Scenic has introduced 13 voyages that include Australia, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands on its itineraries for 2024. For the first time, guests can combine the cruise operator’s discovery ocean voyages from the collection with land journeys and city stays.
Scenic Eclipse II, which is set to launch in 2023, will visit the new destinations in 2024. Guests booking these voyages can avail up to 20 percent off when paying in full 12 months prior to departure.
On the 19-day “Journey Across the Pacific: Easter Island & French Polynesia” itinerary, guests can visit the stone village of Orongo and the island’s largest crater, Rano Kau. Other highlights include hiking the Terevaka Volcano for 360-degree views; a visit to a traditional observatory site for an evening of stargazing; and swimming, surfing and snorkeling on Anakena Beach. Departing on March 13, 2024, Scenic Eclipse II sails from Valparaiso to Papeete, with visits to Robinson Crusoe Island, Alexander Selkirk Island, Hanga Roa (Easter Island), Pitcairn Island and Fakarava.
The 11-day “Discover the Kimberley Coastline: An Ancient Wilderness” itinerary will depart on six dates between May 10 and August 18, 2024. Guests will journey along King George River and through gorges, while taking in the local population of Brahminy kites, egrets and kingfishers. Later, they will explore Hunter River, home to the highest population of saltwater crocodiles in the Kimberley, pockets of rainforest, mangroves and red cliffs. Venturing further into the outback to Mitchell Falls, a four-tiered waterfall that has been carved out over millennia, guests will witness the Wandjina (Kaiara or Sea Wandjina) spirit paintings whose origins remain shrouded in mystery and controversy. Sailing from Darwin to Broome, the cruise visits King George River, Hunter River, Bigge Island, Montgomery Reef, Talbot Bay, Buccaneer Archipelago and Lacepede Islands Nature Reserve.
Guests can extend the adventure with the 11-day “Natural Wonders of Australia: Reef & Rock” land tour. They can explore Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and immerse themselves in the world’s oldest living culture in Uluru.
On the 13-day “Reefs & Volcanic Isles: Tahiti to Fiji” itinerary, guests can explore the limestone caves on Sawa-i-Lau. The villages on Fulanga Island are great places to see locals carve outrigger canoes and wooden bowls before exploring further in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard or on a hike. Sunken wrecks, wall dives and coral-lined tunnels highlight an underwater exploration on Bega Island where pelagic fish, sharks, blue ribbon eels and octopus are plentiful. Natural hot springs, volcanic landforms and a huge lagoon are the attraction during a visit to Vauna Balavu Island. Departing from Papeete on March 31, 2024, Scenic Eclipse II will call at Bora Bora, Aitutaki Atoll, Palmerston Island, Alofi, Vava’u, Fulanga Island, Vanua Balavu and Ovalau, before arriving in Nadi.
Good to know: All Scenic Eclipse voyages include flights, transfers, fine-dining experiences, beverages, gratuities and immersive excursions.
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