Ship review: Incredible luxury in remote locations? This ship delivers it

Scenic Eclipse II

• Built 2023
• The cruise Broome to Darwin, 11 days
• Passengers 228
• Crew 200
• Decks 10, eight are accessible by guests
• Length 168 metres

The ship

Scenic Eclipse II is the new glamorous head-turner for Australian-founded company Scenic. Almost identical to Scenic Eclipse launched in 2019, these sister ships mark Scenic’s expansion from river cruising into the oceans.

Helicopter leaves the heli-deck aboard Scenic Eclipse II.

Scenic calls these ships “Discovery Yachts” with “discovery” referring to exploring adventurous destinations by Zodiac with an informative squadron of scientists and historians. According to Captain Erwan Le Rouzic, the term “yacht” ties into this ship having the largest amount of space per passenger of any cruise ship, invoking a rich-friend’s-superyacht vibe. In keeping with that same vibe, almost everything is included here, such as alcohol anytime, all restaurants, room service, Wi-Fi, spa spaces and excursions. Once aboard, guests can kick back and enjoy the hospitality.

The ship also has plenty of superyacht toys. Two custom-designed helicopters offer unforgettable perspectives on the wilderness, and depending on location, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and even an eight-passenger submersible will be deployed (the latter three not in the Kimberley).

Boarding

Arriving at Broome airport, I’m whisked over to the Mangrove Hotel. A couple of hours later we’re transferred to the wharf where the ship is alongside. With champagne in hand, I’m checked in and given a personal safety briefing.

The design

The aesthetic of this ship has been carefully crafted. From contemporary artworks to geometric floor patterns, it is elegant without stuffiness. Daytime spaces like the Yacht Club restaurant and Azure Cafe are bright with natural light and pale grey marbles, while the evening venues employ moodier lighting and black trims. There are original art features throughout, including a striking geisha artwork by British street artist Carl Hush.

The spaces

Koko’s Asian fusion restaurant.

On deck four in the Scenic Lounge, passengers relax in stylish armchairs or perch at the marble cocktail bar, selecting a tipple from a backlit tower of more than 100 whiskies. At the bow, the Observation Lounge doubles as a library and up on deck 10, bar staff from Sky Bar deliver rounds of drinks to guests soaking in the vitality spa pool or reading in cabanas. The Bridge is another public space, and guests drift in to chat with this sociable captain.

The stateroom

My Deluxe Verandah Suite on deck seven has an adjustable king bed that I never want to part with, a lounge space with ottomans and, like every cabin here, a generous verandah. The included mini-bar is stocked with champagne, beer, soft drinks, and Illy coffee and gracing my wall is an ocean-inspired mixed resin artwork by Australian Mitch Gobel. My room is a spacious 32-34 square metres, but higher categories are palatial, with the Owners Penthouse Suite occupying 195 square metres, including an outdoor spa pool.

The food

Verandah Suite.

Meals on the ship range from good to outstanding. Our executive chef Tom Goetter is also vice-president of hotel operations for Scenic’s ocean voyages. Goetter, who has appeared on US TV series Top Chef, flits between the eight eating establishments and his team of 37 chefs.

On deck seven, the buffet Yacht Club opens for breakfast and lunch, but I prefer the smaller all-day diner, Azure Cafe, with its alfresco options. Dinners are usually a la carte, served in Koko’s Asian fusion, and Italian-inspired Elements. Bookings are essential (at no charge) for the superb modern French restaurant Lumiere, the eight-seater Night Market, and Sushi@Kokos. By invitation only is the 10-seater Chef’s Table, where Goetter himself presents his story-driven menu.

Scenic Eclipse II … rugged wilderness meets polished luxury.

Wellness

Senses Spa is a sleek haven and guests sweat it out in steam and dry saunas, target backpain in the infrared sauna, and plunge faces into handfuls of snow. The salt therapy room features tiled, heated lounges for salty air inhalation, and outside, there’s a second vitality spa pool. Massage and beauty treatments are available at additional cost. There’s a well-equipped gym, and a separate Pilates and yoga studio.

Entertainment

In the theatre, the enthusiastic Discovery Team comprising 14 scientists, naturalists and historians, engage us with location-specific lectures. We’re treated to music by a guitarist, and two talented vocalists, and even a spectacular full moon concert on the heli-deck.

The crew

With almost one crew member for every guest, the service is friendly and personal. My butler, George, offers to arrange room service, alternate pillows and a carafe of gin to go with the ice in my fridge. I’m so well-fed and hydrated that I can’t think of much to ask of George, except for milk for my coffee, but the single point of contact is welcome.

The verdict

Scenic Eclipse II successfully combines six-star luxury with a spirit of adventure. In offering this level of comfort, the ship makes remote areas like the Kimberley enticing to a totally new type of traveller.

The details

Scenic Eclipse II will sail the Kimberley until September, 2024, and again from July to September, 2025, as well as the Great Barrier Reef, Top End, East Antarctica, the South Pacific and Asia.

The 11-day Kimberley trip in 2025 costs from $16,465 a person, all-inclusive apart from helicopters and spa treatments. See scenic.com.au

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

Swell

Indulging in exceptional dining while in the rugged, remote Kimberley is truly surreal.

Not so swell

Some of the less agile passengers find sitting on the Zodiac a little uncomfortable.

The writer was a guest of Scenic.