Scenic Announces Entry into Ocean Yacht Cruising | Cruise News – Jan. 19, 2016

Scenic Announces Entry into Ocean Yacht Cruising

Cruise News – Jan. 19, 2016

Luxury travel operator Scenic, has announced the launch of its first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. A specialist in river cruising until now, Scenic’s recently established ocean cruise line heralds a new direction for the company, a development that was three years in the making.

Scenic Eclipse will embark on its maiden voyage on August 31, 2018, sailing from Istanbul to Venice, followed by discovery voyages to The Americas; Antarctica; Europe and the Mediterranean; and the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords.

The six-star ultra-luxury mega yacht will carry 228 guests in 114 all-veranda suites: from the spacious 344-square-foot Verandah Suite to the 2,500-square-foot two-bedroom Owner’s Penthouse Suite.

There will also be a choice of six onboard dining options including French, Pan Asian, Italian, and steak as well as casual al fresco dining on the Pool Deck or in the Ocean Cafe Lounge. The ship will also feature a nearly-5,000-square-foot spa, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, plunge pools, and a well-equipped gym with a separate yoga and Pilates studio.

Scenic’s signature brand of all-inclusive luxury includes all meals (no surcharge at any onboard dining venue), complimentary top-shelf beverages all day every day, butler service with an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, onboard entertainment and lectures in the 240-seat theater, all gratuities, complimentary Wi-Fi, expert local guides for included shore excursions, a choice of included Scenic Freechoice activities, and numerous Scenic Enrich special events.

       Scenic Eclipse will have the highest passenger ship ice class rating — Polar Class 6 (Ice Class 1A Super) — providing an added element of safety for guests. For Arctic and Antarctica cruises, guest numbers will be limited to 200, which enables more landings per day for each guest.

Scenic Eclipse will also feature two onboard helicopters, a seven-seat submarine, a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, and scuba diving and snorkeling equipment for use during in-depth discoveries.

“Our goal with Scenic Eclipse was to open up the private Discovery Yacht experience so that our guests could discover regions previously only visited by a fortunate few,” said Scenic’s chairman Glen Moroney. “In many cases, only the supremely wealthy or explorers and adventurers could’ve traveled to the Antarctic hinterland or have ventured below the surface to witness polar wildlife in their natural habitat, but now we are making these experiences accessible to our guests while traveling in the utmost luxury and safety.”

Scenic Eclipse joins the Scenic Group’s fleet of 21 river cruise ships throughout Europe, Russia, and Southeast Asia. There is an option for a second ship to be delivered in June 2019.

^{Photo: Scenic Cruises}

^{Sign up for weekly cruise news, fun contests, and exclusive offers delivered right to your inbox!}