cruise ship with helicopter and submarine

Scenic Eclipse I & II

Discover the world's oceans on board one of our Discovery Yachts and be immersed in ultra-luxury cruising in a class of its own.

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Discover Our Scenic Eclipse Ships

With two Discovery Yachts visiting more than 500 extraordinary destinations across 63 remarkable countries, Scenic Eclipse takes you further than ever before to explore all seven continents.

Cruise the world’s oceans, unveiling the most secluded, historic, pristine, and stunning regions in ultra-luxury.

Why   are Scenic Eclipse Yachts the benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising?

Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts are ultra-luxury cruising in a class of its own. With indulgent and spacious suites, a truly all-inclusive experience, and extensive spaces for wellbeing and entertainment, your journey will be life-changing.

Unrivaled Discovery

The World’s First Discovery Yachts have been designed with you in mind, delighting both the keen explorer and elegant traveler.

Dining and beverages

The impressive selection of cuisines, dining experiences, and bars offer you a variety of choices that will satisfy your palate. Open galleys invite you to see first-hand the passion and expertise that goes into preparing every meal. Each dining venue features a menu reflecting the produce and region you’re sailing in, and choices will be refreshed throughout your voyage.

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All-Inclusive Excursions

You can experience the wonders of the world through an exciting variety of excursion options - from our Scenic Discovery excursions led by our Discovery team sharing their knowledge and expertise, Scenic Freechoice activities which are curated to cater to your interests and fitness level, and our Scenic Enrich experiences, where you’ll be immersed in unique and exclusively handcrafted encounters.

Expert On Board Team

The expert team on board Scenic Eclipse are dedicated professionals who will go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional level of world-class service for you.

Unrivaled Views

Marvel at wildlife and extraordinary landscapes while on Scenic Eclipse through Swarovski telescopes or with the expert Discovery Team.

Benchmark in Wellbeing

World-class and tranquil wellness facilities are available on board for you to indulge in, including our 5,920 sq ft Senses Spa# offering luxurious facials, massages, and body treatments. Or, you can rejuvenate in the dedicated yoga and Pilates studio and maintain your fitness in the fully equipped gym. Find out more

New Destinations

You can snorkel in the tropical waters of Raja Ampat, marvel at a land filled with the rich history of Celts, Romans, and Vikings in Scotland, and take in the breathtaking beauty of Tahiti as we island hop through the Pacific Islands.

Scenic Eclipse & Scenic Eclipse II

Scenic Eclipse I and II will take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Custom-designed with a wealth of state-of-the-art features for unrivaled exploration, these two Discovery Yachts will immerse you on ultra-luxury journeys around the world. You will travel to unforgettable locations and experience truly all-inclusive luxury on board Scenic Eclipse I and II. From polar regions to the world’s most sought-after warm environments, you’ll travel in 6-star comfort.

World-Class Technology & Design

Introducing Scenic Eclipse II

Setting a benchmark in the realm of ultra-luxury cruising with Scenic Eclipse, you can now enjoy elevated enhancements on board Scenic Eclipse II, which offers you ultra-luxury cruising in a class of its own.

Highlights include:

Helicopters & Submarine

Dining Experiences

9 Bars & Lounges

Outdoor Revitalization

Fitness & Wellness

State-of-the-Art Theater

Observation Lounge & Deck

Open B ridge

^Helicopter, experiences, and submersible at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval, and weather and ice conditions. Helicopters are unable to operate in South Georgia and Svalbard. Submersible is unable to operate in US waters, Svalbard, and the Kimberley.

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Excursions & Discoveries

Ultra-Luxury Suites

Ship Layouts

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This Epic Antarctica Cruise Offers Adventures Like Helicopter Rides, Submarine Trips, and Whale Sightings

Luxury expedition cruise Scenic Eclipse offers a stunning new perspective on Antarctica.

"You know the Drake Passage can be terrifying?" replied my motion-sickness-prone dad, speaking of the infamously rough body of water between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula , after I'd informed him that I was heading to the world's greatest wilderness on a 13-day Antarctica in Depth voyage.

That potentially wild rite of passage is the price paid for the privilege of experiencing the pristine majesty and serenity of an entirely ice-clad continent bigger than the United States and Mexico combined.

I was sanguine. I've traveled rough seas on everything from tramp steamers to a full-size replica of HMS Bounty . But never have I experienced such astonishingly smooth sailing as aboard the Scenic Eclipse , a veritable game-changer that launched in April 2019 as the world's most advanced and luxurious expedition vessel.

On our second day heading south from Ushuaia, Argentina , the "Drake Lake" briefly turned into the "Drake Shake," with swells of 20 feet that would have sent the crockery flying on other ships. But the Scenic Eclipse 's cutting-edge oversize stabilizers held her steady. The 551-foot-long, 228-passenger (200 in polar waters) Discovery Yacht sliced through the swells like a laser beam cutting through ice. I dined comfortably as I watched albatross skim the waves and a screaming wind slice streaks of foam off the whitecaps.

Next morning, I raised my stateroom's electronic blackout curtain to a thrillingly quintessential Antarctic view: Electric-blue icebergs floated in an ink-black sea framed by towering, snow-covered mountains laden with great crevassed glaciers. We were "anchored" in Marguerite Bay, some 75 miles south of the Antarctic Circle. (Well, not quite anchored. The Polar Class 6-rated vessel employs computerized GPS dynamic positioning to stay glued in place, using thrusters and its revolutionary Azipod propulsion system featuring twin electric motors housed in propeller pods — each capable of rotating independently through 360 degrees — outside the ship's hull. With no throbbing diesel engines rattling the cutlery, we were as one with Antarctica's otherworldly serenity .)

Scenic's Discovery Team of polar and naturalist experts entertained us during our passage with fascinating lectures on Antarctic glaciers, whales of the Southern Ocean, penguins, and the infamous Scott versus Amundsen race to the South Pole. For the next week, my fellow travelers and I would go ashore daily, or partake of Zodiac cruises, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and first-of-a-kind James Bond-worthy indulgences that elevate polar cruising to the level of a 007 movie.

