Review: Scenic Eclipse II

What is the line? Scenic

Name of ship? Scenic Eclipse II

Passenger occupancy? 228 (200 in polar regions)

Itinerary? Barcelona to Málaga

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Scenic may be best known for its river cruises and land tours, but it made the jump not only to ocean ships, but ultra-luxury ice-class expedition ships in 2019 with Scenic Eclipse. Now it has two "discovery yachts" in its fleet, each carrying "toys" like helicopters and submersibles.

Tell us about the ship in general:

Scenic Eclipse II looks like a yacht, there's no doubt about it. She has exceptionally sleek lines, which carry through to dark and sexy interior spaces filled with an impressive art collection. Carrying just 228 passengers—and only 200 in the polar regions to comply with regulations—this ship is all about exclusivity.

Who is on board?

This is a luxury vessel, and you can expect to see well-heeled, well-traveled clientele on board, generally of retirement age and hailing from the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. But there are also a handful of 30- to 50-somethings that book the more expedition-focused itineraries—Antarctica, for instance—including solo travelers. Generally speaking, though, it's couples who sail on Scenic Eclipse II, no matter where in the world she's going.

Describe the cabins.

The 114 lavishly appointed suites—each serviced by butlers and outfitted with amenities like an Illy coffee machine, in-suite binoculars, and Dyson hair dryers—are genuinely spacious, no matter which category you're in. I stayed in a deluxe verandah suite, just a step above the entry-level category, and it starts at a roomy 344 square feet and goes up to 366 square feet, not including the balcony. I'm a fan of the black-and-white, all-marble bathroom. If you're seeking even more space, the largest suites are the Panorama Suites and Grand Panorama Suites, which span between 1,130 and 1,184 square feet.

Tell us about the crew.

The crew throughout the ship is perfectly attentive. With a 1:1 crew to guest ratio, there's always someone on hand to help you out. I tip my hat to chef Strawberry Besin, who immediately recognized me at dinner after serving me 18 months prior on sister ship Scenic Eclipse.

What food and drink options are available on board?

The onboard culinary experience puts Scenic Eclipse II a cut above the rest. There are an impressive 10 dining options, including 24-hour room service, a 10-seat chef's table, and Night Market at Koko's, the domain of the aforementioned chef Strawberry, who serves up a rotating tasting menu exploring global cuisines. There are also nine bars and lounges, the highlight of which is the central Scenic Lounge Bar, noted for its sky-high tower of rare whiskeys. New on Scenic Eclipse II is the Sky Bar on Deck 10, a bright and airy indoor-outdoor spot near the plunge pool. Best of all, food and beverage is truly all-inclusive—even those premium whiskeys. But do note that reservations are required at most restaurants.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The 5,920-square-foot Senses Spa on Scenic Eclipse II is extensive in its offerings, between treatments like massage and facials, special therapies like sound healing, and a thermal suite that's open to all passengers.

What about activities and entertainment?

Onboard entertainment includes low-key daytime activities like trivia and classic evening musical performances in the theater while the expedition itineraries also include lectures by expedition staff. But on more traditional itineraries like mine, which traveled from Barcelona to Málaga, we spent most of the day off the ship, leaving little time for onboard activities. It should be noted, however, that Scenic Eclipse II carries plenty of toys, including two helicopters and a submersible.

How was the experience for families?

There's no formal programming for families, but children aged 12 and older are welcome on board.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

After traveling on Scenic Eclipse to Antarctica, I was excited to experience Scenic Eclipse II in an entirely different destination: the Mediterranean. I sailed from Barcelona to Málaga, stopping in the Balearic islands. Excursions were primarily cultural outings with a few food and beverage options thrown in, though there were a few more active options on the docket, such as snorkeling.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

If you're seeking a small ship, ultra-luxury cruising experience with an exceptional food and beverage program, Scenic Eclipse II is for you.