Scenic Group has launched the 2028-29 voyage collection for its Scenic Eclipse II, restarting operations in the Asia-Pacific region following its 2024 and 2025 seasons. The new itineraries include a full circumnavigation of Japan during cherry blossom season and visits to Palau, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tasmania, as well as Indonesian Papua, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sulawesi, and the Indonesian archipelago.
In Tasmania, the Scenic Eclipse II’s itinerary features stops at King Island, Bruny Island, and national parks along the state’s west coast. The cruise also visits Sydney and Newcastle, marking Scenic Group’s 40th anniversary since its founding in Australia.
This season’s expanded program reflects growing demand for all-inclusive expedition cruising close to home, notably for Kimberley ocean voyages, which have seen strong bookings since their release in April.
Expanded Land Journeys Across Asia-Pacific
Scenic Group has also broadened its luxury land journey offerings for 2028 and 2029. These handcrafted itineraries cover Australia’s east coast, the Top End and Central Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Japan. Land extensions are designed to complement selected Scenic Eclipse II voyages, enabling guests to combine expedition cruising with inland cultural experiences and premium accommodations such as Kokomo Private Island in Fiji and The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in
Tokyo.
Travelers booking selected Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific cruises under the Best Available offer receive a complimentary 20-minute helicopter flightseeing experience where local regulations permit. Additional helicopter landing experiences including golf at Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and dining in the Marlborough Sounds are arranged exclusively for Penthouse suite guests and Chairman’s Club members.
Helicopter Excursions and Onboard Amenities
Scenic Eclipse II carries two onboard helicopters that provide unique access to remote locations unreachable by sea or requiring extensive overland travel. Helicopter excursions include heli-fishing in the Kimberley, scenic flights over Mitchell Falls, Horizontal Falls, the Great Barrier Reef, and New Zealand’s Bay
of Islands. Private helicopter landings facilitate visits to pearl farms, golf courses, and gourmet dining venues.
The ship features up to 10 distinct dining venues, a dedicated whisky bar offering over 100 varieties, and a 550-square-meter wellness retreat. Expedition and Discovery Voyages aboard Scenic Eclipse II are guided by an expert expedition team supported by local specialists. From 2028-29 onward, guests in Panorama, Grand Panorama, and Owner’s Penthouse suites gain additional inclusions such as private Scenic Discovery experiences, half-day guided excursions on selected Signature Yacht Cruises, and private chauffeur airport transfers.
Statements and Fleet Expansion
Lisa McCaskill, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for
Scenic Group Canada, said, “Scenic Eclipse II continues to set the pace for ultra-luxury discovery in the Kimberley and across the region.” She added, “The return of this Discovery Yacht, paired with new land extensions across Australia, the South Pacific, and Asia, means guests and their travel advisors can transform a single voyage into a truly enriching journey.” McCaskill also noted the exceptional helicopter excursions available to Canadian travelers seeking bucket-list moments during colder months.
Scenic Group is expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific with the Emerald Xara starting its inaugural Asia and Australia season in 2028, Scenic Aura debuting
in India and Sri Lanka in late 2027, and Scenic Spirit II joining the Mekong fleet in early 2028. These fleet additions align with the company’s broader strategy to grow luxury expedition cruising across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the South Pacific.
