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15 Things Scenic Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines


Scenic Eclipse II isn’t just another luxury cruise ship.

In fact, Scenic doesn’t even call it a cruise ship. It’s an ultra-luxury discovery yacht, designed to combine the comfort of a six-star hotel with the kind of adventures you’d normally only expect from an expedition cruise.

After spending five nights on board (thanks to Scenic for the invite), I found plenty of things that it does differently. Some were immediately obvious, while others only became apparent after a few days.

These are the things I think Scenic does better than almost any other cruise line.

1. Every Suite Is Huge

Most cruise ships have a mix of cabins – from small inside rooms right through to lavish suites.

Scenic takes a completely different approach. Every single accommodation option on Scenic Eclipse II (and her sister Scenic Eclipse) is a suite.

Even the entry-level Verandah Suite that I stayed in is far larger than the standard balcony cabins you’ll find on most luxury cruise ships.

Scenic Eclipse II suite

My suite was the cheapest available on board, yet it still had a separate seating area, a spacious bathroom and a large private veranda.

The extra space makes a huge difference. There’s room to properly unpack, relax and spend time in your suite without feeling cramped. Many cruise lines reserve this level of comfort for their highest-paying guests. On Scenic Eclipse, everyone gets it.

You can take a closer look at my room in this video…

2. The Beds Have Remote Controls

This is a relatively simple thing, but something that we enjoyed a lot!

The bed in our suite had a remote control on each side that allowed us to adjust the position with the touch of a button. You can raise your head to read, watch television in comfort or simply relax with your feet up high.

Scenic bed

I’ve never heard of any other cruise line having remote-controlled adjustable beds. It’s one of those small touches that demonstrates just how much thought has gone into creating a luxury hotel experience rather than simply a cruise cabin.

3. Everyone Gets A Butler

Many luxury cruise lines offer butler service. The difference is that Scenic provides one for every suite. Whether you’re staying in the most affordable Verandah Suite or the most expensive penthouse, you’ll have your own butler throughout your cruise.

Your butler can arrange room service, organise laundry, make dining reservations and help with almost anything you need during your trip.

Scenic room service

What impressed me most wasn’t the service itself but how relaxed it felt. There was nothing stuffy or intimidating about it.

My butler, George, delivered room service, stocked our minibar with exactly what we’d requested and was always available if we needed anything. It never felt formal or uncomfortable, just genuinely helpful.

4. The Food Is Incredible

I’ve eaten on a lot of cruise ships, but Scenic Eclipse II served up some of the best food I’ve ever had at sea.

The ship has multiple dining venues serving everything from sushi and Asian cuisine to French fine dining and Italian favourites. All of them are included in the fare.

What really stood out wasn’t just the variety. It was the quality. Even simple dishes were exceptional. A tomato salad tasted like the best tomato salad I’d ever eaten. Plain pasta somehow tasted extraordinary.

tomato salad

The ingredients are excellent, the presentation is beautiful and every meal feels carefully considered.

One evening we enjoyed a tasting menu that seemed to go on forever, with course after course of beautifully prepared food appearing throughout the evening.

Special diets are well catered-for too, with separate vegan menus available and allergens clearly marked.

For food lovers, Scenic Eclipse is hard to beat.

5. The Wine Never Stops Flowing

Many cruise lines include drinks. Few do it quite like Scenic.

Champagne seems to appear everywhere. Guests are welcomed aboard with a glass, it’s available throughout the ship and staff seem to have a sixth sense for topping up your glass before it becomes empty.

Cruise Mummy on Scenic cruise with wine

Wine service in the restaurants is equally impressive. Rather than handing you a long wine list and leaving you to decide, the sommeliers recommend wines chosen specifically to complement each course.

The result feels much more like dining in a luxury restaurant than eating on a cruise ship.

And because the wines included in the fare are already excellent, most guests never feel the need to pay extra.

6. The Spa Is A Real Part Of The Experience

On many cruise ships, the spa feels like an extra splurge. On Scenic cruises, popping in for a sauna or a nap on a heated bed is just part of your day.

Access to the Senses Spa thermal area is included, allowing guests to enjoy steam rooms, saunas, heated loungers, experience showers and relaxation spaces whenever they wish.

Because the ship carries relatively few guests, the spa rarely feels crowded. I often found myself relaxing there after excursions, and it became one of my favourite places on board.

7. It Blends Expedition Adventure With Serious Comfort

Most cruise lines specialise in either luxury or adventure. Scenic manages to combine both.

The same ship that serves caviar and Champagne while visiting destinations like St Tropez and Portofino can also take guests to Antarctica, the Arctic and some of the world’s most remote places.

