Have you ever wanted to travel to the world’s most beautiful and exotic locations? Well, now there’s a great way to see them – on a cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse. This luxurious ship offers passengers unparalleled views of some of the planet’s most stunning ports of call. Read our Scenic Eclipse cruise review to see for yourself what makes this cruise ship so special.
The Scenic Eclipse is the world’s first discovery yacht and it is sure to impress. From the moment you step aboard, you will be in awe of the luxurious amenities. What’s more, Scenic Cruises pride themselves on their friendly and knowledgeable crew members and an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.
Scenic Eclipse Cruise Destinations
Scenic Eclipse offers an array of destinations to choose from. In the Arctic you may spot polar bears, arctic foxes and many types of seal. Antarctica is a very popular destination for its icebergs and penguins.
For a more tropical experience, Scenic Eclipse also offers cruises to the Caribbean, Western Europe and Japan. There are plenty of options for shore activities on these cruises as well, from snorkeling to hiking and cultural encounters.
Take advantage of the all-inclusive shore excursions to visit historic cities in South America such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro as well as archaeological sites like Machu Picchu in Peru. Enjoy fun activities in the Caribbean, such as swimming with stingrays on Grand Cayman.
During our Central America cruise, we were fortunate to visit Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica. The joy of Scenic Eclipse is her flexibility. If the weather is bad in one region, the captain may decide to circumvent that area and to spend more time in sunnier climes!
At 551 feet, Scenic Eclipse is a comparatively small ship compared to other cruise lines. Thanks to this, she can dock where larger cruise ships cannot. Moreover, GPS Dynamic Positioning, customized oversized stabilizers, a Polar Class 6 rating and a strengthened hull make journeys on board Scenic Eclipse extremely smooth.
Scenic Eclipse Suite Features
There are 114 suites on board Scenic Eclipse, which can accommodate up to 228 guests (up to 200 in the polar regions). They vary in size, but each have their own private verandah. The two Owner’s Suites are the most luxurious cruise suites on Scenic Eclipse.
All Scenic Eclipse suites have king beds. These custom-made Scenic Slumber Beds are electronically adjustable and offer three sleep systems, Egyptian cotton bed linen and a pillow menu.
Each suite features a spacious living area and a luxurious marble bathroom. In addition, every suite comes complete with butler service, 24-hour room service, and daily housekeeping. There’s an illy coffee machine, a fully stocked minibar, in-suite binoculars, luxurious toiletries, towelling robes and a Dyson hairdryer.
For those who want to explore the world in ultimate style, the Scenic Eclipse offers Verandah Suites, Deluxe Verandah Suites, Grand Deluxe Verandah Suites, Spa Suites, Panorama and Grand Panorama Suites and the Owner’s Penthouse Suite. Whichever of these opulent suites you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a truly unforgettable experience on board the Scenic Eclipse.
Scenic Eclipse Dining Options
There are a wide range of dining experiences on board this luxury yacht, and what’s more, they’re all inclusive!
- Koko’s Asian Fusion – this stylish restaurant and saké bar on Deck 4 can accommodate up to 26 guests.
- Night Market at Koko’s – watch the chef prepare dishes in front of you at this intimate teppanyaki grill.
- Sushi at Koko’s – sit overlooking the ocean or at the bar where the chefs make the freshest sushi and sashimi.
- Lumière – a fine dining French restaurant with a stunning Champagne Bar.
- Elements – no reservations required at this relaxed dining room specializing in steak, seafood and Italian dishes.
- Chef’s Table at Elements is an invitation-only gastronomic experience with 11 courses imagined by Chef Ashish.
- Yacht Club – open for breakfast and lunch, no reservations required and with indoor and outdoor dining.
- Azure Bar & Cafe – an all-day eatery with indoor and outdoor space, which is great for salads and barista coffee featuring latte art.
- In-Suite Dining is complimentary and available 24/7. Choose from an array of premium beverages to accompany your meal.
After dinner, enjoy a nightcap at Scenic Lounge Bar – with more than 136 whiskeys, this is the largest whisky bar at sea! If you’re not sure which one to go for, just tell the bartenders what kinds you like and they’ll come up with some great suggestions.
