When The World's First Discovery Yacht launched in 2019, Scenic Eclipse set the benchmark in discovery and expedition cruising. Now, her sister ship, Scenic Eclipse II, is elevating ultra-luxury to new heights. After a successful maiden season in the Mediterranean, the Arctic and Antarctica regions during 2023, the Discovery Yacht arrived in Sydney on April 19th 2024.
On this momentous occasion, she became the first Scenic ship to cruise in Australia, where we were founded 38 years ago. We are delighted to share this significant milestone with you, representing our commitment to continuous innovation and bringing truly unique, ultra-luxury voyages and experiences to our guests closer to home.
Leaving the hometown port of Newcastle on April 22nd, Scenic Eclipse II will journey around our region for two years, exploring Australia's East Coast, Top End and the Western coastal areas, before cruising to the alluring islands of the Indonesian Archipelago, Japan, the South Pacific, New Zealand and the less traveled East Antarctica and Ross Sea region. Read on to learn about the exciting experiences awaiting you on board this state-of-the-art yacht and the fantastic destinations she will visit.
A commitment to continuous innovation
Scenic Eclipse II represents an enhanced vision of our pioneering approach to ultra-luxury cruising. Scenic Group is the only ocean cruising company to go beyond just designing its ships, managing the build and full fitout, via the MKM Yachts subsidiary at our shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia. This means we take our guest and crew feedback and swiftly transform these ideas into reality, as we have complete control of all new ship designs, building, crew and operations.
Our team also integrates industry best practice enhancements and new features to future-proof ship facilities and experiences. We are proud to have James Griffiths (General Manager Ocean Operations), Jason Flesher (Director of Discovery Operations) and Tom Götter (Vice President Oceans Hotel Operations) deeply involved in the design of the Discovery Yachts. They have implemented the key learnings from operating Scenic Eclipse, making Scenic Eclipse II the most advanced ultra-luxury ship in the world.
RIGHT: Tom Götter, Vice President Oceans Hotel Operations
“We are extremely proud of Scenic Eclipse II and what it brings guests in the exclusive category of ultra-luxury discovery yacht cruising. In terms of innovation, technology and design, it is second to none. The two on board helicopters, a unique submersible and our handcrafted itineraries take our guests to places few others can reach, across 38 countries in some of the world’s most stunning and remote locations. This is what truly set us apart.”
said Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours
New luxurious on board spaces
On Deck 10, guests will find the new Sky Deck & Bar, which offers indoor and outdoor seating that is perfect for everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails. It’s set next to the outdoor Vitality Pool, 29 ft. long and 12 ft. across at its widest point, the water temperature is adjusted to match the destination and with glass surrounds that protect it from the wind. It also has water jets so that guests can ‘swim’ laps against the water resistance.
The cabanas on the Sky Deck will be set up for all weather, with roller blinds, heaters and doonas for Polar regions or mosquito nets for other cruises. You can have a picnic or an evening under the stars. This is the place to be for lazy days at sea or for the perfect view as you’re pulling into port.
LEFT: Vitality Pool, Sky Deck, Scenic Eclipse II
“This is more than just a cruise ship, it is a total sensory experience, from the entry foyer to the guest suites and the dining areas, the feel is one of calm, ultra-luxury and serenity to allow our guests to truly relax and take in the total voyage.”,
commented Karen Moroney, Project Director – Design
A world of wellness
The industry-leading wellness facilities on board Scenic Eclipse have been taken to a new level in our second Discovery Yacht. That means an expansive 5,920 sq. ft. Senses Spa with enhanced saunas, color and cold therapy, vitality spa and relaxation lounges.
The spa also features an expanded steam room that includes aromatherapy, an ice fountain and experiential showers, plus a new KLAFS custom salt therapy lounge. Guests can relax on the heated, infrared chairs – designed to relieve back pain and encourage muscle relaxation – while looking out at the soothing ocean view.
RIGHT: KLAFS infrared sauna, Senses Spa, Scenic Eclipse II
“The spa's pretty fabulous. They've got these great saunas, two different kinds, and the infrared chairs, which I used almost every day. I would kick up and down in the heated pool for half an hour, because I love water, then sit in the infrared chair and sometimes get a massage. That's complete relaxation.”,
said Australian TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerley, after cruising the Mediterranean and the Arctic on board Scenic Eclipse II
Spectacular suites
Designed to be your ultimate ultra-luxury sanctuary, the spacious 114 suites have also been enhanced. The 2,099 sq. ft. (195 sq. m.) Owner's Penthouse Suite is a highlight, featuring a redesigned walk-in wardrobe and completely transformed bathrooms with a private mini-spa with a steam room, spa bath and two KLAFS infrared seats for personal use.
The bathrooms in the 495 sq. ft. to 538 sq. ft. (46 sq. m. to 50 sq. m.) Spa Suites have also been designed to feature a more spacious, circular spa bath, double sink and separate shower with the latest jet technology. This is on top of 6-star amenities like luxury king-size Scenic Slumber Beds, a mini-bar including premium beverages, illy coffee and specialty teas, restocked daily, and a Dyson hairdryer.