Its expedition credentials are genuine, with advanced technology, specialist equipment and a design capable of operating in polar regions. Yet at the end of an adventurous day, you’re still returning to a luxurious suite, gourmet dining and exceptional service.

Very few cruise lines deliver both experiences so successfully.

8. Included Excursions Make Exploration Effortless

One of the biggest differences I noticed on Scenic Eclipse II was how much easier port days felt.

On many cruises, you have to plan out each day. Should you book an excursion? Which one? Is it better to book with the cruise line or a third party? Is it worth the cost? Should you just explore independently instead?

With Scenic, most of those decisions disappear because a wide range of excursions are already included.

scenic excursion

Each port usually offers several options, from active hikes and bike rides to food and wine experiences, guided walking tours and panoramic sightseeing trips.

There are meetings about the excursions to help you decide which is the best for you.

I found that I actually explored more than I normally would because the excursions were already included. Instead of wandering around aimlessly, I was experiencing destinations with knowledgeable local guides and returning to the ship feeling like I’d made the most of each port.

9. Electric Bikes Are Available To Borrow

Most cruise lines don’t offer guests bicycles. You would need to go ashore and find a bicycle hire centre.

But, on selected itineraries, Scenic ships have a fleet of electric bikes available onboard for you. It’s a fantastic option for guests who want tol explore a little further than they could do on foot.

And, the electric assistance means hills become much less intimidating, allowing you to cover far greater distances than you could comfortably manage on a standard bicycle.

For active travellers, it’s another way Scenic encourages guests to experience destinations rather than simply visit them.

10. The Theatre Is Incredibly Comfortable

You won’t find Broadway-style productions or huge theatrical spectacles on Scenic cruises. That’s not really the point.

Instead, the theatre is designed for destination lectures, enrichment talks, expedition briefings and intimate entertainment performances.

Scenic Eclipse II theatre

What stood out to me was how comfortable it is. The stage is in the centre, with seats around, meaning that the performers are just a few feet away. The screen extends right around the room too. Plus, each seat reclines for ultimate comfort.

11. The Ship Feels Spacious And Calm

Wherever I went on the ship, I was constantly asking myself ‘where is everybody?’

When I first went to the pool area and saw only a handful of loungers, I was worried. That’s not many at all. Yet somehow, there were always some free.

The ship has large open spaces, that look as though they should be filled with something – yet there was no need to.

Scenic Eclipse outdoor area

And as for music? It was usually silent. No blasting party hits or loud music quizzes by the pool. Just peace and quiet.

That sense of calm creates a completely different atmosphere from a mainstream cruise ship. It’s one of the reasons the cruise felt so relaxing from the moment I stepped on board.

12. Its Super Easy To Make Friends

I wasn’t expecting this.

Luxury cruises sometimes have a reputation for being a little formal or reserved. Scenic Eclipse wasn’t like that at all.

Because the ship is relatively small, you naturally start recognising people after a day or two. You see the same faces at breakfast, on excursions and around the lounges.

Scenic Eclipse restaurant with shared table

Many of the dining venues encourage shared tables, making it easy to strike up conversations with fellow guests. And in the lounge, the seating is cleverly arranged so that it’s easy to interact.

We shared tables with people we’d never met before and ended up having some of the most enjoyable evenings of the cruise. The atmosphere felt warm, welcoming and refreshingly unpretentious.

13. The Marina Adds A Whole Extra Side To The Cruise

Most cruise ships are designed to keep you away from the water. Scenic encourages you to get into it!

The marina platform opens directly onto the sea, creating an entire watersports centre at the back of the ship.

Scenic Eclipse Marina platform

Depending on conditions and the itinerary, guests can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming directly from the yacht.

One of my favourite moments of the cruise was climbing out of the sea after paddleboarding and being handed a glass of Champagne. What an experience!

14. The Crew-To-Guest Ratio Makes A Big Difference

Scenic Eclipse carries around 200 guests on many itineraries but has almost as many crew members. The result is a crew-to-guest ratio that’s close to one-to-one.

Numbers alone don’t guarantee great service, but you certainly notice the difference.

Cocktails

Crew members quickly learn your name, remember your favourite drinks and genuinely seem to know who you are. By the second day, waiters were already asking whether I wanted the same drinks I’d ordered previously.

That level of personal service is difficult to achieve on larger ships carrying thousands of guests.

15. It Offers Experiences Most Cruise Ships Simply Can’t

This is where Scenic truly separates itself from almost every other cruise line.

The yacht carries not one but two helicopters. And on expedition voyages, it also offers rides in a custom-built submarine.

Scenic helicopter

Very few cruise ships can offer guests the chance to see remote landscapes from the air or explore beneath the ocean’s surface.

Even beyond the helicopters and submarine, Scenic Eclipse II was built for destinations that many luxury ships simply can’t reach.

