Boston, October 23rd, 2018 – Defining a new era in luxury ocean cruise travel, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ Scenic Eclipse – the world’s first Discovery Yacht – combines sleek nautical design and innovative technology to deliver unique handcrafted itineraries and access to ports and cities that larger cruise ships can’t access.
“The unique design of Scenic Eclipse allows us to sail right into the heart of smaller ports with late night departures a key part of the experience,” said Lisa Bolton, General Manager Product, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. “Guests will escape the well-worn cruise path and experience new wonders such as navigating the tidal Guadalquivir River to stay overnight in the magnificent city of Seville, Capital of Andalusia. Scenic Eclipse will dock right in the heart of the city allowing guests to simply step on shore to begin their discovery of this city, that will disarm and seduce visitors.”
With all the freedom and style of a private yacht, the intimate size of Scenic Eclipse also allows direct access into the bustling smaller European ports of Portimao in Portugal, with its typical Portuguese beach life and traditional rich cuisines; Bruges in Belgium; Kotka in Finland; and Gdansk in Poland.
Each exclusive itinerary is paced to allow plenty of leisure time in port and overnight stays or late-night departures in places such as St. Petersburg, where guests can immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Russian Tsars or experience the night scene in a city that rejoices with music and dance.
“Another key point of difference for the Scenic Eclipse guest is our all-inclusive shore activities,” said Ms. Bolton. “Scenic Freechoice means hand-tailored excursions, providing guests a range of choices designed to meet different needs and activity levels and go well beyond the standard city tour or transfer to and from the port. Possibilities include a tour of the Picasso Museum in Malaga and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the artistry of chocolate in Bruges, walking the historic Normandy landing beaches or a guided tour of the elegant center of Tallinn. We cater for all tastes with tours covering local food experiences, art galleries and museums, magnificent World-Heritage listed treasures like the Alcázar Palace or St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Botanical Gardens, canal cruises and more.”
Scenic Enrich experiences are exclusive to Scenic and range from a private performance by the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art to an evening of Russian music and dance set within one of St Petersburg’s magnificent palaces.
Several itineraries travel along the coasts of Spain, Portugal, France and the Baltics, and epitomize the beauty and culture of the Mediterranean and beyond. So, whether a guest is seeking the dolce vita of the Italian Riviera, the sea-faring heritage of the Spanish coastline, the beauty of Croatia’s Dalmatia, the romantic lure of the Greek Islands or the historic shores of Brittany and Normandy, they will find it on a Scenic Eclipse sailing.
Key Itineraries include:
- Discover Portugal & Spain – Lisbon to Barcelona – nine days
Departs Apr 2020 – Priced from US$7,195
Like the explorers of old, guests set sail from Lisbon and follow the Atlantic coast past the Strait of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean. Along the way, they discover stunning Seville and meet the Barbary macaque at the rock of Gibraltar before arriving in Gaudi’s Barcelona.
- Great Seafaring Nations – Barcelona to Amsterdam – 12 days
Departs May 2020 – Priced from US$9,495
Spain’s vivacity is the perfect counter to the untouched elegance of Portugal as guests explore these two old world countries. Northern France, the coast of Brittany and the battlefields of Normandy followed by the canals, cobble streets and medieval buildings of Bruges offer a submersion into European history before concluding in Amsterdam.
- Baltic Tradewinds Route – Amsterdam to Stockholm – 11 days
Departs June 2020 – Priced from US$8,795
This route uncovers the variety of the Baltics during the legendary long summer days, showcasing the diversity of cultures, cuisines, politics and religions, coupled with an abundance of attractions.
- Ultimate Seafarers & Baltics – Barcelona to Stockhom – 22 days
Departs May 2020 – Priced from US$18,290
Linking the above trips – Great Seafaring Nations and Baltic Tradewinds Route – creates an epic journey from Spain to Sweden.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 31-year history to include award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours that take participants to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations and since 2008, its 15 Space-Ships offer truly all-inclusive, five-star river cruises in many of those same destinations. In January 2019, Scenic is introducing the world’s first Discovery Yacht, the 228-guest Scenic Eclipse, and a sister ship to launch in 2020. Sister brand Emerald Waterways has seven Star-Ships offering European river sailings with an eighth (Emerald Harmony) launching in 2019 for SE Asia’s Mekong River. Exclusive charters are offered on the Irrawaddy Explorer in South East Asia; the MS Rossia along the Volga River in Russia; the Adriatic Princess II yacht in Croatia; and the MS Hamees on the Nile.
Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures and reservations can be obtained via travel agents or www.scenicusa.com; phone 844-788-7985; or email: info@scenicusa.com. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the website.