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2nd May 2026 | 10 nights | Scenic | Scenic Eclipse I
Scenic Eclipse is the first foray into ocean cruising for Australian company Scenic, long known for luxury tours and river ships. And, wow, does this ship make a splash. Developed to offer adventure cruising in an upscale atmosphere, the ship looks and feels more like a luxury yacht than a cruise ship -- that's by design. The company took its cue from yachts, aiming to provide passengers a personal luxury experience. The result is a ship that feels like a boutique hotel, with large spaces for entertainment and intimate spaces to steal away for some private moments. The ship is designed to allow passengers to comfortably challenge themselves during the day, with hiking, kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding available, and then return to the lap of luxury at night. It also offers over-the-top features, like two helicopters and a submarine, which will further connect passengers to the regions the ship visits, including the Arctic and Antarctica. The ship shines when it comes to dining, offering eight restaurants onboard with top-notch cuisine that is innovative yet approachable. You'll swoon over the options, unique on a ship of only 228 passengers (and 200 when it sails to the polar regions of the world). It's the perfect ship for people who have long considered adventure travel but don't want to sacrifice comfort onboard.
If you're sailing Scenic Eclipse, you will have the option of going ashore most days. Itineraries are port-intensive and include excellent shore excursion choices.
Depending on where the ship is sailing, shore excursions might border on the more traditional city tour types or move into more challenging territory, like hiking or kayaking.
Options are designed to comfortably challenge passengers, if they wish to try more adventurous options. Tours in the polar regions, where the ship is slated to spend more than half the year, are designed to get passengers up close to wildlife.
All adventure excursions are run by the ship's expedition guides, a group comprising specialists in areas like whales or geology. There's a lot of expertise onboard, and it shows both during the daily lectures in the theatre and ashore. Even on excursions that aren't expedition focused, one of these guides is likely to join the group, adding colour to information the local guide is providing. It's a well-thought-out setup that has passengers feeling connected to the expedition guides.
All excursions involve small groups, so you never feel like you are one of the masses in port. It does mean you have to pick your excursion ahead of time so you don't miss out on your top choice.
Excursions generally are of the half-day variety, meaning passengers can expect to be back on the ship for lunch, if they choose. Many excursions require passengers to use the ship's Quietvox audio devices, linked up to the guide's audio box. This eliminates the need to huddle up next to the guide to hear. Daily programs identify whether passengers will need their audio devices.
Of course, Scenic Eclipse is perhaps most notable for its big, expensive toys: two six-passenger helicopters and one six-passenger submarine.
The sub and the helicopter both come with extra fees, and tours are either 20 or 40 minutes. Both types of vehicles also are maneuvered by expert pilots, who carefully explain what the experience will be like, and what you're seeing or feeling.
The helicopters are equipped with vibration control, air conditioning and roomy leather seats. Weather permitting, helicopters are able to operate in many of the ports visited.
The sub, which can reach a depth of nearly 1,000 feet, has swivel seats, so passengers can see in all directions through acrylic spheres. It can make up to eight dives a day, though it's not permitted to operate in U.S. waters.
Most active excursions are not suited to people with mobility issues, though other more casual options generally are available outside of the polar itineraries.
Guides onboard are alert to wildlife as the ship is sailing, and if Scenic Eclipse is passing by a pod of dolphins or a sunfish, you'll hear an announcement so you can move to the best spot for viewing, which occasionally might be your balcony.
We found that the bow area off the Observation Lounge regularly offered the best views. Ashore, guides will point out wildlife -- or evidence of wildlife -- and expertly answer questions. They're also keen on making sure passengers and wildlife are safe, so they'll ensure everyone keeps a safe distance from creatures.
Each day -- most-often in the evening -- the expedition guides will hold a recap and briefing, designed to remind people of the highlights from the day and help them understand what to expect the next day. Additionally, there are enrichment lectures designed to teach passengers about the areas they're visiting or provide tips.