It can sail in Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote regions while still providing the kind of luxury experience most travellers would associate with a high-end hotel.

Check out the best itineraries from Scenic

Sail the world in unrivalled luxury!

Final Thoughts

Scenic won’t be the right cruise line for everyone.

If you want water slides, casinos, quizzes and Broadway shows, you’ll find more suitable options elsewhere.

But if you love exceptional food, personalised service, included experiences and a calm, luxurious atmosphere, then Scenic does an extraordinary job.

What impressed me most wasn’t any single feature. It was how all of these elements come together to create an experience that feels genuinely different from every other cruise line I’ve sailed with.

Check out my YouTube video for a close look at this remarkable ship…

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What You Actually Get on an Ultra-Luxury Scenic Cruise (It’s A LOT)


Most cruise lines include accommodation, meals and entertainment. Some throw in drinks, WiFi or gratuities too. But, Scenic takes things much further.

Scenic Eclipse watersports

When I sailed on Scenic Eclipse II, I quickly realised that almost everything was included in the fare. I never had to reach for my cruise card to order drinks. In fact, I found it virtually impossible to spend any money at all.

Of course, an ultra-luxury cruise comes with a premium price tag. But when you look at everything that’s included, that starts to make much more sense.

After all, it’s not what you pay to get on the ship that’s important. It’s what you pay to get off. And for many cruisers who sail with Scenic, that will be zero.

Here’s what you actually get when you book a Scenic cruise….

1. A Spacious Veranda Suite

One thing that immediately sets Scenic cruises apart is that every guest stays in a suite.

There are no inside cabins. There are no oceanview cabins. There aren’t even standard balcony cabins. Every accommodation category comes with a private veranda, giving all guests their own outdoor space to enjoy the sea views.

Scenic Eclipse II verandah suite

I stayed in the entry-level Verandah Suite, which is officially the smallest room on the ship. Yet it still felt incredibly luxurious.

The suite featured a comfortable sitting area, a spacious bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe and a large furnished balcony. There was plenty of storage, premium toiletries and thoughtful touches throughout.

On many cruise ships, a room of this standard would be considered an upgrade. On Scenic Eclipse II, it’s simply the starting point.

2. Your Own Butler

One of the biggest surprises for first-time Scenic guests is that every suite comes with butler service.

Not just the top suites. Every suite.

Your butler can help with whatever you’d like them to. Restaurant reservations, room service requests, laundry arrangements and general assistance throughout your cruise.

If you’d like help unpacking your luggage when you arrive or packing before you leave, they can even assist with that too.

It’s the kind of service usually reserved for the most expensive accommodation on other cruise lines, yet Scenic provides it to every guest.

3. Up To 10 Dining Experiences

Most cruise lines charge extra for their best restaurants. Scenic Eclipse II takes a different approach. The ship offers up to ten dining experiences, all included in your cruise fare.

  • Elements – The main restaurant featuring Italian, steak and seafood from an à la carte menu
  • Lumière – Fine dining restaurant with a seven-course set menu
  • Koko’s – Contemporary Asian fusion restaurant
  • Sushi & Saké @ Koko’s – Sushi bar where up to 18 guests can watch as chefs prepare the meals
  • Night Market @ KoKo’s – Exclusive Teppanyaki grill experience for only eight guests
  • Chef’s Table @ Elements – Exclusive invitation-only experience for only ten guests, with a window to the kitchen
  • Azure Bar & Cafe – A relaxed cafe that’s open from early morning until late evening for meals and snacks
  • Yacht Club – A buffet-style restaurant for breakfast, lunch and special themed dinners
  • In-Suite Dining – Your personal butler can arrange for you to dine in your suite at any time of the day or night
  • Culinary Masterclasses – On some cruises, guests can enjoy local cuisine and wines at the Chefs garden or even within the galley
Kokos Sushi bar

The food on Scenic Eclipse II was genuinely the best food I’ve ever experienced on land or sea. Whether it was a seven-course meal with wine pairings, or a simple pizza at lunch, everything was cooked to perfection.

It’s worth noting that while the ship does have a lot of dining venues, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to try all of them during your cruise. Many of the venues are very small, and places book up quickly. The Chef’s Table is available by invitation only.

4. Premium Drinks Throughout The Ship

Drinks packages can easily add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a cruise.

On Scenic cruises, premium beverages are already included. That means wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, speciality coffees, teas and water are all available for you to enjoy freely.

Cruise Mummy with wine on Scenic Eclipse II

When we arrived at the ship, we were handed a welcome glass of fizz. But it didn’t stop there. Drinks were regularly offered throughout the cruise, and often at times when I wouldn’t have expected.

