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Introduction

Scenic Eclipse II’s first visit to London couldn’t have chosen a more fitting setting. Moored on the River Thames in historic Greenwich, just a short walk from the Old Royal Naval College and the iconic Cutty Sark, Scenic’s luxury Discovery Yacht was surrounded by centuries of Britain’s rich maritime heritage.

When an invitation arrived to step on board during this special visit, I was delighted to accept. It was the perfect opportunity to explore one of the world’s most luxurious expedition yachts and discover what sets Scenic Eclipse II apart.

Spending a few hours on board gave me a fascinating introduction to Scenic Eclipse II and an opportunity to discover what makes her one of the world’s most luxurious Discovery Yachts. From the elegant interiors to the expedition capabilities that set her apart, it didn’t take long to understand why this remarkable yacht has captured the imagination of so many travellers.

Please note: This article is based on a media visit to Scenic Eclipse II during her first visit to London. It shares my first impressions after exploring the yacht during the afternoon.

Scenic Eclipse II at a Glance

*Helicopter and submarine experiences are available at an additional cost.

First Impressions

From the moment I stepped on board, one thing became immediately apparent. Scenic Eclipse II isn’t trying to compete with the world’s largest cruise ships.

You won’t find giant waterslides, bustling promenades or dazzling atriums designed to impress through sheer size. Instead, everything feels calm, elegant and carefully considered.

What surprised me most was how quietly luxurious everything felt. There was no need for grand statements or extravagant design. Instead, Scenic Eclipse II lets the destinations take centre stage, with the ship providing an elegant and remarkably peaceful base from which to explore them.

Having visited many cruise ships over the years, what struck me most was just how peaceful Scenic Eclipse II felt. Rather than filling every corner with activity, the emphasis is clearly on allowing the destinations themselves to become the star of the voyage.

I think that’s what makes Scenic Eclipse II so different. Luxury here isn’t about being the biggest or the busiest. It’s about creating an environment where the destinations remain the true focus, while the yacht quietly delivers exceptional comfort in the background.

A Discovery Yacht Designed for Exploration

Scenic describes Eclipse II as a Discovery Yacht rather than a cruise ship, and after exploring her, it’s easy to understand why.

Built to Polar Class 6 standards, she has been specifically designed to sail everywhere from Antarctica and the Arctic to tropical islands and some of the world’s most remote destinations.

Guests can experience these extraordinary places using Zodiac boats, kayaks, helicopters and even the custom built Scenic Neptune II submarine, offering a level of exploration few ships can match.

Unlike many traditional cruise holidays, where the ship itself often becomes the destination, Scenic Eclipse II has been designed with exploration in mind. Much of the excitement happens away from the yacht, whether that’s boarding a Zodiac, taking to the skies by helicopter or venturing beneath the surface in the submarine.

Rather than simply transporting guests from one destination to the next, Scenic Eclipse II has been thoughtfully designed to immerse them in the places they visit. Every detail, from the expedition equipment to the elegant public spaces, feels carefully considered to enhance the experience rather than distract from it.

It’s a philosophy that feels very different to a conventional luxury cruise. Here, the destination isn’t simply somewhere you visit. It’s somewhere you’re encouraged to truly experience.

Beautiful Spaces to Relax

The first area I found myself drawn to was the Observation Lounge.

Positioned right at the front of the yacht, its panoramic windows provide spectacular views ahead. I could easily imagine spending hours here with a coffee, watching glaciers drift silently past in Antarctica or scanning the horizon for whales in the Arctic.

As someone who loves wildlife photography, I found myself immediately drawn to this space. I could already imagine quietly sitting here with my camera, hoping for a whale to surface or a seabird to glide effortlessly alongside the yacht.

Step outside onto the deck directly outside the Observation Lounge and you’re even closer to the action. Whether it’s whales surfacing nearby, seabirds soaring overhead or spectacular polar scenery, it feels like one of the very best places on board to enjoy uninterrupted views and capture some incredible photographs.

During my visit, the wildlife was replaced by one of the world’s most famous maritime skylines. Looking towards the Old Royal Naval College and the iconic Cutty Sark was a reminder that, although Scenic Eclipse II is built for the polar regions, she looked completely at home in the birthplace of modern navigation.

If you’re someone who enjoys sitting with a coffee, watching the scenery unfold and keeping an eye out for wildlife, I suspect you’ll find yourself returning here time and time again.

I have a feeling it’s where you’d be most likely to find me, quietly watching the scenery with a coffee close by and my camera ready for the next unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Whether cruising through Antarctica, the Arctic or simply enjoying a scenic sailaway, I think this would quickly become one of the most popular places on board.

Just behind the Observation Lounge, the library provides another peaceful retreat. Comfortable seating and a carefully curated collection of books inspired by the destinations Scenic Eclipse II visits make it an inviting place to relax, read or simply watch the world drift by through the windows.

It also struck me as the sort of place where you could happily lose an afternoon on a sea day, surrounded by books inspired by the destinations ahead while watching the scenery slowly unfold outside.

The Owner’s Penthouse Suite

Stepping inside the Owner’s Penthouse Suite was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my visit.

It’s the sort of suite where you find yourself wandering from room to room, noticing another thoughtful detail each time you turn a corner.

The spacious living areas are beautifully designed, while the private terrace, complete with its own hot tub, offers an incredible place to relax after a day of exploration.

The bathroom is equally impressive. Alongside the infrared sauna seats, one feature immediately caught my eye: the generous bath positioned directly beside a large window overlooking the ever changing scenery.

