Five things to know before boarding a Scenic cruise ship

Australian-based Scenic started life as a coach tour operator in its motherland in 1986. Initially, the company offered multi-day coach trips along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, before branching out to sell tours into New Zealand, Canada and Alaska.

In 2007, Scenic expanded again. This time the company, founded by Glen Moroney, a former accountant, entered the European river cruise market with the launch of its signature 163-passenger Scenic space-ships – so called owing to the incredible amount of space you can expect to find not only in your suite but in the shared public spaces.

Not content to rest upon his laurels, Moroney created a second brand – Emerald Waterways – in 2014. The newcomer is slightly more affordable than its ultra-luxury older sibling – which can be eye-wateringly expensive – although Scenic’s legion of repeat passengers argue that you get what you pay for and almost everything (flights, meals, drinks, excursions and even gratuities) are included in the price.

Scenic’s loyal guests now have even more options. The world’s first all-inclusive discovery yacht, the six-star Scenic Eclipse – conceived after Moroney saw Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s own super yacht, Octopus, moored in Sydney harbour and decided he wanted to create that experience for everyone – debuted in 2019.

A second sea-going ship, Scenic Eclipse II – which reportedly cost $318.4 million to build and counts Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, as godmother – has helped create even more choice for passengers with deep pockets.

1. Where does Scenic cruise?

Scenic river ships cruise some of Europe’s most famous waterways – including the Rhine, Seine, Danube and Douro – on itineraries ranging from five to 15 nights. 

Every sailing includes a Scenic Enrich experience: read exclusive access treats such as a private classical concert of Mozart and Strauss music in Vienna’s opulent Palais Liechtenstein; or a guided tour of Gamburg Castle in Miltenburg in the company of the resident baron and baroness.

The Australian luxury brand has also grown to become one of the leading river cruise lines on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. 

Your Mekong ship is the luxurious Scenic Spirit, which features 34 balcony suites, butler service to all the rooms, and four dining options. 

Meanwhile, memorable Mekong shore excursions include a visit to Phnom Penh’s only rum distillery for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting, followed by a night-time tuk-tuk tour taking in blockbuster sights such as Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace and Independence Monument.

The line’s two ocean-going ships, Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II, are designed for polar expedition voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic but also offer warm-water cruises to the Americas, Japan, Oceania, Polynesia and the Pacific.

2. Who does Scenic appeal to?

As an Australian-owned line – Moroney is still the only Aussie to have built a cruise line – the lion’s share of passengers on Scenic sailings are unsurprisingly antipodean. 

That being said, you’ll also find plenty of Britons, Americans and Canadians onboard, so it’s little wonder that English is the lingua franca. 

Due to the high price point, Scenic attracts an older demographic – the average age hovers around 65 – but don’t let that deter you: these baby boomers tend to be energetic, curious and fun-loving retirees who know how to have a good time.

Given the relaxed, informal atmosphere onboard, and the impressive range of shore excursions – a nod to the line’s roots as a tour operator – on offer (think cooking classes, guided e-bike tours and trips to temples to receive blessings from monks), Scenic could also suit discerning younger travellers who want to see the world in style.

3. Scenic’s fleet

The outfit operates 13 ships – 11 river cruise ships called “space ships” and two luxury ocean and expedition vessels – and all are akin to floating five-star hotels.

Space ships

Scenic Jasper, Opal, Amber, Ruby, Jade, and Jewel (163 passengers), Scenic Sapphire and Diamond (147 passengers), Scenic Gem (122 passengers), Scenic Azure (96 passengers), and Scenic Spirit (68 passengers)

Sleek and purpose-built, these ships are home-away-from-home for a maximum of 163 passengers. Luxurious suites – choose from standard suites, balcony suites, junior suites and royal suites in Europe – come with butler service, a mini-bar that’s restocked daily, a Scenic slumber bed, pillow menu and posh designer toiletries.

Balcony suites and higher feature an innovative Scenic sun lounge where a glass window lowers at the touch of a button.

Most “space ships” have a salt therapy lounge that harnesses the healing properties of salt – ideal for anyone looking for a little therapeutic “me time” – as well as steam rooms and saunas.

Alternatively, stay in shape in the onboard wellness centre, take a daily stroll on the walking track or sign up for a sunrise stretch class. 

Multiple restaurants allow for a choice of fine dining (Table La Rive and Italian-inspired Portobellos) or casual dining (Crystal Dining and River Cafe). 

Elsewhere, the marble-lined Panorama Lounge is the spot to enjoy pre or post-dinner drinks and evening entertainment that ranges from local talent to trivia competitions compered by the onboard enrichment manager.

Scenic Spirit, purpose-built for exploring the Mekong, is smaller than the line’s European vessels but it is still one of the biggest vessels plying South-east Asia’s longest river. Accommodation onboard Spirit consists of deluxe and royal suites while amenities and facilities compromise a gorgeous dining room, pool; small spa, sauna and steam room, a gym; library and lounge.

Sails to: Europe (the Danube, the Rhine, Main and Moselle, the Rhone and Saone, the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde, the Seine and the Douro); South-east Asia (the Mekong)

Ocean and expedition ships

Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II (228 passengers)

Featuring two six-seater black helicopters that could be straight out of a James Bond film, a six-seat submarine, 10 restaurants – overseen by Tom Goetter, a finalist on Top Chef World All-Stars – a 5,000-square-foot spa, and sizeable suites with butler service, Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II have been making waves in the cruise industry ever since their much-hyped launch.

Both ships have been built for 228 guests (200 in the Arctic and Antarctica), plus 178 crew, and have two remarkable women as their godmothers.

Eclipse I counts Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren as her godmother while Nasa scientist and astronaut Kathy Sullivan serves as godmother to Scenic Eclipse II.

Sails to: Antarctica, the Arctic, Europe and the Americas

4. Loyalty scheme

Scenic Club is a points-based programme that has four membership tiers: gold, platinum, diamond and emerald. Earn 100 points for each day of sailing plus additional points for premium decks and suite categories. 

These are then converted into rewards such as members-only events (gold membership) or a complimentary hotel stay pre or post-cruise (platinum membership). Benefits increase in value as you move up the tiers.

5. Accessibility onboard

Scenic says: “We welcome passengers with medical conditions or disabilities, and can provide mobility provisions when notified in writing of a person’s needs before boarding. However, please be aware that there may be limitations onboard and during excursions.” Basically, it’s best to speak to a member of the Scenic team about your requirements prior to booking.