For example, during a hiking excursion, the guide pulled out two bottles of Italian sparkling wine as we stopped for a rest. And as we climbed back aboard the ship’s marina platform after kayaking, we were greeted with ice buckets of drinks, including several varieties of sparkling wine and Champagne.

5. A Daily-Restocked Minibar

The all-inclusive experience extends to your suite too. Every room comes with a minibar that’s restocked daily.

When we arrived, our butler asked our preferences and stocked the fridge with a bottle of my favourite wine. He also added a bottle of soya milk, which is my preferred milk for coffee, although I’m still not sure how he knew that!

mini bar

There were also carafes available should you want particular spirits, although we didn’t take advantage of this perk.

Those small details make a huge difference. After returning to the ship after an excursion, it was so nice to have cold drinks waiting in the room, and knowing that the fridge would always be stocked.

6. Tips And Gratuities

On some cruise lines, daily service charges can add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a holiday. On Scenic Eclipse, gratuities are all part of the included cost.

There’s no pressure to tip any extra or even a suggestion that you should do this. However, given that each suite has a butler, I assume that most guests would leave something for them at the end of the cruise.

7. Shipwide WiFi

Scenic cruises include WiFi throughout the ship, and in my experience, it’s faster than the WiFi that other cruise lines charge a considerable daily fee for.

I was able to upload photos and videos to social media, check emails and keep in touch with family back home without needing to purchase a separate package.

For many travellers, especially those who work remotely or like to share their travels on social media, this inclusion adds significant value.

8. The Senses Spa Thermal Area

The Senses Spa is one of the most impressive areas onboard and is free to use for all guests.

sauna

It features traditional and infrared saunas, steam rooms, heated loungers and relaxation spaces designed to help guests unwind. Outside, there’s a heated plunge pool with views over the wake.

This is the perfect place to relax after returning from an excursion.

9. Fitness Classes And Wellness Facilities

Scenic Eclipse places a strong emphasis on wellness. Guests have access to a modern gym with indoor and outdoor machines and a range of wellness-focused activities.

Whether you want to maintain your exercise routine, try a yoga class or simply enjoy a walk around the outdoor decks, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active.

There are even electric bikes that you can borrow and take ashore with you.

e-bikes

It’s easy to indulge on a luxury cruise, but Scenic also makes it easy to look after yourself.

10. Watersports From The Marina

One of the most unique features of Scenic Eclipse II is its marina.

When weather and sea conditions allow, the marina opens at the back of the ship, giving guests direct access to the water. Activities can include kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Cruise Mummy kayaking

Scenic has another cruise ship launching soon, Scenic Ikon, which will feature an even more impressive marine platform, so look out for that coming soon.

11. Shore Excursions In Port

Ordinarily, shore excursions can be one of the biggest additional expenses on a cruise holiday. Scenic includes a great selection of excursions each day through its Scenic Freechoice programme.

The exact excursions vary by itinerary, but they often include walking tours and hikes, tasting experiences and minibus trips. There’s something to suit most levels of activity.

Scenic Eclipse tender boat

As the ship is so small, excursions take place in small groups, sometimes with as few as six guests. This is a very different experience from being on an excursion with over 50 others!

I was also surprised to see evening excursions included. During our cruise, guests were also able to enjoy a private evening concert ashore with food and wine.

12. Expert-Led Expedition Experiences

This is where Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II become truly unique. While Scenic operates luxury cruises in destinations like the Mediterranean, these ships are also designed as expedition vessels, visiting the world’s most remote destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, Iceland and the Chilean Fjords.

On expedition itineraries, guests can benefit from experiences led by specialist expedition teams. Depending on the destination, this can include Zodiac landings, wildlife spotting, guided nature walks and educational lectures.

13. Access To The Bridge

Large cruise ships often offer tours of the bridge at an additional cost. Scenic, however, has an open bridge policy when operational requirements allow. So if the door’s open, you’re welcome to come in.

Me on the bridge

It’s incredible to be able to watch the crew members as they work. You’re even allowed to use the binoculars to take a closer look at your surroundings.

14. Airport To Ship Transfers

If your arrival and departure align with the itinerary’s first and last day, you’ll receive complimentary airport-to-ship and ship-to-airport transfers.

If you’ve booked through Scenic to stay at a hotel in the port city before or after your cruise, they’ll also organise transfers between your accommodation and the ship.

Depending on the number of guests on your transfer, this may be by coach or chauffeur.

What About Flights?

All Scenic Discovery Yacht Antarctica voyages include internal commercial flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. Guests staying in the top suites can enjoy travel by private jet.

Scenic sometimes has also special offers with return flights included on other itineraries, including regional UK flights on European itineraries.

Take a look at the Scenic Cruises website for more information and current offers.

Check out the best itineraries from Scenic

Sail the world in unrivalled luxury!