All lectures, which take place in the theatre, are live-streamed to the in-cabin TVs, so you can watch from the comfort of your suite, if you desire.
In addition to the expedition-style enrichment, Scenic Eclipse offers several hands-on cooking classes per cruise at its Scenic Epicure venue. The space has cooktops and stations to accommodate 16 passengers.
The approach Scenic takes is unique, in that it's not designed around recipes. Instead, a chef demonstrates how to make something -- ceviche, for example -- explaining the basic components of the dish. Then, he/she explains how it can be tweaked, altered or completely reinvented before setting passengers loose to try their own take on the dish. There's lots of experimenting and sampling.
Twenty-four classes lasting 45 minutes each are available. There's no charge for the experience, but classes fill up fast -- we heard from several passengers who were disappointed because they couldn't get in. Check with guest services early and often if a class is on your must-do list.
Because Scenic Eclipse is designed to get people ashore, onboard entertainment isn't a big focus. Entertainment is low-key and might include karaoke and dancing or music from a visiting string quartet. You also might catch a movie (with popcorn) on the big screen in the main theatre. Also offered: a rousing round of Liar's Club.
Most entertainment takes place in the main theatre, after the evening's expedition update. Passengers are treated to a sail-away party on their first night and a Captain's Farewell on their last.
Lobby Lounge (Deck 4): The hub of virtually all drinking and nighttime entertainment activities is the Lobby Lounge, a massive space capable of accommodating every passenger onboard. At the centre of Deck 4 is the heartbeat of the space, a whiskey bar that offers more than 150 varieties of scotch and whiskey, along with other spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks.
The bar opens early in the morning and stays open late into the night. It features a multitiered lighted column that showcases the bottles of golden whiskey. It's surrounded by a large, square marble bar, with stool seating along the front.
Most passengers will sit on couches, bench seating and cushioned chairs, arranged thoughtfully around long, low marble tables. The space is designed for conversation, and cruisers can hear one another even when evening entertainment is going on -- things like live music or karaoke.
The lounge is used throughout the day, with passengers reading books while gazing out at sea during the day and enjoying a cocktail after dinner. A small self-service coffee and tea station is located adjacent to the bar, offering a variety of coffees and Kusmi teas.
Observation Lounge (Deck 5): Located all the way forward on Deck 5, the Observation Lounge is a quiet spot where passengers gather during the day to read, work on crossword puzzles and talk (softly). The space includes a small library with books available for use during the sailing.
It also has a self-service coffee and tea bar, slightly bigger than the one in the Lobby Lounge. Passengers can sit in chairs around low tables or at long, high tables. A telescope sits in the corner and is heavily used for wildlife sightings. Top tip: If you're seated, you can't actually see the water or observe anything. Your best bet for watching wildlife is the outdoor viewing space on the bow located directly in front of the lounge.
Passengers can gather here during scenic cruising or to see wildlife.
Azure Bar & Grill (Deck 5): Ostensibly a restaurant space, Azure Bar & Grill also has a bar. It's used mostly at meal time, though it's worth noting this is where you can get a great cup of coffee any time of day.
The ship does not have a pool (it was removed in the refurbishment); a small thalassotherapy pool is located on Deck 6 behind the spa and two hot tubs are located on Deck 10.
Outside, behind the Yacht Club, is another plunge pool, which is surrounded by lounge chairs. Two hot tubs are located on Deck 10.
Scenic Eclipse has a marina off the back of the ship from which Zodiacs leave to take passengers on excursions. Kayaks also leave from the marina. The ship has a mud room, where passengers can store (and dry) gear used for excursions. The big space is climate controlled, with space for people to wriggle into and out of parkas and snow boots with ease.
The shore excursion and guest services team share a long desk space in the ship's main lounge on Deck 4. A small self-service launderette is located on Deck 3, and a well-stocked library takes up a wall in the Observation Lounge on Deck 5. You'll also find some games here.
There is no internet cafe, but Wi-Fi is included, and it's powerful when the ship sales in less-remote regions.