This being the tail end of austral summer, temperatures hovered just above freezing. Scenic provides a waterproof, fleece-lined, hooded jacket for every guest. But once we were zipping in the Zodiacs across choppy waters to Horseshoe Island for our first landfall, the biting wind sent the thermometer plunging. I was glad I wore two extra fleece jackets, plus warm fleece leggings beneath waterproof pants.

Two Adélie penguins waddled the pebbly shoreline. A Weddell seal bobbed beside a neon-green-and-blue ice floe; two others snoozed atop the snow, totally uncaring of our human presence. Far out in the fjord, humpback whales exhaled steamy plumes. The next few days would deliver ever more sensational all-star wildlife encounters .

That afternoon presented a unique and unforgettable highlight as I strapped into one of Scenic Eclipse 's two remarkably quiet Airbus H130-T2 helicopters and lifted off for a 30-minute flightseeing adventure. The polar landscapes appeared even more spectacular as we swooped low over miles-wide glaciers and vast ice sheets receding into an all-white infinity. Below, our sleek eight-deck vessel seemed dwarfed.

Before Scenic Eclipse launched, heli-flightseeing in Antarctica was the preserve of private megayachts. It's also the first expedition ship with its own submersible for submarine Antarctica adventures. And each of 114 spacious staterooms is a stylishly contemporary suite with an entire wall of glass opening to a broad balcony (which made up for the limited public deck space).

The next morning, I used my balcony rail like a tripod to photograph kayakers paddling among the ice floes of Holtedahl Bay. A snow flurry had cleared and the waters, dead calm beneath a slate-gray sky, were punctuated by cyan icebergs and yellow and red kayaks. Suddenly, a humpback whale emerged, exhaled, then dove, trailing its flukes in the air.

The interior of Antarctica is a desolate, lifeless environment. But marine life is astonishingly abundant thanks to the Antarctic Convergence, a circumpolar strip of merging oceans marked by an upwelling of deep, nutrient-rich waters that nourish a phenomenal profusion of phytoplankton and, in turn, krill. Resembling tiny shrimp, these small invertebrates travel in massive swarms that can stretch for miles — both wide and deep — forming the prime food source for whales, seals, penguins , and other birds.

Later that morning, I bundled up for my first Zodiac cruise and, in the afternoon, donned a dry suit and slipped into a kayak to paddle the slushy sea off Prospect Point. Icebergs as phantasmagorical as Henry Moore's abstract sculptures floated out of the mist. Their haunting beauty held me spellbound. Both crabeater and Weddell seals — cream-colored and gray, respectively — snoozed atop flatter ice floes, while a few lone Adélie penguins had also hauled out, perhaps to escape hungry leopard seals. I captured a penguin for posterity as it dove, wings spread, into its own reflection.

I loved photographing during gloomy, moody afternoons such as this. The soft, subdued, even light allowed for perfect exposure without extreme contrast and ugly shadows.

In late afternoon, the weather cleared for a bluebird day ideal for a polar plunge off the ship's stern. Amazingly, almost half of the 165 guests opted to dive into the 32-degree water. They emerged shivering, exhilarated, and craving the ship's top-deck hot tubs or Senses Spa steam room and sauna.

Notwithstanding the 5,920-square-foot spa, the plush lounges, and my stateroom's boutique hotel comforts (and butler service), I'd been somewhat skeptical about Scenic's claim of "setting the benchmark for ultra-luxury cruising ." But dining that night in the 10-guests-only Night Market, I grasped Scenic Eclipse 's defining distinction. Where other upscale expedition ships offer only one or two restaurants, the Scenic Eclipse boasts eight. Six are gourmet, including Sushi @ Koko's, Lumière for contemporary French cuisine, and Elements for Italian fusion. At Night Market, a young Filipina chef named Strawberry conjured a mouthwatering panegyric to Middle East cuisine. And at the invitation-only Chef's Table dégustation, I savored 14 creative dishes curated by executive chef Alexander Parahovnik, including a cigar-themed Mexican-style flauta served from a smoke-filled humidor into an ashtray with a crumbled gray veggie for ash.

"We're different because we've learned how to marry extra luxury with expedition," operations manager Jason Flesher told Travel + Leisure . "For example, we're the first ship to offer commercial submarine dives south of the Antarctic Circle."

The vessel's futuristic, seven-person U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub seemed like something MI6's Q had a hand in designing. I sure felt like James Bond as I settled into my seat within one of the submersible's twin 18-inch-thick acrylic spheres. Hovering above the seabed at almost 200 feet down, I marveled at giant sponges, otherworldly jellyfish, ghostly looking icefish (glycerol in their clear, hemoglobin-free blood acts as an antifreeze), and starfish as colorful as those on a coral reef. All were illuminated by our sub's spotlights. (Scenic cruises are all-inclusive except the submersible and helicopter rides, and spa services. Even the gratuities are included for wallet-free cruising.)

During the next two days, we disinfected our boots and scrubbed our outer leggings before wet landings ashore to visit gentoo penguin rookeries at Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, and Orne Harbor. The adorable birds seemed oblivious to our presence (we were briefed not to approach the wildlife, but this wasn't explained to the penguins) as they waddled along well-worn lanes in the snow, fed their young chicks, and tended to their pebble nests. As we gradually moved north along the Antarctic Peninsula, we encountered fur seals, Antarctic shags, snow petrels, and chinstrap penguin colonies — including atop the wind-blasted black spire of 938-foot-high Spigot Peak (which we hiked to, plodding uphill through deep snow with the aid of poles).

In Antarctica , the weather can change on a dime. On day nine, after a sunny morning ashore at the old, bone-strewn whaling station of Mikkelsen Harbor, a storm system socked in as we repositioned to Cierva Cove for our last Zodiac outing. We were blitzed by snowflakes as we zipped between honeycombed brash ice and Instagram-worthy icebergs that had calved off the glaciers, stirring up nutrients, bringing an abundance of seals, penguins, and whales.

It seemed like humpbacks were foraging all around us. Individuals would emerge for an instant to gulp a mouthful of krill, or breathe, then dive and appear minutes later somewhere else. Just as I'd aim my camera in anticipation of that hoped-for perfect tail shot, another whale would pop up nearby. On one occasion, three whales emerged together just 20 yards from our Zodiac. It's difficult to conceive of how enormous these behemoth mammals are until one appears next to your relatively tiny inflatable.