For all its inclusions, there are still a few things that aren’t covered, and you’ll want to be aware of these.

Helicopter Rides

Scenic Eclipse carries two onboard helicopters and due to the popularity, flights come at an additional cost.

Scenic helicopter

Each helicopter carries just seven guests. They take off straight from the ship, offering views of the scenery where it’s possible to do so. On our cruise, a 20-minute flight was priced at $500 per person, and they all sold out very quickly.

Sometimes, you may find special offers with helicopter rides included in the cruise if you book during certain periods. Take a look at the Scenic Cruises website for more information.

Submarine Rides

The ship’s custom-built submarine is another extra-charge experience. On expedition voyages, it allows guests to explore up to 1,000 feet beneath the surface in a way that very few travellers ever will.

Scenic submarine

The submarine seats six guests and costs around $800 per person, for a 40-minute ride.

Certain Wines

While premium drinks are included, a small number of ultra-premium wines and rare bottles are available for an extra charge.

scenic wine list

Spa Treatments

Access to the thermal area is included, but treatments such as massages, facials and beauty services cost extra. The prices are similar to what you would expect on a cruise.

Boutique Purchases

If you decide to do some shopping onboard, naturally those purchases aren’t included either.

Check out the best itineraries from Scenic

Sail the world in unrivalled luxury!

Is A Scenic Eclipse Cruise Worth It?

When considering a cruise, it’s vital that you look beyond the headline fare. After all, it’s not uncommon for your bill at the end to be as high as the ticket price itself.

When it comes to ultra-luxury cruising, there are huge variations in what’s included across the different lines. Scenic is certainly one of the most inclusive.

At the other end of the scale, we have the Four Seasons Yachts. The price looks similar at first glance, but doesn’t include dining, drinks or excursions. With a simple dinner costing several hundred dollars, the additional costs can quickly mount up.

So, whatever type of cruise you’re planning, it’s important to consider what’s included and what costs extra. With Scenic, the value doesn’t just come from unlimited access to what are usually ‘added extras’. It comes from the peace of mind of knowing that everything is taken care of before you depart.

If you’d like to take a closer look at what life is like onboard, then don’t miss my YouTube video:

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I Tried an Ultra-Luxury Scenic Yacht Cruise. Here’s What It Was Really Like


“This ship has two helicopters and a submarine.”

That’s what I kept telling people before boarding Scenic Eclipse II.

It sounded ridiculous.

Me with Scenic Eclipse II

This wasn’t a normal cruise ship. It was an ultra-luxury discovery yacht with butlers for every suite, almost as many crew members as guests, and a reputation for offering some of the most exclusive cruise experiences in the world.

When Scenic invited my husband and I to try out the ship, of course, we jumped at the chance!

But honestly… I wasn’t sure I was going to fit in.

I’ve cruised on everything from budget-friendly mega-ships to small, luxury sailing ships, but this felt different. I imagined strict dress codes, guests who spent more on a handbag than I did on my first car, and an atmosphere that might be more intimidating than relaxing.

I was also staying in the cheapest suite on board.

Even that felt slightly absurd. On Scenic Eclipse II, the entry-level accommodation is still a suite. It still comes with a butler. It still has a huge private balcony.

Scenic Eclipse suite

So I packed my suitcase, jumped on an EasyJet flight to Nice in the South of France, and prepared to find out what an ultra-luxury yacht cruise was really like.

As it turned out, I couldn’t have been more wrong about what to expect.

You can see how we got on in this video, or read on for all the details…

First Impressions: More Yacht Than Cruise Ship

The first thing that struck me was how small Scenic Eclipse II felt.

Not small in a cramped way. It was actually extremely spacious. But small in the way that it felt more like a private yacht than a cruise ship.

Scenic Eclipse II yacht

With around 200 guests on board, this was a completely different experience from the mainstream cruise ships I’m used to, which have ten or twenty times the number of guests.

There were no crowds, no queues and no frantic rush to claim a sun lounger.

In fact, throughout the entire cruise, I rarely felt like there were 200 people on board at all.

The atmosphere was calm from the moment we stepped on board.

Crew members seemed to learn everyone’s names almost immediately. I’d order a drink one day and be asked the following day whether I’d like the same thing again.

That level of service isn’t something I’ve experienced often. It felt personal without feeling awkward or over the top.

I’ve been on ships covered in crystals with expensive artwork and giant atriums designed to impress.

Scenic Eclipse II takes a different approach.

The design is very minimalist. It’s modern, masculine and understated. There aren’t grand staircases or over-the-top displays. Instead, everything feels calm, practical and carefully thought out.

Scenic Eclipse II bar

Even The Cheapest Suite Felt Ridiculously Luxurious

Before this cruise, I’d never stayed in a suite with a butler.

