Luxury river cruise specialist Scenic is entering the ocean cruise market with the launch of a new ultra-luxury ship — Scenic Eclipse — in August 2018.
The all-suite, 228-passenger ship, which looks more like a billionaire’s yacht than a cruise ship, will have an ice-strengthened hull, twin helicopters, an aft marina with a fleet of Zodiacs and a seven-person submarine. The vessel will be all-inclusive of gratuities, shore excursions, all dining venues, all drinks and Wi-Fi.
The Scenic Eclipse will have an almost 1:1 passenger-to-crew ratio and each suite will have a butler.
Other features include:
- 114 suites, starting at 344 square feet, each with a veranda and separate living room
- 2,507-square-foot Owners Penthouse Suite
- six restaurants, including pan-Asian, contemporary French and Italian venues, and a steakhouse
- four bars and lounges
- 240-seat theater
- heated pool with a retractable roof
- 4,800 square-foot spa with indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and plunge pools
- gym with separate yoga and Pilates studio
Scenic describes Eclipse as the “world’s first discovery yacht”
It will have the highest passenger ship ice-class rating — 1A Super — allowing it to operate deep into the Arctic and Antarctica, where it will spend three months of the year.
*The passenger numbers will be limited to 200 during polar expeditions, allowing several landings per day for passengers.
*The helicopters, which will carry an extra charge to hire, will allow passengers to get closer to the wildlife than by boat. The same with the submarine, which will also carry an additional charge.
Additional information:
The ship will also have “zero speed stabilizer fins”, which are 50 percent larger than typical on a ship of this size, allowing it to navigate the choppiest seas with little movement. (Journeys to Antarctica include passage of the Drake Passage, a notoriously rough trip).
If you can spare a few minutes for an absolute WOW, please enjoy the video introduction of this incredible new vessel:
Karen Devine of 3D Cruise Partners spoke with Scenic’s owner this past weekend for an in depth discussion and person introduction of this exciting new vessel the day of her press announcement in Australia.
We are quite excited and proud to recommend this high level luxury brand to our incentive customers around the globe, now not only for luxury river cruising, but soon ocean voyages as well. Please call us for additional information, group/charter pricing and itineraries for 2018 and beyond.