After two hours, with numb fingers and the light fading, we headed back to the luxurious comforts of the Scenic Eclipse . As we arrived, we encountered one last humpback whale circling the vessel as the clouds broke, bathing the scene in evanescent early evening sunlight. I clicked the shutter one last time as the whale exhaled, then submerged and disappeared, leaving me with an indelible memory of Antarctica's unimaginably impactful enchantment.

Review: Scenic Eclipse

Reviewed by Janice Wald Henderson

What is the line? Scenic Cruises

Name of ship? Scenic Eclipse

Passenger occupancy? 228 (200 in polar regions)

Itinerary? Halifax, Nova Scotia, to New York

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

Scenic began in 1986 as Scenic Tours, an Aussie company operating coach tours. In 2005, Scenic entered the European riverboat market and in 2008, introduced its own posh riverboats—the first to sail on European waterways with outside balconies. With Scenic Eclipse ’s debut in 2019 as a “discovery yacht,” the brand drew a larger American audience to its river and ocean vessels. Passengers on board Scenic ships tend to be 55-plus, sophisticated travelers who want the best food, wine, accommodations, and service. The brand's devotees are eager to check out the slightly tweaked Scenic Eclipse II , which debuted in August 2023.

Tell us about the ship in general:

In 2019, the expedition cruise world was abuzz over the 228-passenger, all-suite Scenic Eclipse launch. This ultra-luxe polar ice-class ship resembles a yacht, yet still possesses all the right adventure toys, like helicopters, a submarine, Zodiacs, and kayaks. Oversized stabilizers assist with smoother sails and anchorless positioning keeps seafloors safe.

The vibes on board the Scenic Eclipse are sexier than other expedition ships: Think soft lighting, edgy furnishings, and many cozy corners for snuggling while sipping custom mixology cocktails. Modern art and eye-catching sculptures dot decks, adding extra panache. An almost one-to-one passenger-crew ratio delivers near-instantaneous service. So many amenities—like in-suite dining, alcohol, shore excursions, gratuities, ship transfers, and butler service—are included in cruise fares. Tom Göetter, the savvy corporate executive chef, oversees 10 complimentary dining options. I sailed with this top toque and his modern global cooking blew me away. (No wonder; turns out he was a Top Chef finalist in Germany, and appeared on the 20th anniversary Top Chef: World All-Stars .)

Who is onboard?

The group depends upon the itinerary. On more adventurous polar sails, well-heeled 30-, 40-, and 50-somethings prevail, eager to check off their bucket-lists. Tamer cultural itineraries may draw a 55-plus crowd. Count on interacting with more couples than groups of friends, a mix of well-traveled Americans, Europeans, and Aussies, gleefully pursuing the good life at sea.

Describe the cabins:

Scenic Eclipse offers 114 suites across five decks. I stayed in a deluxe verandah suite, which runs between 344 to 366 square feet. The king bed was comfortable and the pillow menu is a pampering touch. The décor, with clean modern lines and neutral hues, felt fresh. Shoutout to Scenic co-owner Karen Maroney for including Dyson hairdryers with numerous attachments, including a diffuser—a must for curly-haired cruisers like me. Ambient lighting provided modes for every mood.

The sofa and pouf by the marble table delivered enough chill space. My butler did all the right butler things, like bringing morning coffee (although I could use my Illy machine) and restocking my complimentary minibar with vodka.

Another suite plus was the unusual quietness; I didn’t hear any neighboring noise as can often happen on ships, even luxury ones. I spent much time on my balcony—so idyllic for soaking up views or ogling the sunset over flutes of bubbly.

The ship's Grand Deluxe Suites, the next highest level, deliver more space—up to 430 square feet. Spa Suites dramatically increase the luxury: the living rooms are larger and the double-size Philippe Starck bath design includes vitality mist showers with color-light therapy, and glass partitions that switch between clear and opaque. Plus, passengers receive a complimentary one-hour spa treatment and priority shore excursion selections, among various perks. Panorama and Grand Panorama Suites overlook the bow and are huge—between 1,130 and 1,184 square feet—and include such posh appointments as spacious terraces with sun loungers and priority for, well, everything. Owner’s Penthouse Suites run more than 2,000 square feet; count the spa day bed that transforms into a treatment table for a private experience, and a spa pool, among other amenities.

Tell us about the crew:

A one-to-one passenger-crew ratio ensures service excels. Butlers attend to all passengers, fetching cocktails, making dinner reservations, and handling just about every request, whether for onboard or ashore. I found my dark-suited (no tux) white-gloved butler appropriately formal. Overall, the crew—particularly servers—are relaxed and friendly, embracing a private yacht demeanor more than the stiffer one seen on traditional cruise or expedition ships. Kudos to the shore excursion staff, who dealt with changing weather conditions and the ability to board the submarine with aplomb.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Scenic Eclipse offers 10 complimentary dining choices, including 24-hour in-suite service. I was impressed with the modernness of the sophisticated cuisine and the quality ingredients.

I ate my way through most restaurants and determined Sushi@Koko’s as a favorite. Here, you hop on a bar stool or sit at a countertop overlooking the ocean and tuck into the freshest fish—sashimi like yellowtail, and sushi such as ebi (sweet shrimp). The adjacent Koko’s masters Asian fusion; don’t miss the Thai pumpkin coconut soup with grated ginger and lemongrass. The sunken seating and the chance to share multiple dishes with friends made for great fun and good eats.

Reservations are needed for Night Market@Koko’s, where just eight guests sit at a teppanyaki grill while a chef prepares night market-influenced plates with Asian, Indian, or Middle Eastern flavors. Sadly, this tiny eatery opened after I sailed. I can’t wait to try it.

Applause, also, to the Yacht Club, for casual breakfasts and lunches big on flavor and healthy ingredients. Since I’ve been onboard, the indoor pool was (rightfully) removed from the area, creating more lounging space, both inside and out. I often wandered into the all-day Azure Bar & Café for a macaron or barista-made espresso. Lumière, a contemporary and sophisticated French restaurant, also won my heart (and stomach). The onion soup with double oxtail wagyu beef consommé, and grilled duck breast with leg confit, are standouts.

