Scenic unveils 2028-29 Scenic Eclipse II season with new Asia-Pacific voyages

Scenic Group has launched its 2028-29 collection of voyages aboard Scenic Eclipse II, alongside a lineup of land journeys across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific.

The new program marks the Discovery Yacht's return to the region following its 2024 and 2025 seasons, featuring itineraries that combine major cities with remote coastal destinations.

Among the highlights are voyages circumnavigating Japan during cherry blossom season, as well as new itineraries that include Palau, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tasmania. 

Expedition-style sailings will also explore Indonesian Papua, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sulawesi and the Indonesian archipelago.

In Tasmania, Scenic Eclipse II will call at King Island, Bruny Island and the national parks along the state's west coast, while visits to Sydney and Newcastle reconnect with Scenic Group's Australian roots, marking 40 years since the company was founded.

Scenic said demand for its Kimberley voyages has already been strong since ocean itineraries were released in April, reflecting growing interest in all-inclusive expedition cruising closer to home.

Expanded land journeys

The company has also expanded its portfolio of handcrafted land journeys for 2028 and 2029, introducing new small-group itineraries across Australia's east coast, the Top End and Central Australia, as well as New Zealand, the South Pacific and Japan.

Designed to complement selected Scenic Eclipse II voyages, the land extensions allow guests to combine expedition cruising with inland destinations, cultural experiences and luxury accommodations arranged by Scenic. Featured properties include Kokomo Private Island in Fiji and The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo.

Helicopter experiences included

Guests booking selected Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific voyages under the Best Available offer will receive a complimentary 20-minute helicopter flightseeing experience, where permitted.

Penthouse suite guests and Chairman's Club members will also have access to select helicopter landing experiences, including golfing at Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and dining experiences in the Marlborough Sounds.

The Discovery Yacht's two onboard helicopters also offer optional excursions to destinations that cannot be reached from the coastline or would otherwise require extensive overland travel. 

Experiences include heli-fishing in the Kimberley, scenic flights over landmarks such as Mitchell Falls, Horizontal Falls, the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand's Bay of Islands, as well as private helicopter landings for pearl farm visits, golf and gourmet dining.

Focus on Canadian travellers

Lisa McCaskill, vice president of sales and marketing for Scenic Group Canada, said the expanded program offers more options for guests exploring the region.

"Scenic Eclipse II continues to set the pace for ultra-luxury discovery in the Kimberley and across the region,” said McCaskill in a press release.

“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.”

“For Canadian travellers seeking a bucket-list escape during the colder months at home, this experience is unmatched, featuring the option of unrivalled helicopter excursions that reveal the region's most remarkable landscapes from a perspective no other cruise company can offer or deliver."

Enhanced suite benefits

Scenic Eclipse II's onboard amenities include up to 10 dining experiences, a dedicated whisky bar with more than 100 varieties and a 550-square-metre wellness retreat. Expedition and Discovery Voyages are led by Scenic's expert expedition team with support from local specialists.

Beginning with the 2028-29 season, guests staying in Panorama, Grand Panorama and Owner's Penthouse suites will receive additional inclusions, including private Scenic Discovery experiences on Expedition and Discovery Voyages, private half-day guided excursions on selected Signature Yacht Cruises and private chauffeur airport transfers.

The new collection is part of Scenic Group's broader expansion in the region.

The company said Emerald Xara will begin its inaugural Asia and Australia season in 2028, Scenic Aura will debut in India and Sri Lanka in late 2027, and Scenic Spirit II will join the Mekong fleet in early 2028.

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