Coming home: Scenic to cruise in Australian waters for the first time
NewsLuxury cruise and tour company Scenic has announced the maiden voyage of its latest discovery yacht in Australia – a momentous event for an Australian line which has sailed the world’s oceans and rivers for over three decades but not had a ship at home.
Scenic is well established as one of Europe and Asia’s leading river cruise companies, and the advent of the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht has also marked a major move into luxury adventure and polar cruising.
The release of the 2023/2024 season includes a 2024 program that begins in Newcastle, where the company was founded 36 years ago – welcomed by Scenic founder and the designer of its fleet of ships Glen Moroney.
In total the 2023/2024 season will include 85 itineraries across 50 countries and all seven continents, marking Scenic’s largest sailing season yet.
The Scenic Discovery Yacht fleet features the chance to explore the ocean floor in an onboard submarine and soar above destinations in a helicopter as well as sailing in ultra luxury.
Anthony Laver, General Manager Sales and Marketing at Scenic said: “Bringing Scenic Eclipse II home to Australian waters is a major moment for our guests, the Scenic team and will set the new benchmark for ultra-luxury cruising in the region.
“Our journey designers have curated several unique experiences, from a luxury lunch on the iconic white sands of Whitehaven Beach, to our first heli-safaris and an exclusive Scenic Enrich program on Fraser Island.”
“With Australians now wanting domestic 6-star immersive experiences, and the overwhelming response and demand for 2021 postponed Kimberley program, we’re confident these ultra-luxury voyages will provide great sales opportunities for our agent partners.”
Scenic Group Chief Operating Officer, Rob Voss said: “This is a milestone moment for our brand and for all of those who have been working intensely behind the scenes to bring it to fruition.
“Taking on board our invaluable guest feedback, we strive to offer the best, most desirable bucket-list experiences possible, and the new 2023/24 program demonstrates our sincere intent in this continued ambition.
“Antarctica is an incredible and timeless destination, and we are enormously proud to be one of the first luxury operators to return here this year. By early 2023, Scenic Eclipse II will join Scenic Eclipse in this region – doubling capacity for even more guests to enjoy the leading itineraries and luxury experiences that we provide.”
Scenic is currently offering up to 20% off 2023/2024 when booked and paid in full at least 12 months prior to departure, as well as a flexible booking policy.
Every Scenic voyage is all-inclusive, prices include return transfers, gratuities, up to ten dining experiences, premium beverages, butler services and discovery excursions and experiences.
Booking and more info here
Itinerary highlights
The Chairman’s Voyage: East Coast Islands & Reefs
Reserved exclusively for only 228 guests, this voyage has been especially curated to celebrate Scenic’s legacy so far and provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences for those on board. You might find yourself exploring the more than 900 islands in the region, taking in Whitehaven Beach, delve beneath the surface of the ocean in a submarine, catching a helicopter for a stunning flight and more. Early Bird prices start from $11,425 for nine days.
Discover the Kimberley Coastline
To see Australia’s most rugged side, jump on this 11-day voyage from Darwin to Broome, with soaring seacliffs, cascading waterfalls and picturesque gorges around every corner of your trip. Super early bird prices start from $16,195 for 11 days.
Antarctica Insights: Fly and Cruise
To explore some of the most untouched corners of the earth, this journey starts in Punta Arenas in Chile, before journeying out to Antarctica for a nine-day journey. Look forward to kayaking through glacial waters, watching penguins and seals dive in and out of bright blue waters and seeing one of the earth’s last undisturbed areas. Prices start from $22656 for nine-days.
Additional new 2023/24 voyages include:
- 13-day Caribbean Sojourn voyage from Nassau to Bridgetown
- 11-day Atlantic Isles & the Caribbean voyage from New York to Nassau
- 13-day Passage through Melanesia: Solomon Islands & Vanuatu voyage from Cairns to Fiji
- 13-day Secrets of Indonesia: Spice Islands & Raja Ampat voyage from Darwin to Darwin
- 9-day Scottish Isles: Historic Trails & Wilderness voyage from Edinburgh to Dublin
- 12-day Beyond the Arctic Circle voyage from Tromso to Oslo
- 9-day Wild Antarctica: Fly the Drake from Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas
