What makes Scenic Eclipse unique?

Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are legitimately in a category of one. As “Discovery Yachts,” each 228-guest vessel combines two capabilities that no other ship offers simultaneously: Full expedition capability — PC6 Polar Class hull; Zodiacs; two helicopters for flightseeing; two submarines for underwater exploration; full expedition team of naturalists and scientists Ultra-luxury hotel-standard amenities — 10 dining venues; butler service in every suite; spa and wellness facilities; pool and sun deck The result is the most inclusive expedition product in the world: every suite has a butler, every excursion is included, every helicopter and submarine flight is part of the fare — not an add-on. For travelers who want genuine expedition access delivered in the style of an ultra-luxury yacht, there is nothing comparable.

What is the difference between Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II?

Scenic Eclipse II is a sister ship to the original Scenic Eclipse, launched in 2023. Both carry 228 guests and share the same Discovery Yacht concept, Polar Class hull, two submarines, two helicopters, butler service, and 10 dining venues. Eclipse II features some refined design details and updated interior elements based on guest feedback from the original vessel, but the overall experience — itineraries, inclusions, and expedition capability — is equivalent between the two ships. When selecting a voyage, the itinerary and destination matter more than which specific yacht you are aboard.

Who is behind Scenic Eclipse?

Scenic Eclipse is operated by Scenic Group — an Australian luxury travel company that has operated European and other river cruises for decades before expanding into ocean cruising. The company’s river cruise heritage informs the Eclipse’s all-inclusive philosophy: on Scenic river voyages, virtually everything is included from the moment you board, and the ocean team applied the same ethos to the Discovery Yachts. Glen Moroney, Scenic’s founder, was personally involved in designing the Eclipse concept and drove the decision to include submarines and helicopters in the standard fare — a commitment that fundamentally differentiates the product from every competitor.

How does Scenic Eclipse compare to Silversea, Ponant, and Seabourn?

Scenic Eclipse leads the luxury expedition segment on all-inclusive value — submarines, helicopters, butler service, 10 dining venues, and all excursions included without surcharge. No competitor offers this combination. Silversea’s expedition ships offer more expedition destinations and a longer polar track record, but charge for helicopters where offered. Ponant delivers superior French cuisine and a more intimate 92-guest option, but does not offer submarines. Seabourn Venture offers a strong ultra-luxury expedition product but no submarines. If maximum amenity inclusion and the unique submarine-and-helicopter combination are priorities, Scenic Eclipse has no peer.

How do the submarines work on Scenic Eclipse?

Each Scenic Eclipse carries two state-of-the-art passenger submersibles capable of descending to approximately 300 meters (nearly 1,000 feet). Small groups of guests board the submarine for dives in polar waters, tropical reefs, and other destinations where the submarine is operational. The experience reveals underwater environments — ice formations, coral ecosystems, marine life — that are impossible to access from the surface. Submarine dives are included in the fare (not an add-on charge) and are operated when weather, location, and regulatory conditions allow. Because capacity is limited (small groups per dive), guests are typically signed up for dives on a rotation throughout the voyage.

Scenic — Ocean Discovery Yachts Cruise Line Guide: Ships, Inclusions & FAQs

About Scenic — Ocean Discovery Yachts

“Beginning in Australia in 1986 and now operating worldwide, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours delivers a truly unique all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experience. Its Scenic Discovery Yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, with Scenic Ikon set to launch in 2028, deliver unrivalled ocean discovery across all seven continents, visiting more than 100 countries and 600 ports. Scenic’s award-winning river fleet is also expanding, growing with new additions planned for Europe, the Mekong and India. Complementing its cruise offering, Scenic’s handcrafted land journeys and extensions provide immersive, seamlessly curated experiences around the world.

The Scenic difference is evident in every inclusion. Dining at a range of venues, premium beverages all day, Scenic Enrich experiences and Scenic Freechoice excursions; airport transfers, tipping on board and onshore, and Wi Fi, so you simply savour each moment while Scenic handles every detail.

