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Review: Scenic Eclipse

Reviewed by Janice Wald Henderson

What is the line? Scenic Cruises

Name of ship? Scenic Eclipse

Passenger occupancy? 228 (200 in polar regions)

Itinerary? Halifax, Nova Scotia, to New York

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Scenic began in 1986 as Scenic Tours, an Aussie company operating coach tours. In 2005, Scenic entered the European riverboat market and in 2008, introduced its own posh riverboats—the first to sail on European waterways with outside balconies. With Scenic Eclipse ’s debut in 2019 as a “discovery yacht,” the brand drew a larger American audience to its river and ocean vessels. Passengers on board Scenic ships tend to be 55-plus, sophisticated travelers who want the best food, wine, accommodations, and service. The brand's devotees are eager to check out the slightly tweaked Scenic Eclipse II , which debuted in August 2023.

Tell us about the ship in general:

In 2019, the expedition cruise world was abuzz over the 228-passenger, all-suite Scenic Eclipse launch. This ultra-luxe polar ice-class ship resembles a yacht, yet still possesses all the right adventure toys, like helicopters, a submarine, Zodiacs, and kayaks. Oversized stabilizers assist with smoother sails and anchorless positioning keeps seafloors safe.

The vibes on board the Scenic Eclipse are sexier than other expedition ships: Think soft lighting, edgy furnishings, and many cozy corners for snuggling while sipping custom mixology cocktails. Modern art and eye-catching sculptures dot decks, adding extra panache. An almost one-to-one passenger-crew ratio delivers near-instantaneous service. So many amenities—like in-suite dining, alcohol, shore excursions, gratuities, ship transfers, and butler service—are included in cruise fares. Tom Göetter, the savvy corporate executive chef, oversees 10 complimentary dining options. I sailed with this top toque and his modern global cooking blew me away. (No wonder; turns out he was a Top Chef finalist in Germany, and appeared on the 20th anniversary Top Chef: World All-Stars .)

Who is onboard?

The group depends upon the itinerary. On more adventurous polar sails, well-heeled 30-, 40-, and 50-somethings prevail, eager to check off their bucket-lists. Tamer cultural itineraries may draw a 55-plus crowd. Count on interacting with more couples than groups of friends, a mix of well-traveled Americans, Europeans, and Aussies, gleefully pursuing the good life at sea.

Describe the cabins:

Scenic Eclipse offers 114 suites across five decks. I stayed in a deluxe verandah suite, which runs between 344 to 366 square feet. The king bed was comfortable and the pillow menu is a pampering touch. The décor, with clean modern lines and neutral hues, felt fresh. Shoutout to Scenic co-owner Karen Maroney for including Dyson hairdryers with numerous attachments, including a diffuser—a must for curly-haired cruisers like me. Ambient lighting provided modes for every mood.

The sofa and pouf by the marble table delivered enough chill space. My butler did all the right butler things, like bringing morning coffee (although I could use my Illy machine) and restocking my complimentary minibar with vodka.

Another suite plus was the unusual quietness; I didn’t hear any neighboring noise as can often happen on ships, even luxury ones. I spent much time on my balcony—so idyllic for soaking up views or ogling the sunset over flutes of bubbly.

The ship's Grand Deluxe Suites, the next highest level, deliver more space—up to 430 square feet. Spa Suites dramatically increase the luxury: the living rooms are larger and the double-size Philippe Starck bath design includes vitality mist showers with color-light therapy, and glass partitions that switch between clear and opaque. Plus, passengers receive a complimentary one-hour spa treatment and priority shore excursion selections, among various perks. Panorama and Grand Panorama Suites overlook the bow and are huge—between 1,130 and 1,184 square feet—and include such posh appointments as spacious terraces with sun loungers and priority for, well, everything. Owner’s Penthouse Suites run more than 2,000 square feet; count the spa day bed that transforms into a treatment table for a private experience, and a spa pool, among other amenities.

