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Fans of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ river product will surely love its oceanic equivalent aboard Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II, but the line also appeals to a broader clientele of expedition travelers — who may or may not have taken a river cruise — as well.
Common to both the river and seagoing sides of the brand are its all-inclusive luxuries and suite accommodations. However, it’s the ocean half that really raises the bar on the guest experience.
By jumping up in size from riverboats with capacities in the one hundreds, the 228 (200 in Antarctica) passenger-carrying Eclipse I and II have more space to dedicate to expanded dining, spa facilities, and other shipboard activities — not to mention unique expedition equipment extending to helicopters, submarines, Zodiacs, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Polar Routes and Other Destinations: As expected, Scenic’s fleet of luxury expedition cruise ships targets the Arctic and Antarctica during their respective summer seasons, but they also navigate beyond. Additional destinations on their calendars encompass Australia and the South Pacific, Europe and the Mediterranean, the Americas, and Asia.
The Culinary Arts: Ships feature a variety of excellent dining experiences and cuisines, but only Scenic can boast “Top Chef”-famed Tom Goetter as its Director of Food and Beverage turned Vice President of Hotel Operations Ocean. As a contestant on the reality television program, he stood out for his creative flair, and now guests onboard are treated to his inventive dishes, especially at the invite-only Chef’s Table experience.
Expedition Meets Luxury: Eclipse I and II are all-suite, yacht-style vessels that also happen to be expedition ships. That means they are Polar Class 6 hull-strengthened for navigating icy polar regions but maintain all the comforts of home and then some (think a world-class spa and a fully equipped gym, spacious suites, and butler service).
A Long List of Inclusions: All-inclusive offerings begin with one’s chosen suite and tack on the perks of complimentary shore excursions (excluding the helicopters and sub, though), spa facilities, self-service laundry, fine dining, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
Affluent Adventurers: Travelers already accustomed to Scenic’s river cruise product and price point will appreciate the look and feel of the ocean ships and their expanded offerings on the larger vessels. But expedition travel is certainly more adventurous than a river cruise, requiring a bit more physicality of its guests.
The All-Inclusive Price Tags Don’t Come Cheap: All-inclusive doesn’t come cheap, but it’s still an exceptional value when compared to luxury equivalents on land. Polar itineraries can start at $11,355 per person based on double occupancy, as seen for Scenic’s 11-day “Circumnavigating Iceland & Crossing the Arctic Circle” itinerary. A longer, 24-day “Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife” itinerary can begin at $33,843 per person.