Now I can say I’ve stayed in one and still have absolutely no idea what you’re supposed to ask a butler to do.

Our suite was the entry-level accommodation category on Scenic Eclipse II, but calling it a “cabin” feels completely unfair.

It was larger than every cruise cabin I’ve stayed in, and came with a huge balcony, a separate seating area, a well-stocked minibar and more storage than we could possibly use.

The standout feature was the bed. It had a remote control on each side, so we could raise it in a variety of different positions. Perfect for wathching one of the hundreds of movies that were available on-demand on the huge TV.

It was one of those little touches that made me think, “Someone has really thought about this.”

The suite also came with fluffy robes, his and hers slippers, binoculars for watching the scenery, a coffee machine, kettle and complimentary minibar.

On the first day, our butler George asked what drinks we’d like stocked in the fridge. I mentioned rosé wine. From that point onwards, there was always a chilled bottle waiting for me.

There was even fresh soy milk waiting in the minibar every day. I still have no idea how they knew that was my preference. I suppose that’s the magic of having a butler.

The bathroom was equally impressive, complete with luxury toiletries and even a Dyson hairdryer hidden in one of the drawers.

Scenic Eclipse bathroom

Then there was the balcony. It was enormous.

Honestly, the balcony felt almost too big for the furniture provided. There were just two chairs and a small table, which seemed a little underwhelming given how much outdoor space there was. The balcony could have easily fit a dining table, sun loungers or even a hammock!

balcony space

Still, when you’re sitting outside watching the French Riviera drift by, it’s difficult to complain too much.

The Helicopters Were Impressive. The Water Sports Were Better.

One of the first things we did after boarding was head outside to see one of the ship’s helicopters.

me and husband sitting in Scenic Eclipse helicopter

Yes, helicopters. Plural. Scenic Eclipse II actually carries two helicopters, along with a submarine for selected itineraries.

The helicopter pilot was happy to chat with guests, and we even got to sit inside one of the helicopters. It was definitely one of those “wow” moments that reminded me this wasn’t an ordinary cruise ship.

The helicopter flights weren’t included, though.

A 20-minute flight costs around $500 per person, which is about what I’d usually spend on a week-long cruise. I’m sure the views are incredible, but personally I couldn’t quite justify it.

The thing I enjoyed most was something that didn’t cost extra at all.

The marina platform at the back of the ship opens directly onto the sea, turning the yacht into a floating watersports centre.

marina platform

During our cruise, we were able to kayak, paddleboard and swim straight from the ship. I loved it.

One afternoon I simply floated in the Mediterranean wearing a life jacket, staring up at the yacht and wondering how this had somehow become my job.

husband and I kayaking from the ship

Then, when we climbed back on board, there was champagne waiting. That felt peak luxury.

Of course, there’s one feature I haven’t mentioned yet – the submarine.

When I told people I was cruising on Scenic Eclipse II, that was usually the thing that got the biggest reaction.

Scenic Eclipse submarine
Photo: Scenic

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see it. I learned that the submarine is only operational on selected expedition cruises and isn’t used on Mediterranean itineraries like mine.

In fact, submarine operations are generally reserved for the more adventurous voyages to remote destinations where exploring beneath the surface becomes part of the experience.

I think the fact that the ship has a submarine says a lot about what Scenic Eclipse was designed to be.

This isn’t simply a luxury yacht. It’s an expedition vessel that just happens to be incredibly luxurious.

One day guests might be paddleboarding off the back of the ship in the Mediterranean. On another itinerary, they could be exploring polar regions by Zodiac, spotting wildlife from the observation decks or descending beneath the ocean’s surface in a six-figure submarine.

That’s a pretty unique combination.

The Food Completely Blew Me Away

I can honestly say that Scenic has the best food I’ve ever experienced. Not just on a cruise, but anywhere. The food on Scenic Eclipse II was consistently exceptional.

The yacht has several restaurants, including French, Asian, Italian and sushi venues, all included in the fare.

There’s also a lovely café that’s open from 6 am until 9 pm. I loved that we were able to eat here whenever we fancied – that’s a privilege that’s not usually available on a small ship.

What impressed me most wasn’t the fancy dishes. It was the simple ones.

A tomato salad shouldn’t be memorable. Neither should plain pasta with garlic. Yet somehow Scenic’s chefs managed to make even the simplest dishes taste incredible. Every ingredient felt fresh. Every plate looked beautiful. Everything was cooked perfectly.

tomato salad

I’m sure that if you were to order lobster, steak and caviar you might enjoy the food even more. But rather than just focusing on these showstopper dishes, I loved that the Scenic chefs made every dish exquisite, rather than adding on vegan and vegetarian dishes as an afterthought.