How lovely to sit at a bar where someone pours 1 er (Michel Forge Brut NV) and Grand Cru Champagne (Autréau Blanc de Blancs NV). These are smaller house bubbly, rather than luxe ship’s usual big-house offerings. Servers also present luscious nibbles like fried oysters and caviar.

Main dining room Elements completely satisfied. Servers clad in black vests and black ties act attentive yet not intrusive, and the menu meanders between Italian dishes and American favorites like steak and seafood.

I’d be remiss to not dive deeper into the complimentary alcohol. The buzzy Whiskey Bar, with more than 130 bottles including 12-year-old Yamazaki and 14-year-old Balvenie, is a well-deserved passenger hangout. I already mentioned the of-the-moment Champagne bar. Restaurant wine lists also emphasize smaller vintners, with detailed bottle descriptions.

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

Senses Spa is humungous: 5,920 square feet for indulging in treatments and staying fit in a fully equipped gym and yoga and Pilates studio. Expect indoor and outdoor vitality pools, Jacuzzis, women’s and men’s saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges, thermal loungers and experience showers, among wellness amenities. Note Japanese shiatsu and Ayurvedic massages among less typical therapies. I didn’t have a treatment but I did take a Tibetan Bowl sound healing session. I entered the room skeptical and emerged hooked. Lying on a mat and listening to the tones felt relaxing and invigorating all at once.

How about the activities and entertainment?

As Scenic Eclipse is an expedition ship, most activities revolve around outings off the vessel, via kayaks, paddleboards, E-bikes, water skis, Zodiacs, helicopters, and submarine. Onboard, passengers can soak in an outdoor Jacuzzi. The up to 20-member expedition team often give talks, and I did take in a lecture or two; the speakers were engaging.

Local entertainment may perform in the spacious theater, though I didn’t catch any shows. I did take an impressive cooking class in Scenic Epicure. While classes are not hands-on, you can learn more about the chef, carefully watch him work, and learn some clever hacks.

How was the experience for families?

Children 12 and up are welcome onboard. I didn’t see any on my sailing, but I imagine at this luxury level, they’re well-traveled and well-behaved. I’ve been told that while the ship doesn’t offer kids special activities, the crew showers them with special attention.

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

My voyage sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to New York. Unfortunately, stormy weather ruled out water sports and the submarine. However, I went on fun land excursions, such as a Halifax walking tour that was spellbinding. Our charismatic local guide was incredibly well-versed in Halifax fact and lore—he even shared ghost stories that gave me goosebumps.

In Newport, Rhode Island, a guide led us through jaw-droppingly beautiful, insanely lavish Gilded Age mansions. We also visited Boston, where I explored solo as I know the city well. Such sails are typical East Coast fall foliage cruises, although most begin in Montreal or Quebec City and traverse between Canada and New York. You can score this itinerary on many ships, ranging from mass-market to boutique ultra-luxe lines.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Good to know that the ship provides 100% fresh air throughout the ship, including suites. With anchorless positioning, the seafloor is undisturbed. Newer emission technology and low-sulphur fuel are used.

Anything we missed?

The ship offers complimentary exclusive private dinners, dubbed Chef’s Table@Elements, by invitation only. I’m not sure how you score an invite (I’m guessing it’s for occupants of the priciest suites and other such VIPs), but I did manage to dine here with nine other guests once. The an 11-course degustation tasting is held in a private dining room off of Elements, where each dish is paired with wine. The head chef introduces each course, and as you dine, you see white-toque chefs slicing, dicing, searing, and plating through a glass window.

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

I’d pretty much sail anywhere on Scenic Eclipse, even if the itinerary leaned more cultural than expedition. The ship is so stylish and the service and cuisine is superb.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Helicopter & Submersible Experiences

Take your Scenic Eclipse experience to new horizons and soar above and dive below the surface.  

• Ocean Experience
• Excursions and Discoveries
• Helicopter & Submersible
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Chase the horizon as you soar above breathtaking landscapes.

Take to the skies in one of our two on board helicopters^ for the ultimate vantage point.   Choose to add the ultimate excursion onto your ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse experience with flightseeing or remote landings in the Airbus H130-T2 helicopters^. The quietest aircraft in the skies, you’ll enjoy air-conditioned interiors, Bose ® noise cancelling headsets equipped with voice activation, and expansive visibility from every seat with large windows and wrap-around windscreen. 

Go further  with immersive helicopter excursions

  discover your destination from a new perspective.

Discover a fascinating underwater world

Dive below the horizon for an unforgettable experience come onboard our custom- designed submersibles^, Scenic Neptune l and ll.

Take your seat with up to eight fellow guests alongside our expert pilot and prepare for a sightseeing experience like no other, 100 meters beneath the surface. Scenic Neptune II redefines underwater exploration, taking guests on a breathtaking exploration of the subsea world. Featuring 360-degree panoramic views, Scenic Neptune II has been designed to provide an immersive underwater experience that will give guests the feeling of seamlessly merging with the wonders of the ocean.

Dive below the surface by SEABOB

Experience the thrill of underwater exploration on board Scenic Eclipse II, with an included SEABOB dive, effortlessly transport you beneath the surface. Powered by the globally patented E-Jet Power System, SEABOBS operate on the principle of water displacement, offering a unique and environmentally friendly means to discover the ocean's wonders.

SEABOB usage is included in your voyage, at no additional charge and are available in warm water locations on selected Discovery Voyages in Australia, the South Pacific and Indonesia.>

^ Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions. Helicopters are not operational in Indonesia or Japan. The Submersible is not operational in The Kimberley, The top-end, Indonesia or New Zealand.

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Scenic Combines Helicopter Flight and Submarine Dive in Northwest Passage

• September 29, 2022

Scenic Group’s Scenic Eclipse performed the first-ever combined helicopter flight and submarine dive operations in the Canadian Arctic on its recent inaugural expedition across the Northwest Passage, according to a press release.