The ship has a boutique shop, offering high-end clothing and accessories. It's located on Deck 4 near the Lobby Lounge.
Scenic Eclipse has created wonderful spaces for those focused on fitness and wellness. The spa, located at the back of Deck 6, features serene thermal suites -- one for men, another for women. The suites are virtually mirror images of each other and offer amenities like sensory showers, plunge pools, infrared saunas, steam rooms and heated lounge chairs with Bose headphones.
At the back of the facility is a coed outdoor space, complete with a nice-sized plunge pool, surrounded by lounge chairs. It's a peaceful way to spend a day, and there's no additional charge to use the space.
The Senses Spa offers a variety of treatments using ESPA products. Swedish, hot stone and deep-tissue massages are offered, but so are massages that focus on calming and mindfulness, incorporating breathing techniques and crystals.
Facials also are offered. A salon is available for hair styling, cuts and treatments, along with waxing, makeup and brow and lash tinting. Pedicures and manicures using Susanne Kaufmann and Zoya products also are offered. Prices for all treatments are about what you'd pay on land. A few 60-minute massages are available, but most run 90 or 120 minutes.
The ship's fitness centre is located on Deck 7. The space is small but efficient, providing treadmills, a rowing machine and stationary bikes, along with light dumbbells and a resistance machine.
Stretching mats are included, though floor space is limited. The gym is small but large enough for the ship. We did have to wait for equipment in the morning after breakfast and in the afternoon when returning from shore excursions, but the space wasn't crowded.
In addition to a traditional fitness centre, Scenic Eclipse has a sizable yoga and Pilates room. Classes, which don't require an extra fee, are offered throughout the day, with options suitable to passengers of all levels. Our favourite: a nighttime stretch, designed to get you ready for bed. It's tempting to show up in your PJs.
Dining on Scenic Eclipse is both ambitious and creative, guided by executive chef Thomas Goetter, who played a key role in developing the ship’s restaurant concepts. The culinary team ensures that each meal is an experience, regardless of which of the eight restaurants passengers choose. The variety of restaurants is remarkable for such a small passenger capacity, and the food is prepared with great care and passion. The culinary team, including two full-time pastry chefs, grows and dehydrates spices onboard. The meals cater to various dietary requirements with ease, often using vegan and allergy-friendly ingredients.
Each meal on Scenic Eclipse is a delight, with a creative approach to dining. An invitation to the exclusive Chef’s Table promises a memorable culinary experience. While the diversity of dining options is a highlight, it can also mean that meals take a while to be served, but the friendly service makes up for it. All restaurants are included in the cruise cost, and passengers can dine at any of them, except for the Chef’s Table, as often as they like. Menus at Elements, Azure Bar & Grill, and the Yacht Club change daily, while specialty restaurant menus change every three to four days.
Elements (Deck 4): Elements, the main restaurant, offers a menu focused on Italian cuisine, featuring various meat and seafood options, pasta courses, daily specials, and homemade bread. It also boasts a rotating selection of desserts and a cheese refrigerator with choices like a 24-month aged Parmesan. The menu changes daily based on available ingredients, and the service is friendly and attentive.
Yacht Club (Deck 7): Located at the back of Deck 7, the Yacht Club is a casual venue serving buffet-style breakfast and lunch. Breakfast options include scrambled eggs, smoked or pickled fish, grilled potatoes, sausage, bacon, yogurt, muesli, and pastries. At lunch, a small salad bar and hot selections like fish or pork are available. The area is light and spacious, enhanced by the removal of a central swimming pool to make way for more seating and a buffet island.
Lumiere (Deck 5): Lumiere balances traditional heavy French dishes with lighter takes. Open for dinner by reservation only, Lumiere offers frog legs, lamb chops, lobster with cream sauce, and an impressive cheese selection for dessert. Arrive early to enjoy bubbly and an amuse-bouche at the restaurant’s Champagne bar.
