Peek At Scenic Eclipse: New Ultra-Luxurious Expedition Ship Dazzles With Submarine And Helicopters

Be dazzled by the most technologically advanced, elegant expedition cruise ship today. The sophisticated new 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse excitingly races to that glamorous top spot as it is christened September 10 in New York City by Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren.

Dame Helen Mirren, godmother of Scenic Eclipse.

Boasting two six-passenger helicopters and one six-passenger submarine, 551-foot-long Scenic Eclipse expands cruise passengers' travel horizons, transporting them to eye-catching views in the sky and under the sea. It will transit to 68 ports, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and breathtakingly beautiful escapes, in 38 countries around the globe, including adventures to the Arctic and to Antarctica. Passengers are pampered by a seamlessly designed, all-inclusive coordination: All airplane flights, transfers, land-based shore excursions, restaurants, premium-brand alcoholic drinks, pre-departure hotel, in-suite mini-bar and staff gratuities are included in a set fare.

Up, up and away: Scenic Eclipse's helipad and one of two Airbus H130 copters—a sightseeing bonus. They are stored in onboard hangars.

"In terms of innovation, technology and design, it is second to none," says Glen Moroney, chairman and founder of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, "...a vessel and an experience that has set a brand-new benchmark in ultra-luxury discovery cruising."

Do you sea what I see? The six-passenger Scenic Neptune can submerge to nearly 1,000 feet.

Cheer inventive stabilizer fins that are 50% grander than standard fins; they increase stability by decreasing the ship's roll by more than 85%. Its kayaks, snowshoes and e-bikes further encourage destination immersion, as well as scuba diving and snorkeling. At its aft, Scenic Eclipse harbors an impressive fleet of Zodiac boats. It also holds the preeminent ice-class rating for a passenger vessel—ensuring safe operation in Arctic and Antarctic waters. Note its breakthrough GPS dynamic positioning system, which permits stationary maneuvers without an anchor—a pro-environment move.

The ethereal power of culinary surprises: Scenic Eclipse stirs up novel dining treats.

Executive chef Tom Goetter, born and raised in Germany, whose far-flung career has flourished in Michelin restaurants, at another stellar cruise line (working with inimitable chef Thomas Keller) and as a winning contestant on TV's Top Chef Germany, manages 10 restaurants aboard Scenic Eclipse—an ambitious feat for a vessel this size. Foodies will be especially drawn to Lumière's contemporary French fare, which sparkles with a champagne bar. Its seven-course menu is paired with world-class wines and a unique open galley facilitates synergy between chef and passengers. The main dining room, called Elements, masters Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing steaks and seafood. Its cheese cave stocks more than 50 artisanal varieties. Gather for casual cuisine at Azure Café and Terrace—ideal for early risers and all-afternoon noshers. There are no surcharges for any of the restaurants.

Eastern elegance: At Koko's, dive into lunchtime bento boxes. In the evening, savor Koko's Asian fusion dishes, presented at a sushi bar, teppanyaki grill and Japanese semi-private sunken dining rooms. Sip a super selection of sakes.

Home cooks delight! Sharpen your kitchen skills at interactive classes. Epicure features eight cooking stations and a large-screen monitor that illuminates a teaching chef's techniques. In addition, an onboard cultivator grows herbs year-round for fresh, plentiful flavorings.

Toast with the most: Eight bars and lounges serve top-shelf spirits, wine and beer.

Karen Moroney, project director of design, partnered with architect-and-decor luminaries, such as B&B Italia, Jonathan Browning Studios, Tom Dixon and Walter Knoll. "This is a total sensory experience, from the entry foyer to the guest suites and dining areas," she explains. "The feel is one of calm, luxury and serenity to allow our guests to truly relax and take in the total voyage experience."

Soothing sanctuary at sea: The Senses Spa.

There is an additional charge for the hair salon's beauty boosters and the spa's treatments, such as massages and facials.

Tune in to tune out: The 5,920-square-foot Senses Spa wows with a Scandinavian-style plunge pool, a state-of-the-art gym, as well as a separate yoga and Pilates studio.

Therapeutic Jacuzzis and quiet nooks unfold a tranquil tableau ship-wide. A heated outdoor pool is covered by a retractable roof. The inviting Observation Library and Observation Terrace, which overlook the bow, will likely soon be Eclipse fans' favorite hideaways.

Ovation rotation: Its entertaining theater-in-the-round spotlights films and lectures, which reflect each itinerary's destinations.

The 114 suites, all with living room and verandah, range in size from 345 to 2,659 square feet. Every suite is attended by a butler. Spa Suites contain a double-size Philippe Starck-designed Jacuzzi, as well as a bountiful steam shower with colorful light therapy.

Spacious and gracious: The suite life.

Of course, what passengers most often remember about a treasured cruise is its well-trained, ever-at-the-ready staff. Scenic Eclipse employs a high crew-to-passenger ratio: 176 staff members for 228 passengers; 192 staff members for 200 passengers when in polar climes. Each sailing, Discovery Leaders—who are notable experts in culture, environment, history, nature, science and wildlife—are brought aboard to enrich passengers' understanding about destinations through specialty talks and excursion guidance.

For details on 2019 and 2020 itineraries, go here.

Award-winning Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has steered travel lovers toward life-enhancing vacations for more than 33 years. Since 2008, its five-star, all-inclusive, much applauded Scenic River Cruises in Europe, Egypt, Russia and Southeast Asia—via 15 innovative vessels, called Space-Ships—have helped positively change the course of river-going holidays. Under the company's Emerald Waterways brand, eight additional sister vessels, named Star-Ships, also navigate joyful journeys.

Pretty ports aplenty: Here, Scenic Eclipse sails out of its port of registry—Valletta, the picturesque walled city of Malta, an island-nation in the Mediterranean.