Scenic Group reaches a milestone moment with the celebration of the fifth anniversary of Scenic Eclipse, the pioneering Discovery Yachts. Since 2019, Scenic has continuously set the benchmark for ultra-luxury ocean cruising with world-class itineraries operating in some of the most pristine and unique environments, whilst always placing the guest experience at the heart of everything they do with Scenic’s Nth degree service.
The fifth anniversary celebrations coincided with the 10 September 2019, which is when the ultra-luxury yacht was christened by Dame Helen Mirren in New York City. It was a month prior, in August 2019 when Scenic Eclipse officially set sail from Reykjavik, taking to the ocean as one of the most innovative ships of its time, whilst offering truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury. The world-class design and state-of-the-art technology of the two Discovery Yachts ensures seamless navigation around the world’s most remote locations that few will ever visit, for only up to 228 guests, and 200 guests in Antarctica. On board, guests can make the most of the sophisticated spaces designed for unwinding, including the indulgent 550m2 Senses Spa, dedicated gym, Pilates and yoga studio before enjoying unparalleled culinary flavours at one of up to 10 on board dining experiences.
The benchmark of ultra-luxury cruising continued to be raised by Scenic with the launch of Scenic Eclipse II in March 2023, including an expanded Senses Spa, a reimagined Sky Deck featuring a Vitality pool, private cabanas, and a Sky Bar. New destinations in the Oceania region have been added to the extensive portfolio whilst sister brand, Emerald Cruises, launched the next generation of small yacht cruising with Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara in 2022 and 2034 respectively, with work having just commenced on brand new luxury yacht, Emerald Kaia, due to set to sail in April 2026.
Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman, Scenic Group, said: “Since the debut of Scenic Eclipse in 2019, we have set the benchmark in ultra-luxury ocean cruising. The MKM Yachts team and our dedicated crew are very proud of the continuous innovation and unrivalled discovery yacht experiences we’ve created over the past five years.
Scenic Group is committed to establishing luxury yachts as the new growth category in ocean cruising, which extends to the expansion of Emerald Cruises, with the upcoming launch of Emerald Kaia in 2026, alongside Emerald Azzurra and Sakara.”
The highlights are bountiful; in celebration of five significant years, key milestones of the Discovery Yachts are included below:
Scenic Neptune I & II
Scenic’s Discovery Yachts hold host to custom-designed submersibles, Scenic Neptune and Scenic Neptune II. These submersibles dive up to 100 metres beneath the surface, with large, ultra-clear acrylic spheres designed for optimum viewing*. In January 2022, Scenic Neptune completed the first submersible dive in South Georgian waters in 40 years. Scenic was the first operator to be granted permission to dive submersibles on the islands, setting the benchmark. In October 2022, Scenic Neptune completed the world’s first submersible night dives off the Oaxacan coast in Mexico, marking the first commercial night dive by an expedition ship. In March 2024, the next-generation submersible which was custom-designed with Triton Submarines, Scenic Neptune II, arrived on board Scenic Eclipse II, offering a 360-degree immersive underwater experience below the surface of our oceans, and an additional two seats, allowing up to eight guests to discover the oceans depths per dive.
Wildlife wonders
In November 2023, Scenic Eclipse completed her first helicopter landing on Antarctica’s Snow Hill Island, providing the rare opportunity for guests to view a colony of more than 4,000 breading pairs of Emperor penguins. While visitors may have the chance to see a few of these majestic birds in the Weddell Sea at the start of the season, Scenic Eclipse’s two on-board helicopters offer an exclusive way for guests to witness this rare sighting. Landing approximately 1.5 kilometres from the penguin colony, Scenic’s custom-built helicopters feature the quietest engines in the sky, ensuring a serene experience that minimises disruption to the wildlife. This exclusive excursion is only available on the 22-day Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands voyage, which departs on 27 November 2024, exploring these pristine destinations, along with the fascinating wildlife and history of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
New Scenic ocean itineraries for 2025
Scenic has introduced new ocean voyage itineraries for 2025, allowing guests to experience some of the most extraordinary destinations in the world, in the comfort of truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury. In June 2025, guests can explore the coastlines and jagged cliff faces of Ireland, Scotland and Iceland on a 13-day journey inspired by myths and folklore or explore some of Indonesia’s most beautiful 18,000 islands on a 16-day cruise from Denpasar, Bali (Benoa), around the Indonesia Archipelago and on to tropical Darwin in Australia. Cruisers can cross the equator whilst journeying from Rio de Janeiro to the Spanish Riviera, stopping in West Africa, Morocco and the Canary Islands along the way on an incredible 20-day cruise setting sail in April. All new 2025 itineraries are truly all-inclusive of with memorable excursions with options to add exclusive explorations on Scenic’s state-of-the-art helicopters* and submersibles in select destinations*
In addition to new and exciting itineraries, Scenic is offering an additional exclusive saving of 5% on the following itineraries (combinable with current offers) 22 Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands (November 2024 & February 2025) & Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife (January 2025) by calling +44 161 234 2848, Offer valid only until 30 October 2024. ^
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR THE SCENIC GROUP:
As part of the Scenic Group, Scenic offers redefined luxury travel, transporting guests to the world’s most captivating destinations on all seven continents and in 2025, Scenic Eclipse II will venture further into Asia and visit East Antarctica for the first time in December 2024. Scenic is also revolutionising the river cruise market in Europe and Southeast Asia, offering ultra-luxury experiences onboard its 13 Space-Ships. In 2026, Scenic Eclipse will also navigate Europe’s rivers, including the Thames, docking in London’s vibrant city centre, and also the Baltic region.
The Scenic Group also consists of Emerald Cruises, excelling with nine Star-Ships that navigate the rivers of Europe and the Mekong. Commencing in 2024, Scenic and Emerald Cruises’ combined 18 luxury river cruise ships are currently undergoing a fleet-wide multi-year design update, including new layouts, modern furniture and sophisticated design. Scenic’s Space-Ships will be updated to reflect the design features of the ultra-luxury Discovery Yachts Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II.
Additionally, Emerald Cruises boasts two luxury yachts, Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra, which transport guests across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean and Central America. This year, it was announced the fleet is to be further enhanced with the introduction of Emerald Kaia, promising a new era of luxury yacht cruising. Sailing from the Mediterranean and Adriatic to the Aegean Seas and the Seychelles Islands, Emerald Kaia will offer an unparalleled onboard experience, blending luxury with adventure, offering state-of-the-art enhancements including a reimagined Sky Deck with private cabanas, a new internal Sky Lounge, and a Marine Deck that offers a wider range of water sport activities. Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse dining options, including the new Night Market Grill, an Asian-style grill concept that can accommodate up to eight guests, and a larger terrace for guests to enjoy al fresco dining at La Cucina restaurant. Emerald Kaia will also offer an impressive gym with an outdoor platform for indoor/outdoor activities, complemented by panoramic ocean views.