Custom designed vessels deliver expansive suites and innovations such as the Scenic Sun Lounge and all verandah suites, Scenic create an unmatched depth of luxury and experience.” — Scenic — Ocean Discovery Yachts

Scenic began in Australia in 1986, building its reputation on escorted journeys and, from 2008, truly all-inclusive river cruising in Europe. In 2019 the company turned that same perfectionism toward the open ocean with Scenic Eclipse, billed as The World’s First Discovery Yacht™ — a 228-guest vessel that looks like a billionaire’s super yacht yet carries a Polar Class 6 rating built for Antarctica. A near-identical sister, Scenic Eclipse II, joined in April 2023.

Each Discovery Yacht holds 114 spacious suites, every one with verandah and butler service, and staffing runs close to one crew member per guest. The toys are extraordinary: two Airbus helicopters and the custom submersible Scenic Neptune stand ready where conditions and regulations allow, while kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are included for gentler exploring. Between adventures there are multiple dining venues, from Koko’s Asian fusion to the refined Lumière, plus the Senses Spa with its salt therapy lounge and a vitality pool on the Sky Deck.

Together the two yachts range across roughly 350 ports in 49 countries — the polar regions, the Mediterranean, the Americas, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. This is cruising for seasoned travelers who want genuine expedition credentials without giving up six-star comfort, and who appreciate having nearly everything arranged, and included, before they step aboard.

New & notable: Scenic Ikon, a larger third Discovery Yacht for 270 guests in 135 suites with 15 dining venues, two helicopters and a submersible, is slated to launch in April 2028; her inaugural season spans 110 ports in 21 countries, from the Mediterranean to Antarctica.

The Scenic — Ocean Discovery Yachts Experience

Discovery Yacht design

Super-yacht styling with a Polar Class 6 hull, engineered to sail comfortably from the Mediterranean to Antarctica on one elegant platform.

Helicopters and submersible

Two onboard Airbus helicopters and the Scenic Neptune submersible open up perspectives few ships can offer, where conditions and regulations allow.

All-verandah suites with butler

Just 114 suites per yacht, every one with a private verandah and butler service, from Verandah Suites to a 2,658-sq-ft Owner's Penthouse.

Near one-to-one service

A crew-to-guest ratio close to 1:1 keeps service personal, anticipatory and unhurried across every venue on board.

Senses Spa and wellness

A serene spa with salt therapy lounge, a Sky Deck vitality pool and fitness spaces built into the yacht's design.

Seven-continent reach

Around 350 ports across 49 countries and all seven continents, from polar expeditions to warm-water Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons.

What's Included with Scenic — Ocean Discovery Yachts

All onboard dining venues
Beverages throughout the voyage
Butler service for every suite
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards

The Scenic — Ocean Discovery Yachts Fleet (3 ships sailing bookable itineraries)

Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Discovery Yachts stand alone as the most all-inclusive, experience-led ultra-luxury cruises. Blending world-class design with extraordinary ocean discovery, transformative wellness, culinary excellence and indulgent spaces; every element is crafted for a life-changing experience. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and world-class design, Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Eclipse II and, from 2028, Scenic Ikon take guests across all seven continents with a level of inclusions unmatched at sea. As the only ships with two helicopters^ and a submersible^, guests enjoy a truly four-dimensional experience - from above, below, on the ocean surface and on land, led by an expert Discovery Team. From included discovery excursions to luxuriously appointed all verandah suites and the expansive Senses Spa, every moment is designed to create stories for life.

See Scenic Eclipse sailings →

Scenic Eclipse II

Scenic Discovery Yachts stand alone as the most all-inclusive, experience-led ultra-luxury cruises. Blending world-class design with extraordinary ocean discovery, transformative wellness, culinary excellence and indulgent spaces; every element is crafted for a life-changing experience. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and world-class design, Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Eclipse II and, from 2028, Scenic Ikon take guests across all seven continents with a level of inclusions unmatched at sea. As the only ships with two helicopters^ and a submersible^, guests enjoy a truly four-dimensional experience - from above, below, on the ocean surface and on land, led by an expert Discovery Team. From included discovery excursions to luxuriously appointed all verandah suites and the expansive Senses Spa, every moment is designed to create stories for life.

