Luxe unlimited: First look at Scenic Eclipse 11

The helicopter on the deck behind me is gleaming in the Spanish sun. For the lucky few who sail on new Scenic Eclipse II, the dream of seeing the world from a birds-eye view can be a reality, thanks to a pair of six-seater Airbus H320s. Guests can also dive deep and explore the ocean bed in an electric submarine if the fancy takes them.

This, you see, is not any old cruise ship. It’s a sleek, contemporary six-star ‘Discovery yacht’ that offers a taste of the billionaire lifestyle without the inconvenience of owning your own ship.

Scenic Eclipse I launched to great acclaim in 2019, when godmother Dame Helen Mirren christened her in New York.

Fast forward four years and the excitement is mounting as the owners and crew of sister vessel Eclipse II get ready for a late-afternoon launch in Malaga, with new godmother (and NASA astronaut) Dr Kathryn Sullivan all set to do the honours.

But first, I’m here to take a look at what’s on board. Scenic Eclipse I was an instant hit but Eclipse II is even sleeker and more passenger-friendly.

Inside, the decor in the common areas feels brighter and more playful, with splashes of colour to break up the cool grey backgrounds.

But one of the biggest changes is the redesign of deck 10. With a large oval-shaped pool, the new Sun Deck boasts a fun outside bar, lots of outdoor seating and private cabanas, plus daybeds where you’ll be able to enjoy massages with an ocean view. It’s the perfect spot for sail-away deck parties and sunset cocktails.

Also larger is the impressive Senses Spa. Added to its steam room, ice fountain and experience showers, comes a salt therapy lounge with heated beds. And I just love the lilac-coloured yoga and Pilates studio where you can enjoy classes with the ship’s onboard instructor.

If you fancy yourself as a foodie, this is the ship for you. Despite its relatively small size, Scenic Eclipse II offers no fewer than 10 dining options, ranging from healthy breakfasts to blowout tasting-menu dinners.

And it’s not only the range of culinary styles that’s impressive. Each dining area genuinely feels like a different restaurant, and guests are encouraged to experience a new one every night.

With a menu of light, seasonal fare that changes daily, the Yacht Club would be my venue of choice for breakfast and lunch. Beautifully decorated, with a super-chilled, easy elegance, it’s just the place to start your day.

After sundown, I love the cool Night Market @ Koko’s, which sizzles with the vibrant flavours of street food (think the best stalls in Bangkok, but without the plastic chairs).

Equally impressive is Elements, the ship’s modern Italian restaurant, which specialises in steaks and seafood.

But the jewel in this ship’s culinary crown is the small and intimate Chef’s Table, situated in a private room at the side of an open kitchen.

It’s an invitation-only affair, where every night 10 lucky guests get to sample one of the senior chef’s unique tasting menus. All you have to do is work out how to get yourself on the guest list…

On the dockside as the sun begins to set, Dr Sullivan is ready to launch a bottle of the finest champagne against the bow.

It smashes perfectly, and the cheers go up from the assembled dignitaries, the crew – and the guests on board who can’t wait for Scenic Eclipse II to set sail and the fun to begin.

Get on board
An eight-night ‘East Coast Islands & Reefs’ cruise aboard Scenic Eclipse II, from Newcastle, Australia, to Cairns via Gladstone, Percy Islands, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island and Willis Island, departing 22 April 2024, from £8,120 per person.

FAST FACTS
228 guests
176 crew
2 pools
10 dining options

MY VERDICT
Great for: A billionaire’s superyacht experience (you even get your own butler)
Don’t miss: The chance to enjoy one of the best massages at sea
Best restaurant & bar: The food at Night Market is superb, and you can’t beat a cheeky glass of fizz at Lumière champagne bar
Value for money: It’s expensive but your fare is all-inclusive – and just look at the ship
Saving the planet: Thanks to a GPS dynamic positioning system, Scenic Eclipse II can stay stationary without an anchor, avoiding damage to the seabed
Star rating: 4/5