Tell us about the crew:

A one-to-one passenger-crew ratio ensures service excels. Butlers attend to all passengers, fetching cocktails, making dinner reservations, and handling just about every request, whether for onboard or ashore. I found my dark-suited (no tux) white-gloved butler appropriately formal. Overall, the crew—particularly servers—are relaxed and friendly, embracing a private yacht demeanor more than the stiffer one seen on traditional cruise or expedition ships. Kudos to the shore excursion staff, who dealt with changing weather conditions and the ability to board the submarine with aplomb.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Scenic Eclipse offers 10 complimentary dining choices, including 24-hour in-suite service. I was impressed with the modernness of the sophisticated cuisine and the quality ingredients.

I ate my way through most restaurants and determined Sushi@Koko’s as a favorite. Here, you hop on a bar stool or sit at a countertop overlooking the ocean and tuck into the freshest fish—sashimi like yellowtail, and sushi such as ebi (sweet shrimp). The adjacent Koko’s masters Asian fusion; don’t miss the Thai pumpkin coconut soup with grated ginger and lemongrass. The sunken seating and the chance to share multiple dishes with friends made for great fun and good eats.

Reservations are needed for Night Market@Koko’s, where just eight guests sit at a teppanyaki grill while a chef prepares night market-influenced plates with Asian, Indian, or Middle Eastern flavors. Sadly, this tiny eatery opened after I sailed. I can’t wait to try it.

Applause, also, to the Yacht Club, for casual breakfasts and lunches big on flavor and healthy ingredients. Since I’ve been onboard, the indoor pool was (rightfully) removed from the area, creating more lounging space, both inside and out. I often wandered into the all-day Azure Bar & Café for a macaron or barista-made espresso. Lumière, a contemporary and sophisticated French restaurant, also won my heart (and stomach). The onion soup with double oxtail wagyu beef consommé, and grilled duck breast with leg confit, are standouts.

How lovely to sit at a bar where someone pours 1 er (Michel Forge Brut NV) and Grand Cru Champagne (Autréau Blanc de Blancs NV). These are smaller house bubbly, rather than luxe ship’s usual big-house offerings. Servers also present luscious nibbles like fried oysters and caviar.

Main dining room Elements completely satisfied. Servers clad in black vests and black ties act attentive yet not intrusive, and the menu meanders between Italian dishes and American favorites like steak and seafood.

I’d be remiss to not dive deeper into the complimentary alcohol. The buzzy Whiskey Bar, with more than 130 bottles including 12-year-old Yamazaki and 14-year-old Balvenie, is a well-deserved passenger hangout. I already mentioned the of-the-moment Champagne bar. Restaurant wine lists also emphasize smaller vintners, with detailed bottle descriptions.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

Senses Spa is humungous: 5,920 square feet for indulging in treatments and staying fit in a fully equipped gym and yoga and Pilates studio. Expect indoor and outdoor vitality pools, Jacuzzis, women’s and men’s saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges, thermal loungers and experience showers, among wellness amenities. Note Japanese shiatsu and Ayurvedic massages among less typical therapies. I didn’t have a treatment but I did take a Tibetan Bowl sound healing session. I entered the room skeptical and emerged hooked. Lying on a mat and listening to the tones felt relaxing and invigorating all at once.

How about the activities and entertainment?

As Scenic Eclipse is an expedition ship, most activities revolve around outings off the vessel, via kayaks, paddleboards, E-bikes, water skis, Zodiacs, helicopters, and submarine. Onboard, passengers can soak in an outdoor Jacuzzi. The up to 20-member expedition team often give talks, and I did take in a lecture or two; the speakers were engaging.

Local entertainment may perform in the spacious theater, though I didn’t catch any shows. I did take an impressive cooking class in Scenic Epicure. While classes are not hands-on, you can learn more about the chef, carefully watch him work, and learn some clever hacks.

How was the experience for families?

Children 12 and up are welcome onboard. I didn’t see any on my sailing, but I imagine at this luxury level, they’re well-traveled and well-behaved. I’ve been told that while the ship doesn’t offer kids special activities, the crew showers them with special attention.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

My voyage sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to New York. Unfortunately, stormy weather ruled out water sports and the submarine. However, I went on fun land excursions, such as a Halifax walking tour that was spellbinding. Our charismatic local guide was incredibly well-versed in Halifax fact and lore—he even shared ghost stories that gave me goosebumps.