Whether sailing through Antarctica or the Arctic, it would be hard to imagine a more relaxing place to soak after a day of exploration. Watching the scenery drift by from the bath must be one of the most memorable experiences the suite has to offer.

Standing in the suite, I couldn’t help imagining what it would be like to wake up surrounded by dramatic polar scenery. It was one of those rare spaces that doesn’t simply look luxurious, but feels intrinsically connected to the destinations it has been designed to explore.

It’s details like these that elevate the suite beyond simply being luxurious. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to connect guests with the extraordinary destinations they’re travelling through while offering exceptional comfort and privacy.

One feature that truly sets Scenic Eclipse II apart is that every suite, not just the Owner’s Penthouse, benefits from the services of a dedicated butler.

For guests new to ultra luxury cruising, butler service might sound intimidating. In reality, it’s simply about making your holiday feel as effortless and personal as possible.

From unpacking your suitcase on arrival to arranging dining reservations or delivering your morning coffee, the dedicated butler service allows guests to relax while the finer details are taken care of. It’s another thoughtful touch that helps make the experience feel effortless.

Wellness at Sea

The Senses Spa continues the calm atmosphere found throughout the yacht.

From treatment rooms to wellness facilities, every area has been thoughtfully designed to help guests relax and recharge. Nearby, the yoga and Pilates studio offers another peaceful retreat, with panoramic ocean views adding to the experience.

If your idea of the perfect end to the day is unwinding with a treatment or simply taking time to relax before dinner, I can imagine this becoming another favourite spot on board.

Taking Exploration to New Heights

One of the most fascinating areas of Scenic Eclipse II has to be the helicopter deck at the aft of the yacht.

Scenic Eclipse II carries two Airbus H130 helicopters, giving guests the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most spectacular destinations from an entirely different perspective. Available at an additional cost, these scenic flights have the potential to elevate your exploration even further, revealing glaciers, dramatic mountain ranges and remote wilderness in a way that’s simply impossible to appreciate from sea level.

Standing on the helicopter deck, it wasn’t difficult to imagine the excitement of lifting off to explore landscapes that relatively few people ever have the opportunity to see from the air.

If viewing Antarctica or the Arctic from above is on your bucket list, this has to be one of the most unforgettable ways to experience it.

Outdoor Spaces

Despite carrying remarkable expedition equipment, Scenic Eclipse II also offers plenty of inviting outdoor spaces to simply relax and enjoy the journey.

If your perfect afternoon is relaxing on a sun lounger with a refreshing drink while admiring spectacular scenery, I think you’ll feel right at home here.

The pool may be more intimate than those found on many mainstream cruise ships, but that feels entirely in keeping with the yacht’s purpose. On expedition voyages, your days are often so full of Zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery that you may find there’s less time for lounging by the pool than you first imagined.

Instead, this peaceful outdoor space feels like the perfect place to relax with a drink while reflecting on the day’s adventures or simply enjoying the scenery drifting by.

Dining on Scenic Eclipse II

One thing that quickly became clear during my visit was the impressive variety of dining available on board.

From elegant French cuisine at Lumière to vibrant Asian flavours at Koko’s Asian Fusion, guests have an exceptional choice of restaurants throughout their voyage.

Although I didn’t have the opportunity to sample the food during my visit, I did enjoy a quick visit to a couple of the restaurants, each has its own distinctive atmosphere and design.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying another evening at sea, it feels as though there’s a restaurant to suit almost every mood.

Throughout the yacht, the dining venues reflected the same understated elegance found elsewhere on board. Rather than feeling overly formal, they appeared welcoming, refined and thoughtfully designed.

A Celebration of Art

One of the unexpected highlights of the afternoon was witnessing the unveiling of a newly commissioned artwork by renowned British artist Tai Shan Schierenberg.

Inspired by Canaletto’s famous painting of Greenwich, the artwork reimagines the historic scene with Scenic Eclipse II taking pride of place on the River Thames during her first visit to London.

Hearing Tai Shan Schierenberg explain the inspiration behind the piece before it was unveiled made the occasion feel even more special. It wasn’t simply a beautiful painting; it marked an important moment in Scenic Eclipse II’s history and celebrated the meeting of modern exploration with one of Britain’s most significant maritime locations.

It was a memorable way to end a wonderful afternoon on board.

Would I Sail on Scenic Eclipse II?

If you’re looking for Broadway style entertainment and waterslides, Scenic Eclipse II probably isn’t the right ship for you.

If, however, your idea of luxury is exploring some of the world’s most remote destinations while enjoying exceptional comfort, outstanding service and beautifully designed surroundings, this remarkable Discovery Yacht deserves a place on your shortlist.

I’ve always believed in making my own opportunities, and Scenic Eclipse II is certainly a voyage I’d be happy to save for. Spending the afternoon exploring her only strengthened my appreciation for what makes this remarkable Discovery Yacht so special.

My Highlights

Favourite Space

The Observation Lounge and the outdoor deck just outside it.

Most Memorable Suite Feature

The generous bath beside the large window in the Owner’s Penthouse Suite.

Experience I’d Most Like to Try

A helicopter flight over Antarctica.

Favourite Moment

Standing at the bow looking towards the Old Royal Naval College and the iconic Cutty Sark, surrounded by centuries of Britain’s maritime history.

For the latest itineraries, specifications and up to date prices, visit the official Scenic website.