Ultimate Mediterranean Delights: Athens to Bordeaux
Ultimate Mediterranean Delights: Athens to Bordeaux
Cruise overview
Cruise ID
SCENIC252M280626-2
Cruise Line
Cruise Type
Ocean
Ship
Duration
22 nights
Departure Port
Destination
Bordeaux
Departure Date
28 Jun 26
From £26,695pp
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Day 1
Piraeus (Greece)
About Piraeus
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.
Day 2
Mykonos (Greece)
About Mykonos
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
Day 3
Santorini (Greece)
About Santorini
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.
Day 4
Khania (Greece)
About Khania
The second-largest city in Crete and capital of the Homonym Prefecture, Chania is located in Minoan Kidonia at the end of the Homonym Gulf between the Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. Chania City is divided into two parts; the Old Town, which is comprised of several connected districts built around the old Venetian Harbour, and New Town, a larger, more modern city whose centre is situated next to, and south of, the Old Town. The Old Town is home to Venetian buildings and Turkish elements that combine to create a unique architectural style, and is considered to be the most beautiful urban district on Crete. It was once surrounded by old Venetian fortifications that separated it from the New Town; however, only the eastern and western parts remain today. Due to its compact size, Skiathos can be easily explored in just a single day.
Day 6
Giardini Naxos (Italy)
About Giardini Naxos
Day 7
Lipari (Italy)
About Lipari
The largest and most developed of the Aeolians, Lipari welcomes you with distinctive pastel-color houses. Fields of spiky agaves dot the northernmost tip of the island, Acquacalda, indented with pumice and obsidian quarries. In the west is San Calogero, where you can explore hot springs and mud baths. From the red-lava base of the island rises a plateau crowned with a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral.
Day 8
Porto Cervo (Italy)
About Porto Cervo
Day 9
Mahón, Menorca (Spain)
About Mahón, Menorca
The capital of Menorca since 1721, Mahon has a impressive natural deep water harbour, which is one of the largest in the world. This, coupled with its strategic location, has made it a stronghold for many nations throughout history. Mahon has an abundance of historical buildings, the oldest being the Arch of Saint Roc which is all that remains of the wall that once encircled the whole town. The island was occupied by the British during the 18th century and Lord Nelson is thought to have stayed there. Indeed, San Antoni Mansion, located on the north side of the harbour, houses a collection of Nelson memorabilia. The legacy of colonial rule can be seen in the muted Georgian style of some of the buildings, but Mahon still boasts attractive examples of neo-Classical, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. With narrow streets to explore, pleasant shaded squares and welcoming pavement cafés, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please be aware that most shops in town close for a siesta between 1330 and 1730.
Day 10
Ibiza (Spain)
About Ibiza
Hedonistic and historic, Eivissa (Ibiza, in Castilian) is a city jam-packed with cafés, nightspots, and trendy shops; looming over it are the massive stone walls of Dalt Vila —the medieval city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999—and its Gothic cathedral. Squeezed between the north walls of the old city and the harbor is Sa Penya, a long labyrinth of stone-paved streets that offer some of the city's best offbeat shopping, snacking, and exploring. The tourist information office on Vara de Rey has a useful map of walks through the old city.
Day 11
Cartagena (Spain)
About Cartagena
A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port.
Day 12
Málaga (Spain)
About Málaga
As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.
Day 13
Tangier (Morocco)
About Tangier
Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city.
Day 14
Seville (Spain)
About Seville
Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.
Day 15
Seville (Spain)
About Seville
Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.
Day 16
Portimão (Portugal)
About Portimão
Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive cruise port as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets—though sadly many of the more traditional retailers have closed in the wake of the global economic crisis. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled (lots of the coastal cruises depart from here). Don’t leave without stopping for an alfresco lunch at the Doca da Sardinha ("sardine dock") between the old bridge and the railway bridge. You can sit at one of many inexpensive establishments, eating charcoal-grilled sardines (a local specialty) accompanied by chewy fresh bread, simple salads, and local wine.
