Scenic launches into luxury-adventure with new ship

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This was published 8 years ago

Scenic launches into luxury-adventure with new ship

By Sally Macmillan
Artist impression: Scenic Eclipse spa.

Artist impression: Scenic Eclipse spa.

Australian river cruise company Scenic recently announced that it is planning to make a big splash in the world of luxury-adventure cruising. Scenic, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has commissioned a Croatian shipyard to build the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse. The "discovery yacht" will make its maiden voyage in August 2018, cruising from Istanbul to Venice before sailing to the Americas, Antarctica, Europe and the Mediterranean, the Arctic and the Norwegian fjords.

The ship will have the highest passenger-ship ice class rating for voyages in the polar regions and it will be fitted with sophisticated stabilisers. It is certainly taking adventure cruising to new levels: it will carry two onboard twin-engine helicopters, a seven-seat submarine and remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) with a camera as well as the usual fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks and scuba-diving and snorkelling gear.

Scenic's chairman, Glen Moroney, said: "In many cases only the supremely wealthy or explorers and adventurers could have travelled to the Antarctic hinterland or have ventured below the surface to witness Polar wildlife in their natural habitat … now we are making these experiences accessible to our guests while they travel in the utmost luxury and safety."

Jean Kittson will entertain guests on the Scenic Azure.

Jean Kittson will entertain guests on the Scenic Azure.

No expense has been spared on Scenic Eclipse's accommodation and public spaces. There will be 114 all-balcony suites, ranging from the 32-square-metre verandah suites to the enormous 233-square-metre Penthouse Suite. Karen Moroney, who designs the interiors of the company's river ships, has also designed those of Scenic Eclipse, taking her inspiration from some of the world's leading contemporary hotels.

The ship will have five dining venues, the largest of which is the indoor/outdoor restaurant that will seat 125 passengers. There will also be a 44-seat contemporary French restaurant, 100-seat Pan Asian restaurant, 100-seat Italian and steak restaurant and a 40-seat cafe-lounge – all included in the fare. To help work off the cruise kilojoules, there's a gym, separate yoga and pilates studio and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool.

With a crew of 172 there's a very high passenger/crew ratio and in Antarctica and the Arctic, specialist expedition teams will be on board. On these cruises passenger numbers will be limited to 200, so everyone has the chance to make landings. The ship's theatre seats 240 and will be used for lectures and entertainment.

Joyful: The Joie de Vivre will sail from Paris.

Joyful: The Joie de Vivre will sail from Paris.

As on Scenic's river ships, Scenic Eclipse will offer plenty of inclusions; complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks, all gratuities, butler service, free Wi-Fi and a selection of Freechoice activities and special events. A brochure detailing the 18 different itineraries will be available this month – see scenic.com.au/eclipse.

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MEET THE CREW

NAME Kanharoath Kep, nickname Rosie, from Cambodia

Cruiseco Adventurer.

Cruiseco Adventurer.

POSITION Cruise manager, RV Cruiseco Adventurer, sailing along the Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam.

A TYPICAL DAY Aside from running the day-to-day management onboard, I also escort the morning or afternoon tours. In the evening I head to the lounge for cultural shows, which are performed by our crew, children from local schools or people from villages on the river. I often sing for our passengers too and always wear traditional dress in the evening.

FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT During the cruise I often sit with guests and talk to them about areas we pass that they would like to know more about.

Kanharoath 'Rosie' Kep.

Kanharoath 'Rosie' Kep.

FAVOURITE CRUISE PORTS A hard decision, but Sa Dec (on the Mekong Delta in Vietnam) for the fresh food market. Guests can see how local people shop daily for food as most people don't have a refrigerator. The chickens, ducks and fish, frogs and snakes are still alive! Another favourite is Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. Go for a drink at the FCX Foreign Correspondents Club, where journalists spent time before the war, and learn about the history of the Killing Fields. And of course Siem Reap and historic Angkor Wat is not to be missed.

INSIDER TIP Bring a lot of small-denomination US dollar notes for shopping; pack some shirts and trousers that cover your knees and shoulders, plus comfortable walking shoes.

TIP

Organise your packing with lightweight, collapsible packing cubes – a set of four different sized cubes from zoomlite.com.au costs $49.

NEWS

Uniworld's Joie de Vivre

Uniworld is adding a new ship to its fleet of European river ships; the 128-passenger SS Joie de Vivre is set to make its debut on March 28, 2017. At 125 metres long, SS Joie de Vivre is smaller than its sister Super Ships but is the longest permissible for the Seine, where it will sail 10-day round-trips from Paris. The ship will have 64 staterooms including 10 suites, five of which offer triple accommodation, and two Royal Suites. Other features are an infinity swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and a dedicated wine-tasting room. SS Joie de Vivre's itineraries will take in Auvers-sur-Oise, Etretat and Le Havre or Normandy beaches and Giverny. See uniworld.com.

Scenic's latest glamorous godmother

In April, popular Aussie comedian, actress and writer Jean Kittson will christen Scenic Azure, the company's first ship to sail on Portugal's Douro River. It's a big year for Scenic – it is celebrating its 30th anniversary, recently announced its move into ocean cruising and is launching three more new river ships in Europe and Asia. Scenic Azure will carry a maximum of 96 passengers in 48 staterooms and itineraries range from eight to 14 days, with three-day stays in Madrid included in the longer trips. As on Scenic's fleet of Space-Ships, fares include all Scenic Freechoice activities and Scenic Enrich special events, unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks, gratuities and butler service. See scenic.com.au.

Shannan Ponton's Bootcamp at Sea

Healthy living expert Shannan Ponton is returning to Carnival Cruise Line's local ships this year, offering a new nutrition advice seminar in addition to his popular Biggest Bootcamp at Sea classes and motivation seminars. Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend both feature a world-class two-deck fitness centre with regular fitness classes, an outdoor jogging track and a sports court. Shannon will be on board Carnival Spirit's 10-night cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu, departing Sydney on April 15, and on Carnival Legend's similar 10-night itinerary, departing Sydney on November 26. See carnival.com.au.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Sail from Hong Kong to Sydney on a new cruise/stay/fly deal with Cruise1st. Departing on October 7, travellers fly to Hong Kong for a three-night stay before boarding Voyager of the Seas for 21 nights. Ports of call include Sanya, China; Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Singapore; Darwin, Port Douglas, Cairns, Airlie Beach and Brisbane, Australia. From $2999; phone1300 596 345 or see cruise1st.com.au.

MORE DEALS

PRINCESS CRUISES Last-minute fares are available for as little as $309 for a two-night Brisbane-Sydney cruise on Sea Princess, departing April 8, and $359 for a two-night Melbourne-Sydney cruise on Golden Princess, departing April 4. Valid until sold out; phone 1300 551 853, see princess.com.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES is offering up to 25 per cent off 25 cruises to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Anniversary fares start from $280 for the 11-night Rome to Athens cruise on Seven Seas Navigator, departing September 15. Valid until sold out; phone 02 9265 7100, see rssc.com.

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