Monday 17 July marked the start of Coral Awareness Week, a global celebration of coral reefs, their wildlife, and their protection. An ocean cruise with Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours offers opportunities to join on board teams of naturalists, guides, and professional divers to safely explore the world’s most exceptional reefs.
Scenic’s 2024 Pacific cruises will be onboard the 6-star luxury Scenic Eclipse II yacht
.The on board discovery teams' expertise and state of the art technology and equipment allows guests to cause no harm or disruption to the fragile coral ecosystem whilst exploring via snorkelling, diving or kayaking.
Scenic Eclipse II is equipped with the latest technology including a GPS dynamic positioning system that is used to secure the yacht instead of anchors; avoiding the risk of harm to the ocean floor and its wildlife.
Highlights of Scenic’s 2024 Pacific cruises include:
Snorkel in the world’s biggest lagoon at the vast archipelago of Melanesia
The island of Maré, New Caledonia, is home to an extensive reef system and is one of the world’s most biodiverse hotspots. On Scenic’s 9-day Mysteries of Melanesia cruise, guests can join the on-board Discovery Team to snorkel in a garden of staghorn coral. The reefs are teeming with tropical fish and divers might even spot a pod of dolphins, Scenic’s onboard naturalist will share their expertise. Other highlights on the Mystery of Melanesia cruise include time spent soaking in the tropical Sulphur Bay on Tanna Island, Vanuatu. The 9 day cruise departs from Lautoka (Fiji), and visits Tanna Island (Vanuatu), Maré (New Caledonia), Norfolk Island (Australia), before arriving in Sydney.
Swim with the “Great 8” in the largest coral reef in the world off Australia’s East Coast
Scenic’s Along the East Coast of Australia: Beaches & the Great Barrier Reef cruise is the most luxurious way to explore the largest coral reef in the world: the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Scenic Eclipse II first explores this world wonder from Lady Elliot Island, the rainforest covered island known for its large population of giant manta rays and turtles. Next Scenic Eclipse II calls at Lady Musgrave Island, which sits in a lagoon formed by a circular protective coral wall, creating calm and crystal-clear waters. The sheltered lagoon is perfect for first time snorkellers and has created the perfect environment for the Marine “Great 8”, namely, clown fish, giant clams, manta rays, maori wrasse, potato cod, reef sharks, and turtles. Guests will swim and snorkel through this natural aquarium. The voyage later visits Airlie Beach and the iconic love heart-shaped reef. Thanks to Scenic Eclipse II’s two on board helicopters, guests can treat their loved one to a bird’s eye view of this world-famous spectacle. This 12-day cruise departs from New Zealand’s, Auckland and visits the Bay of Islands, before calling at Australia’s Norfolk Island, Lady Elliot Island, Lady Musgrave Island, Great Keppel (Wop-pa) Island, Percy Islands, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, and disembarks in Cairns.
Marvel at underwater worlds in Indonesia’s coral triangle
Unspoilt vibrant reefs can be found in Indonesia's coral triangle. Scenic visits the Banda Island, a rugged volcanic area located in the heart of this area. Guests dive under the active Gunung Bana Api volcano and swim along its coral-encrusted lava flow. Indonesia’s Raja Ampat is an archipelago that comprises of more than 1,500 islands, cays and shoals, and it is one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions. Here, guests will snorkel amongst sea turtles, mandarin fish and yellowfin tuna.
The Secrets of Indonesia: Spice Islands & Raja Ampat cruise departs from Darwin (Australia) on 7 Sep 2024 and calls at Indonesia’s Saumlaki, Sangliat Dol Village, Kei Islands, Banda Islands, Sebakor Bay, Aguini Island, Raja Ampat, and Ambon, before returning to Darwin. Scenic Eclipse II features an extensive 550sqm Senses Spa and up to 10 dining venues. The Vitality Pool on the Sky Deck is the finest spot for lunch in the Pacific with 270-degree views and a brand-new Sky Bar with indoor and outdoor seating.