Scenic Eclipse Amenities
The Scenic Eclipse is truly in a class of its own. Featuring 10 decks, this ship was designed for luxury and exploration. Guests can enjoy world-class cuisine, complimentary Wi-Fi, 6-star accommodation, and incredible views from anywhere on the ship.
Senses Spa on Deck 6 boasts a lovely outdoor terrace with a Spa Vitality Pool and sunbeds. Inside, there are women’s and men’s plunge pools, steam rooms, saunas and relaxation lounges. A manicure and pedicure area, together with a hair salon completes the grooming experience.
We particularly like the infrared chairs and the chromo-therapy showers. Make sure to book a massage with one of the expert therapists, specializing in ESPA treatments – so revitalizing!
Up on Deck 10, the Panorama Bar outdoor terraces are a great spot for enjoying the sunset, while the Cabanas provide welcome shade when it’s hot. Soak in one of the two Vitality Pools and admire the sea views, or relax in the Hanging Chairs on Deck 7.
PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio is a calm space with sea views on Deck 6 where you can enjoy group classes or book private sessions for an additional cost. The POWER: GYM opposite is well equipped, with several running machines, free weights and more sea views.
You can get some of the best views from the Observation Lounge and Library and the Observation Terrace on Deck 5. At the other end of the ship, Scenic Épicure is a cooking school which also boasts an aquaponic herb growing system.
The Boutique on Deck 4 stocks a stylish range of clothing for men and women, as well as jewellery and luggage. Also on this deck, you’ll find a spacious Theatre with reclining seats. Next to it is the Scenic Lounge and Bar, with floor to ceiling windows and the Guest Services desk.
One of the amenities on Scenic Eclipse that we found very handy is the Guest Laundry room on Deck 3. There are several washing machines and tumble driers, preloaded with detergent, as well as a steamer and iron. On this deck you will also find the Medical Centre, Discovery Centre and Marina Entrances.
Scenic Eclipse Excursions
One of the highlights of the Scenic Eclipse experience is the opportunity to take part in all-inclusive excursions. These complimentary activities are designed to give guests a unique and intimate look at the places they visit.
From guided tours of ancient monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Antigua City in Guatemala to Zodiac rides to deserted beaches, Scenic Eclipse excursions offer something for everyone. And with a staff of expert guides, you can be sure that you’ll get the most out of your trip.
Helicopter excursions and submarine excursions on board Scenic Neptune are available in certain destinations for an additional cost. There are two Scenic Eclipse Airbus helicopters, with wrap-around windows and extremely low sound levels.
We highly recommend booking a submarine ride, as the custom-designed vessel enables optimal underwater viewing. Depending on your destination, you may spot a variety of marine life such as turtles and exotic fish.
Scenic Eclipse Entertainment
Whether you’re a fan of trivia quizzes, wine tastings, lectures from the expert Discovery Team or musical theatre, you’ll find something to enjoy. We took part in quite a few different activities, such as wildlife spotting, a fun scavenger hunt, pilates classes, nature talks and listening to live music.
There’s often a pianist playing in the Scenic Lounge Bar, and on one occasion, a Mexican mariachi band came on board – great fun! One of the best parts of the trip was chatting with other guests – as this is a smaller ship it is easy to get to know people well.
What is the Scenic Eclipse Dress Code?
During the day, passengers are encouraged to dress in smart casual attire, with shorts and jeans being perfectly acceptable. However, swimwear should only be worn around the pool deck.
In the evening, the dress code is elegant casual, with men wearing collared shirts and long pants, and women typically wearing dresses, skirts or trousers with a blouse or sweater. There is no strict enforcement of the dress code and there are no formal evenings, however passengers are asked to be respectful of other guests.
For the polar regions, Scenic provides you with a complimentary polar parka which is yours to keep after the cruise. They will also loan you polar boots for the duration of the cruise. It’s important to pack your own waterproof trousers.
In Conclusion: Scenic Eclipse Cruise
This luxury cruise ship offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience that they will never forget. Explore the world’s oceans in the ultimate experience of a lifetime with a Scenic Eclipse voyage.
A sister ship, Scenic Eclipse II was launched in April 2023. This takes the Scenic Eclipse offering to 54 countries across 7 continents. The Scenic Group are also known for their luxurious river cruises, so you’re spoilt for choice in terms of destinations.
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