The Northwest Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has been impassable for centuries due to ice, but it is now accessible for only three weeks each year as part of Scenic’s Arctic expedition program.

“It is the ultimate journey, cruising through three different oceans far removed from populated areas. Scenic Eclipse’s state-of-the-art technology allows for smooth navigation in these waters, thanks to its Polar Class 6 rating, electronic Azipod propulsion system and oversized stabilizers” said Erwan le Rouzic. captain, Scenic Eclipse.

Scenic Eclipse has provided the platform for discovery experiences crucial to accessing these remote areas, as captain le Rouzic explained.

“Being able to discover such a remote, almost untouched wilderness, with the combination of so many experiences while cruising with the unrivaled ultra-luxury comfort and safety of Scenic Eclipse, is truly remarkable. The diversity of the experiences offered, the incredible wildlife viewing, the support of a dedicated expert crew made the recent voyage, a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said.

“Wrapped up in layers of Inuit and pre-Inuit habitation, European exploration, ever-changing ice, weather and wildlife conditions, a journey through the Northwest Passage is never the same twice, and mystery lies around every corner,” commented Danny Johnston, expedition leader, Scenic Eclipse.

Another highlight of the 22-day itinerary is getting up close and personal with the native cultures of the area, with a special viewing of Inuit cultural performances during various community visits. Additionally, Scenic Eclipse onboard performers will return the favor with a throat singing concert for the locals while docked in Gjoa Haven.

The 22-Day Across the Northwest Passage sets sail from Nome, Alaska on July 29, 2023, to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, passing through the Bering Strait and daily excursions are also included in the sailing.

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Expedition Cruise News

Watch: dramatic video of helicopter landing on scenic eclipse.

The footage presents the final tests and trials of Scenic Eclipse , Scenic’s new luxury expedition cruise ship, on board state-of-the-art Airbus H130 helicopters.

The dramatic video shows the helicopter landing on the deck of Scenic Eclipse and being stored in the specially-designed on board hangars. As one of the quietest helicopters in the skies, the H130 sets the standard for tourism operations worldwide and will give guests the opportunity to explore beyond the horizon.

“These final stages are significant highlights in any ship build,” said Scenic founder and chairman, Glen Moroney, “and particularly for a vessel of the technological sophistication of Scenic Eclipse . I’m very proud to say she has been successfully certified for passenger ship operations, has been officially registered, and we are now in the final stages of preparations for our inaugural voyage.”

Scenic took delivery of Scenic Eclipse on 26 July from the and she was registered in Valletta, Malta. Her maiden voyage is a 13-day discovery sailing via Greenland and Eastern Canada before arriving in Quebec on 27 August 2019.

Along with two six-guest helicopters, Scenic Eclipse will also have one six-guest submarine capable of depths of nearly 1,000ft to allow for explorations far beyond any done on expedition ships to date. She will also sail to lesser-known ports in Caribbean and South America later this year .

The expedition ship features 114 verandah suites, 10 dining rooms, a 5,920 ft² spa with a gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio, a 240-seat theatre for entertainment and lectures, and indoor and outdoor plunge pools.

For more information, visit scenic.co.uk .

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TERMS PRIVACY

Expeditions, helicopters and submarines, oh my!

From helicopter ‘flightseeing’ to underwater exploration in a luxury submarine, top-end expedition cruises are offering truly once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list experiences on some of the most immersive and adventurous voyages ever seen in the cruise industry. For an additional cost (even though regular shore excursions are included in the cruise fare), you can take part in one of the most unique tours available on your expedition cruise.

Helicopter Excursions

Some expedition cruise ships are equipped with onboard helicopters or have access to helicopters stationed nearby. The helicopters are used for scenic flights which allow passengers to experience the destination from a unique perspective.

These excursions are often available on visits to remote regions like the Arctic, Antarctic, Alaska, the Norwegian fjords, or other areas known for their rugged landscapes and natural beauty. Many expedition cruise itineraries are carefully crafted to offer passengers the opportunity to explore these pristine environments from both the ship and the air.

Submarine excursions

Perhaps an even more unique experience on your expedition cruise is the opportunity to delve beneath the ocean’s surface in a custom-built submersible! Expedition cruises which offer submarine excursions provide an extraordinary opportunity to explore the underwater world in remote and pristine locations, from a comfortable (and warm!) perspective - if the polar plunge sounds like your worst nightmare, then perhaps a submarine excursion is for you. 

Combining the thrill of a submarine dive with the comfort and luxury of an expedition cruise ship, these exciting excursions allow passengers to witness marine life, underwater landscapes, and historic shipwrecks. Not as common aboard cruise ships, only a select few expedition vessels are equipped with specially-made submersibles which carry a limited number of passengers.

Which expedition cruise lines offer helicopter and submarine excursions?

Ponant is a French luxury cruise line specialising in expedition cruises. The latest ship in the fleet is Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker and hybrid electric polar exploration ship aiming to revolutionise responsible sailing. The ship carries two onboard helicopters and offers scenic ‘flightseeing’ excursions in some of the most incredible destinations on earth. 

Ponant’s Explorer vessels (Le Laperouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Bellot, Le Jacques-Cartier, and Le Dumont-d’Urville) also feature a world first - a ‘multi-sensorial underwater lounge’ called Blue Eye. While not technically a submarine or submersible, the Blue Eye lounge is without a doubt the next best thing. 

Enjoy a cocktail while gazing out of the large porthole windows and try to spot schools of fish and pods of dolphins as they swim by. In polar regions, you might even be lucky enough to see whales drifting effortlessly through the water beside you.

The World’s First Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, features twin helicopters which guarantee the ultimate exploration of some of the most incredible regions on the planet. Scenic offers helicopter excursions in destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica, and Alaska, allowing passengers to discover these remote areas from above.

Scenic Eclipse also features a custom-built submarine, Scenic Neptune, which allows up to eight passengers to take underwater excursions up to 200 metres below sea level. Explore the marine ecosystems, vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, and underwater landscapes in the Arctic, Antarctica, and other select regions.

