Scenic Cruise Line

If you’ve travelled with Scenic luxury cruises before, you already know: this is not your average holiday. This is a company that embodies luxury with its small, tasteful, yacht-like ships and impressive itineraries. This season, they've added fresh routes, revisited a few crowd favourites, and packed the itineraries with local experiences that don’t feel like tourist traps.

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Scenic’s all-inclusive model means your high-end meals, top-shelf beverages, unique excursions, and even a butler are part of the deal. So the only thing you need to consider is what cocktail to order after your morning kayak, or which pair of stretchy pants to pack for all the food. Plus, if you want to go full explorer mode on an ocean expedition, Scenic’s lineup has something that'll tempt you. Let’s take a look at what’s coming up.

Scenic Cruises Ships

Scenic Eclipse II sails through tropical islands.

Scenic Eclipse 2

Sister ship to Scenic Eclipse, launched in 2021. It is expedition-focused, but upgraded with horizon bathtubs in suites, expanded deck space, and refined luxury touches.

Readers' Choice '24: Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Eclipse

The original ultra-luxury discovery yacht, launched in 2019. Carries 228 guests (200 in polar regions), with 10 dining options, helicopters, submarines & more.

Scenic keeps its fleet small but seriously polished. They don’t go for flashy mega-ships packed with 5,000 people. Instead, you’ll find purpose-built vessels, each one tailored to the region it sails in. 

Then there’s the Scenic Eclipse and her newer sister ship, Scenic Eclipse II—aka the Discovery Yachts. These two are in a different league. Just over 100 suites each, a handful of fancy restaurants, a helicopter, a submarine (yes, really), and all the gear you need for proper expedition-style travel. They go everywhere from Antarctica to Japan to the Kimberley Coast.


Why Choose Scenic?

Not all cruise lines are created equal, and Scenic is in a league of its own. For starters, everything’s genuinely all-inclusive. We're not talking “some drinks and maybe a walking tour” all-inclusive. You get butlers, fine dining, premium drinks, airport transfers, excursions, tips... the works. 

Scenic's yachts are intimate, which means fewer people and more space to relax. There’s a sense of calm that’s hard to find on the bigger lines. But the real standout is how Scenic handles the itinerary side of things. They’re not just dropping you into tourist hotspots and herding you around with a flag. The excursions are well thought out, often with local guides, and give you proper insight into the places you're visiting. 

At the end of the day, Scenic is for travellers who want to see the world properly, through comfort, culture, and a bit of adventure.

Scenic Eclipse II Scenic Helicopter taking off, The Kimberley, Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse II Scenic Helicopter taking off, The Kimberley, Scenic Eclipse

At a Glance (Accommodation Type, Destination/Ports)

Accommodation

Scenic doesn’t mess around when it comes to suite options. If you’re heading off on a big-ticket expedition aboard Scenic Eclipse, there’s a solid range of suites to choose from.

You’ve got Verandah Suites (and the slightly roomier Deluxe ones) as the baseline. Then there are Spa Suites if you like a soak and a steam. Panorama Suites come with massive front-of-ship views, and right at the top, you’ve got the Owner’s Penthouse, which is exactly what it sounds like. Big, private, and very fancy.


Scenic Cruises Destinations


Antarctica


Arctic


Greenland


Europe


Mediterranean


The Kimberley



Asia


South Pacific

Scenic does ocean cruising differently. Small ships, big adventures, and itineraries that skip the tourist traps and head straight for the good stuff. With Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II sailing through the 2025/26 season, the range is seriously impressive.

You’ve got the polar regions, of course. Antarctica, the Arctic, and Greenland with amazing glaciers, penguins, polar bears, and more than a few jaw-dropping moments. If you’re chasing the edges of the map, this is where it’s at.

Further north, there’s Europe and the Mediterranean, with stops along the Spanish coast, the Greek Islands, southern Italy, and some lesser-seen ports that don’t get swamped by mega ships. Culture, sunshine, wine, and everything in between.

The Americas are on the list, too. From the Amazon to the Chilean fjords to lazy days in the Caribbean, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure situation. And if you want something closer to home, The Kimberley is a highlight—red cliffs, crocs, waterfalls, and a real sense of remoteness.

Heading west, Asia and the South Pacific offer something totally different. You’ve got Japan’s mix of neon and tradition, plus island-hopping in places where the water looks Photoshopped.

Overall, Scenic’s ocean cruises cover a lot of ground and they do it with serious style.


What’s Included

On Scenic, pretty much everything is included. It’s a true all-inclusive setup, and we don’t mean “some meals and a welcome drink.” We mean the lot.

  • All your meals and drinks are covered—from fine dining to casual bites, plus a top-shelf bar and even a stocked mini-bar in your suite. No awkward moments signing bar tabs or wondering if you’re still under your drinks package.
  • Butler service comes standard. No matter which suite you book, someone’s there to help with the little things (and the not-so-little ones).
  • Daily excursions are included, and not the run-of-the-mill kind. You get proper local experiences, with options depending on how active (or relaxed) you’re feeling. Plus, some Scenic-exclusive events that you won’t find on other cruises.
  • Tips? Transfers? Wi-Fi? All sorted. No surprise charges at the end of your trip, and yes, you can still post your Aperol Spritz to Instagram without paying extra.
  • E-bikes are available too, so you can explore on your own without getting stuck behind a tour group waving flags.

Basically, it’s everything you need for a stress-free, luxury holiday, bundled up so you can just enjoy the ride with the scenic spirit that only this cruise line can offer.


Cruise Line Packages

If you're cruising with Scenic Eclipse or Eclipse II, you’re signing up for a fully loaded experience. And depending on how far you want to go (literally and figuratively), there are a few ways to stretch it out.

