Janine Kelso hopped aboard six-star yacht Scenic Eclipse as it docked in Amsterdam last month. Launched in 2019, Scenic Eclipse is hyped as “The World’s First Discovery Yacht”. Here are six ways to sell this eyepopping vessel.
It’s the ultimate small ship experience
Small and perfectly formed, Scenic Eclipse is a 168m-long luxury yacht which accommodates 228 guests (200 in Polar regions) across eight decks. Perfect for guests who favour a personalised service, the ship offers an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, as well as private butler service.
Guests can channel James Bond
Housing a custom-designed submarine and two airbus helicopters, Scenic Eclipse boasts once-in-a-lifetime excursions.
The ship’s sub, Scenic Neptune, can accommodate six passengers and can dive down 900 feet into the ocean for a 40-minute experience. Passengers can goggle everything from shipwrecks to colourful sea creatures, while enjoying a relaxing soundtrack courtesy of the sub’s Bluetooth stereo.
Submarine pilot Chris Guzzo said: “In the tropics, you can see turtles, tuna, dolphin and sharks, and in Antarctica, you can see leopard seals, octopus and small corals. You never know what you’ll see and that’s part of the adventure. It’s such a unique experience. It’s like being inside a fish tank. We tend to go deeper than the average scuba diver because we can.”
The ship’s two helicopters can also take six passengers for 30-minute flights. The ship has a helicopter pad so the two choppers can take off and land on the vessel.
Pilot Pascal Fischer says: “Even if the ship is moving, the helicopter can still land on it.”
Speaking of top destinations to fly over, he says: “Everyone wants to fly over Norway, and Antarctica is hard to beat. You can always see something new, it never gets boring.”
Voyages are all-inclusive
All Scenic Eclipse voyages are all-inclusive meaning that flights, transfers, fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages and once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions are all included in the price.
Suites are spacious
Scenic Eclipse has 114 spacious suites spread across five decks. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling sliding doors opening up onto a private verandah or terrace. From the 32sqm Verandah Suites to the 245sqm two-bedroom Penthouse Suite, the cabins all enjoy butler service. Passengers can snuggle down on Scenic Slumber Beds with a pillow menu and electronic controls.
There are 10 dining experiences onboard
The vessel features 10 dining options including Lumière, which serves contemporary French fine dining, and Elements, the ship’s main restaurant. Specialty dining venues reflect the regional cuisine of the various cruise destinations. Private dining venues The Chef’s Table (eight guests) and the Teppanyaki grill (10 guests) come at no extra cost.
Passengers can enjoy a glass of bubbly at the intimate Champagne Bar, tuck into an aperitif at the elegant Lobby Lounge or unwind in the Azure Bar & Café with a plate of oysters and a glass of wine. Other options include Koko’s, an Asian fusion restaurant and sake bar; Sushi @ Koko’s; the Yacht Club, a poolside grill, buffet and bar; and in-suite dining.
Foodies can also enjoy professional cookery demonstrations at Epicure, the ship’s dedicated cooking emporium.
The line is offering new voyages for 2023/4
Scenic Eclipse recently unveiled its new 2023/24 brochure collection for Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean. The new collection introduces four new Caribbean itineraries, including sailings along the iconic Panama Canal and lesser-known islands, accessible thanks to the yacht’s smaller size. The 11-day Iconic Panama Canal voyage takes guests from Montego Bay to Panama City. Highlights include snorkelling at Cayo Coral and a boat tour in a mangrove channel with opportunities to spot sloths, caimans and tropical birds. Prices lead in at £7,400 per person, departing October 30, 2023.
Sample package
A 14-day Discover the Kimberley Coastline: An Ancient Wilderness voyage costs from £10,840 per person, departing May 8, 2024. Sailing from Darwin to Broome, the cruise visits four-tiered waterfall Mitchell Falls, the renowned Wandjina spirit paintings, Lacepede Islands Nature Reserve, King George River, Hunter River, Bigge Island, Montgomery Reef, Talbot Bat and Buccaneer Archipelago.
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