Scenic Eclipse, world’s first Discovery Yacht, sets new standards for expedition sailings
Boston & Vancouver, January 2017 – Most travel is best classified as a trip or vacation; there are a few travel opportunities better described as an event that changes your life. Most expedition ships are best classified as comfortable conveyances; there are a few described as luxury. Finding a ship that matches both the bucket-list type trip and a level of luxury that is far above all others narrows the field to one – Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ Scenic Eclipse. Scenic’s 11-day “Ultimate Antarctica” aboard Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first Discovery Yacht, takes in the endless, white wilderness of Antarctica, boasting landscapes as awe-inspiring and unchanged as the day that man first set eyes upon them. The 228-guest ship (capped at 200 for Antarctica sailings) sets a new standard for expedition craft – with experts, technology and safety standards that exceeds all others while surrounding guests with a level of luxury usually only seen in the best five-star resorts. This fully-inclusive itinerary has six departures, December 2018 through February 2019. Fare savings are being offered through late February 2017 on these and other Scenic Eclipse sailings.
Although Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest and cleanest continent on Earth, it is still teeming with life. A range of activities highlighting the continent’s vibrancy await guests on the six-day stay in Antarctica: Zodiac expeditions to penguin colonies; kayaking amongst the icebergs; helicopter trips to spots few have ever adventured to; and dropping below the water’s surface for a peak at seals and whales in their natural habitat. Experts on board cover a diverse range of topics – geology, marine biology, ornithology, history, etc., both in lectures and as guides.
Adding even more to the uniqueness of the product, the Scenic Eclipse will take guests to places previously thought inaccessible by using its two on-board helicopters as well as a seven-seat submarine, offering a whole new dimension of wonder. While these twin-engine helicopters take guests beyond the horizon, the custom-built submarine will be providing optimal sightseeing to the rarely-visited world below the water surface.
Departing Ushuaia, Argentina, guests should feel at ease during the passage with Scenic Eclipse’s innovative zero-speed stabilizer fins, which are 50% larger than standard to provide even greater stability. These sophisticated stabilizers, normally only found on the largest private super yachts, also work when the ship is stationary, further enhancing guest comfort.
The multi-day crossing is also a time that is not to be ignored. Lectures from the resident experts are interspersed with many of the on-board luxuries. The near 5,000 sq. ft. spa offers a host of massage possibilities, yoga or Pilates workouts, a full gym or a relaxing soak in any of the indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and plunge pools. Sharing drinks and meeting new friends at one of the bars or lounges precedes dining at any of six on-board choices – from contemporary fine dining with French cuisine, to Pan Asian, Italian and steak to casual al-fresco dining on the Pool Deck or in the Ocean Cafe Lounge.
The ultra-luxury mega yacht has 114 all-veranda suites: from the spacious 344 sq. ft. Verandah Suite to the over-the-top 2,500 sq. ft. two-bedroom Owner’s Penthouse Suite. Scenic’s signature brand of all-inclusive luxury means guests will enjoy the highest level of inclusions – all meals (no surcharge at any on-board dining venue), complimentary top-shelf beverages all day every day, butler service with an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio and on-board entertainment and lectures in the 240-seat theater. As with all Scenic cruises, all tips and gratuities are included as is complimentary Wi-Fi, expert local guides for included shore excursions, a choice of included Scenic Freechoice activities to personalize the guest experience plus numerous Scenic Enrich special events.
The Eclipse brochure details 18 different itineraries and is available on the Scenic website. Scenic offers award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and elsewhere, while offering the same level of expertise and truly all-inclusive river cruises in Europe, the Mekong and Irrawaddy.
Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures, and reservations can be obtained via travel agents or in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone 866-689-8611; or e-mail: canada@scenic.ca; and the US: www.scenicusa.com; phone (844)788-7985; or e-mail: info@scenicusa.com. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the website.