Day 17
Lisbon (Portugal)
About Lisbon
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
Day 18
Leixões (Portugal)
About Leixões
Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using it as a trading post, Oporto has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of the fortified, sweet 'port' wine. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city was also awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2001. A large sandbar prevents ships from sailing into Oporto itself, so for over a century they have used nearby Leixões instead, a man-made seaport constructed nine miles from the city. Leixões is one of Portugal's major sea ports and is also home to one of the country's oldest football clubs, winners of the Taça de Portugal cup in 1961.
Day 19
Ferrol (Spain)
About Ferrol
El Ferrol has been inextricably linked to the sea for more than two millennia, being a major shipbuilding centre for most of its history. From its beginnings as a tiny fishing port in the 1st century BC, it endured conquests by Vandals, Suebis, Arabs and Christians. With the arrival of the Bourbons in the 18th century, Ferrol became a leading maritime centre, largely due to its large natural harbour on the Ferrol Inlet, an arm of the Atlantic. Now a large commercial port, Ferrol is also the gateway to the northern Spanish province of Galicia, a region noted for its green mountains, deep gorges and fast-flowing rivers. It is also well placed for visiting the medieval holy city of Santiago de Compostela. Interestingly, Ferrol's city centre is modelled on Lisbon in Portugal, a country with which it has strong historical and linguistic ties. The layout comprises of a rectangle lined with six parallel streets, with two squares on each side. These squares have the city's best shops, restaurants and bars.
Day 20
Aviles (Spain)
About Aviles
Day 21
Bilbao (Spain)
About Bilbao
Time in Bilbao (Bilbo, in Euskera) may be recorded as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim or After Guggenheim). Never has a single monument of art and architecture so radically changed a city. Frank Gehry's stunning museum, Norman Foster's sleek subway system, the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge and airport, the leafy César Pelli Abandoibarra park and commercial complex next to the Guggenheim, and the Philippe Starck AlhóndigaBilbao cultural center have contributed to an unprecedented cultural revolution in what was once the industry capital of the Basque Country.Greater Bilbao contains almost 1 million inhabitants, nearly half the total population of the Basque Country. Founded in 1300 by Vizcayan noble Diego López de Haro, Bilbao became an industrial center in the mid-19th century, largely because of the abundance of minerals in the surrounding hills. An affluent industrial class grew up here, as did the working class in suburbs that line the Margen Izquierda (Left Bank) of the Nervión estuary.Bilbao's new attractions get more press, but the city's old treasures still quietly line the banks of the rust-color Nervión River. The Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)—also known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets)—is a charming jumble of shops, bars, and restaurants on the river's Right Bank, near the Puente del Arenal bridge. This elegant proto-Bilbao nucleus was carefully restored after devastating floods in 1983. Throughout the Casco Viejo are ancient mansions emblazoned with family coats of arms, wooden doors, and fine ironwork balconies. The most interesting square is the 64-arch Plaza Nueva, where an outdoor market is pitched every Sunday morning.Walking the banks of the Nervión is a satisfying jaunt. After all, this was how—while out on a morning jog—Guggenheim director Thomas Krens first discovered the perfect spot for his project, nearly opposite the right bank's Deusto University. From the Palacio de Euskalduna upstream to the colossal Mercado de la Ribera, parks and green zones line the river. César Pelli's Abandoibarra project fills in the half mile between the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna bridge with a series of parks, the Deusto University library, the Meliá Bilbao Hotel, and a major shopping center.On the left bank, the wide, late-19th-century boulevards of the Ensanche neighborhood, such as Gran Vía (the main shopping artery) and Alameda de Mazarredo, are the city's more formal face. Bilbao's cultural institutions include, along with the Guggenheim, a major museum of fine arts (the Museo de Bellas Artes) and an opera society (Asociación Bilbaína de Amigos de la Ópera, or ABAO) with 7,000 members from Spain and southern France. In addition, epicureans have long ranked Bilbao's culinary offerings among the best in Spain. Don't miss a chance to ride the trolley line, the Euskotram, for a trip along the river from Atxuri Station to Basurto's San Mamés soccer stadium, reverently dubbed "la Catedral del Fútbol" (the Cathedral of Football).
