The World’s First Discovery Yacht

Scenic, one of the luxury river cruise operators have announced they are entering the ocean cruise market, with the launch of a new extra luxury ship, called the Scenic Eclipse, in August 2018.  This move of course coincides with that of Viking River cruises entering the ocean market and Crystal cruises going into the  “yacht” arena.

The maiden voyage starts on the 31st August 2018, sailing from Istanbul to Venice. Then it is on its way to Canada via Iceland and onwards to the Arctic. Hopefully we will see it in the UK as after the Arctic it is heading to the British Isles, across the Atlantic and onwards to the Caribbean. Then travelling down to the Chilean Fjords before finally reaching Antarctica. The ship will actually spend 3 months of the year in the Arctic/Antarctica area.

Scenic are calling this ship the “world’s first discovery yacht” as it will have the worlds highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super). The ship will have a ice strengthened hull, twin helicopters, and a aft marina with a fleet of zodiac boats plus a seven person submarine!!  During the polar expeditions the passenger numbers will be limited to 200 which should allow several landings per day.

The cruises will be all inclusive of tips, shore excursions, all dining venues, drinks, wi-fi, all scuba diving and snorkelling. The only extra you would pay for is of course, the submarine and helicopter! So, apart from all of these great destinations and “gizmos” what else is on the ship? How about 6 restaurants, including French, Italian and Pan Asian. A theatre which seats 240 people, 4 bars and lounges, a spa with indoor and outdoor jacuzzis and plunge pools. A heated pool with the most important retractable roof, and a gym – phew!

114 suites, each with a balcony and separate living room or you can really go the whole hog and have the 2507 sq feet Owners Penthouse Suite! Oh! Let me not forget that each suite also has it’s own butler!

What luxury! Having travelled on a Emerald river cruise only last month (sister company) I can vouch for the attention to detail, and superb food and service, but this? It blows my mind to think of what it will be like!

Keep your eyes peeled for more information on this new ship and lets hope that one of us will win the lottery and sample it!