Cruise Specialists Blog

Luxury Cruise News & Reviews

Blog Home / Expedition Cruises

Rediscovering Scenic Eclipse

Maggie Blehert

The ship known as the The World’s First Discovery Yacht is experiencing a season of rediscovery. Scenic Eclipse debuted in summer of 2019, and like so many other ships, had to take an extended pandemic pause for two years. Now again cruising the world’s oceans, exclusive harbors and most stunning waterways, Scenic Eclipse called on Seattle in September 2022 for travel industry professionals to step on board and inspect the ship.

We share more about that inspection in a related blog post, but here is an overview of Scenic Eclipse.

Scenic Eclipse at sea
Scenic Eclipse

Inspired by the contours of a luxury yacht, the ship aims to set the benchmark in ultra-luxury ocean cruising, including to remote corners of the world. The ship carries up to 228 guests, with only 200 guests in the Polar regions. With the highest Ice Class rating of any luxury vessel, Scenic Eclipse can navigate Arctic and Antarctic waters. The ship has every “toy” you could imagine – a helicopter (two in Antarctica), a submarine, Zodiacs, kayaks, e-bikes, plus snorkeling, snowshoeing, and scuba diving equipment. There’s an indoor and outdoor heated pool, a lavish spa and an impressive theater. As for the service, the staff-to-guest ratio is nearly 1:1 so you can expect to be pampered. On the horizon, Scenic Eclipse II is due to launch in April 2023.

helicopter on board Scenic Eclipse
One of two helicopters on board. Photo by Cruise Specialists.

Ultra-Luxury Accommodations

Scenic Eclipse offers a range of ultra-luxury suites, including Verandah Suites and Deluxe Verandah Suites, Spa Suites, Panorama & Grand Panorama Suites, and an Owner’s Penthouse Suite. Layouts range from the Verandah Suite at 344-366 square feet to the Owner’s Penthouse Suite at 2,099 square feet. To accommodate more guests in one totally indulgent and private retreat, guests can combine the Owner’s Penthouse Suite and a Spa Suite to create up to 2,637 square feet of space.

Deluxe Veranda Suite
Deluxe Veranda Suite, courtesy of Richard Brierley

 

Deluxe Veranda Suite on Scenic Eclipse
Another view of Deluxe Veranda Suite, courtesy of Richard Brierley

Every suite includes:

  • A private verandah or terrace with in-suite binoculars
  • Luxury king size Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Separate sleep zone and lounge area
  • Bathroom with shower and vanity
  • Butler service
  • In-suite beverage and dining service
  • A full mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagne and spirits personalized to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas
  • HDTV entertainment system and Bose® speakers

The luxuries go up from there, with some truly elaborate indulgences in the Owner’s Penthouse Suite, such as a spa day bed for in-suite private spa experiences; a private spa pool on the spacious terrace, in-suite dining with space for up to eight guests, and much more.

Owner's Penthouse Suite bathroom
Owner’s Penthouse Suite Bathroom, courtesy of Richard Brierley

 

A Feast For Your Senses

restaurant on board Scenic Eclipse
Elements Fine Dining, courtesy of Richard Brierley

Scenic Eclipse features 10 dining options—from French fine dining to Asian Fusion to a chef’s table. Some highlights:

  • Elements is the main restaurant on board, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner for up to 104 guests. Dine with whomever you wish and enjoy a range of cuisines, including Italian, steak and seafood from an a la carte dinner menu.
  • Chef’s Table @ Elements is an exclusive, by-invitation-only private dining venue. The Head Chef prepares an exquisite 11-course meal, with each dish paired with premium beverages. The Chef’s Table is directly next to the kitchen and separated by glass so guests have a front seat, yet quiet view of the action.
  • At Lumière, guests are treated to French cuisine in an intimate setting of up to 35. A beautiful Champagne bar accompanies the meal.
  • Authentic Asian cuisine is on the menu at Koko’s Asian Fusion, which also features a sake bar. An optional sunken seating area is inspired by traditional Japanese dining practices.
  • Sushi @ Koko’s allows for an authentic Japanese dining experience at the front of Koko’s Asian Fusion. Interact with the chef if you wish, or simply enjoy the exquisitely fresh sushi.
  • Night Market @ Koko’s features a classic teppanyaki grill. It is an upscale experience for only eight guests and the chef, inspired by the night market dishes of Asia, India and the Middle East.
  • Stop into Azure Bar & Café most any time—start your day with coffee and a light breakfast, have a quick salad or pizza for lunch, or catch up with friends for after-dinner treats and specialty teas or aperitifs.
  • The Yacht Club provides indoor and outdoor dining spaces, as well as food islands that serve up many options for breakfast and lunch.
  • When you are ready to dine in the privacy of your own suite, Scenic Eclipse’s culinary team is ready for you—24 hours a day.

Additionally, Scenic Eclipse offers Scenic Épicure, masterclasses designed to delight you as you explore local cuisine with their expert chefs.

 

Technology & Expedition Capabilities

The six-star luxury showcased in the suites and cuisine makes it clear that Scenic Eclipse would be comfortable arriving in the toniest of European ports. But where Scenic Eclipse really stretches into new territory is in its ability to explore remote corners of the world—you could say it’s an expedition ship disguised as a luxury yacht.

