Scenic Eclipse is the first of the next generation of expedition new builds that have been announced during the past few years, and having been at the press launch a while ago, I was keen to see if she looked as good in real life as in the artist impressions.
I’m happy to say she looks even better. Her sleek profile – complete with helicopter perched on the stern – is more akin to a luxury super-yacht you’d expect to see moored in Monaco or St Tropez rather than a cruise port.
Eclipse actually has two helicopters, as well as a six-passenger submarine.
Work was still being completed inside, but we were still able to get a sense of what Eclipse is going to look like once finished for her maiden voyage from Reykjavik on 15 August.
Understated modern elegance is the best way to describe the look and feel onboard – not flashy or in your face, but classy and contemporary.
Decor wise, there are lots of natural earth tones used throughout, with grand polished gloss surfaces reflecting the light. High ceilings and wide corridors add to the sense of space onboard – I had to keep reminding myself she accommodates just 228 guests.

