Aboard Scenic Eclipse: Georgie’s exclusive ship tour in Miami, Florida
By Georgie | Wishlist Getaways | October 13, 2026 | Miami, Florida
Discover a different kind of luxury at sea
Some ships impress you with their size. Others capture your attention through their elegance, sleekness thoughtful design, and the experiences they make possible. Scenic Eclipse brings all four together in a very different style of cruising.
On October 13, 2026, I had the opportunity to visit Scenic Eclipse in Miami, and it was a wonderful opportunity to experience firsthand what makes this Discovery Yacht stand out in the world of luxury travel.
As a travel professional with Wishlist Getaways, I am always looking beyond the photographs and brochures. I want to understand how a ship feels, what makes it special, and which travelers would genuinely enjoy the experience. For me, Scenic Eclipse represents a particularly appealing combination of sophisticated comfort & luxury, personalized service, and the spirit of exploration.
First impressions: elegant, modern, and beautifully maintained
My impression of Scenic Eclipse was one of understated elegance. Rather than relying on an oversized, flashy atmosphere, the yacht embraces a refined, contemporary aesthetic that feels sophisticated and welcoming.
The modern design, elegant interiors, and attention to detail create an environment that feels more like an exclusive luxury retreat than a traditional cruise ship. The overall impression is polished and contemporary, with spaces designed to make relaxing, dining, and enjoying the scenery feel effortless.
Cleanliness and presentation are important to me when recommending a luxury vacation. A beautiful ship should also feel cared for, comfortable, and inviting. Scenic Eclipse's refined appearance and modern atmosphere are exactly the qualities that luxury travelers often look for when choosing a premium cruise experience.
Another feature that makes the yacht distinctive is its intimate size. Scenic Eclipse accommodates up to 228 guests (reduced to 200 guests in polar regions), with a crew-to-guest ratio close to 1:1. This creates the potential for a more personal experience than you might find on a much larger cruise ship.
My recommendation: If you appreciate elegant surroundings, attentive service, and a more intimate style of travel, Scenic Eclipse deserves a place on your luxury cruise shortlist.
What is Scenic Eclipse?
Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's original Discovery Yacht, launched in 2019. It was designed to combine the comfort and sophistication of an ultra-luxury yacht with the technology and equipment needed to explore remarkable destinations around the world.
Unlike a conventional cruise ship built primarily around onboard entertainment and large-scale facilities, Scenic Eclipse puts destination discovery at the heart of the experience. Its itineraries can take guests from culturally rich coastal cities to secluded islands, extraordinary wildlife habitats, and some of the world's most remote landscapes. Depending on the voyage, guests may enjoy guided cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, Zodiac outings, kayaking, or other destination-specific activities.
The ship's design also supports access to select smaller ports and less-visited locations, allowing travelers to experience destinations beyond the usual tourist trail.
For travelers who want their vacation to be about more than visiting a series of ports, that distinction matters. It is an opportunity to experience the world in greater depth while returning each day to exceptional comfort.
What is included in a Scenic voyage?
One of the most attractive features of Scenic Eclipse is its genuinely comprehensive approach to luxury cruising. Rather than paying separately for many of the little extras that can add up on vacation, guests enjoy a broad range of inclusions within their voyage fare:
All-verandah luxury suites & butler service - every suite has a private verandah, elegant furnishings, a separate sleeping area and lounge space. Butler service is included, adding a personal touch to the stay. Scenic cruises also provides a complimentary pillow menu across its fleet, featuring specialized comfort options including anti-aging, therapeutic neck support, luxury down, and hypoallergenic pillows.
Exceptional dining - up to 10 dining experiences available on Scenic Eclipse and Eclipse II, offer a choice of international flavors, fine dining, relaxed cafés and in-suite dining. Select specialty restaurants may require reservations and there are no surcharges, ever. Scenic Ikon will over 15 dining venues.
Premium beverages - a wide selection of drinks is included throughout the voyage, along with daily replenishment of the suite minibar. A small selection of rare, fine and vintage beverages may cost extra.
Wellness and relaxation - enjoy the Senses Spa facilities, gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and outdoor Vitality Pool. Spa treatments are available at additional cost.
Enrichment, lectures and onboard comforts - complimentary Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, expert presentations, an Observation Lounge, and access to the open bridge on a permitted basis help make sea days just as rewarding as days ashore.
Destination experiences - the voyage fare includes a range of shore excursions and destination activities, with the selection depending on the itinerary. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of Scenic Enrich and Scenic Freechoice excursions led by professional guides on Discovery Voyages and Signature Yacht Cruises.
Other essentials - return airport transfers and gratuities are also included under Scenic's advertised voyage arrangements.
Discovery in every dimension - explore by Zodiac, kayak, paddleboard and on shore. Where other cruise lines charge for these services, with Scenic these immersive experiences are included - with no hidden charges.
Discovery team - guests will be guided by a handpicked Discovery team specialist, with up to 20 experts on Expedition Voyages, and up to 10 on Discovery Voyages.
Polar equipment & clothing - specialized gear is provided on select voyages, including complimentary parka and water bottle for you to keep. Polar boots, trekking poles and a dry suit for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are fitted onboard.
