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2024 is geared to collecting countries.  Filling in blanks where countries were missed due to Covid, cyclones or not enough time.  Blame Susan for the not enough time, as she has a general rule that trips should be no longer than 30 days.  Begrudgingly, Susan has allowed me to craft two trips a bit longer.  Including this trip, which was lengthened due to being able to return in business class for only 80,000 AA miles per person.  Thank you Susan.   

 

The following is our itinerary:

 

Day 1 Wednesday , March 20

We fly on Delta Airlines to LAX and sleep at the Embassy Suites.

 

Day 2 Thursday, March 21

We fly to Papeete, Tahiti and stay at the Te Moana Tahiti Resort.  

 

Day 3 Friday, March 22

         Today we relax and unwind after the long journey.

 

Day 4-6 Saturday-Monday, March 23 to March 25

Very early in the morning we fly to Nuku Hiva.  Although part of French Polynesia, it counts as a separate country on the Travelers Century Club list under the Marquesas Islands.  We have 3 nights at in a bungalow at the Le Nuku Hiva.

 

Day 7 Tuesday, March 26

We depart Nuku Hiva mid-morning and fly back to Papeete for 1 night at Manaeva Lodge.

 

Day 8-9 Wednesday-Thursday, March 27 -28

Again, very early in the morning we fly to Rurutu, an island that is part of the Austral Island chain.  Another archipelago that is part of French Polynesia, but counts as another country.  We stay at Vaitumu Village for two nights

 

Day 10-11 Friday-Saturday, March 29-30 

We fly back to Papeete and immediately head to the ferry terminal for a short trip to Moorea.  Alas, not another country.  We will spend two nights at Hotel Fenua Mata’l’oa.  Looking forward to a dinner of coconut crab. 

 

Day 12 Sunday, March 31

We ferry back to Papeete and board the cruise ship.  For the next few days, I am cheating and copying the cruise ship’s words. 

Pape’ete (Tahiti), French Polynesia (D) Welcome to the island of Tahiti. As the capital of French Polynesia, Pape’ete blends a city buzz with a relaxed lifestyle. Be warmly greeted on board Scenic Eclipse. Meet the Captain, crew and your Discovery Team before setting sail for your adventure.

 

Day 13  Monday, April 1

Bora Bora (B,L,D) The famous paradise of Bora Bora is a majestic spectacle of mesmerising beauty. In one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, see colourful fish, manta rays and timid reef sharks in clear turquoise waters, fringed with iconic overwater resorts. Covered with tropical vegetation, the island is dominated by the magnificent outline of Mount Otemanu. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities. Freechoice: Drive around the island learning about life as a local, from Pareo making to tasting some local produce, or enjoy Bora Bora's magical lagoon on board a local boat, taking the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, choose to swim with stingrays and black-tip reef sharks or stay dry on board a local catamaran. Alternatively, head off the beaten track with a 4-wheel-drive excursion, views and hidden gems await as you explore the road less travelled.

 

Day 14  Tuesday, April 2

At sea (B,L,D) After a restorative night of rest in your ultra-luxury suite, wake on your own time. The day is yours to spend exactly as you wish. Perhaps ask your butler for breakfast in bed, or enjoy a quiet morning spent on your sumptuous verandah to soak in the tropical sun.By the afternoon, as Scenic Eclipse sails on the vast open sea, begin your discovery of the indulgent spaces onboard. Indulge in the 550m2 Senses Spa, reinvigorating your mind, body and soul with all-inclusive access to saunas, colour and cold therapy, Vitality Pools and custom KLAFS salt therapy lounge and heated infrared chairs. Tonight, enjoy an evening in the state-of-the-art-theatre with Scenic’s world-class entertainers or simply sit back and relax sipping your favorite cocktail.

 

Day 15  Wednesday, April 3:  A new Country!

Aitutaki Atoll, Cook Islands (B,L,D) Aitutaki is home to another contender for the most beautiful lagoon on the planet. Go snorkeling or settle into the simple life in this peaceful fishing port. The island specializes in the sale of black pearls, colorful sarongs, patchwork quilting and other handicrafts. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.  Freechoice: Cruise along the stunning waters of the lagoon, visiting Honeymoon Island and One Foot Island, or go snorkeling, looking for colorful reef fish, sea stars and sea urchins. Drive around the island and learn of the local cultures.  Discovery: Join a local guide to hike to the highest point on Aitutaki and explore some of the islands trails.

