Northern Australia & the Indonesian Archipelago

Welcome to Cairns, the capital of Tropical North Queensland and the departure point for your cruise. 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 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 for your journey 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 is now a popular tourist destination thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

You’ll depart Port Douglas just after lunchtime and sail north alongside the Great Barrier Reef. Cruising through crystal-clear waters dotted with hundreds of islands and coral cays is a truly spectacular sailing. Relax in the Observation Lounge or ask your butler to bring afternoon tea to enjoy on your private verandah.

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 spend hours swimming. 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. 

Sail north overnight to Cape York, mainland Australia's northernmost point and a dream destination for many. Enjoy champagne on the Sky Bar or Observation Terrace as you cruise past the "Tip of Australia".

Pass along Torres Strait, an archipelago of more than 100 islands that stretches from Cape York to Papua New Guinea. These islands have a fascinating and distinct blend of cultures. Arriving at Thursday Island this afternoon, you’ll have the chance 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 6-star suite or enjoy breakfast at the Yacht Club as the deep blue waters of the Arafura Sea slip by outside.

Make the most of your Discovery Yacht. Visit the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on Deck 10 or step into the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, ice fountain and KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge.

Today, indulge in the many exceptional dining experiences on board. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club. For lunch, relax at the Azure Bar & Café for light meals or return to Yacht Club for your choice of the fresh buffet and dessert bar.

The selection of specialty restaurant allows you to dine around the world each night. Enjoy authentic dining at Night Market @ Koko’s, an exclusive experience for just eight guests at a time, or 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. This Indonesian 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 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.

Of the many beaches of Indonesia, the ones you’ll see today might be the 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.

Once known as the Spice Islands, this legendary cluster of exotic ports was a thriving trading hub for rare spices like nutmeg and mace. 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 equipment, like stand-up paddle boards or kayaks.

Today is the perfect opportunity for some relaxation and rejuvenation. For the ultimate wellbeing at sea, the indulgent Senses Spa awaits. This indulgent 550sqm spa is like nothing you’ll see on any other vessel 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 Pool on the Senses Spa pool deck or enjoy the restorative benefits of the exclusive KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge. 

After sailing across the Banda Sea, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at Alor Island. The easternmost and largest of the 20 islands in the Alor archipelago, Alor has rugged volcanic terrain dotted with traditional villages full of striking architecture and well-preserved customs.

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. At night, you should be able to see the glowing lava as you pass by.

Flores Island is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations. 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 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 and 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.

You’ll arrive at the port of Ende this morning. One of the largest towns on the island, it sits on a peninsula surrounded by black sand beaches.

The nearby Kelimutu National Park is home to Mount Kelimutu, a dormant volcano that has three spectacular lakes in its craters. Local legend says that the lakes are the resting place for departed souls, some evil, some innocent. 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.

Today, witness 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.

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.

Today, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at the port of Badas on Sumbawa Island. Though close to Bali and Lombok, Sumbawa has yet to be discovered by tourists and retains its strong cultural identity. The few who 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 natural wonders, reefs, volcanic highlands and traditional villages, it’s time for some relaxation. This morning, Scenic Eclipse II will anchor at Senggigi Beach on Lombok Island where you’ll take a Zodiac to shore. Departure is close to midnight, so you have a full day to unwind and enjoy water activities. With far-fewer tourists, you’ll be able to find a quiet stretch of sand, empty waves and more laid-back shopping streets.

Toast 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 home stories for life.

Please book your flight to depart out of Denpasar after 12:00 PM.