Azure Bar & Grill (Deck 5): Azure Bar & Grill, a tapas bar, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features natural light and outdoor dining space. Breakfast includes options like eggs Benedict, specialty omelets, freshly made breads, and pastries. Lunch offers premade sandwiches, made-to-order salads, and pizza. Dinner focuses on traditional tapas with Spanish staples like hand-carved Iberico ham and olives.
Koko’s (Deck 4): The Asian fusion restaurant Koko’s offers bento boxes for lunch and a variety of lean proteins, seafood, noodles, and rice for dinner. The menu changes daily, providing a diverse fusion dining experience.
Sushi @ Koko’s (Deck 4): A sushi bar within Koko’s, Sushi @ Koko’s seats 10 and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The menu includes edamame, miso soup, sashimi, rolls, and hand rolls, with ingredients flown in from Japan. The chef prepares all sushi by hand, creating fresh and creative dishes.
Nightmarket @ Koko’s (Deck 4): Nightmarket @ Koko’s offers a private dining experience for up to 10 people, featuring a tasting menu with Asian dishes. This venue requires reservations and provides two seatings each night, offering a variety of dishes prepared and presented in front of diners.
Chef’s Table @ Elements (Deck 4): The Chef’s Table offers an exclusive, invitation-only dining experience for up to 10 guests. This culinary journey, influenced by Chef Goetter’s experiences, includes at least 10 courses, each paired with carefully selected wines. Chef Goetter shares stories and instructions, making it an interactive and memorable experience.
Room Service: Scenic Eclipse offers 24-hour room service with a menu including hearty items like spaghetti Bolognese and a cheeseburger. Passengers can have meals set up in their suites or delivered to a restaurant for a quicker, more casual option. A breakfast menu is also available, with hot and cold items delivered before passengers head out for the day.
Scenic Eclipse designates all of its cabins as suites due to their spaciousness, especially compared to other expedition ships. The smallest suite onboard is 345 square feet, offering ample room. The suites feature a colour palette of black, grey, and white, with many mirrors. Each suite includes king-sized slumber beds with separate sleep zones, separate lounge areas, hypoallergenic air purification systems, in-suite beverage and dining services, daily restocked mini-bars, personalised butler bars with specialty teas and Illy coffee (replenished daily), HDTVs, and Bose sound systems. The TV is set in the mirror in most cabins, making it difficult to watch from bed due to reflections and angles. Bathrooms include showers, vanities, and luxury amenities like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap. Butler service is available for every suite, handling requests from reservations to in-suite dining and snacks. For example, a butler might surprise guests with warm cashews after an excursion and personalise the mini-bar based on guests' preferences without needing to be told.
Mature luxury cruisers.
Budget cruisers, families and late-night party animals.
Scenic attracts a well-travelled, somewhat affluent crowd of passengers. The company markets its cruises only in English-speaking countries and about 40 percent of a ship's typical passenger complement is Australian, with the rest predominantly made up of travellers from the U.S., Canada and U.K. Most are 66 or older.
A little. Scenic ships have a stylish but friendly and relaxed vibe. For dinner, smart-casual attire is recommended. Jeans can be worn in the restaurant, but shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate. Many passengers dress up for the captain's welcome dinner and/or farewell dinner, albeit even this tends to be smarter casual, rather than full-on cocktail dresses and suits.
Just about. Scenic cruises are truly all-inclusive trips, with fares covering all on board meals, a selection of premium beverages, restocked mini-bars in all suites, gratuities, butler service, shore excursions and Wi-Fi. On selected Space-Ships, the use of e-bikes in select ports is also included in the fare.
Scenic cruisers want to be ashore as much as possible and the daily excursions are always busy; many enjoy the active options such as a 25-mile bike ride. Evening options are also popular, including the once-per-cruise Scenic Enrich experiences, which offer a cultural experience exclusively for Scenic passengers. More independent-minded cruisers appreciate the line's GPS devices, which offer a variety of suggested walking tours and background info. Onboard, cruisers prefer to relax and chat with new friends.
