Ocean Cruising FAQs
Find the answers to all your questions about ocean cruising on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts.
Discover the essentials for your ocean cruise, including our all-inclusive experience, voyage styles and features on board Scenic Eclipse.
The custom-design of Scenic Eclipse is inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht and features state-of-the-art technology. The ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht experience caters for only up to 228 guests (200 in Antarctica and the High Arctic) with a close to 1:1 guest to crew ratio. The ships have two on board helicopters^, a submersible ^, an indulgent wellness retreat, up to 10 dining experiences, up to nine bar and lounges (eight on Scenic Eclipse II) and spacious all-verandah suites with butler service.
The sister Discovery Yachts are similar in design with only a few slight differences in feature and interior design.
Read more on the submersibles
Read more on Scenic Eclipse
Read more on Scenic Eclipse II
The experience on board Scenic Eclipse is tailored to best suit each unique region. There are three voyage styles with inclusions designed to adapt to and reflect the destination the Discovery Yachts are sailing in:
When you travel on a Scenic Eclipse voyage, you can be confident that every detail is taken care of. Every single aspect of your comfort and peace of mind has been considered, including your airport transfers on arrival and departure in destination, all tipping, and gratuities both onshore and on board, making your cruise a truly carefree experience. Our truly all-inclusive philosophy extends to all Scenic Discovery and Freechoice excursions, Scenic Enrich events, wellness facilities (excluding spa treatments) and classes, all meals and premium beverages on board.
If you would like to indulge during your voyage, you can choose to elevate your experience by adding a helicopter^ or submersible^ experience, spa treatment or a wine from the Chairman’s list which are at an additional cost.
To secure your suite or receive timely updates on your desired destination and date, please reach out to your local Travel Advisor or one of our dedicated Scenic reservations team members. You can also consult our Cruise Calendar, which showcases upcoming voyages for the seasons ahead.
Scenic offers a range of ways to travel to create your holiday. With Scenic, you can travel on ocean voyages, river cruises or on escorted smaller group land journeys. You can also combine cruises or escorted tours together.
Additionally, Scenic offers a range of ways to extend your journey in one seamless booking. You can book a hotel pre or post journey or further extend with a city stay extension.
When you book a Scenic oceans voyage or river cruise, you're not just choosing a luxurious journey—you're joining a community that values and rewards you. Our Scenic Club loyalty program provides exclusive benefits and personalised touches designed to enhance your travel experience. We are committed to making every trip unforgettable and show our appreciation for your loyalty with unparalleled benefits.
View Scenic Club Loyalty benefits and FAQs.
Given the nature of our discovery programs, shore excursions, transfers and accommodations, we may not be able to provide the necessary level of assistance for guests with reduced mobility or those who are fully wheelchair-bound on all voyages.
Guests with wheelchairs should be aware that suite doors, rest rooms and corridors may not be wide enough to provide access for standard wheelchairs. They may also have a significant threshold and doors which limit access. Elevators may not access all decks and suites.
Guests must be able to walk up/down stairs in the event of an emergency to reach evacuation points.
Motorised scooters cannot be used on board.
For safety reasons, guests in wheelchairs cannot be carried on tenders or Discovery experiences including but not limited to Zodiacs, kayaks and the submersible. Collapsible walkers may be taken onto tender vessels for transfer to shore for the included touring. Walkers are however unable to be taken on the Zodiacs.
Find out about embarkation, transfers, in port accommodation and how to combine a Scenic land journey or river cruise with your ocean voyage.
Visa requirements vary based on your nationality, visiting countries, length of stay and location of entry. Please speak to your local Travel Advisor to discuss your specific requirements or refer to the Smart Traveller website for Australian government advice.
A medical centre is available on board of Scenic Eclipse and will be staffed according to the destination. You acknowledge that Antarctica, the Americas, Transatlantic crossings, Arctic & Fjords regions are remote areas with limited medical facilities available. Due to the large number of passengers on board, we cannot provide a personal escort for medical visits.