In Newport, Rhode Island, a guide led us through jaw-droppingly beautiful, insanely lavish Gilded Age mansions. We also visited Boston, where I explored solo as I know the city well. Such sails are typical East Coast fall foliage cruises, although most begin in Montreal or Quebec City and traverse between Canada and New York. You can score this itinerary on many ships, ranging from mass-market to boutique ultra-luxe lines.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Good to know that the ship provides 100% fresh air throughout the ship, including suites. With anchorless positioning, the seafloor is undisturbed. Newer emission technology and low-sulphur fuel are used.

Anything we missed?

The ship offers complimentary exclusive private dinners, dubbed Chef’s Table@Elements, by invitation only. I’m not sure how you score an invite (I’m guessing it’s for occupants of the priciest suites and other such VIPs), but I did manage to dine here with nine other guests once. The an 11-course degustation tasting is held in a private dining room off of Elements, where each dish is paired with wine. The head chef introduces each course, and as you dine, you see white-toque chefs slicing, dicing, searing, and plating through a glass window.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

I’d pretty much sail anywhere on Scenic Eclipse, even if the itinerary leaned more cultural than expedition. The ship is so stylish and the service and cuisine is superb.

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TPG's first look at expedition cruise ship Scenic Eclipse: What I loved and what needs work

Editor's Note

Scenic Eclipse, the James Bond of ships, is elegant yet formidable.

The ship is the first expedition-focused vessel from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, a cruise line known for its upscale river cruises and land-based trips.

Until recently, expedition ships were spartan, offering only bare-bones amenities and less-than-swanky accommodations. However, Scenic is among a number of lines bringing luxury to the adventure cruising scene. I expected the line would get the upscale touches right, and indeed, Eclipse is over-the-top elegant without trying too hard. However, does the ship blend style and function?

The answer: Yes. Seamlessly.

I've just disembarked my first-ever expedition cruise, an 11-day voyage to the Arctic, and I'm in love. Not just with the stunning scenery and cute animals, but with this ship which, like the polar bears we watched from its observation decks, commands respect because it's built to survive the terrain and is fully capable of doing so.

Scenic Eclipse is small in size, holding only 200 passengers. It's able to visit remote places that many other cruise ships can't. In that, it feels exclusive.

However, its welcoming interior belies a reinforced hull that can break through first-year ice with ease. I soaked in the magic of the region in absolute comfort while surrounded by landscapes many early explorers found to be deadly. The disparity was thrilling.

Nearly three years after it first set sail — and more than two years after its initial voyages were cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic — the ship quietly arrived in the Arctic for the first time, bringing with it improvements from initial rounds of passenger feedback. Here are my impressions of the first in Scenic's line of luxury expedition vessels.

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What I loved

Form and function.

Scenic Eclipse resembles a large yacht rather than a standard cruise ship — and its aura of sophistication and exclusivity made me feel like royalty. A powerhouse in the luxury space, Scenic knows a thing or two about pampering its passengers, so I wasn't surprised that the line nailed that part.

What fascinated me more was how well the ship was built to handle the wilderness of polar cruising and how successfully practical spaces were incorporated into its gorgeous design. In other words, the vessel isn't merely pretty; it's functional. The juxtaposition doesn't go unnoticed.

Underneath the ship's sleek exterior are a slew of amenities. They include a central lounge and bar serving 130 different whiskies (all of them free), a theater with cushy leather lounge chairs instead of standard seating, a high-end spa, a specially designed kitchen space for cooking classes and even a submarine and pair of helicopters for passengers who want to take their excursions to the next level.

Mudrooms are standard on expedition ships. However, I was surprised by how Scenic Eclipse made this mundane room feel fancy with its leather seating, simple-but-polished design and orderly cubbies for storing Muck boots, which are provided to passengers for use during sailings.