See Scenic Eclipse II sailings →

Scenic Ikon

Scenic Group is proud to announce the launch of Scenic Ikon, set to join the Scenic Discovery Yacht Fleet for its inaugural season from April 2028. Scenic Ikon provides a unique blend of world-class expedition capability, sustainability, culinary excellence and ultra-luxury – the signature elements of all Scenic Discovery Yachts. With an unparalleled selection of exceptional guest amenities and curated excursions, every voyage offers a truly all-inclusive discovery experience.

See Scenic Ikon sailings →

Where Scenic — Ocean Discovery Yachts Sails

Antarctica 87 Western Mediterranean 36 Arctic 25 South America 25 Australia/New Zealand 15 Northern Europe 15 Eastern Mediterranean 9 South Pacific 8 Southeast Asia 8 Caribbean 7 North America 6 Central America 4 Mediterranean 3 Asia and Asia Pacific 3 British Isles 1 Europe River 1

Good to Know Before You Book

Gratuities & tipping

Tipping and gratuities for drivers, local guides, porters, and waiting staff are included in the total price of the holiday. Please note that tipping is not included for meals, drinks, taxis, and transfers that fall outside the itinerary, and it applies only to onboard services. In restaurants, a gratuity of 10–15% is recommended unless a service charge has already been applied. For taxis, a 10–15% tip on the meter fare is suggested. It is advisable to pre-negotiate taxi fares before agreeing to travel.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation By Guest

European and Asian River cruises, Japan, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Days of notice prior to Journey commencement	Cancellation charge (per person)
Over 90 days	Loss of Booking Deposit
89 to 60 days	35% of Journey Price
59 to 30 days	50% of Journey Price
Less than 30 days	100% of Journey Price

Ocean cruises, Africa, Egypt & Jordan Land Tours.
Days of notice prior to Journey commencement	Cancellation charge (per person)
120 days and over	Loss of Booking Deposit of USD 1,000 and remaining Booking Deposit (if any) granted as Future Travel Credit
119 to 91 days	50% of Journey Price
90 days and less	100% of Journey Price

Last updated: July 24, 2026. Click this link to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.

European and Asian River cruises, Japan, North America, Australia and New Zealand Land Journey
Days of notice prior to Journey commencement	Cancellation fee (per person)
Over 90 days	Loss of Booking Deposit
89 to 61 days	50% of Journey Price
60 to 0 days	100% of Journey Price

All other Land Journeys
Days of notice prior to Journey commencement	Cancellation fee (per person)
120 days and over	Loss of Booking Deposit
119 to 91 days	50% of Journey Price
90 days and less	100% of Journey Price

Ocean cruises
Days of notice prior to Journey commencement	Cancellation fee (per person)
120 days and over	Loss of Booking Deposit of AUD 1,000 and remaining Booking Deposit (if any) granted as Future Travel Credit
119 to 91 days	50% of Journey Price
90 days and less	100% of Journey Price

Last updated: June 30, 2026. Click this link to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.

Smoking on board

Smoking is limited to designated smoking areas on Scenic “Space- ships” (and any other vessels), and is not permitted in cabins or on balconies.

Traveling with minors

Children under the age of 12 years are not encouraged (with the exception of Christmas tours and Cruises) and are accepted or rejected at the sole discretion.

Pregnancy policy

The majority of cruise lines recommend that pregnant women should not travel after the 28-week period. If you do decide to travel, you may be asked to provide a doctor's certificate clarifying you're fit to travel.

Policies are provided by Scenic — Ocean Discovery Yachts and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.

About Scenic — Ocean Discovery Yachts: Ultra-luxury discovery yachts