Scenic Eclipse II
A sophisticated sojourn through the South Pacific’s hidden gems aboard one of cruising’s most exclusive vessels.
When a rather civilised champagne greets you before your cabin key does, we are off to a great start. As we stepped aboard Scenic Eclipse II at Cairns’ passenger terminal, the absence of queues and the presence of crystal flutes immediately signalled this wouldn’t be your typical cruise experience. With only 200 guests to accommodate, the embarkation process felt more akin to checking into a boutique hotel than joining a floating city.
Launched in 2023, Scenic Eclipse II represents the evolution of expedition cruising into something altogether more refined. At approximately 168 metres in length with a gross tonnage of around 17,000 tonnes, she’s deliberately intimate—what Scenic proudly calls a ‘yacht’ rather than a ship. The nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio (192 crew for 200 passengers) ensures service levels that would make a Mayfair hotel concierge envious.
Our Grand Deluxe Veranda suite, spanning 40 square metres, exemplified the vessel’s commitment to space and comfort. The fully adjustable king-size bed, separate lounge area, and marble-appointed en-suite created a sanctuary that many land-based hotels would struggle to match. The inclusion of butler service—from pillow menu consultations to morning coffee delivery—elevated the experience beyond mere accommodation to genuine hospitality.
The ship’s design philosophy becomes apparent as you explore her seven dining venues, five bars, Senses spa and a dedicated observation lounge. Particularly refreshing is the absence of evening buffet service, (buffet breakfast & lunch) replaced instead with proper restaurant dining. Elements, their Italian-International venue, delivered cuisine that exceeded expectations, although portion sizes remained sensibly restrained—a welcome departure from cruise industry excess.
The reservation-only restaurants proved to be the real gems. Night Market, accommodating just eight guests per seating, offered an intimate teppanyaki experience that became our culinary highlight. Watching chefs craft dishes inspired by Asian and Middle Eastern markets while enjoying ocean views created memories that lingered long after the final course.
The Scenic boasts an impressive array of indoor and outdoor spaces, but what truly distinguished this voyage was the open bridge policy—a refreshing throwback to cruising’s golden age when such access was standard rather than a premium experience. Throughout our thirteen-day journey, the bridge door remained open, inviting guests to witness navigation firsthand and engage with officers who clearly relished sharing their expertise.
Our South Pacific itinerary read like an explorer’s wishlist:
The true measure of any expedition cruise lies in the authenticity of its destinations and cultural encounters. Our South Pacific sojourn delivered both in abundance, weaving together pristine natural beauty with profound experiences that reminded us why this corner of the world remains so compelling. The uninhabited Njari Island with its pristine lagoon, Honiara’s wartime history, and the cultural richness of Santa Ana Island’s Spirit Houses. Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo offered natural spa experiences where freshwater springs create effervescent sensations at low tide. The voyage’s crescendo came at Tanna Island, where Mount Yasur—the world’s most accessible active volcano—has been erupting continuously since Captain Cook’s 1774 observations. From pristine lagoons to sacred volcanoes and local villages—discovering the authentic heart of Melanesia proved quite the adventure.
The ship’s expedition credentials extend beyond the itinerary to the equipment. Two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters and the submersible Scenic Neptune II (capable of 200-metre dives) for up to eight guests plus the pilot, often exploring parts of the ocean rarely seen by humans. Whilst these experiences command additional fees, they represent genuine expedition capabilities rather than marketing gimmicks.
Leadership aboard proved exceptional. Senior Captain Erwin Le Rouzic’s personal welcome to every guest and visible presence throughout the voyage demonstrated old-school seamanship values. Cruise Director Chloe Barlow and assistant Sean Fitzpatrick delivered entertainment that was simply outstanding.
The Seasoned Traveller’s Verdict
After more than one hundred cruises, we can confidently place Scenic among cruising’s elite tier. The Eclipse II succeeds where many expedition vessels fail—delivering genuine luxury without sacrificing authentic exploration. The crew’s genuine care, exceptional cuisine, and thoughtful service create an atmosphere where pampering feels natural rather than contrived.
For discerning travellers seeking expedition cruising without compromise, Scenic Eclipse II represents the gold standard. She proves that intimate scale and impeccable service remain cruising’s most valuable currencies—and that sometimes, the best adventures come wrapped in the finest linens.
Thank you, Scenic, for a marvellous experience.