One evening, we enjoyed a tasting menu that officially had seven courses. I’m convinced it was closer to twenty. Every time I thought we’d reached dessert, another little course appeared.

There were palate cleansers, sorbets, tiny appetisers and beautifully presented dishes arriving one after another. I stopped counting and simply enjoyed it.

If you’re a foodie, I genuinely think Scenic Eclipse II could ruin other cruise ships for you. The standard is that high.

Drinks Are Included, But Not In The Way You Might Expect

One thing that took me a little while to get used to on Scenic Eclipse II was how drinks work.

Scenic cocktails

Almost everything is included, but there aren’t really any drinks menus. In the pool bar, there wasn’t a menu at all.

In the main lounge, menus did exist, but they weren’t something guests seemed to use very often. If I asked for one, a crew member would usually disappear to find it.

At first, I found that a bit strange. I’m the kind of person who likes to browse a cocktail menu and see what’s available. But Scenic takes a different approach. Instead, you simply tell the bartenders what you’d like and they’ll make it.

Want a mojito? No problem. Fancy something fruity? They’ll create something for you. Prefer whisky cocktails? They’ll happily recommend one.

The same approach extends to the restaurants. Rather than handing out lengthy wine lists, the sommeliers often come around with a couple of carefully selected bottles and explain why they’ve been chosen to complement the meal.

You can request a wine list if you want one, and there are premium wines available for an extra charge, but most guests seemed perfectly happy with the included options. And honestly, so was I.

Scenic wine list

The wine was excellent.

In fact, one of the dangers of a Scenic Eclipse cruise is that your glass is never empty for very long. The moment it reaches about a quarter full, someone appears to top it up.

You board with champagne. You have wine with lunch. A glass of wine from the mini bar on the balcony in the afternoon. Wine with dinner.

Cruise Mummy with wine

I genuinely lost track of how much I’d had on several occasions. Not because I was trying to drink a lot, but because the service was so seamless that the wine just kept appearing.

At one point, during a dinner with a wine-pairing menu, I looked down to see I had five drinks in front of me!

glasses of wine on the table at dinner

It’s a wonderfully indulgent experience.

I Expected Snobbery. Instead I Made Friends.

This was probably the biggest surprise of the entire cruise.

Before boarding, I’d worried that an ultra-luxury yacht might feel intimidating. It didn’t. Not even slightly. In fact, the guests were some of the friendliest people I’ve met on a cruise.

Matt and Jenni on the top deck of Scenic Eclipse II

One evening we were seated with an Australian couple we’d never met before. On another night we shared a table with people we’d met during an excursion. Both evenings were fantastic.

With only around 200 guests on board, you quickly start recognising familiar faces. You bump into the same people in the lounge, on excursions and at dinner.

The furniture on the ship is subtly arranged in a way that brings people together. By the end of the cruise it felt less like being on a ship full of strangers and more like being part of a small community.

Scenic Eclipse cafe table

The guests were also more varied than I’d expected. There were plenty of people in their 40s and 50s, as well as the typical retirees I expected. We met guests from Britain, America and across Europe.

If you’re worried that an ultra-luxury cruise will feel stuffy or pretentious, that certainly wasn’t my experience.

The Included Excursions Changed The Pace Of The Cruise

One thing Scenic does particularly well is excursions, which are all included. That might sound like a small detail, but it changes the entire rhythm of the cruise.

On many cruises, I’ll often wander around a port independently. But when excursions are already included, it makes sense to take advantage of them.

During our sailing we visited Portofino and Santa Margherita in Italy, Alghero in Sardinia, Calvi in Corsica and St Tropez in France.

Portofino

The available excursions ranged from active hikes and walking tours to food and wine experiences. There was something for every fitness level.

The downside? Most excursions started quite early.

We often found ourselves setting alarms for around 6 am to make sure we had time for breakfast before heading ashore at 8 am.

But honestly, it was worth it. The included excursions helped us experience destinations in a much deeper way than we otherwise might have done.

The Senses Spa Was Surprisingly Quiet

One inclusion that doesn’t get talked about enough is the Senses Spa.

On most cruise ships, access to thermal spa facilities costs extra. On Scenic Eclipse II, it’s included.

The spa includes steam rooms, saunas, experience showers, heated loungers and relaxation areas designed to help you completely switch off.

One of my favourite spaces was the salt therapy relaxation room, which has heated beds that are almost impossible not to fall asleep on.

What surprised me most was how quiet it was. Despite there being around 200 guests on board, the spa was often empty. I usually had the entire place to myself!

The spa is divided into separate men’s and women’s areas, although staff explained that if it’s quiet, couples can often use the facilities together, provided nobody else is using that section.

It felt very different from the thermal suites I’ve experienced on larger cruise ships, where you pay around $100 and then finding an available lounger can sometimes be a challenge.

