Scenic · Yachts and small ships
Scenic is an Australian company known for river cruising that built two ocean discovery yachts, Scenic Eclipse I and II. Each carries around two hundred guests, all in suites, with two helicopters and a submarine on board. They go to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Mediterranean and the Americas. They do not sail from Florida. I have not sailed Scenic Eclipse.
Signature Yacht Cruising | Luxury Cruise Voyages | Scenic Cruises. Press photo, Scenic
Owner's Penthouse Suites
- Two Owner's Penthouse Suites sit forward on each yacht with wraparound terraces and a private hot tub.
- Below them are Grand Panorama and Panorama Suites, then Spa Suites near the spa, then the standard Verandah Suites.
- Every suite has a butler. That is line-wide, not a top-tier perk.
- Helicopter and submarine trips cost extra and sell out; suite guests do not get automatic priority, so they are booked early.
What comes with it
- Butler service in every suite
- Open bar and premium spirits
- All ten dining venues
- Gratuities and Wi-Fi
- Zodiac excursions and kayaking; helicopter and submarine are extra
From Florida
Scenic Eclipse does not base in Florida. Itineraries in the Americas start in places like Ushuaia, Cartagena or Boston. From Naples that means a flight out of Fort Myers or Miami. Scenic includes or arranges flights on many fares.
The ships
Scenic Eclipse II · Scenic Eclipse I
Modern and technical. The yachts feel like a design hotel that happens to have an ice-class hull. Guests are active and want the toys.
Scenic in pictures
river cruise ship sailing down a river surrounded by vineyards · Press photo, Scenic
Who it fits
- Travellers who want Antarctica without giving up a butler and a spa.
- Anyone who wants to fly in a helicopter off the back of a ship.
- Scenic river guests moving up to ocean.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone on a Caribbean-from-Florida budget. There is no drive-to option and the fares are high.
- Guests who get seasick. The Drake Passage is part of the Antarctic itineraries.
Questions about Scenic
Also yachts and small ships
Thinking about Scenic?
Kathryn will price its top tier against the suites she has stayed in and tell you where it wins.