Ocean Cruises – These are the main event. Each itinerary is crafted around serious destinations—Antarctica, the Arctic, the Med, Japan, South America, you name it. The ships are small, the service is next-level, and your days are split between wild excursions and total indulgence back on board.

Combined Journeys – Can’t decide between regions? Combine two (or more) cruises into one big itinerary. You get more time at sea, more places to explore, and a decent early booking discount while you’re at it. They call them “Ultimate Voyages,” and they’re exactly that.

Land Extensions – If you want to spend a few extra days in a major city before or after your cruise, Scenic can help you tack on a hotel stay. These are all hand-picked spots in places like Buenos Aires, Oslo, or Tokyo.

Special Offers – Keep an eye out for deals like Super Earlybird savings (usually the biggest discounts if you book early), flight credits, or upgrade offers on select itineraries. Scenic likes to throw in a few bonuses now and then if you get in early.


Dining Experiences

If you’re the kind of traveller who plans your day around your next meal, you’ll feel right at home on Scenic Eclipse. Food is a proper part of the experience. And with up to ten dining options on board, you’ve got plenty of reasons to skip the buffet and try something new every night.

If you fancy French, then head to Lumière, Scenic’s elegant fine dining spot complete with a Champagne bar. In the mood for sushi or spicy noodles? Koko’s Asian Fusion has you covered with a separate Sushi & Sake Bar if you’re craving something fresh and sharp. There’s also Elements, the main restaurant, which serves up a rotating menu of Italian, steakhouse, and seafood favourites.

If you want something more low-key, the Yacht Club offers relaxed daytime dining with killer ocean views, and Azure Café & Bar is your go-to for casual bites, fresh salads, and the occasional cheeky treat.

And if you’re lucky enough to score an invite, Chef’s Table @ Elements is where things get seriously gourmet. There’s an 11-course degustation, wine pairings, and a bit of behind-the-scenes storytelling from the culinary team.

Of course, if you’d rather eat in your robe with the ocean outside your window, 24/7 in-suite dining is always an option. Your butler can sort breakfast, snacks, or a full dinner without you lifting a finger.

Scenic Eclipse shoot

Cabin Experience

On Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, every room is a suite, and every suite comes with a private verandah. So whether you’re anchored off Antarctica or drifting past limestone cliffs in the Kimberley, you’ve got front-row seats to the view.

Inside, you’re looking at a king-size Scenic Slumber Bed, a proper sitting area, and a bathroom that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end hotel. We’re talking heated floors, rainfall showers, fancy toiletries, mood lighting, etc. Some suites even come with a spa bath or a steam shower if you’re the soak-and-sweat type.

Little touches make a big difference, too. Bose speakers, a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar stocked with your favourites (and restocked daily), and that all-important butler who just sorts things out. Morning coffee, last-minute laundry, a glass of bubbles while you get ready for dinner, everything is handled.

Basically, your suite is a private retreat with ocean views. And when the outside world looks like Antarctica, Patagonia, or the Greek Islands, that’s not a bad place to be.


Activities: Families, Kids, and Couples

Scenic isn’t trying to be all things to all people, and that’s kind of what makes it great. The vibe here leans more grown-up, relaxed, and much quieter than the mega-ship, waterslide-packed cruise lines. That said, there’s still plenty to do:

Families & Kids

Scenic isn’t really built with kids in mind. There are no kids’ clubs, no waterslides, and no entertainment schedules filled with magic shows. Families can cruise, sure, but it’s better suited to older teens or adult family groups who are into history, culture, and having a butler. If your kids are into castles, kayaking, or just chilling in a luxe suite, they’ll be fine. But if you’ve got toddlers who need constant distraction, this probably isn’t the one.

Couples

If you’re a couple, then you’re in luck. Scenic is kind of perfect for two. Whether it’s sipping wine on your balcony as you drift through the ocean, sneaking off to the spa for a couples massage, or doing nothing at all (which Scenic is excellent at), there’s romance built right in. You’ve got fancy dinners, quiet nights with live music or a movie, and shore excursions that don’t feel like a school field trip.

Scenic is a slower pace cruise, with a bit of luxury, and the kind of atmosphere where doing “not much” somehow still feels like a great day.

Guests in the Scenic Eclipse Zodiacs in Antarctica
Guests in the Scenic Eclipse Zodiacs in Antarctica

Loyalty Programs

If you’re the kind of traveller who finds themselves booking “just one more cruise” every year, Scenic’s got a loyalty program that actually gives back. It’s called Scenic Club, and the perks get better the more you sail.

You’re automatically in after your first trip, and from there, you climb through the tiers—Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Emerald—based on how many trips you rack up or how much you spend.

Even at the base level, you’ll get things like future booking discounts, early access to new itineraries, and invites to exclusive events. Go up a tier or two, and the extras start to stack: think private transfers, free hotel nights before or after longer cruises, and priority perks when booking onboard.

At the top, you’re getting all that plus premium event invites and the kind of behind-the-scenes access that makes you feel like a bit of a VIP.

Short story: it pays to be a repeat guest, and if you’re cruising with Scenic, odds are you’ll want to come back anyway.


FAQs

Is there a dress code onboard Scenic Cruises?

Nothing too strict. During the day, it’s all about comfort. Think casual wear for excursions and lounging on deck. In the evening, they suggest smart casual. You won’t need a tux or a ball gown, but maybe leave the boardies and flip-flops in the cabin when heading to dinner.

Can Scenic cater to dietary requirements?

Yep. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free—they’re across it. Just give them a heads-up when you book (ideally more than two months out), and let the staff know once you’re onboard. The kitchen crew will take care of the rest without making it a big deal.

What’s the average age of Scenic passengers?

Scenic tends to attract a more mature crowd. Most guests are in their 50s to 70s. But it really depends on the trip. 

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