Seabourn offers spectacular expedition cruises onboard Seabourn Venture, and her soon-to-launch sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit. Passengers aboard Seabourn Venture have the opportunity to take a submarine excursion to explore vast and vibrant underwater environments. The submarine is designed specifically for Seabourn and provides passengers with the chance to witness marine life and underwater landscapes in select destinations.

Ready to book an epic expedition cruise? Get in touch with the team at Panache Cruises on 0161 513 8200 and our specialists will help curate your ultimate itinerary!

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Cruising: Subs and Helis Now on the Menu for Luxury Expedition Ships

Helicopter ride over ice sheet in eastern Greenland highlight of 12-day Arctic cruise

Usa today/the arizona republic — october 3, 2023.

SKJOLJUNGEN FJORD, Greenland — Zodiac rides, kayaks, paddleboards and e-bikes have long been part of the stable of activities found on expedition cruise ships.

But passengers on high-end ships are now asking for more expensive toys to play with — namely onboard submarines and helicopters.

One of two helicopters on the Scenic Eclipse II takes off from the ship’s helipad for a sightseeing tour of eastern Greenland.

Seabourn, Viking and Scenic are three cruise lines that recently added submarines to some of their expedition ships. The latter also has onboard helicopters complete with helipads on its two “ultra-luxury yachts” — Scenic Eclipse I and Eclipse II.

Watching the scenery in a remote polar region slowly glide by from a ship’s deck can be captivating. Experiencing it at speeds exceeding 100 mph from the skies above is downright exhilarating.

Indeed, a 30-minute “flightseeing” helicopter ride over a glacier and remote ice sheet in eastern Greenland was one of the highlights of my recent 12-day Arctic cruise on the Scenic Eclipse II, a 220-passenger ship that made its inaugural voyage in April.

The 220-passenger Scenic Eclipse II anchored near the Thrym Glacier in remote eastern Greenland. The expedition ship has two onboard helicopters and will soon be getting a submarine.

The Eclipse II’s sister ship, Scenic Eclipse I, debuted in 2019. It has a sub and two helicopters. The Eclipse II also has two helicopters — a sub will be brought onboard in October, in time for its Antarctica sailings that begin in early December. The oceangoing ships are two of the newest additions to the Australia-based cruise line’s fleet, which also includes 15 riverboats.

Scenic bills itself as offering its passengers “all-inclusive luxury.” Sightseeing tours, all specialty restaurants, drinks, gratuities and airport transfers are included in the fare, which can exceed $1,000 per person per day, depending on the itinerary and choice of cabin.

Submarine and helicopter rides are optional add-ons that cost more. A lot more.

A half-hour helicopter ride costs $795 per person. Sub rides cost $350-$795, depending on the region and if it’s a 20- or 40-minute dive.

A helicopter from the Scenic Eclipse II in the skies over the Skjoldungen Fjord in eastern Greenland.

Despite the hefty price tag, Jason Flesher, Scenic’s director of Discovery Operations, says the helicopters and subs have proven to be “extremely popular” with passengers.

“We have many guests fly and dive multiple times during their voyage,” he says, adding that the excursions “give our guests the full perspective of their surroundings.”

On my sailing, more than half of the ship’s 140 passengers signed up for helicopter rides. Our pilot, Pascal Fischer, told me that on Antarctic sailings, the percentage of passengers taking helicopter rides usually hovers around 80 percent.

“You can go 20 miles from the ship and the world looks totally different, especially in places we go like the Arctic and Antarctica,” says Fischer. “You may even see places that no human ever saw before because we are in such remote areas.”

Helicopter pilot Pascal Fischer takes passengers from the Scenic Eclipse II on a “flightseeing” tour over the ice sheet in eastern Greenland.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a semiautonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. It’s three times the size of Texas, yet its population is only 56,000, making it the least densely populated territory in the world.

You can’t get much more remote than eastern Greenland, where few cruise ships go and there are only a handful of tiny fishing settlements. During our four days exploring that region, we saw no other signs of human civilization.  However, we did see plenty of blue and humpback whales, seals and other marine life.

On the gloriously sunny 50-degree day of my helicopter ride, the Eclipse II was anchored in the Skjoljungen Fjord in southeastern Greenland. I walked up to the ship’s helipad at the stern on Deck 8 — one floor above where I had eaten breakfast that morning in the Yacht Club restaurant — for a 10-minute safety briefing.

A view from a helicopter tour of the remote terrain in eastern Greenland. About 80 percent of Greenland is covered by an ice sheet.

Three fellow passengers and I were fitted with lifejackets and given noise-canceling headphones so we could hear Fischer’s descriptions of what we would be seeing during the flight. We were then escorted to one of the Eclipse II’s two $3.5 million Airbus H130 helicopters. Each helicopter can carry a maximum of six passengers and a pilot. I was in a middle seat but still enjoyed unobstructed views of the remote landscape.  (See video shot by the author:  https://youtube.com/watch?v=b2mqeYb0EVg).    

We flew over the magnificent Thrym Glacier and then banked west between jagged peaks for a look at Greenland’s pristine ice sheet, which covers about 80 percent of the territory. With the noise-canceling headphones, the 40-mile trip was surprisingly tranquil and smooth. Never have 30 minutes passed by so quickly.

As we landed back on the ship’s helipad, I wondered why the Eclipse II needs two helicopters instead of just one.  Fischer explained it’s primarily for safety reasons.

Dramatic scenery in the Prince Christian Sound in southern Greenland.

“It could be you get a warning light that tells you, you have to land now. And then you land. So we have a second helicopter that can pick up the passengers and bring them back to the ship,” says Fischer, who has been flying helicopters for 25 years, including seven years as an air-ambulance pilot in Arizona.

Additionally, the second helicopter helps ensure that every passenger who wants to fly has the opportunity. On a busy day — when the weather conditions are ideal for flying — Fischer says the two choppers can carry up to 96 people.

“Normally we are able to fly everyone who wants to go, unless we have a cruise that lasts 10 days, and we just have 10 days of bad weather,” says Fischer. “It’s not often that we aren’t able to fly everyone who wants to fly.”

Passengers on one of the Scenic Eclipse II’s Zodiacs get a closeup view of the Thrym Glacier in eastern Greenland.