Day 22
Bordeaux (France)
About Bordeaux
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
Day 23
Bordeaux (France)
About Bordeaux
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
Owner's Penthouse Suites
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 4
Handcrafted and extraordinary in every way, our Owner’s Penthouse Suites are the ultimate indulgence. Boasting the best views on board, a private spa pool on the spacious terrace, dedicated lounge and dining area, a super-sized bathroom with dual vitality mist showers, and a personalised butler service, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Suite Features
At an enormous 195m² in size, the Owner’s Penthouse Suites are located on Deck 9.
Suite names and amenities are the same across both Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, however, both have been thoughtfully curated to suit the cruising experience of these ships.
Spacious Terrace & Pool
Your curved terrace, complete with a personal private spa pool and sun loungers, is the perfect place to indulge in ultra-luxury relaxation.
Super-sized Bathroom
Featuring a super-sized bathroom, your relaxation and comfort are enhanced with a dual steam shower, therapeutic spa bath and guest powder room with dual vanity.
Priority Reservations & Embarkation
Guests in our Owner’s Penthouse Suite will enjoy the privilege of priority dining in the specialty restaurants as well as priority choice of Scenic Freechoice, Scenic Discovery, helicopter^ and submersible^ excursions. VIP embarkation and disembarkation are standard inclusions at the start and finish of your cruise.
Amenities & Features
- Spacious terrace with lounge area, sun loungers and private spa pool
- Spa Day Bed - transforming for in-suite private spa experience
- A separate bedroom with luxury king-size Scenic Slumber Bed and his and hers walk-in wardrobe
- Personalised butler service
- Therapeutic spa bath
- Dual vitality mist shower with colour light therapy
- Guest powder room, dual vanity, VIP amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Walk-in robe
- In-suite dining with seating for up to eight guests
- A full complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagnes and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stocked daily
- Canapes and petite fours delivered to your suite
- Complimentary laundry service~
- Guaranteed dining reservations
- Priority choice of shore excursions
- VIP embarkation and disembarkation
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Panorama & Grand Panorama Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Marvel at incredible panoramic seascapes from the front of Scenic Eclipse as you relax on your spacious terrace in our luxurious Panorama Suites.
Located on Deck 6 and 8 at the front of the Discovery Yacht and overlooking the bow, these remarkable suites feature a spacious curved terrace, perfect for marvelling at incredible wildlife and landscapes.
Suite Features
Ranging in size from 105-110m², grandeur and style are taken to a whole new level in our Panorama and Grand Panorama Suites.
Suite names and amenities are the same across both Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, however, both have been thoughtfully curated to suit the cruising experience of these ships.
Separate Lounge & Bedroom
These grand suites include a host of special features and services. Curl up in your lounge with a kindle e-book from your in-suite library and sip your favourite aperitif, personally delivered by your butler. All before enjoying an intimate dining experience, in the plush and private surroundings of your suite. Even from the comfort of your bedroom, you’ll never miss a photo opportunity – accessing the outside world through your drop-down balcony window, with the gentle touch of a button, and with your in-suite binoculars.
Spacious Terrace
Your curved terrace is the perfect place to relax on a sun lounger and be the first to spot wildlife and incredible landscapes.
Luxurious Bathroom
The luxurious Panorama Suite bathrooms feature a vitality mist shower with colour light therapy, full bath, dual vanity, VIP amenities and Dyson hairdryer.
Priority Reservations & Embarkation
Guests in our Panorama Suites will enjoy the privilege of priority dining in the specialty restaurants as well as priority choice of Scenic Freechoice, Scenic Discovery, helicopter^ and submersible^ excursions. VIP embarkation and disembarkation are standard inclusions at the start and finish of your cruise.