Let’s circle back on some of the ship’s technology:

  • Innovative zero-speed stabilizer fins, capable of providing maximum stability
  • Rated as Polar Class 6, meaning it can go into the highest classes of ice that any passenger ships can go
  • A GPS dynamic positioning system that allows it to position itself stationary without an anchor, reducing environmental impact and enhancing safety during Zodiac operations.

The list goes on. As mentioned previously, the helicopter and submarine provide for once-in-a-lifetime moments, soaring over dramatic landscapes or viewing marine life you never thought possible. The only extra charges with Scenic Eclipse are for these two experiences as well as spa treatments or products.

submarine underwater
Scenic Neptune, courtesy of f-stop Movies

The ship’s expedition team is an expert Discovery Team of up to 20 members is on board to lead Scenic Discovery excursions and to host education programs and engaging lectures.

For the natural and cultural opportunities that Scenic Eclipse provides, along with the ultra-luxury experience of a lifetime, this is a ship we highly recommend considering for an adventure you will never forget!

Read our cruise review of Scenic Eclipse here.

Take a look at upcoming Scenic Eclipse voyages.

 

More from my site

  • Scenic Eclipse: Ravishing and Ready for DiscoveryScenic Eclipse: Ravishing and Ready for Discovery
  • A Luxe Look at Expedition CruisesA Luxe Look at Expedition Cruises
  • Life-changing Polar ExpeditionsLife-changing Polar Expeditions
  • It’s Not Cruising, It’s YachtingIt’s Not Cruising, It’s Yachting

Expedition Cruises, General Interest, Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht Reviews, Ship Reviews

SEARCH ARTICLES

Article Categories

  • Cruise Destinations
    • Africa Cruise Reviews
    • Alaska Cruise Reviews
    • Amazon Cruise Reviews
    • Antarctica Cruise Reviews
    • Arctic Cruise Reviews
    • Asia Cruise Reviews
    • Australia/New Zealand
    • Baltic Cruise Reviews
    • Canada/New England Cruise Reviews
    • Caribbean Cruise Reviews
    • Cuba Cruise Reviews
    • Europe Cruise Reviews
    • Galapagos Cruise Reviews
    • Grand Voyages
    • Hawaii Cruise Reviews
    • Iceland/Greenland
    • Mediterranean Cruise Reviews
    • Mexico Cruise Reviews
    • Panama Canal Cruise Reviews
    • Scandinavia and Northern Europe Cruise Reviews
    • South America Cruise Reviews
    • South Pacific Cruise Reviews
    • Transatlantic Cruise Reviews
    • World Cruise Reviews
  • Cruise FAQs
  • Cruise Lines
    • Abercrombie & Kent Reviews
    • AmaWaterways Cruise Reviews
    • American Cruise Line Reviews
    • American Queen Voyages Reviews
    • Aqua Expeditions Reviews
    • Atlas Ocean Voyages Reviews
    • Avalon Cruise Reviews
    • Azamara Cruise Reviews
    • Celebrity Cruise Reviews
    • Celebrity Galapagos Cruise Reviews
    • Cunard Cruise Reviews
    • Cunard World Cruise Reviews
    • Disney Cruise Reviews
    • Explora Journeys Cruise Reviews
    • Holland America Line Cruise Reviews
    • Holland America World Cruise Reviews
    • Hurtigruten Reviews
    • Lindblad/National Geographic Reviews
    • Norwegian Cruise Line Reviews
    • Oceania Cruise Reviews
    • Oceania World Cruise Reviews
    • Paul Gauguin Cruise Reviews
    • Ponant Cruise Reviews
    • Princess Cruise Reviews
    • Quark Expeditions Reviews
    • Regent Cruise Reviews
    • Regent Seven Seas Cruise
    • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
    • Royal Caribbean Cruise Reviews
    • Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht Reviews
    • Scenic River Cruise Reviews
    • Seabourn Cruise Reviews
    • Seabourn Expedition Cruise Reviews
    • Silversea Cruise Reviews
    • Silversea Expedition Cruise Reviews
    • Silversea World Cruise Reviews
    • Star Clippers Cruise Reviews
    • Tauck Cruise and Tauck Land Tour Reviews
    • UnCruise Adventures Reviews
    • Uniworld River Cruise Reviews
    • Viking Cruise Reviews
    • Viking Expedition Cruise Reviews
    • Viking Ocean Cruise Reviews
    • Virgin Voyages
    • Windstar Cruise Reviews
    • Zegrahm Expeditions
  • Cruise News
  • Cruise Ports
  • Cruise Specialists Benefits
  • Expedition Cruises
  • Hosted Cruises
  • Ralph Grizzle
  • River Cruises
  • Ship Reviews
  • Solo Cruising
  • Tom Mullen
  • Tours, Trains & Resorts
    • Palace Resorts Reviews
    • Safari Reviews
    • Shore Excursions
    • Trains

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Maggie Blehert

Her ideal travel day: venturing to a new place, learning something interesting and sharing a smile.
View My Blog Posts

Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
View My Blog Posts

Ralph Grizzle

The Avid Cruiser. Well-traveled and insightful. Helping you make informed cruise decisions.
View My Blog Posts

FOLLOW US ON

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter