Kay Sion (Head of Sales Continental Europe (w/o DACH) for Scenic and Emerald Cruises) hosted a select group of Irish travel agents – Killiney Travel, Best4Travel, Holiday Experts, Travel Counsellors Ireland, Travel Escapes, Frosch Ireland, The Travel Suite & ITTN’s Shane Cullen onboard one of the two ultra luxury Scenic Eclipse ships which docked along the River Liffey on Monday, 24 June 2025.

For nearly 40 years, Scenic Group has redefined luxury travel, gaining global acclaim for its award-winning river cruises, intimate yacht experiences, and meticulously curated land journeys. With a portfolio of renowned brands – Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Emerald Tours, and Mayflower Cruises & Tours – Scenic Group offers transformative experiences that provide unparalleled access to the world’s most breathtaking destinations across all seven continents.

On the oceans, Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™, are pioneers in expedition and discovery cruising – blending exploration and indulgence with state-of-the-art yachts that allow guests to explore remote polar regions and secluded destinations, all while enjoying world-class dining and personalized service.

The all-inclusive, ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse offers 114 suites and a maximum capacity of 228 (lower for Antarctic itineraries). Airport transfers, butler service, up to 10 dining options, drinks and shore excursions all included (except for helicopter and submarine excursions, which have a surcharge).

Dining Onboard Scenic Eclipse

Boarding took moments, and a welcome chilled glass of Champagne greeted guests on arrival. Kay presented the audience with updates from the brand, and guests were treated to a 5-star gourmet buffet lunch at the Yacht Club. I opted for roasted tomato soup with fresh Focaccia bread to start which was light but packed with flavours. A delicious and rare French-style steak followed with a side of roasted vegetables and creamy cauliflower. As it was a buffet, I might also have indulged in some sweet & sour pork (which was mouth-watering).

Despite spectacularly stunning desserts on offer, I opted for salted-caramel ice-cream (given I may have over-indulged in the main course). The team from Best4Travel and Holiday Experts assured me that these were outstanding – I will have to visit again and work up an even bigger appetite.

Onboard, guests can enjoy a culinary journey and a feast for the senses with diverse array of world-class dining and bar experiences. Whether it’s modern French cuisine, authentic Asian fusion or a house-made gelato, indulge in extraordinary creations inspired by the flavours of the world.

Restaurants

• Elements: The main restaurant, offering Italian, steak, and seafood dishes from an à la carte menu. Guests can dine solo, with a travel partner or join friends on larger tables. Guests enjoy premium beverages from Elements Bar, hosting with fine wines matched to the daily menu and broad selection of international cheeses.
• Chef’s Table: An exclusive, by invitation-only degustation experience within Elements. This is for a group of just 10-guests.
• Koko’s: Features Asian fusion cuisine, including a sushi and sake bar in an intimate setting for up to 26 guests. 
• Night Market @ Koko’s: A separate dining area within Koko’s, offering a high-end teppanyaki experience for up to 18 guests. 
• Lumière: A fine dining restaurant specialising in French cuisine and Champagne. 
• Azure Bar & Café: Offers light bites and casual meals all-day long. Guests can take in the spectacular views from the indoor or outdoor terrace seating and enjoy a variety of pizzas, salads, snacks and healthy meals, coupled with barista-made coffee and beverages. Enjoy after-dinner treats, such as macaroons, biscotti and chocolates with a brandy, port, or tea. 
• Yacht Club: A poolside restaurant with buffet options for breakfast and lunch. This casual dining experience is fitted with food islands, outdoor and lounge seating.
• Sushi @ Koko’s: A sushi bar where guests can enjoy a variety of sushi options. Catering for up to 18 guests, guests can dine along the ocean view benchtop or at the bar and watch the chef hand-make the meal. 
• In-Suite Dining: Available for guests who prefer to dine in their suites. 
• Chef’s Garden @ Scenic Épicure: guests can delight in local cuisine and wines with dedicated masterclasses led by our expert chefs and sommelier with food reflecting the regions on the itinerary.

Bars

• Scenic Bar & Lounge: A comfortable bar with a relaxing atmosphere. 
• Azure Bar & Café: Also serves as a bar, offering a selection of drinks. 
• Sky Bar: A bar with both indoor and outdoor seating options. 
• Lobby Lounge: A cozy bar for pre-dinner drinks or evening cocktails. 
• Observation Lounge: A bar with panoramic views. 
• The Yacht Club Terrace: Offers a place to relax and enjoy drinks by the pool. 
• Elements Wine Bar: A bar within the Elements restaurant.

The Team behind the Ultra-Luxury Experience

The Scenic Captains and crew are the finest professionals in their field, selected for their experience, knowledge and ability in navigating all climates and conditions. Fascinatingly, or at least from a travel geek like myself, guests can visit the open bridge and navigational hub to gain insights on Scenic Eclipse’s technology which is a wonderful opportunity to see how this type of vessel operates.

Guests have a butler service, mini-fridge and a culinary team overseen by Tom Götter and led by his Executive Chefs. With 38 chefs from 15 countries, every dining experience on board Scenic Eclipse is a multicultural epicurean journey of the highest standards.

Led by Director of Discovery Operations, Jason Flesher, the Discovery Team ensures unparalleled exploration and rich cultural immersion on Expedition and Discovery Voyages. There is a team of up to 20 specialists on Expedition Voyages, and up to 15 on Discovery Voyages, spans fields like history, biology, archaeology, naturalism, geology and photography. Enhancing guests’ experience with their passion and expertise. 

Ultra Luxurious Suites at Sea

Each Scenic Eclipse ultra-luxury suite is incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed, with state-of-the-art amenities and elegant furnishings. Each suite features a private verandah or terrace where you can relax and marvel at the stunning surroundings, taking in every moment. Each Scenic Eclipse Suite includes:

• A private verandah or terrace, with in-suite binoculars for optimal viewing
• Luxury king size Scenic Slumber Bed 
• Separate sleep zone and lounge area 
• Ambient lighting options 
• En-suite bathroom with shower and vanity 
• Personalised butler service 
• In-suite beverage and dining service 
• A full complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stocked daily 
• HDTV entertainment system
• Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air 
• The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society, Bureau Veritas

Owner’s Penthouse Suites

Handcrafted and extraordinary in every way, our Owner’s Penthouse Suites set the benchmark in ultra-luxury and offer the ultimate indulgence. Boasting the best views on board, a private spa pool on the spacious terrace, a lounge and dining area, a super-sized bathroom with dual vitality mist showers, and a personalised butler service, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Panorama & Grand Panorama Suites

Grandeur and style are taken to a whole new level in the Panorama and Grand Panorama Suites. These are at the front of the Discovery Yacht and overlook the bow. These stylish & beautiful suites feature a spacious curved terrace perfect for marvelling at incredible wildlife and landscapes, or the Quays if you’re in Dublin.

Spa Suites

These suites offer guests a private hideaway to relax in a luxurious spa bath. The indulgent Spa Suites will provide the ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation for guests.

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suites

The generously-sized Grand Deluxe Verandah Suites are furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities, including a plush king-size bed, pillow menu, walk-in wardrobe and a lounge area to relax in after a day of discovery.

Verandah & Deluxe Verandah Suites

Our spacious Verandah & Deluxe Verandah Suites are thoughtfully designed with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a private verandah or terrace. Guests can enjoy unwinding in the separate lounge area with their choice of refreshment.

Discover Scenic Itineraries

Onboard Scenic Eclipse, this is where luxury meets discovery. With two Discovery Yachts, Scenic takes guests further, across 350 ports, through 49 countries and all seven continents. Travellers can explore the Polar Regions, Australia and the South Pacific, Europe and the Mediterranean, the Americas and Asia.

Itinerary destinations include the Southern Japanese Islands, the Indonesian Archipelago, Borneo, the Philippines, Malaysia & West Papua, Fiji, the coastline of New Zealand, Antarctica’s Ross Sea, Iceland & Greenland including Reykajvík and Disko Bay.

And, if you have any time or energy remaining, you can enjoy a show onboard.