LEFT: Owner's Penthouse Suite, Scenic Eclipse II
“The suites are magnificent, and you've got everything within your space. They've got binoculars sitting there, so you don't have to remember to take yours with you. You've got your butler who is always happy to organize anything or get something for you if you need it. Everything's catered for.” commented Kerri-Anne Kennerley
Unrivaled discovery
Your stunning destination reaches a new level of wonder when witnessed from above by helicopter^ and below the surface in our next-generation submersible^. It's a truly remarkable feeling to expand the boundaries of discovery cruising with experiences above and below the ocean. Take in glorious vistas from a completely different perspective from one of our two on board Airbus H130-T2 helicopters^, considered the quietest in the skies. Enjoy one-of-a-kind underwater discovery on board Scenic Neptune II, capable of diving up to 328 ft. below the ocean's surface.
RIGHT: Scenic Eclipse Helicopter
“Scenic Eclipse II combines refined spaces, novel culinary offerings and unrivalled discovery experiences. It excels at small-ship discovery expeditions – sailing where few cruise vessels have ventured before."
The Australian, August 2023
World-class technology
Scenic Eclipse II features state-of-the-art technology to take you from the smallest ports in Australia and the South Pacific to the icy expanses of East Antarctica and the Ross Sea. Combining the elegance of a superyacht with the safety of a polar-class expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse II can travel anywhere in the world in style and comfort. On top of this, the industry-leading sustainability features ensure we leave the smallest footprint possible and protect fragile environments for the next generations of explorers.
LEFT: Scenic Eclipse, Antarctica
“I could go on for hours about the gadgets, the ship's maneuverability, the Azipods and the GPS Dynamic Positioning. But one thing I quite loved is how the bridge is actually quite spacious, enabling Scenic's 24-hour open bridge policy. Guests can go up on the bridge, anytime at any point in the voyage, and take in the view and get a sense of where you are and how you're navigating. It's one of the best viewing places on the vessel, and the crew is so amazing – often the very best wildlife spotters on the ship”.
commented oceanographer and NASA Scientist Dr Kathy Sullivan, who we're honored to have as Scenic Eclipse II's godmother
Plan your next journey of wonder on board Scenic Eclipse II
Explore some of the highlights of the Discovery Yachts’ upcoming season in the Southern Hemisphere.
Uncover the Kimberley Coastline: An Ancient Wilderness
11 days | Broome > Darwin
Marvel at tumbling desert waterfalls, spot saltwater crocodiles, cruise past islands covered in lush green rainforest and meet the traditional custodians of these magical places. As the only ship sailing in the Kimberley with two on board helicopters^, you will enjoy unrivalled ultra-luxury exploration, with an exclusive heli-fishing experience to try to catch the legendary big barramundi and more.
Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife
24 days | Dunedin > Dunedin
Departing from Dunedin, NZ, embark on an epic journey to the Ross Sea, the world's southernmost body of water. Explore Macquarie Island, the Balleny Islands, and Cape Adare, the first landing site on the Antarctic continent in 1895. Experience kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding beside icebergs, whale and penguin spotting from Zodiacs, or soaring above the ice in a helicopter^.
Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast
25 days | Queenstown > Hobart
Follow Douglas Mawson’s Antarctic expedition – a South Australian geologist who, following travelling to Antarctica with Sir Ernest Shackleton, decided to explore its pristine East Coast. Navigate through the icy landscapes to Mawson’s Hut at Cape Denison and the remote Balleny Islands. Heavily glaciated but teeming with diverse wildlife, it offers the chance to spot humpback, fin and minke whales.
Pure New Zealand: North & South Islands
13 days | Auckland > Queenstown
Take in the best of New Zealand. From vibrant Auckland to serene Milford Sound, this journey promises unforgettable moments. Visit World Heritage-listed sites, renowned wineries and picturesque towns, indulging in exceptional cuisine along the way. Explore by sea, land and from the air with our on board helicopters^ and fall in love with the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Lagoons, Reefs & Cultures of Fiji and the Pacific
9 days | Nadi > Nadi
Be immersed in unspoiled reef systems that are virtually untouched, experience sacred ritual practices of the proud locals, and swim, snorkel or kayak amongst tropical fish and turtles, or relax on pristine white sand beaches. Enjoy the stunning South Pacific in the style it deserves, in truly all-inclusive luxury.
Passage through Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu
13 days | Cairns > Nadi
Uncover an astonishing mix of diverse cultures, vivid landscapes, idyllic waters, and welcoming people. From reef-fringed volcanic islands and ritual ceremonies in the mysterious Solomon Islands to the raw beauty and relaxed atmosphere of Vanuatu, you will leave amazed and deeply touched.
^Flights on board our two helicopters, helicopter experiences and submersible at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, tidal and ice conditions. Helicopter unable to operate in Indonesia and Japan. Submersible unable to operate in the Top End, the Kimberley, Indonesia and New Zealand. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard may not be available in the Top End, the Kimberley, Japan and other locations.