In order for us to ensure your comfort and safety, we ask that your General Practitioner completes an online medical form. At 120 Days prior to your cruise departure date a link to the medical form will be available through Trip Personaliser. When the online form becomes available, please arrange for a long consultation with your doctor to complete the online form. The submitted form must be received no later than 90 days prior to your cruise departure and no earlier than 120 days.
On Expedition Voyages and in remote locations, given the potentially extreme conditions and remote locations we may visit, you must complete a mandatory full medical questionnaire, we will provide prior to departure, to enable us to assess the risks involved. This questionnaire must be verified and signed by your medical practitioner between 90 and 60 days prior to the Journey departure date and must be provided to us no later than 60 days prior to the Journey departure date. Any medical questionnaire that is signed by your medical practitioner earlier than 90 days before the Journey departure date will not be accepted and a revised one will be required.
Port information can be subject to change leading up to your sailing date. For the most current and accurate details, we recommend referring to your final e-documentation, which will be emailed to you, or your nominated travel advisor, approximately two to three weeks before your departure. You'll find the relevant port information in the "Joining Your Journey" section of this documentation.
Embarkation is scheduled from 2pm to 4pm.
To ensure a smooth transition for departing guests concluding their voyage, we kindly recommend boarding after 2pm. This allows us ample time to prepare for our new guests coming on board.
All guests must checkout of their suites no later than 8:00am. Guests are welcome to use the public areas until 10:00am when disembarkation closes. Further information will be provided towards the conclusion of your voyage.
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, we will also organise transfers between your accommodation and the ship for your convenience.
In certain cases, early transfers can be arranged. Please contact your local Travel Advisor or Scenic to discuss your specific transfer requirements.
Only return transfers from the airport or a hotel booked by Scenic to the dock are included.
Approximately 10 months before your voyage departure date, we will provide guests with an option of pre-and post-voyage accommodation to review.
Additionally, we can assist you with arranging transfers as needed. For more details, please don't hesitate to reach out to your local Travel Advisor or Scenic.
For a comprehensive overview of our voyage calendar, along with details on land touring options that seamlessly complement your journey, please visit our Combined Journeys page or contact your local Travel Advisor or Scenic.
Many of our Scenic river cruises in Europe and South East Asia can be added to a Scenic Eclipse voyage. Our reservations team or your Travel Advisor can help you plan the perfect combination journey. View our Combined Journeys page.
Learn about our packing guides for handy tips on what to bring on your voyage.
A suggested packing guide will be included in your guest documentation. You can also refer to the packing essentials in our destination guides.
Guests can bring one bag at 23 kilos on board. However, airlines, charter flights, Scenic river cruises and other third parties may have restrictions in place. Guests' luggage single piece may not exceed the three-dimensional sum of 62 inches (158 cm) and a weight of 23kgs (66 lbs). Please refer to your documentation prior to departure for luggage requirements related to your specific voyage.
A good guide is to keep it casual and comfortable during the day, and smart casual – or even a little dressed up if you wish – in the evening. Male guests may choose to pack a sports coat or blazer with a collared shirt; and women may wear smart attire, especially when dining at specialty restaurants or watching a performance in the theatre.
Scenic Enrich events are often held in stunning, historic venues, adding a touch of elegance to the experience. As these occasions can be more formal, you may want to dress accordingly.
For sightseeing excursions, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, particular closed-in shoes are preferable to sandals as they keep out the dust and sand. View our destination guides for your packing essentials list.
Scenic Eclipse is equipped with a complimentary self-service launderette located Deck 3 on Scenic Eclipse and Deck 6 on Scenic Eclipse II. Access to the laundrette is available 24 hours a day with liquid washing soap built into the washing machines and dryers, iron and iron boards available. Scenic Club members depending on their tier status and guests staying in the Spa Suites, Panorama Suites and Owner’s Penthouse Suites have access to a complimentary laundry service of up to 10 pieces per day.
