Scenic Discovery Yachts: a new era of exploration
Sponsored by Scenic
Scenic is fast becoming the driving force behind the expedition sector’s rapid expansion beyond the polar circle. With world-class Discovery Yachts, warm-water explorations and cutting-edge onboard hardware, the line is poised to turn your guests into pioneers
Exploration cruising is coming in from the cold like never before. So many people associate discovery voyages with the polar regions and other icy places. And that’s fantastic – there’s nothing quite like heading south across Drake Passage from the tip of Argentina or pootling around with polar bears in the Arctic – but there’s so much more to get to grips with.
Scenic Discovery Yachts have been at the forefront of small ship adventures since the launch of Scenic Eclipse – ‘The World’s First Discovery Yacht ™’ – in 2019, taking 228 guests to the very edge yet to the very heart of the world of wonders.
Two helicopters, a submersible and six-star luxury, something that couldn’t be beat – except that in 2023 Scenic Eclipse II changed things from top to bottom, from top-deck Sky Bar and the new Vitality Pool on deck 10 to new generation submersible and altered course into more warm water adventures, like the Mediterranean, South America and Australasia.
Now it’s all changing again with Scenic Ikon, bigger (270 guests in 135 veranda suites) and bolder in scope. Scenic Ikon doesn’t enter service until 2028 yet the maiden voyage has sold out, others are selling fast.
Its maiden season is actually a world tour, 110 ports, 21 countries and 26 new destinations, from the Aegean to Antarctica, with Africa (docking at vibrant Senegal capital, Dakar) in between. The Med’s a must – Scenic’s yachts can dock in places major cruise ships can’t get near thanks to its innovative docking technology and sleek design – while the Falklands, Egypt, the volcanic Cape Verde Islands and the chilly splendour of the Chilean Fjords all get a look in.
While Scenic’s Discovery Yachts can handle demanding conditions with ice-class hulls, hi-tech design makes them all the more suitable for softer climes. A shallow draft allows access to secluded bays and Zodiac inflatables (plus kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling gear) making desert island landings easy.
And the expert onboard Discovery Team know everything about places and wildlife, the yacht able to spontaneously head towards surprise happenings, with local guides on hand for fascinating excursions. Guests can adventure in more ways than one, too. They can take to the skies via helicopters which make landings, delve into the depths thanks to industry-leading submersibles, and skim the surface thanks to an expanded floating platform which entices swimming in sun-drenched oceans.
Yet it’s not simply sensational places that are the selling point, it’s the all-encompassing luxury. Scenic Ikon has an extraordinary 15 dining venues. There’s the best of Scenic Eclipse I and II – including Lumiere’s fine French dining and the casual elegance of the Yacht Club (now with a terrace) – but with the added attractions of Textura’s tapas, Summa’s sharing plates of local goodness, Alkemia’s plant-based menu and open kitchen and Crustory’s reinvention of pizza.
Add plenty of deck space for soaking up the sun, every room having a veranda, a two-level spa and splendid bars and it’s an extraordinary offering. While Scenic Ikon may not be launching just yet, now’s the time for launch offers. There’s up to 15 per cent off with the bonus of included flights and door-to-door chauffeur transfers. Top savings – including free helicopter flight – come with the early booking Best Available Fare.
Depending on where the cruise goes, the only ice might be in a G&T as Scenic Discovery Yachts circle the globe with a new way of exploring.