It also doubles as well-organized storage for kayaking suits, booties, gloves and life jackets, which are doled out by the kayaking leaders before each excursion.

Everything — mudroom, laundry room, boot cleaners and water sports equipment storage on the lowest decks — is laid out to maximize efficiency and keep the grime away from other areas of the ship, allowing intrepid exploration to harmoniously coexist with the leisurely way of life on board.

Even the superstructure is designed to allow for upscale functionality, with the vessel's aft exterior walls able to fold in to allow room for the helicopters to take off and land. (Note: Scenic Eclipse is not allowed to use the helicopters in the Arctic.) It's also outfitted with stabilizers, so efficient we barely felt any movement during the voyage.

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, the ship runs on cleaner-burning fuel. It also employs some fancy technology, such as a dynamic positioning system (instead of anchors, which can harm the ocean floor and wildlife living in the off-the-beaten-path places where it sails) that uses GPS coordinates and thrusters to keep the ship in one spot when it stops.

Public spaces

My favorite space on the ship was the Scenic Lounge, where passengers can sprawl out in alcoves in what feels like a cozy living room flanked by the guest services desk and the aforementioned whiskey bar. It made me want to curl up on a couch and read in my pajamas, but I resisted the urge.

With furnishings crafted from sustainable materials, the lounge is the central location for daily trivia hosted by the entertainment staff, as well as the meeting point for daily excursions, which are organized by color groups.

The observation lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting areas, was my second-favorite onboard area. It was almost always underused, which meant I could find a quiet place to work, read (it's also the ship's library) or grab a cup of coffee while staring out at the scenery.

Sadly, the self-serve coffee machine was often empty, and when it worked, the drinks tasted watered down. The full wall of gourmet Kusmi teas made up for it, though.

My only gripe (and it's been echoed by passengers before me): The sightlines here are truncated by the vessel's bow, so it doesn't offer the uninterrupted views you'd expect from an observation lounge.

One of the other complaints passengers reported when Scenic Eclipse debuted was an ill-placed indoor pool found smack in the center of the ship's buffet. The line took note and removed the buffet pool, replacing it with an open seating area. (The move did leave the ship without a main pool, though passengers can take a dip in either of the two tiny plunge pools in the spa.)

Seeing what the venue looks like now, I can't imagine how cramped, humid and loud it must have been trying to eat with fellow passengers splashing away in the same enclosed space. Now, the area has much more seating and offers one of the most aesthetically pleasing buffet experiences I've ever had at sea, along with superb food.

Expedition guides and entertainment leaders

Normally I shout out the crew on ships where service is stellar. On Scenic Eclipse, my butler, room steward and the guest services team were phenomenal, as one might expect on a cruise vessel of this caliber. However, here I want to focus on two groups of staff who truly set this cruise apart: the entertainment leaders and the expedition guides.

Cruise director Amy and her assistant, Pablo, led daily trivia, often with fun twists like musical clues that they sang themselves.

On a ship so tiny, there were trivia regulars, including the people in my group and me. On days when we missed the quizzes because they conflicted with excursions, they found time to read us the questions later in the day and provided additional brain teasers like word scrambles and rebus puzzles.

Additionally, the ship's expedition guides, who were friendly and exceedingly knowledgeable about all things flora, fauna, rocks and ice, were quick to answer questions and share their vast wealth of facts. Everyone I encountered was accommodating and insightful.

They led us on daily Zodiac sailings, kayaking excursions and hikes, where they pointed out wildlife and remnants from previous visitors to the areas where we landed. They discussed flowers and the differences between local birds. They talked about why female polar bears are the ones to wear collars and how long they stay with their young. They also gave daily enrichment presentations, where they shared information about the history of Svalbard and quirky tidbits like how many McDonald's Big Macs an adult human would have to consume for enough energy to trek through the Arctic.

They were allowed to be more social with passengers than on more mainstream vessels, which created an extra layer of personalization. If invited, they were permitted to join us for dinner, which they did on several occasions. It was during mealtimes that we learned more about how they started their careers and what continues to draw them back on board.