Our boutique offers a range of clothing options tailored to the region you're sailing in. In the polar regions, you'll find warm, layered options, including thermals, jackets, gloves, and scarves, while for warmer climates, we provide a choice of light, appropriate summer clothing.
For guests participating in our polar Expedition Voyages, we provide a complimentary parka for you to keep, as well as special polar boots for use while on board. You can select your size and view these items on your Trip Personaliser, accessible approximately 120 days before your voyage.
Discover our fitness and wellness facilities, activities, entertainment options, and Scenic Freechoice excursions.
English is the language spoken and British English is used for written materials on board.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available to all guests on board. However, please note in remote regions the connection can be limited in some areas and is not suitable for downloading large amounts of data.
On board electricity is 220V/50Hz with international power outlets (European, USA and Australian) and USB type A sockets.
To help celebrate your birthday, anniversary, or other special event during your time on board, please inform our Guest Relations Manager or Hotel Manager of the occasion and specify when you would like to mark the event during their journey.
The 550m2 Senses Spa features:
The facilities and group classes are all inclusive. Only the spa treatments and private classes are an additional cost.
There is an instructor for yoga, Pilates and meditation class and guests will need to make a booking once the daily schedule is released.
Prebooking for classes in the Pure: Yoga & Pilates Studio and treatments such as massages, facials, hair and beauty in the Senses Spa do require a reservation. This can be organised by your butler or by visiting the Senses Spa.
There is a Vitality pool on both Discovery Yachts outside the Senses Spa on Deck 7. On Deck 10, Scenic Eclipse features two spa pools and Scenic Eclipse II has a Vitality pool with jets for swimming laps.
Guests will find a rower, elliptical, treadmill, exercise bike, free weights, yoga ball, stretching mat, bosu ball, medicine ball and rollers in the gym.
Throughout your voyage the Cruise Director will put together a variety of musical performances, social events, and presentations in the state-of-the-art theatre and the lounge bar. For guests on Discovery and Expedition Voyages the Discovery Team will present engaging educational lectures. In the Observation Lounge and Library there are various board games and books available.
Yes, if the door is open (dependant on weather and operation conditions) the Captain and team will welcome you to the bridge to learn about the technical aspects of the Discovery Yacht. You will also find the Discovery Team on the bridge whilst the ship is sailing to share insights about the destination and wildlife.
On Discovery Voyages in warm water destinations and when the marina is in operation (not guaranteed in all locations), guests can enjoy a variety of included water activities from swimming, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling. Scenic Eclipse II also has an inflatable trampoline and SEABOBs for snorkelling. On Cruise Voyages the marina may also be in operation at times for swimming and snorkelling (operations are location and destination dependent).
Scenic Freechoice excursions are included on Discovery and Cruise Voyages. To access comprehensive information about your Scenic Freechoice options, simply log into your Trip Personaliser. All pre-bookable activities will become available for viewing and selection approximately four to six months prior to your voyage.
For Discovery and Cruise Voyages it is recommended to select your Scenic Freechoice excursions before your voyage.
If you are sailing on a Discovery or Cruise Voyage you will have included Scenic Freechoice excursions, most of which take place at the same time. Because of this, you can select only one excursion for each day.
Please contact your local Travel Advisor or Scenic to add a note to your booking so we can ensure the crew is aware you have missed your first preference. This way, the team on board can assist if space becomes available for you to participate.
There will be different levels of activity offered for shore excursions from easy to moderate and strenuous allowing you to choose the most suitable for your fitness.
Once on board you can make a booking with the Discovery Team for a helicopter^ and submersible^ experience.
^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost and are subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, tidal and ice conditions.
The helicopters are unable to operate in South Georgia, Svalbard, Greenland, Indonesia, Japan, France, the UK/Scotland and Brazil. The submersible is unable to operate in The Kimberley, Northern Territory, Indonesia, New Zealand, Svalbard, France, Spain and US waters.
