Scenic is an Australian company, which began in 1986 by offering coach tours along the Great Ocean Road. Over the years the company grew and in 2008 they successfully launched a European river cruise programme, building their own fleet of innovative vessels positioned at the luxury end of the European river cruise market.

Now Scenic has launched a new expedition programme to the Arctic, Antarctica, the Americas and the Mediterranean aboard a sleek and technologically groundbreaking new ship, Scenic Eclipse.

With a number of exciting features, this is the most luxurious expedition vessel ever to set sail. Eclipse has an Ice Class 1A Super rating, the highest rating possible (except that of an ice breaker), to allow navigation through the icy waters of the polar regions to reach the most remote landing sites. There is a helicopter and a seven man submersible, plus a fleet of zodiacs to provide the included excursions for the 228 guests (limited to 200 in the polar regions). Kayaks, snorkelling and scuba diving are also available.

Every room has a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows for unrivalled views of the scenery outside, which is a big plus when you are visiting some of the world's most remote and fascinating landscapes.

There are seven dining venues on board, a spa, an indoor heated pool, plunge pools, a gym, a yoga and pilates studio, and a 240-seat theatre, essential for lectures and briefings. All meals, drinks (including premium spirits), gratuities, butler service and WiFi are included, along with a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities and Scenic Enrich special events. A sister ship, Scenic Eclipse II, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2023.