As helicopters are so new on ships, the cruise lines are still figuring out how best to integrate them with on-land activities. For instance, Scenic recently started offering excursions that take passengers on helicopter rides to go skiing, hiking, fishing or — in Mediterranean ports — play a round of golf.

A helicopter excursion in Antarctica takes passengers to see 5,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island — a spot only accessible by helicopter.

Scenic’s two submarines, named Neptune I and Neptune II, carry six to eight passengers plus a pilot. The U-Boat Worx sub on the Eclipse I is capable of submerging 984 feet, although it typically dives only about one-third of that depth for safety reasons and a better viewing experience.

The small village of Narsarmijit near the southern tip of Greenland. Only 56,000 people live in Greenland, the world’s largest island.

The Eclipse II will have a Triton sub, capable of submerging 600 feet. The cruise line says the battery-powered subs don’t emit hazardous substances and pose no danger to aquatic life.

Fittingly, the Eclipse II was christened in June by Kathy Sullivan, a geologist and oceanographer who was the first American woman to complete a spacewalk for NASA. She’s also traveled to the deepest depths of the ocean, earning her the title “World’s Most Vertical Person.”

We started the cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland, the world’s northernmost capital city, before sailing across the Denmark Strait to the southeastern coast of Greenland.

Four days were spent exploring the region’s many fjords, glaciers and icebergs up-close on eight-passenger Zodiacs driven by members of the ship’s 17-person expedition team, consisting of naturalists, botanists, marine biologists and a historian. The Eclipse II then transited the Prince Christian Sound in southern Greenland before cruising along the territory’s west coast. There, we visited Nuuk, Greenland’s largest town (population 20,000).

Nuuk is Greenland’s capital and largest city.  It has a population of about 20,000.

All told, we covered 2,600 miles during the voyage.

It’s not easy to get to Greenland as there are no direct flights to/from North America. To get home at the end of the cruise, we took a four-hour Air Greenland flight from Kangerlussuaq Airport to Copenhagen for an overnight hotel stay before flying home to the U.S. the following day.

Needless to say, while the jets that took us home flew much higher and faster, they couldn’t come close to matching the thrill and excitement of a helicopter ride over one of the most remote places on the planet.

© 2023 Dan Fellner  

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Cruise ship tours: Take a look inside the Scenic Eclipse, featuring a submarine and helicopters

Since 2008, Australian-owned Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has been a major player in the deluxe, all-inclusive river cruise market. 

In 2017, construction began on the line’s first ocean-going ship, the much-anticipated Scenic Eclipse. After many delays and the bankruptcy of the shipyard, the 17,085-gross-ton, 228-guest ship finally entered service in August 2019.

The Eclipse is the first in a new generation of game-changing expedition ships that feature their own helicopters (two in this case) and a submarine, in addition to the usual armada of zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes. 

With an exterior inspired by a famous mega yacht, the Scenic Eclipse proves that it is possible for a modern cruise ship to have sleek, seagoing lines. Its interiors were conceived by Karen Moroney, the owner’s wife, and exude a stark but stylish and contemporary elegance that is offset with fresh flowers and bold, colorful artwork. 

The Eclipse has a Polar Class 6 rating, the highest of any luxury cruise vessel, which enables it to safely navigate regions other ships cannot. It is propelled by a pair of Azipods and bow thrusters that provide enhanced maneuverability while an environmentally friendly GPS dynamic positioning system allows the ship to remain in the same location without using a traditional anchor that can damage seabeds.

Some of the ship’s features, such as red “do not disturb” lights outside the cabin doors and Quietvox headphones for shore excursions have evolved from Scenic’s popular river cruise boats. Others, like a 5,920-square-foot spa and no less than 10 dining options are setting new standards for luxury expedition cruising.

Christened in New York on Sept. 10, 2019, by award-winning actress Helen Mirren, the Scenic Eclipse operates on globetrotting itineraries with an emphasis on polar cruising. 

Scroll through the gallery above to see a tour of the Scenic Eclipse.

Below: See the Scenic Gem

News on cruises, cruise ship reviews and cruising tips

Scenic Eclipse cruise ship has helicopters and submarine

Having set sail on her maiden cruise from Reykjavík Iceland, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse cruise ship arrived at Manhattan Cruise Terminal to be christened by Godmother Dame Helen Mirren

along with Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. Ensuring the cruise ship christening ran smoothly, master of ceremonies Claire Newell was on hand to introduce Scenic Eclipse Captain James Griffiths and NYC Ports General Manager Ken Winkler who presented the 1st Visit Plaque to Moroney.

Moroney then delivered a short speech that spoke of the creative drive and determination to deliver such a unique sailing experience and detailed the history of the build from its first moment of conception.

Karen Moroney and her design team comprising Carmen Mikus (Interior Project Design) and Niksa Fiorienni (Architect) were acknowledged as the creative drive behind Scenic Eclipse.

Reflecting the cruise ship’s stylish and exclusive ethos, the official naming ceremony was attended by over 350 global media, agents and VIPs who witnessed Dame Helen Mirren christen the ship dockside by breaking the ceremonial bottle of champagne against the hull and bestowing the traditional blessing of safekeeping over all those that sail in her.

Dame Mirren added,“I was thrilled to be invited to take on the role of Scenic Eclipse godmother, even more so now that I have stepped aboard and seen the level of design detail and technology that have gone into her creation. She is an exceptional cruising experience, and I’m honoured to have christened her. I wish her crew and guests many years of sailing adventures and discovery.”

Designed to deliver the ultimate cruise of a lifetime for 228 guests, (200 in Polar regions), Scenic Eclipse takes ocean cruising to a whole new level – marrying luxury and discovery with the ultimate in safety and sustainability, giving guests the opportunity to explore above and beyond what was previously imaginable.

Scenic Eclipse has 114 all-verandah suites ranging in size from 32 m² to 247 m²; 10 dining options from Asian Fusion to French fine dining, Chef’s Table to a poolside buffet; the 550 m² Senses Spa with latest technology-equipped gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio.

Two six-guest helicopters and one six-guest submarine Scenic Neptune capable of depths of nearly 200m; a state-of-the-art theatre for entertainment and lectures; indoor and outdoor plunge pools; butler service for all guests; and an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.