Inclusions may differ depending on region. Please check with our team.
Your private hideaway is furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities, including plush king-size bed, pillow menu and a lounge area where you can relax after a day of discovery. Admire your window to the world. These incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto sprawling vistas, spectacular seascapes and marvelous marine life. Your private verandah or terrace is the perfect place to unwind as a new world of wonder moves by.
| Cabin Grade | Fly Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| D | £8,430 pp |
Your private hideaway is furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities, including plush king-size bed, pillow menu and a lounge area where you can relax after a day of discovery. Admire your window to the world. These incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto sprawling vistas, spectacular seascapes and marvelous marine life. Your private verandah or terrace is the perfect place to unwind as a new world of wonder moves by.
| Cabin Grade | Fly Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| DA | £9,912 pp | |
| DB | £9,912 pp | |
| AA | £10,330 pp | |
| BA | £10,330 pp |
The generously-sized Grand Deluxe Verandah Suites are slightly larger than the Verandah Suites. Ranging in size from 38 to 40m2, they are furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities. Including a plush king-size bed, a pillow menu, a walk-in wardrobe, and a lounge area to unwind in after a day of exploration.
| Cabin Grade | Fly Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| DD | £10,482 pp |
With a prime position on Decks 8 and 9, these Spa Suites offer an ultra-luxurious retreat. Featuring a four-poster king-size Scenic Slumber Bed, lounge area, and private verandah, they are perfect after a day of exploration.
Relax in your Spa Suite with a steaming bath drawn by your butler. Scenic Eclipse I boasts a double-sized Philippe Starck-designed spa bath. Your private verandah is ideal for unwinding and enjoying sea views or wildlife sightings.
| Cabin Grade | Fly Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| S | £13,066 pp | |
| SA | £13,218 pp | |
| SB | £13,218 pp |
These grand suites boast a range of special features and services. Relax in your lounge with a kindle e-book from your in-suite library and enjoy your favourite aperitif, delivered by your butler. Indulge in an intimate dining experience in the plush and private surroundings of your suite. Even from your bedroom, access the outside world through your drop-down balcony window, with in-suite binoculars. Your curved terrace is ideal for relaxing on a sun lounger and spotting wildlife and landscapes. The luxurious Panorama Suite bathrooms feature a vitality mist shower with colour light therapy, full bath, dual vanity, VIP amenities, and Dyson hairdryer.
Guests in the Panorama Suites enjoy priority dining in specialty restaurants and choice of excursions. VIP embarkation and disembarkation are standard.
| Cabin Grade | Fly Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| P | £21,236 pp |
These grand suites boast a range of special features and services. Relax in your lounge with a kindle e-book from your in-suite library and enjoy your favourite aperitif, delivered by your butler. Indulge in an intimate dining experience in the plush and private surroundings of your suite. Even from your bedroom, access the outside world through your drop-down balcony window, with in-suite binoculars.
Your curved terrace is ideal for relaxing on a sun lounger and spotting wildlife and landscapes.
The luxurious Panorama Suite bathrooms feature a vitality mist shower with colour light therapy, full bath, dual vanity, VIP amenities, and Dyson hairdryer.
Guests in the Panorama Suites enjoy priority dining in specialty restaurants and choice of excursions. VIP embarkation and disembarkation are standard.
| Cabin Grade | Fly Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| GP | £22,946 pp |
The Owner’s Penthouse Suites on Deck 9 of Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II offer a lavish retreat spanning 195m², with identical amenities curated for the ultimate cruising experience. Boasting unrivaled views, the suite features a private dining area for eight guests. Combine with a Spa Suite for a Two-Bedroom Penthouse of 245m². Enjoy a private terrace with a spa pool, spacious bathroom, and dual steam shower. Priority dining and excursion choices, VIP embarkation/disembarkation, and personalized butler service are included. Additional amenities:
| Cabin Grade | Fly Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| OP | £25,492 pp |