Like so many things on Scenic Eclipse II, there simply weren’t crowds.

After a morning hiking in Sardinia or exploring the streets of St Tropez, returning to the ship and spending an hour in the spa became one of my favourite parts of the day.

It perfectly matched the relaxed pace of life on board.

The Dress Code Caught Us Out

One thing I struggled with before the cruise was deciding what to pack.

The atmosphere on board is very relaxed during the day. People wear hiking clothes, casual outfits and practical clothing for excursions.

Evenings are a little smarter. Not formal. Just smart.

I somehow managed to get this slightly wrong. My husband had packed smart tailored shorts to wear with collared shirts in the evening.

When we arrived, we discovered that men are expected to wear trousers for dinner.

Thankfully, it wasn’t a big issue. No jackets or ties were required and smart trainers were also acceptable. For anyone planning a Scenic Eclipse cruise, I’d describe the dress code as elegant but comfortable.

One Area Where Scenic Eclipse Falls Short

There was only one thing I felt was slightly lacking – Entertainment.

That’s not necessarily a criticism because Scenic Eclipse isn’t trying to compete with large cruise ships in this area.

If you’re expecting Broadway-style productions, comedians, game shows and late-night parties, you’ll be disappointed.

The evening entertainment was centred around a couple of talented singers, a pianist in the lounge and perhaps the occasional movie in the theatre.

Scenic entertainment

But the focus here isn’t really on the entertainment. It’s on the destinations, the food, the service and the overall experience.

Most evenings we found ourselves enjoying a leisurely dinner, a few glasses of wine and an early night before rising early for the next day’s adventure. And honestly, that suited this style of cruise perfectly.

So, Who Is Scenic Really For?

Before planning this cruise, I assumed Scenic Eclipse II was mainly for wealthy retirees who wanted a luxury Mediterranean cruise.

After spending a week on board, I realised it’s much more versatile than that.

The Mediterranean itinerary I experienced was all about small and beautiful ports, included excursions, incredible food and relaxing afternoons at sea. We visited places including Portofino, Alghero, Calvi and St Tropez, with opportunities to hike, explore local towns and enjoy watersports directly from the marina platform.

But that’s only one side of what Scenic Eclipse does.

This ship was actually built as an expedition yacht. While I was sipping rosé in the Mediterranean sunshine, the same ship also spends part of the year exploring some of the most remote places on Earth.

Depending on the itinerary, guests can sail to destinations including Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and South America. On those voyages, the experience will be completely different.

Instead of wandering around glamorous Mediterranean ports, guests head out in Zodiac boats to explore glaciers, icebergs and wildlife. Expedition teams lead shore landings and educational talks, helping guests learn about the environments they’re visiting. Some itineraries even offer opportunities to spot penguins, whales, polar bears and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

That’s one of the things I found most fascinating about Scenic Eclipse. Most ships are designed for one type of holiday. This ship somehow manages to do both.

Scenic Eclipse ii

One month it might be taking guests paddleboarding in the Mediterranean. The next, it could be navigating through Antarctic ice with passengers heading ashore in Zodiacs.

So who is Scenic Eclipse really for? I’d say it’s for travellers who want luxury, but who are also curious about the world.

It’s for food lovers, adventure seekers and people who enjoy exploring destinations in depth rather than simply ticking them off a list.

It’s also ideal for those who love the idea of an expedition cruise but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. It allows you to spend the morning spotting wildlife from a Zodiac and the evening enjoying a multi-course gourmet dinner with fine wine.

If your perfect cruise involves waterslides, big production shows and lively nightlife, Scenic Eclipse probably isn’t the right fit.

But if you’d rather spend your days exploring incredible destinations and your evenings enjoying exceptional food and service in a relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this ship.

Check out the best itineraries from Scenic

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My Final Thoughts

When I boarded Scenic Eclipse II in Nice, I worried that I might feel out of place. Instead, I spent a week feeling completely at home.

Yes, the yacht has helicopters. Yes, it has a submarine. Yes, every suite comes with a butler. But those weren’t the things I’ll remember most.

I’ll remember paddleboarding in crystal-clear water off the back of the yacht. I’ll remember sharing dinner with people who were strangers a few hours earlier. I’ll remember admiring the sunset from my balcony with a glass of rosé from my fully stocked minibar.

sunset

And I’ll definitely remember the food.

Most of all, I’ll remember how relaxed everything felt.

Scenic Eclipse II is undoubtedly luxurious. But it isn’t intimidating. It isn’t pretentious. And it isn’t trying to show off.

It’s simply one of the most enjoyable cruise experiences I’ve ever had.

Check out the best itineraries from Scenic

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Jenni with Disney Cruise ship at Castaway Cay




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