Find out more about the helicopter and submersible experience.
You can book our submersible and the helicopter excursions once on board. For guests booked on voyages in the Kimberley, Australia, and New Zealand, some helicopter tours are available for pre-booking. For more information and assistance, please contact your local Travel Advisor or our Scenic reservations team. Once on board, we recommend attending the safety briefing and expressing your interest with our team to ensure you don't miss out on these remarkable experiences.
Find out more about the helicopter and submersible experience.
Find out about the on board dining and beverage options, including reservations and dietary needs.
We have up to 10 all-inclusive dining experiences for guests to enjoy.
Read more on the dining and beverages on board.
All beverages both, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are included for our guests with the exception of a few select rare, fine and vintage wine, champagne and spirits. This also includes your daily fully restocked mini-bar and an extensive range of specialty teas and coffee. In the lounge area, you will find a coffee machine offering specialty coffee, decaf coffee, and hot chocolate.
Chef’s Table is an exclusive dining experience, strictly limited to invitation-only access. The guests invited are at the discretion of our on board team.
Prebooking is not necessary. Once you embark, speak to the restaurant manager or your butler to make your bookings for the venues throughout your voyage. If you are celebrating a special occasion, please be sure to let our reservations team know to add a note to your booking.
Our on board wine list evolves with the seasons and destinations we are sailing in and features an array of varieties. Complementing our diverse selection of wines, we offer an extensive range of beverages, including a collection of over 130 included whiskeys as the Scenic Lounge Bar. Selecting from the small range of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits and the Chairman’s Wine list is an additional charge.
We offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices, including mocktails, alcohol-free wine and spirits, as well as a selection of soft drinks, juices, coffees, and tea.
Most dietary requirements can be catered to including Kosher, Halal, Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free. Please advise your local Travel Advisor or Scenic if you booked directly to add in your dietary requirements. This is required at least 70 days prior to your voyage departure. When on board please advise the restaurant manager and they will ensure our culinary team are aware of your dietary requests.
Discover the various suites on Scenic Eclipse, along with the butler service.
All guests will be able to enjoy butler service during their voyage.
Featuring the finest ultra-luxury amenities, each of the spacious 114 suites are carefully designed to be your indulgent haven.
Staying well on board, medical services, and our health and safety policies.
Whilst we hope this is never required, there is an on board doctor and nurse. A medical centre is available on board of Scenic Eclipse and will be staffed according to the destination. In the case of a medical emergency, your ship will dock at the next port or a helicopter transfer can be arranged to land where possible for further medical assistance.
Everything you need to know about on board currency, payment and tipping.
As the Discovery Yachts sail across all continents, payment on board is in US Dollars. Guests can pay in US cash or by credit card (MasterCard and Visa only). We are unfortunately unable to accept American Express or Debit Cards.
Having peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of is core to our all-inclusive philosophy at Scenic. All tipping and gratuities are included for our guests both on board and on shore.
All tipping and gratuities of local guides is included in your cruise price. If you receive exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation you are welcome to, however please know this is in no way expected.
Details tailored for solo travellers.
As a solo traveller, you have access to up to 10 dining options on board Scenic Eclipse. Our restaurant staff will assist you with your preferred choice of sitting whether it be on your own or joining your fellow guests at a larger table. You can also choose to have your meal and beverages brought to your suite by the butler and enjoy the scenery from your verandah.
Special fares are available for solo travellers on selected voyages and departures only. Please visit our Ocean Cruising Solo Travellers page to plan your trip.
Whilst we don’t have specific solo traveller meet-ups, we pride ourselves on the friendly and welcoming experience on board our ocean voyages. We often hear stories of new lifelong friends made on a Scenic Eclipse ocean voyage. The Scenic Lounge Bar is the perfect place to make new connections with like-minded travellers.
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