Amenities & Features
- Spacious terrace with sun loungers and in-suite binoculars for optimal viewing
- Bedroom suite with luxury king size Scenic Slumber Bed, reading alcove, walk-in robe, desk, ambient lighting options and HDTV
- Spacious bathroom with vitality mist shower with colour light therapy, full bath, dual vanity, VIP amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Personalised butler service, in-suite beverage and dining service
- Separate lounge and dining area with a four-seat dining table, cinema surround HDTV with Bose® speakers
- A full complementary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagne and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stocked daily
- Complimentary laundry service~
- Priority dining in specialty restaurants and guaranteed dining reservations
- Priority choice of shore excursions
- VIP embarkation and disembarkation
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Spa Suites
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Imagine returning from an exhilarating day of all-inclusive excursions to your private hideaway and relaxing in your luxurious spa bath. Our indulgent Spa Suites will provide the ultimate rejuvenation.
Suite Features
Ranging in size from 46-50m², our Spa Suites are located on Deck 8 and 9.
Suite names and amenities are the same across both Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, however, both have been thoughtfully curated to suit the cruising experience of these ships.
Lounge and Sleeping Area
With a premier location on the higher Decks 8 and 9 and an impressive 46-50m2 in size, our opulent Spa Suites provide the most inviting of ultra-luxury retreats. Featuring a separate sleep zone with a four-poster king-size Scenic Slumber Bed, a lounge area as well as a private verandah, they are the perfect retreat after a day of discovery.
Luxurious Spa
Step into the private sanctuary of your Spa Suite and soak in a steaming bath drawn by your butler. Gaze out over your verandah to the vistas beyond and sip on a glass of Champagne – heaven.
Scenic Eclipse I features the signature double-sized Philippe Starck-designed spa bath, while Scenic Eclipse II offers a luxurious circular spa bath overlooking your verandah. Exclusive to these suites, the baths provide the perfect way to rejuvenate after your day of activities.
There are variations between the Spa Suite configurations on Scenic Eclipse I and II, and these distinctions are subject to the respective ship's specifications and design.
Private Verandah
Your private verandah is the perfect place to unwind. Be immersed in the tranquillity of the sea or be the first to catch sight of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Amenities & Features
- Luxury king-size Scenic Slumber Bed, separate sleeping zone and lounge area with reading chair
- An expansive bathroom with a rectangular spa bath on Scenic Eclipse I and circular spa bath on Scenic Eclipse II
- A steam shower, with oversized head and soothing light therapy
- Dual vanity basins, luxurious amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Walk-in robe
- A full complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagnes and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stoked daily.
- Personalised butler service
- Complimentary laundry service~
- Guaranteed dining reservations
- Priority choice of shore excursions
- VIP embarkation and disembarkation
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Our generously-sized Grand Deluxe Verandah Suites are your own private hideaway, furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities, including a plush king-size bed, pillow menu, walk-in wardrobe and a lounge area to relax in after a day of discovery.
Suite Features
Ranging in size from 32 - 34m², located on Deck 5 to 8, each suite includes:
Lounge & Sleeping Area
Your private hideaway is furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities, including plush king-size bed, pillow menu and a lounge area where you can relax after a day of discovery.
Private Verandah
Admire your window to the world. These incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto sprawling vistas, spectacular seascapes and marvellous marine life. Your private verandah or terrace is the perfect place to unwind as a new world of wonder moves by.
Amenities & Features
- A private verandah with in-suite binoculars for optimal viewing
- Luxury king-size Scenic Slumber Bed
- Separate sleeping zone and lounge area
- En-suite bathroom with shower and vanity
- Luxury bathroom amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Ambient lighting options
- Personalised butler service
- A full complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagne and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stocked daily
- In-suite beverage and dining service
- HDTV entertainment system and Bose® speakers
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Verandah and Deluxe Verandah Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Our spacious Verandah & Deluxe Verandah Suites are thoughtfully designed with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a private verandah or terrace. Enjoy unwinding in the separate lounge area with your choice of refreshment.
Suite Features
Ranging in size from 32 - 34m², located on Deck 5 to 8, each suite includes:
Lounge & Sleeping Area
Your private hideaway is furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities, including plush king-size bed, pillow menu and a lounge area where you can relax after a day of discovery.
