced Discovery Yacht. Settle into your luxurious suite with a glass of champagne and toast to the start of an incredible adventure. Please book your flight to arrive into Cairns prior to 02:00 PM.

Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Each indoor and outdoor space has been carefully curated with you in mind. During your days at sea, take the time to truly relax and slow down to the rhythm of the ocean. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces, relax in the exclusive KLAFS: Salt Therapy Lounge, take a dip in the Vitality Pool, or tempt your palate from one of the world-class dining experiences. The expert Discovery Team will host insightful lectures throughout your voyage; meet them today for an introductory talk in the state-of-the-art theatre.

As we sail through the sparkling Coral Sea, it could be a good time to learn a little more about your remarkable Discovery Yacht. Take advantage of the Captain’s open bridge policy and pay them a visit. Guests are welcome any time to learn more about the technical abilities of The World’s First Discovery Yacht and see it in full operation. The bridge is also one of the best viewing areas on the ship. Then join the Discovery Team in the theatre for a lecture and discussion about your first port of call tomorrow in the Solomon Islands.

Enjoy a slow start to the day before you arrive in port after lunch. The largest of the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal 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. It’s home to the capital, Honiara, and was the site of one of the Pacific’s most significant campaigns of World War II, the 1942-1943 Battle of Guadalcanal. Join a guided tour for a comprehensive exploration of Honiara, focusing on its role in WWII. Visit the main market, Vilu War Museum, Cultural Center, National Museum and National Archives.  Discovery: The full range of Discovery excursions will be available today. Explore by kayak and stand-up paddleboard, go snorkelling, or book an optional helicopterˆ or submersibleˆ tour.

Stand out on the Observation Terrance with your morning coffee as we navigate through the picturesque channels on our way to Santa Ana. Known for preserving ancient customs, this 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. In the village of Nafinotoga, Spirit Houses contain ancient skulls and bones of the Snake Clan and Turtle Clan chiefs. Visit Ghupuna village for a festive cultural experience. One of the highlights of the performance is a re-enactment of light-skinned Polynesians battling darker-skinned Melanesians to steal their goods. It always attracts a large reaction from the local crowd. Afterwards, spend some time exploring the village.  Discovery: Enjoy the full range of Discovery excursions. Explore by kayak and stand-up paddleboard, snorkel on beautiful reefs, or book an optional helicopterˆ or submersibleˆ tour.

The largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, Nendo 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. Visit the villages of Nembo and Pala, where local guides will introduce you to the island’s unique culture. Enjoy a vibrant program with a warrior welcome, Nello Dance, entertainment, flower garlands and refreshments. You can also visit local springs, enjoy bushwalking and swimming, and see a forestry plantation. Discovery: Active guests can 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 Nendo Shirkbills with your on board ornithologist.

The five islands of Vanikoro sit on the eastern edge of the Solomons and 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 the expedition, erected by explorer Dumont Durville in 1827. The island remains largely unchanged from the days of La Pérouse and the whole village will turn out to greet visitors. It is a completely self-sufficient society, largely untouched by modern influences except for the newspaper-sized solar cells that provide power. The local people welcome visitors with cultural performances and are happy to share their traditional way life. Discovery: Enjoy the full range of Discovery excursions. Explore by kayak and stand-up paddleboard, snorkel on beautiful reefs, or book an optional helicopterˆ or submersibleˆ tour.

The largest island in Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo is covered in lush green rainforest and fringed with sparkling beaches. The Ni-Vanuatu people are of Melanesian origin and observe many ancient traditions in their daily life. The island’s main industries are fishing and farming, but you will be dazzled by its exquisite beauty, incredible snorkelling and diving, and impossibly blue freshwater lagoons. Arriving in Espiritu Santo, a traditional string band will welcome you ashore and the unique water music women will perform. Sample seasonal fruits and nuts then taste kava, the traditional beverage so important in Melanesian culture. Catch a local bus to swim in one of the famous blue holes before spending the afternoon at Champagne Bay, one of the world’s most spectacular beaches. Coconut palms fringe the fine white sand, and a freshwater spring flows into the azure lagoon, creating a spa-like bubbling sensation at low tide.  Discovery: Enjoy the full range of Discovery excursions. Explore by kayak and stand-up paddleboard, snorkel on beautiful reefs, or book an optional helicopterˆ or submersibleˆ tour.

Unlike the white sand of Espiritu Santo, the volcanic island of Ambrym is the place to sink your toes into black-sand beaches. The volcano is still very active and there are two vents where you can see lava bubbling up to the surface. Visit a small village to see the islanders perform the World Heritage-listed ‘Rom’ dance, complete with chanting and elaborate costumes. Witness the work of woodcarvers who create art out of breadfruit trees and huge tree ferns and see intriguing displays of local black magic. 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.

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. The island is also home to Vanuatu’s capital city, Port Vila, a bustling centre of hotels, shops, restaurants and bars, curving around a brilliantly blue harbour. Freechoice: El Manaro Botanic Garden, Kava factory & Pepeyo Village: Learn about the nature and culture of this Pacific island nation with a tour of a local botanic garden and a kava tasting experience. Vanuatu Cultural Centre & Chocolate: Be immersed in history and traditions at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre before touring and tasting at a local chocolate factory. Rainforest Ziplining: Soar through the rainforest canopy, crossing canyons and ravines on six ziplines totalling 1.5km. Admire spectacular views from the 120 metre Skybridge lookout. Designed for those of average mobility and strength who are in reasonably good health. River Kayaking Sojourn: Experience the serenity of kayaking down a gently flowing freshwater river, surrounded by lush tropical forest.

Look out for smoke in the air as you approach Tanna this morning. Mount Yasur is regarded as the world’s most accessible active volcano, regularly shooting sparks into the sky. Captain James Cook first observed ash eruptions in 1774 and the mountain is considered a sacred area by members of the island’s John Frum Cargo Cult, who believe their deity resides inside. As you come ashore in a Zodiac, local villagers will be out to greet you. Enjoy a performance from the John Frum string band and Waisis women’s choir, then watch traditional dances. After lunch on board, return to the island where off-road vehicles will take you through lush forests to Mount Yasur. Walk up the trail to the rim of the volcano and look down into the fiery crater below.  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.

After busy days exploring Melanesia, take the day to rest and recharge. Soothe your muscles in the KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge, relax in the steam room and sauna, and book in for a treatment# at the expansive Senses Spa. Finish off with a swim in the Vitality Pool and relax in the cabanas with a cocktail. The Discovery Team will be hosting a final lecture and discussion in the theatre where you can ask any lingering questions and reminisce on your incredible adventures. Enjoy one more delicious dinner at your favourite restaurant and share stories with your new friends.

Disembark this morning in Fiji’s second largest city. Lautoka is located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, just 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. Savour one last breakfast in your suite before saying goodbye to your new friends and the crew who shared this voyage with you. 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.