Ultra-experiences - Scenic Eclipse elevates expedition cruising with optional helicopter flights (using one of the two Airbus helicopters) over breathtaking landscapes and submarine adventures beneath the ocean (using Scenic Neptune, the ship’s custom-built submarine), offering extraordinary perspectives and unforgettable discoveries beyond traditional shore excursions. These excursions are subject to itinerary, availability, weather conditions, and additional charges.
For me, the appeal is the convenience of having so much included. You can enjoy a beautiful dinner, order a favorite drink, attend an expert presentation, or spend a relaxing afternoon on board without constantly thinking about additional charges.
That is the kind of experience I would encourage clients to consider when comparing the overall value of an ultra-luxury cruise, rather than comparing the initial fare alone.
Scenic's exceptional crew is dedicated to deliver unrivaled cruising experience, to ensure every element of your journey is designed to feel effortless and luxurious.
Take a look at the stunning photos of the Owner’s Penthouse Suite 901 aboard Scenic Eclipse, where spacious elegance, sophisticated design, and luxurious details create an extraordinary home at sea
The Discovery Team: the heart of the Scenic Eclipse experience
One of the most compelling reasons to consider Scenic Eclipse is its Discovery Team. This is where the yacht's luxury experience becomes something more than a beautiful ship and a comfortable suite.
Depending on the voyage, the Discovery Team can include specialists in marine biology, geology, history, wildlife, photography and other fields. Their role is to help guests understand the destinations they visit, offering context, insight and opportunities to explore more meaningfully.
What can guests experience on the Scenic ships?
Zodiac explorations - in suitable destinations, guests can venture ashore or explore secluded coastlines by Zodiac, often reaching places that larger cruise ships cannot access directly.
Kayaking and water activities - kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling may be offered where conditions and the itinerary permit. These activities offer a closer connection with the surrounding environment.
Expert-led discovery - learn about local wildlife, geology, ecosystems and cultural heritage through guided outings, presentations and conversations with knowledgeable specialists.
Helicopter and submersible adventures - Scenic Eclipse carries two helicopters and a custom-built submersible for selected voyages. These extraordinary experiences are optional, incur additional charges and depend on destination restrictions, weather, availability and other operational requirements. The submersible is not available in U.S. waters.
Scenic also offers Scenic Freechoice excursions, which let guests select from available activities suited to their interests and preferred pace, as well as Scenic Enrich experiences designed to provide distinctive cultural access.
My recommendation is to choose your itinerary carefully. If wildlife, nature and active exploration are your priorities, look at an expedition-focused voyage. If you prefer a blend of culture, sightseeing and relaxation, a Discovery or Signature Yacht Cruise may be the better fit. The excursions are an important part of the decision, not simply an extra to consider after choosing the ship.
Who would I recommend Scenic Eclipse to?
At Wishlist Getaways, I believe the best cruise is not necessarily the most expensive or the most talked about. It is the one that matches your travel style, expectations and interests.
Scenic Eclipse would be particularly worth considering for:
Couples celebrating a milestone: Anniversaries, birthdays and once-in-a-lifetime holidays deserve a special setting.
Experienced luxury travelers: Guests who appreciate personalized service, beautiful suites, quality dining and a high level of comfort.
Curious travelers: People who want to learn about the places they visit rather than simply take photographs and move on.
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts: Particularly those considering itineraries with expert-led exploration and expedition activities.
Travelers who prefer a smaller ship: Guests who value a more intimate atmosphere instead of the crowds and extensive entertainment facilities of a mega-ship.
Travelers who appreciate inclusive pricing: Those who would rather have dining, beverages, gratuities and a range of excursions incorporated into their cruise fare.
I would also recommend comparing the full itinerary and inclusions before booking. A luxury cruise is a significant investment, and the right destination, suite category and voyage length make a real difference.
My final thoughts: Is Scenic Eclipse worth considering?
My visit to Scenic Eclipse in Miami on October 13 gave me another opportunity to explore what makes the Discovery Yacht concept distinctive.
What stands out to me is the combination of elegance, modern design, an intimate onboard environment and the promise of genuinely enriching travel experiences. The ship is designed for guests who want to explore the world without giving up the comforts and personalized touches that make a vacation feel special.
I especially like the concept of returning from an exciting day ashore to a beautiful suite, enjoying a carefully prepared dinner, and having the next day's discoveries to look forward to.
My personal recommendation: If you are looking for a luxury cruise that combines refined surroundings with meaningful destination experiences, Scenic Eclipse is absolutely worth exploring. I would particularly encourage you to consider it if you have already enjoyed traditional cruising and are ready for a more intimate, discovery-focused way to see the world.
At Wishlist Getaways, our goal is to help you choose a journey that feels right for you. That means understanding your expectations, comparing suitable itineraries, explaining what is included and helping you make an informed decision before you book. You do not need to navigate all the options alone.
Ready to discover Scenic Eclipse?
Contact Wishlist Getaways to discuss available Scenic Eclipse voyages, suite options, destinations and current offers. We would love to help you find a journey that belongs on your travel wishlist.
Travel beautifully. Discover more. Make every journey count.
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