 

Day 16 Thursday,  April 4

Palmerston Island, Cook Islands (B,L,D) A remarkably isolated island community, Palmerston is one of several sandy islets on a continuous ring of coral reef enclosing a lagoon. A favourite swimming spot is called Duke’s Pool, in honour of the late Prince Philip, who swam there in the 1970’s during a rare royal visit. With a population of around 60, most of the friendly residents are the descendants of one British man, William Marsters, and his three wives. Today choose a Scenic Freechoice activity or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Join a leisurely guided walk into the heart of this remote island jewel accompanied by the local school children and their parents, adding their own colourful character to the tour. Climb the highest point Refuge Hill’ at 6 metres (20 ft) high and walk through the dense woodland of coconut palms, breadfruit trees and the occasional frangipani trees.  Discovery: Join a Zodiac cruise in the lagoon and enjoy a spot of bird watching.

 

Day 17 Friday, April 5

At sea (B,L,D) After a couple of days of exploration, today enjoy some relaxation at sea. Join your new friends over a relaxed meal at the Azure Bar & Café with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating. Graze the day away and enjoy Scenic Eclipse' all-inclusive premium beverages to ensure you’ll find something that suits your taste perfectly. Scenic Eclipse ’s culinary team goes to the Nth Degree to ensure every dining experience is prepared to your tastes and dietary requirements. Tonight's entertainment at the state-of-the-art theatre will give you another opportunity to appreciate the magical moments on board Scenic Eclipse before you retreat to your ultra- luxury suite. Alternatively, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap brought by your butler, choosing from a range of premium wines, beers and spirits.

 

Day 18 Saturday, April 6:  A new Country!

Alofi, Niue (B,L,D) Niue was settled by Samoa in the 10th century. Captain Cook, who sighted the coral island in 1774, was refused permission to land, but British missionaries arrived in the 19th century. Now a self-governing state in a free association with New Zealand, Niue is ideal for hiking along its coastal walks, exploring caves, cliffs and swimming holes. Freechoice: Discover the true Niuean way of life, visiting a local plantation and traveling to the interior of the island to see coconut crabs, or discover a world of vanilla cultivation. Alternatively, drive around the island with a local guide and see caves, chasms, and breathtaking sites before trying some local food.

 

Day 19 Sunday, April 7

Cross International Date Line (B,L,D) Today, we will cross the International Date Line, an imaginary demarcation between calendar days. It runs from the North to the South Pole, roughly located along the 180th meridian in the Pacific Ocean.Enjoy a celebration of the crossing with the Captain and crew as a nod to maritime traditions and a light-hearted appreciation of the marvels of time and travel.

 

Day 20 Monday, April 8 - Sure Feels like Sunday, but it is a NEW COUNTRY

Vava’u, Tonga (B,L,D) Vava’u, an archipelago of around 40 coral islands in the Ssouth Pacific Ocean, is a captivating combination of lush vegetation, sandy beaches, abundant marine life and underwater caves. Mount Talau towers over the main island, offering panoramic views. Local traditions involve woven leaves from the pandanus tree, production of Noni juice and extraction of vanilla essence. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Immerse yourself into the local culture, learning about the people at the village school, some of the traditions and a local plantation. Choose to visit the Tongan Botanical Garden and watch as local school children perform traditional dances, or explore the local market produce, handicrafts and food, and taste some of the local flavours. Alternatively, learn about the pearl industry and meet the artists. Discovery: Join a local guide to hike Mount Talau listening to historical stories of Kings and culture.

 

Day 21  Tuesday, April 9

Fulanga Island, Fiji (B,L,D) Fulaga is a narrow crescent of reef limestone in Fiji's Southern Lau Group. Adored for its beauty and lovely lagoon, the island has three villages: Muanaicake, Muanaira and Naividamu. The locals are skilled carvers, known for making outrigger canoes and wooden bowls, with some of their handiwork available for purchase during your visit. This morning, walk through the village for a special island welcome. Enjoy a tour of the village and traditional dancing as you immerse yourself in island life.

