Scenic has announced plans to enter ocean cruise with the world’s first ‘discovery yacht’, the Scenic Eclipse.

The ultra-luxury ship will embark on its maiden voyage on August 31, 2018, sailing from Istanbul to Venice.

Voyages to the Americas; Antarctica; Europe and the Mediterranean; and the Arctic and Norwegian fjords and will follow.

The vessel, which the line says is closer to a mega yacht than a traditional cruise ship, will carry 228 guests in 114 all-veranda suites, from 344 sq ft veranda suites to the 2,500 sq ft two-bedroom owner’s penthouse suite.

Scenic Eclipse boasts an ice-strengthened hull, allowing it to navigate difficult waters in the polar regions, as well as two helicopters, a fleet of Zodiacs and a seven-person submarine.

The vessel will also house six restaurants, four bars and lounges, a 240-seat theatre as well as a spa, gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio.

Scenic will continue its all-inclusive policy with complimentary meals, drinks, wi-fi, snorkelling and shore excursions. The submarine and helicopters, however, will have an additional charge.

The Scenic Eclipse will have the highest passenger ship ice class rating – Polar Class 6 – which the line says will provide an added element of safety for guests.

Scenic chairman Glen Moroney said: “Our goal with Scenic Eclipse was to open up the private Discovery Yacht experience so that our guests could discover regions previously only visited by a fortunate few.”

You can watch the company’s introduction to Scenic Eclipse below.

https://youtu.be/5wnP29qpfUs