Scenic Eclipse II docked in Fremantle for the first time, and a select few were invited on board for an exclusive tour.
Stepping inside, Scenic Eclipse II feels more like a boutique luxury resort than a grand super yacht.
Centrally located is the Scenic Lounge which has a marble service and check-in counter, high ceilings and of course, lounges. This is where you’ll find the bar that boasts 130 different kinds of whiskey from aged Scottish to Japanese. Behind the bar, guests have unlimited premium beverages including French champagne.
Scenic Eclipse II encourages guests to lock up their wallets because everything is included, all drinks, all meals, all shore excursions. The only additional extras are helicopter flights and a submersible for underwater adventures and it’s the only yacht in the world with both. The two helicopters on board are the quietest on the market, the Airbus H130-T2.
In Fremantle off the back of cruising in the Kimberley, Anthony Laver, Scenic Group, general manager sales and marketing APAC said he was excited to be in Fremantle.
“Our guests have been completely captivated by Western Australia’s raw beauty and unique experiences,” he said.
“Guests are often most surprised by the luxury all-inclusive features of the yacht, that they don’t have to pay extra for experiences like the spa, restaurants and excursions like paddleboarding.
“So much so that sometimes in port, guests might go out for lunch at a restaurant and leave without paying, simply forgetting!”
Catering for just 228 guests with close to a one-to-one crew ratio, the amenities and service are first class, as one would expect when it’s marketed as six-star ultra-luxury cruising.
Each of the 114 suites has a verandah and fitted with elegant neutral furnishings with separate sleep and lounge zones, top of the range appliances such as Dyson hairdryers, and a butler service.
There are ten different dining options including French artistry at Lumière, fiery theatrics at Night Market at Koko’s, fresh simplicity at Azure Café, and the indulgent intimacy of the invitation-only Chef’s Table. The Chef’s Table is only held every second night because it takes the kitchen 18 hours to prepare.
The expansive 550-square-metre Senses Spa is a wellness haven. Think salt therapy lounge, infrared sauna, steam room, aromatherapy, ice therapy and vitality pools. There’s a hair salon and beauty studio as well as a fully equipped gym offering yoga and Pilates.
Beyond the amenities, Scenic has a Discovery Team of experts such as geologists, naturalists, historians, and anthropologists who lead experiences by Zodiac, kayak, and paddleboard, giving guests the opportunity for deep natural, scientific, cultural and historical insights.
Scenic Group has a ‘Cherish the Planet’ ethos. There’s no single use plastics on board and nothing is discharged from the ship except pure water.
Wastewater is treated, external air is extracted and filtered with no recirculation, and the ship uses the lightest grade of marine fuel available reducing sulphur emissions by up to 95 percent.
The seafloor is protected too with the GPS Dynamic Positioning which allows the ship to hold position without the use of the anchor. The advanced propulsion system minimises noise and vibration to reduce disturbance to marine life while also improving manoeuvrability and reducing fuel consumption.
“As we head further on to South Pacific waters via East Antarctica, we’re offering Australians their final opportunity to join us on these truly remarkable ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht voyages in our region,” Mr Laver said.
Expect to pay north of $1,000 per person, per day, for cruises on board this luxury liner. A 13-day cruise of the Pacific Islands from Fiji to Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island to Auckland starts at $16,345, while 24-day voyage to Antarctica starts at $41,000.
Australia is the fourth largest cruise market in the world.
For more information, visit www.scenic.com.au