 

Day 22  Wednesday, April 10

Vanua Balavu Island (B,L,D) The long and winding Vanua Balavu has natural hot springs, volcanic landforms and a huge lagoon bounded by a 130-kilometre barrier reef. A small monument near the wharf recognises the history of Lomaloma, the village used by Tongan warlord Ma’afu as his base to attempt to conquer Fiji in the 1840s. Today you will enjoy a village welcome at the island’s main village, Lomaloma.? Take the time to visit the local school before you transfer to the island lookout to enjoy the stunning vistas.? Enjoy a coconut juice as you explore the local culture with experience and song.

 

Day 23  Thursday, April 11

Ovalau (B,L,D) Levuka was Fiji’s first capital, where King Cakobau reigned and the Deed of Cession to Queen Victoria was signed in 1874. Many of the old buildings remain unchanged since this time. See the Cession Stone, commemorating the signing, as well as Fiji’s first government school and the popular Ovalau Club. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.  Freechoice: Join a local for a walking through Levuka and learn about the town's history, or step back in time with the friendly people of the Aravudi village, with traditional dance they will share their history.  Discovery: Join a more active option as you follow the Discovery Team through the trail to explore the pristine rainforest towards Fort Tomuna.

 

Day 24-25, Friday and Saturday, April 12-13

Lautoka (B) Disembark in the second largest city of Fiji. Lautoka is located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres 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. Farewell your new friends with a glass of French champagne at Lumière or a cocktail at the open-air Sky Bar, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime. 

 

After disembarking we head to the Fiji Gateway Hotel for two nights getting to know solid land again. 

 

Day 26  Sunday, April 14

Now the crazy part of the trip begins with a whirlwind adventure skipping from island to island.  Today we take 3 flights to get to Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.  Although technically part of Paupa New Guinea, on the Travelers Century Club list it counts under the Bismark Archipelago and is located on the island of New Britain.  We are staying at the beautiful Rapopo Plantation Resort.

 

Day 27  Monday, April 15

In the morning  we are taking a tour of volcanos.  Before heading to the airport and spending a night at the Hilton Port Moresby.  Since Port Moresby is on the largest island of Paupa New Guinea, this counts as another country.

 

Day 28  Tuesday, April 16

Today we fly to Honiara, Solomon Islands and stay at the Heritage Park Hotel for two nights.

 

Day 29  Wednesday, April 17

Honiara is Located on the island of Guadalcanal, Honiara was built on land that saw some of the bloodiest battles of WWII. Now the capital and base of tourism to the beautiful Solomon Islands, this city offers something to satisfy the desires of history junkies, nature lovers, shoppers, and everyone in between.  No tours scheduled yet, but we spend the day exploring.

 

Day 30 Thursday, April 18

We will explore more of Honiara in the morning, before taking a mid-afternoon flight back to Nadi, Fiji and stay back at the Fiji Gateway Hotel. 

Day 31  Friday, April 19

We fly to Apia, Samoa.  Another new country, one we were supposed to visit in 2021, but our cruise ship wasn’t  allowed to land due to global heath concerns. We stay 3 nights at the Ifiele’ele Plantation

 

Day 32  Saturday, April 20 (and Friday, April 19)

A confusing day.  Early in the morning we board a plane to American Samoa.  We arrive in American Samoa on Friday morning April 18.  After a full day of touring American Samoa, we fly back to Samoa late afternoon and arrive Saturday.  Needless to say, American Samoa is on the other side of the International Date line, and counts as another country. 

 

Day 33  Sunday, April 21

We spend the day touring Samoa.

 

Day 34  Monday, April 22 

         In the morning we hope to see more of Samoa, before heading to the airport and returning to Nadi, Fiji and back to the Fiji Gateway Hotel

 

Day 35  Tuesday, April 23

We head to the airport midafternoon to begin our journey home.  Nadi to San Francisco to Phoenix to DCA

 

Day 36  Wednesday, April 24

Home for breakfast

 

10 New Countries!

Assuming no cyclones, air cancelations or health issues this will bring my total to 247