Been contemplating an Arctic adventure in 2021? The world’s first discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse, should be all over your radar, then. An ultra-luxe 550 ft. vessel featuring on-board butler service and a 1:1 guest to staff ratio, the Eclipse might sound like a billionaire’s favourite private toy, but luckily (for us, anyway), a Scenic voyage doesn’t come with a ten-figure price tag. As a matter of fact, news of complimentary £500 suite upgrades for 2021 Arctic bookings made before 31 July 2020 have just emerged from the polar depths… We don’t need to be begged twice!
Frequent readers know this to be true: we’ve got a thing for polar escapes, especially the ones that come with heated jacuzzis and a sauna for those frostier moments (we’re not Santa, after all). Whilst the Eclipse boasts with all the creature comfort amenities luxury travellers might be looking for, the superyacht’s claim to fame is arguably its more experiential side – two state-of-the-art Airbus helicopters and a six-seater submarine for underwater exploration speak to that. Temperature-defying Arctic explorers can also look forward to exclusive shore excursions via a variety of smaller marine toys as well as, of course, magical encounters with some of the most elusive wildlife anywhere on Earth, right there in its natural habitat (may we suggest you bring a camera?).
Back on board, your inner sophisticate will be tempted by the Eclipse’s Senses Spa, several plunge pools or one of ten – let that number sink in for a moment – varied dining options to enjoy as you pass glistening icebergs and, if you’re lucky, a gorgeous, howling walrus colony (they do have some good angles).
Strictly limited to 200 passengers across the ship’s 114 suites on its Arctic routes, the Eclipse sets sail for smaller harbours in the most remote areas of what’s already one of the most secluded corners of the world. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all; just remember to pack a sweater or two.
Photography by Roger Pimenta, courtesy of Scenic