What might not be immediately apparent is that Scenic Eclipse offers an outsized number of dining options for a ship of this class. Each venue is small, but the menus are practically perfect in terms of selection. They're also delightfully fancy — but no egos get in the way of special requests or substitutions.

As a somewhat picky eater, I'm not a fan of certain types of meat and was worried I'd be hard-pressed to enjoy some of the restaurants on the ship. It turns out my fears were completely unfounded, and the culinary staff couldn't have been more gracious in accommodating my likes and dislikes.

At the reservation-only venues — including French restaurant Lumiere, Koko's Sushi and Night Market teppanyaki, as well as the chef's table (by invitation) — I was able to either find something I liked on the menu or request a vegetarian substitute. At Lumiere, I opted for a fabulous plant-based steak, and before dining at the chef's table, a quick call to the front desk meant my candied foie gras was replaced by an exquisite candied date instead.

A vegetarian travel companion commented that she was impressed with the selection for people who don't eat meat at all, grateful that it extended beyond merely steamed vegetables and French fries.

My favorite food items from this trip were a Mediterranean tuna taco and falafel with beetroot and yogurt from the Night Market, which featured a new cuisine each night; a beef stick made to look like a cigar at the Chef's Table; and chicken tikka masala from the Yacht Club buffet.

Other standouts included Swedish pancakes with lingonberries from the room service breakfast menu; cookies, a hamburger, fruit pavlovas and Margherita pizza from the Azure Cafe; and truffle fries and daily risotto creations in Elements, the Italian restaurant.

Oh, and whatever you do, don't miss the out-of-this-world grape cotton candy from Koko's, which houses two Asian dining options, including a sushi venue that has all of its fish flown in from Japan.

For travelers who like to cook their own meals, there's also a special kitchen where passengers can sign up to cook with the chef.

As for drinks, remember to ask your expedition guide if you can grab a chunk of ice from a nearby glacier to take back on board after a Zodiac tour. The bar staff will rinse it and break it up for use in your favorite cocktails. (You can hear it snap, crackle and pop as it melts in your glass and releases air bubbles trapped inside.)

In line with the rest of the ship, the cabins on Scenic Eclipse are ritzy but somewhat dark. Most of the time, that wasn't a problem for me, as it created a feeling of calm.

Everything is high-end, from the beds that adjust with remote controls and Illy coffee machines to the rainfall showerheads and Dyson hair dryers. (Finally, a ship hair dryer that actually worked — perhaps a little too forcefully, given how thoroughly it knotted my hair.)

All cabins are suites, offering far more space than what you'll find on most other ships — especially expedition vessels — and they're gloriously soundproof. I could barely hear any noise from the hall, and I couldn't hear any at all from above, below or next door.

I'm not a big drinker, but with just about all onboard beverages included, it was nice to see a minifridge stocked with soda, beer and other libations. There was also a decanter set that could've been filled with my favorite liquors, had I asked for them. Carafes of water, replenished as they ran low, rounded out the choices.

My butler — yes, every cabin has one — also got into the habit of bringing me daily treats like bowls of potato chips or plates of cheese.

Other cabin flourishes include a surplus of outlets and USB ports for charging, as well as bathrobes, umbrellas and binoculars for use during the sailing.

I had a large balcony, which was lovely, but I only used it a handful of times during my cold-weather cruise. It provided a terrific vantage point for photos on most days, and it allowed me to take some wonderful videos when we found ourselves in the middle of an ice field.

The balcony has an electronic blackout shade that lifts and lowers with the push of a button. It's immensely useful in polar regions, where you'll get 24 hours of light at times of the year.

Most standard bathrooms are shower-only, and the ship provides its own brand of Espa toiletries: two-in-one hair and body wash, conditioner and lotion. I appreciated the nightlight at the base of the sink, too. (I never did figure out how to turn it off, though.)

What still needs work

While we're on the subject of cabins, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out some elements that don't work as well.