Private Verandah
Admire your window to the world. These incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto sprawling vistas, spectacular seascapes and marvellous marine life. Your private verandah or terrace is the perfect place to unwind as a new world of wonder moves by.
Amenities & Features
- A private verandah with in-suite binoculars for optimal viewing
- Luxury king-size Scenic Slumber Bed
- Separate sleeping zone and lounge area
- En-suite bathroom with shower and vanity
- Luxury bathroom amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Ambient lighting options
- Personalised butler service
- A full complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagne and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stocked daily
- In-suite beverage and dining service
- HDTV entertainment system and Bose® speakers
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Scenic Eclipse II
Designed as a sister ship to Scenic Eclipse, our newest Discovery Yacht features enhanced wellness experiences in the Senses Spa and a new Sky Bar and Vitality pool on Deck 10. Scenic Eclipse II will sail the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere in 2024 and 2025, including the next frontier of East Antarctica, Australia, the South Pacific and Asia.
Ship Facts
| Speed | 17 | ||||||||||
| Width | 22 | ||||||||||
| Length | 168 | ||||||||||
| Capacity | 228 | ||||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||||
| Language | en-US | ||||||||||
| Crew Count | 176 | ||||||||||
| Deck Count | 8 | ||||||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||||||
| Cabin Count | 114 | ||||||||||
| Launch Year | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 17085 | ||||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
|
||||||||||
| Large Cabin Count | 0 | ||||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 0 |
Deck 10
- Sky Deck Bar
- Sky Deck Pool
- Cabanas
- Elevator
Deck 9
- Owner's Penthouse Suite
- Two-bedroom Penthouse Suite
- Spa Suite
- Elevator
Deck 8
- Panorama Suite
- Spa Suite
- Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Verandah Suite
- Helicopter Hangar
- Helipad
- Elevator
Deck 7
- Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Verandah Suite
- Yacht Club
- Yacht Club Outdoor Dining
- Hanging Chairs
- Elevator
- Yoga & Pilates
- Gym & Fitness Area
- Wheelhouse
Deck 6
- Grand Panorama Suite
- Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Verandah Suite
- Elevator
- Spa Vitality Pool
- Senses Spa
Deck 5
- Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Verandah Suite
- Elevator
- Self-Service Laundry
- Lumière
- Azure Bar & Café
- Scenic Épicure
- Observation Lounge & Library
- Observation Terrace
- Marina Entrances
Deck 4
- Elevator
- Koko's
- Night Market @ Koko's
- Sushi @ Koko's
- Chef's Table @ Elements
- Elements
- Guest Services
- Scenic Lounge
- Scenic Bar
- Boutique
- Theatre
Deck 3
- Elevator
- Marina Entrances
- Medical Centre
- Self-Service Guest Laundry
- Discovery Centre
With up to 10 unique dining experiences featuring a range of flavours and cuisines, you can pick the setting to match your mood.
Dining and beverages curated to your tastes
- Culinary team of over 38 chefs from 15 countries
- More than 3,000 recipes in the menu repertoire curated to reflect the regions we sail in
- Locally sourced produce
- Delectable options to suit all dietary requirements - from gluten-free to vegetarian, vegan and more
- Premium selection of beverages available all day
- A range of over 100 premium Champagne, sparkling, red, white, rosé and dessert wines, with daily selections inspired by your destination
Koko's Asian Fusion
Experience: complimentary
Food: asian
Enjoy contemporary Asian fusion in a vibrant ambience. Traditional ingredients and innovative techniques interweave to celebrate the diverse flavours of Asia. Up to 26 guests can be seated for dinner service at either regular tables or sunken seating inspired by traditional Japanese dining practices. Sample from share plates to discover new flavours as you enjoy the luxurious atmosphere.
Night Market @ Koko's
Experience: complimentary
Food: asian
Night Market @ Koko’s features a classic teppanyaki grill. Enjoy real interaction with the chef as he guides you on an inspired journey of the night market dishes from Asia, India and the Middle East, preparing dishes right in front of you. This experience is not the usual show you may envisage, where food is thrown and eggs cracked on the grill. Rather, it is an intimate dining experience for only eight guests and the chef. There are waiters continuously circulating with beverages and making sure the guests are well attended. Bookings are required for the Night Market @ Koko’s dining, located on Deck 4.
