Scenic Eclipse II

Scenic Eclipse II entered service in 2023 as the second Discovery Yacht in Scenic's fleet, building upon the pioneering design concept introduced by the original Scenic Eclipse launched in 2019. The vessel measures 168 metres in length, displaces 17,545 gross tonnage, and accommodates 228 passengers across 114 suites, with an additional Antarctic-specific capacity of 200 when sailing to polar regions where regulations limit guest numbers. Scenic's crew-to-guest ratio approaches 1:1, delivering a service model that emphasizes personalized attention, small-group shore excursions, and expert-led expedition programming. The ship cruises at a maximum speed of 17 knots, sufficient for long-distance positioning while remaining fuel-efficient for extended expedition voyages. All accommodations are outside suites with ocean views, eliminating the concept of interior cabins and ensuring every passenger enjoys natural light and the constant presence of the ocean environment.

Scenic Eclipse II received a Polar Class 6 ice rating at launch, enabling year-round operation in polar waters and the ability to safely navigate ice-infested passages in the Arctic and Antarctic. The ice class designation reflects the vessel's construction standards, hull thickness, reinforced bow design, and engineering specifications required for safe polar operation. This capability opens expedition routes across both polar regions simultaneously depending on season. The ship operates in Antarctic waters during the Southern Hemisphere summer, accessing the Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkney Islands, South Georgia, and the Ross Sea region. Arctic voyages deploy from northern European and North American ports during the Arctic summer, exploring Northwest Passages, Svalbard, Greenland, and the High Arctic. Temperate-season deployments utilize the same vessel for Baltic, Mediterranean, Oceania, and Australian coastal voyages, maximizing the ship's versatility across multiple cruise markets and allowing year-round deployment across diverse regions.

Dining aboard Scenic Eclipse II emphasizes culinary diversity and regional cuisine matched to destinations. Elements operates as the main restaurant, offering open-seating service with a menu philosophy that adapts daily to reflect local cuisines in the ship's current region or upcoming destination. The menu features Italian, steak, and seafood selections, providing familiar fine dining options alongside regional specialties. Koko's Asian Fusion presents a specialty restaurant format featuring Asian cuisines including Japanese, Indian, and Philippine cooking traditions, often presented through thematic experiences such as the "Night Markets @ Koko's" event showcasing street-food inspired dishes and interactive cooking preparation. Lumiière delivers Modern French fine dining presented across seven courses with wine pairings, providing an evening devoted entirely to classical French technique and wine compatibility. Additional dining venues include a dedicated Teppanyaki grill accommodating up to ten guests for intimate Japanese teppan cooking performances, and a private Chef's Table for elite dining experiences combining customized menus with personalized service for the highest-tier suite guests. The ship's Senses Spa incorporates a Salt Therapy Lounge and refreshment areas alongside traditional spa treatment rooms. A bistro-style café and additional casual dining venues round out the portfolio, ensuring dining options span fine cuisine to casual meals throughout each day.

The expedition infrastructure aboard Scenic Eclipse II provides depth of knowledge and logistical support comparable to dedicated polar research vessels. The ship carries multiple Zodiac tenders for shore landings and close wildlife viewing, staffed and operated by trained crew members who navigate passengers to carefully selected landing sites. The expedition team comprises naturalists, historians, wildlife experts, and cultural guides who deliver daily seminars, evening presentations, and escort shore explorations with expert contextual commentary. The Discovery Centre serves as a hub for expedition lectures, briefings on upcoming ports and wildlife, and evening slideshows that synthesize the day's experiences into a broader narrative about regional ecosystems, history, and cultures. Deck spaces include viewing galleries, observation areas, and open decks positioned for wildlife sighting and photography, with features like thermal zones allowing guests to acclimate to changing climates and a heated saltwater pool providing therapy and recreation. A comprehensive fitness facility, yoga studio, and onboard spa facilities support wellness and physical maintenance during voyages that may span two weeks or more.

Scenic Eclipse II's distinction from her earlier sister ship Scenic Eclipse, the original Discovery Yacht launched in 2019, reflects incremental enhancements applied across newer build construction and post-service upgrades incorporated into both vessels. The original Scenic Eclipse underwent major refurbishments in 2021 and 2024, during which the Senses Spa received a Salt Therapy Lounge addition and the Sky Deck bar underwent renovation. Both ships share identical core specifications, the same Polar Class 6 rating, virtually the same accommodation count and suite configurations, and the same Discovery Yacht design philosophy. The operational distinction between the two ships is primarily scheduling and deployment: they sail independent itineraries on different schedules, allowing Scenic to offer simultaneous expedition voyages to different polar regions or complementary destinations. Any differences in specific dining presentations, shore excursion offerings, or expedition team expertise reflect the ship's particular itinerary and season rather than fundamental design divergences.

Scenic Eclipse II operates global itineraries spanning Arctic exploration, Antarctic expeditions, European cruising, and remote regions including Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Antarctic voyages (October through March) focus on the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and East Antarctic research destinations, typically spanning 13 to 21 days and combining wildlife observation with historic exploration sites. Arctic voyages feature the Northwest Passage, Svalbard, Greenland, and the High Arctic during peak Northern Hemisphere summer (June through August). European seasons include Baltic cruises exploring Norway, Russia, and the Baltic capitals; Mediterranean voyages from spring through autumn; and Danube River cruises. Oceania itineraries visit Australia's remote coasts, Tasmania, New Zealand, Fiji, and South Pacific island groups. Specific sailing dates, ports, and guest-inclusive shore excursion programming vary by season and year, accessible through Scenic's voyage finder and booking channels.

Scenic Eclipse II serves the expedition cruise market where affluent travelers prioritize remote destination access, expert knowledge delivery, and intimate guest communities over ship-based entertainment programming. The ship attracts passengers interested in wildlife observation, polar exploration, cultural immersion in small groups, and active shore excursions requiring reasonable physical capability. Ideal guests value naturalist expertise, appreciate formal fine dining options alongside casual alternatives, and seek voyages that balance shore exploration with refined onboard living. The intimate guest count and multi-venue dining model create a sophisticated community environment where fellow passengers typically share similar educational backgrounds, travel experience, and cultural interests. For travelers seeking luxury expedition cruising with world-class dining, expert expedition teams, and the ability to reach remote polar regions and pristine coastal destinations, Scenic Eclipse II delivers an established, proven platform combining the access and expertise of expedition cruising with the accommodations and service standards of ultra-luxury ocean travel.