The first is the bathroom sink. The entirety of the top is a slope down which the water flows to a trough at the bottom. There is absolutely no counter space, which is particularly frustrating for anyone trying to do their hair or put on makeup, or for men who like to shave by filling up the sink basin.

Oddly, the cube-shaped pewter handle on the shower makes it difficult to open said door, as it provides no grip and hurts if you hold it a certain way. To get in the shower, I had to grab the top of the door and pull to get it open.

And then there is the television. Its placement in front of the couch isn't ideal because it catches a glare from the overhead lights and the balcony (especially when the midnight sun shines during summer in the Arctic). It's also cleverly hidden inside of a floor-to-ceiling glass mirror, which means it can't be angled to allow for in-bed viewing. The ship's first passengers complained bitterly about this, but the line has yet to correct the problem.

Shoreside operations

I can't overstate how amazing the staff was on my cruise. They were friendly, knowledgeable and anticipated our every need. Shoreside operations still need quite a bit of work, though. The most critical issue Scenic needs to address right now is its off-ship logistics and communications.

For example, all fares for Scenic's expedition voyages include a pre-cruise hotel stay. The accommodations arranged by the line were fine for me. However, passengers expecting luxury (and with fares starting at $13,000 per person for a 10-day sailing, who wouldn't?) were disappointed.

Check-in took a very long time, the rooms were fairly basic (at least I got one that wasn't already occupied, unlike some travelers) and the embarkation-day breakfast was a brown bag with an apple and yogurt.

Again, just about everything involving the onboard experience was top-notch, so the irritation among passengers quieted until the disembarkation briefing, which was held on the second-to-last night of the cruise.

A future-cruise consultant who was running the presentation told everyone the charter flight from Svalbard back to Olso, originally scheduled to depart around midday, had been changed to 7 p.m.

Passengers demanded to know why they weren't informed sooner, given that many of them had dinner reservations in Oslo that evening or, worse, connecting flights home that they would miss due to the new later departure time.

Scenic knew about the change just a couple of days into the voyage (the public relations team that organized the press trip I was on told me as soon as they found out), so it was unclear why other passengers weren't immediately informed. Also, the fact that the line scheduled two tours in Svalbard to help cruisers pass the time until the later flight only seemed to anger them more.

"I don't want to spend six hours at some stupid museum that only takes me an hour to see," said one woman.

Several people from the U.S. and U.K. then raised their hands to complain that they emailed customer service with various questions prior to sailing but received no response.

Another said he got two confirmation emails for a helicopter booking, despite the fact that the ship's helicopters are not allowed to be used in the Arctic. (That was also not clearly communicated to passengers before embarkation, leading to much disappointment.)

As more passengers weighed in, a trend became clear: The onboard team has its act together; shoreside operations does not.

On the last day, the shipboard staff rallied to allow us to stay on board until it was time to leave for the airport, stretching their resources thin as they prepared breakfast and lunch for us and turned over all the cabins for the next group of cruisers embarking later that day.

However, the folks handling land-based logistics dropped the ball again when a member of our travel party, who requested wheelchair assistance in advance, had no chair and no attendant waiting for him when we landed in Oslo.

A few days after arriving home, my fellow passengers and I received an email from the line's founder and executive chairman, Glen Moroney, offering an apology for the scattered nature of the pre- and post-cruise experiences and explaining why certain aspects of the trip had gone awry.

He blamed a recent hacking incident, which necessitated a full website rebuild, delaying communications between the line and passengers.

To solve the issues, the letter said the line has beefed up its cybersecurity, and is currently working to hire and train additional reservations staff. It wasn't done quickly enough to stave off problems on my sailing, but, hopefully, logistics and communication will improve going forward.

What's next

Overall, Scenic Eclipse is a luxurious vessel run by helpful and knowledgeable staff who go above and beyond to make sure passengers have the best time possible. The line has listened to its passengers and made onboard improvements to areas like the buffet, but there are still some quirks to be worked out, particularly in the way of shoreside logistics.