Elements
Experience: complimentary
Food: italian
Elements is the main restaurant featuring Italian, steak and seafood from an à la carte menu. Located on Deck 4, it’s a relaxed dining option for dinner. Dine solo, with your travel partner or join friends on larger tables. Enjoy premium beverages from Elements Bar, hosting with fine wines matched to the daily menu and broad selection of international cheeses.
Chef's Table @ Elements
Experience: cover
Food: chef
Located within Elements, dining at Chef’s Table is an exclusive, by invitation-only degustation experience. Accommodating a group of just 10 guests, this 11-course degustation meal is paired with premium beverages. The Executive Chef and the culinary team will enthral you as they present each dish, explaining the world-class techniques and ingredient origins used in each creation.
Lumière Restaurant & Champagne Bar
Experience: complimentary
Food: french
Indulge in contemporary French cuisine and Champagne. This fine dining restaurant has an elegant and modern atmosphere. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink, fried oysters and caviar before you are seated for an evening of world-class cuisine, with the option of a set degustation menu.
Sushi & Sake Bar @ Koko's
Experience: complimentary
Food: sushi
Indulge in a genuine culinary experience as skilled chefs handcraft the freshest sushi, including exquisite options with vegan salmon and tuna. Catering for up to 18 guests, you can dine along the ocean view benchtop or at the bar, watching as your chefs hand-make your meal.
Azure Bar & Café
Experience: complimentary
Food: cafe
Visit the Azure Bar & Café for relaxed, all-day grazing. Take in the spectacular views from the indoor or outdoor terrace seating. Delight your tastebuds with a variety of pizzas, salads, snacks and healthy meals, coupled with barista-made coffee and beverages. Enjoy after-dinner treats, such as macaroons, biscotti and chocolates with a brandy, port, or tea. This relaxed café has a serene and laid-back feeling with inside and outside seating.
Yacht Club
Experience: complimentary
Food: casual
Relax in the Yacht Club grill restaurant and bar for breakfast, lunch and special themed dinners. This casual dining experience is fitted with food islands, outdoor and lounge seating. Come to dine, mingle, relax in swing chairs overlooking the view, or taste our freshly-made gelato.
Chef's Garden @ Épicure
Experience: cover
Food: cooking school
Be immersed in the gastronomical delights of local cuisine and wines with dedicated masterclasses led by our expert chefs and sommelier. Book in to see the chef create an array of authentic dishes from the regions you’re cruising through. Located on Deck 5 with a special cooking station and large TV screen, you’ll catch every detail.
In-Suite Dining
Experience: cover
Food: room
When the mood strikes to dine in the privacy of your suite, your personal butler can arrange everything. Choose from the 24-hour in-suite dining and beverage menus. Your butler will also ensure your in-suite mini-bar is re-stocked daily to your liking. With an in-suite espresso machine, savour your morning coffee in the solitude of your suite or soak up the sunlight on your verandah or terrace.
Scenic Eclipse II takes ocean cruising to a whole new level of luxury and elegance. Your time on board will be one of world-class indulgence and absolute discovery. From the ultimate spa experience to the spacious lounges and bars, outdoor terraces, pool and jacuzzis, not to mention the theatre and of course your own private verandah, the luxurious wonders on board Scenic Eclipse never cease.
Observation Lounge
In the quiet of the Observation Lounge and library, you can recline into leather seating and read a book or play board games as you enjoy a specialty tea or coffee. Take a closer look at landscapes and wildlife as you pass them through the Swarovski telescopes.
State-of-the-Art Theatre
Gain insights into the regions you’re visiting during regular lectures and information sessions, hosted by expert Discovery Team members, Captain and crew in the world-class theatre. Here, guests can also enjoy nightly musical performances spanning a range of genres.
Sky Bar
The Sky Bar can be found on Deck 10.
Sky Deck
The Sky Deck can be found on Deck 10.