Looking ahead, Scenic's next expedition ship will be Scenic Eclipse II, a sister vessel to Scenic Eclipse. Although the general layout will be similar, and the ship will still have two helicopters, the line plans to make tweaks to the ship's design. They include the addition of an outdoor pool and an upgraded submarine with an expanded capacity of eight passengers, plus a driver. Scenic Eclipse will also replace its submarine with a newer model.

In terms of new activities, one of the expedition guides let it slip that the cruise line is considering offering added-fee heliskiing. The expedition ships would use their helicopters to take cruisers to the top of a mountain and allow them to ski back down. There has been no official word yet on when this might be available and whether passengers would need to bring their own gear.

Scenic Eclipse II floated out at a shipyard in Croatia in July and is due to make its debut in April of 2023. After Scenic Eclipse II, the line has ordered three additional ships.

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Established in 1986, we are a proudly Australian-founded company, taking our guests to the most fascinating destinations in over 60 countries and every continent. 

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has more than 38 years of experience creating unforgettable, award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys.  Since 2008, we have set the benchmark in truly all-inclusive, ultra-luxury five-star river cruises in Europe and South East Asia. In 2019, we introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™, a 228-guest ultra-luxury ship, and our second yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, in April 2023, taking guests to all four corners of the globe.   Today, our handcrafted and luxury land journeys take guests to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Africa, Japan, Korea, Europe, Egypt and the Middle East.  

  Scenic Club

Cherish the Planet

  Award- Winning

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The Ocean Experience

Where ultra-luxury meets worldwide discovery.

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Experience   the extraordinary in every way 

Combining innovative design, world-class facilities and state-of-the-art technology, Scenic Eclipse sets the benchmark in 6-star cruising. Unrivalled worldwide voyages, exceptional once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and a dedicated crew await you on board The World’s First Discovery Yacht.  

The Scenic Eclipse Experience

Excursions & Discoveries

Be enriched with all-inclusive excursions on each Scenic Eclipse voyage, immersing you in your destination to create stories for life.  

Worldwide Destinations

Discover awe-inspiring destinations to plan your ultra-luxury journey of a lifetime. Find out where Scenic Eclipse will be and when with our cruise calendars. 

Special Offers

Explore our range of exclusive offers and enjoy great savings on your ocean cruise.

Set sail around the world in ultra-luxury  

  Discover our Oceans Destinations

Your guide to ocean cruising

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Ship Experience 

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• Seabourn launches 2024 Alaska season with Seabourn Odyssey's...

Seabourn launches 2024 Alaska season with Seabourn Odyssey's final sailings

Seabourn , renowned for ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, commenced its 2024 Alaska season on Friday, May 10, as the Seabourn Odyssey set sail from Vancouver (BC Canada) . This season promises an immersive journey to both popular and seldom-visited ports along the Inside Passage . Notably, this marks the final season for Seabourn Odyssey with the cruise line, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience this iconic ship.

During the 2024 season, Seabourn Odyssey will embark on 12 seven-day voyages from May to August, navigating between Vancouver and Juneau with distinct itineraries for northbound and southbound routes. Guests can also opt for extended 14-day round-trip voyages. Additionally, the ship will feature two 10-day Alaska Fjord Odyssey itineraries and an 11-day Inside Passage & Alaska Fjords voyage, all departing from Vancouver in June. Passengers can further enhance their experiences through Seabourn's Ventures by Seabourn program, which offers guided kayak and Zodiac tours led by expert expedition teams.

The highlight of Seabourn Odyssey's final season will be a 22-day Farewell Voyage, departing from Seattle on September 2, 2024, and concluding in Yokohama, Japan . This special journey will traverse Alaska's stunning landscapes, visit wildlife-rich destinations like Kodiak Island and Dutch Harbor , and explore Japan's Hokkaido Island during the autumn foliage season.

Seabourn Odyssey's 2024 Alaska season is designed to provide guests with luxurious adventures and memorable experiences, complemented by the renowned hospitality and expertise of Seabourn's expedition team. The program includes scenic cruises through breathtaking glaciers and visits to culturally significant towns, ensuring a truly enriching voyage for all aboard.