And then there is the technology: innovative zero-speed stabilizer fins, 50 per cent larger than standard to provide greater stability cutting roll by more than 85 per cent; the highest passenger ship ice class rating – Polar Class 6; redundancies in propulsion, navigation, safety systems and food refrigeration; state-of-the-art bridge systems; and a GPS dynamic positioning system allowing for stationary positioning without an anchor, reducing environmental impact and enhancing safety during Zodiac operations.

Scenic Eclipse Facts

• 114 all-verandah suites;
• 10 dining options – from Asian Fusion to French fine dining to a chef’s table to a poolside buffet;
• a 5,920 ft² spa with a well-equipped gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio;
• two six-guest helicopters and one six-guest submarine capable of depths of nearly 1,000 feet — to allow for explorations far beyond any done on expedition ships to date;
• a 240-seat theatre for entertainment and lectures;
• indoor and outdoor plunge pools;
• butler service for all guests and an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.
• innovative zero-speed stabilizer fins, 50% larger than standard to provide greater stability;
• the highest passenger ship ice class rating – Polar Class 6;
• redundancies in propulsion, navigation, safety systems and food refrigeration;
• state-of-the-art bridge systems;
• and a GPS dynamic positioning system allowing for stationary positioning without an anchor, reducing any environmental effect in sensitive regions.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 33-year history to include award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours that take participants to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Sister brand Emerald Waterways has seven Star-Ships offering European river sailings with an eighth (Emerald Harmony) launching this year for SE Asia’s Mekong River.

1.857.228.5807

Photos and information courtesy ScenicEclipse and GilliesZaiser.

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This cruise ship has a submarine; here's what it's like to be 1,000 feet under the sea

Editor's Note

"A spot just opened up on the submarine for this morning's dive," Seabourn Venture's expedition coordinator, Chris, announced when I answered my cabin phone on Seabourn Cruises ' Seabourn Venture. "Can you be here in 5 minutes?" I had just woken up, but the news jolted me like a double espresso. I don't think I've ever gotten dressed so quickly in my life.

Venture, the first expedition ship for the luxury cruise line, is outfitted with two submarines, and I was on my way to board one of them for a 30-minute dive to the bottom of the ocean in the frigid Arctic waters of Greenland.

Each submersible is capable of diving nearly 1,000 feet below the surface, holds six passengers (plus a pilot) and offers nearly 360-degree vistas through giant glass domes that look like massive bubbles or, perhaps, the bulging eyes of a fish.

I was a bit nervous when I found out we had to climb onto the sub via Zodiacs — small, inflatable open-air boats — but the process turned out to be relatively painless and well worth the effort. So, what, exactly, is the submersible experience all about? Here's all you need to know.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

My experience

After I got the phone call that a spot had opened up, I headed downstairs to the meeting area, not totally sure what to expect. I had thrown on several layers, even though I assumed the submersible would be temperature controlled (and it was). However, I hadn't realized we would have to take a Zodiac to get there. As I stepped off the ship and onto the smaller boat, I silently thanked the universe that I had worn a hat, gloves and wool socks.

A trip of less than 10 minutes brought us to the sub, which was bobbing nearby.

"Please take off your parkas and leave them in this dry bag," our Zodiac driver instructed us as she tied the boat to the sub. The scene became a flurry of swishing neon orange as everyone began shedding their outer layers — waterproof Helly Hansen jackets provided to all passengers at the start of the cruise. Bright colors reflect on the glass and make it more difficult to see, our driver explained. Our hiking boots came off next in an effort to keep the sub's pristine interior impeccably clean.

Then the crew helped us step onto the sub's roof, one at a time. We sat down, turned around and slowly lowered ourselves down inside the hatch with the help of a tiny, collapsible ladder.

Once inside, we could sit on either side of the sub; each had three comfortable leather seats that swivel so you can see out the large windows. When the process was complete, the pilot boarded, and we settled into our cozy new surroundings for our trip.

To kick off the dive, the pilot gave his initial readings to a crew positioned on a second Zodiac on the surface. That same team checks in every 15 minutes (generally once per dive) to take additional readings and make sure contact with the pilot is maintained. The hatch was sealed, and down we went, expressing the air from the sub's air canisters to help us sink.

Within a few minutes, we gently touched down on the bottom, against one side of a rock face. The view was cloudy most of the way, thanks to silt from nearby glacier runoff, but as we reached the bottom, the view was clear.

The pilot turned on lights to help us see better, and immediately we were surrounded by tons of tiny, krill-like creatures that the pilot said are simply called Arctic fish. Drawn to the light, they were joined by small, bioluminescent jellyfish. The only other life I spotted were a few tiny starfish and some pretty pink anemones — but for me, just being there was enough of a treat to justify the cost and the effort.

After about 20 minutes of viewing from the same spot, the pilot slowly returned us to the top, the water around us progressively turning lighter and lighter shades of sea foam green. When we surfaced, the pilot had the sub blow bubbles so the Zodiac team could spot us for passenger extraction and pickup. When the Zodiac arrived and tied up alongside, the pilot opened the hatch, warning us that our ears might pop a little (which they did).

We climbed back up the ladder, one at a time, in our sock-clad feet, and eagerly grabbed our jackets and shoes for the return trip to the ship.

How much does it cost to ride in the Seabourn Venture submarine?

Submarine ride prices fluctuate by demand and itinerary, but the cost to book for a single person on my sailing was $899 — nearly $30 a minute. Given how exclusive the experience is, and that a submarine ride is a bucket-list activity, many passengers were willing to fork over the dough.

Which cruise ships have submarines?

Seabourn Venture isn't the first expedition vessel to carry submarines. Crystal Cruises pioneered the concept when it introduced its luxury yacht Crystal Esprit in 2015. Since then, three other lines have followed suit, including Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours with its Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II expedition vessels, Viking Ocean Cruises with expedition ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, and Seabourn Cruises with its Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit expedition vessels.

Should I make cruise ship submarine reservations in advance?

@thepointsguy You can book a submarine dive as part of your luxury cruise experience 🤯 #cruise #submarine #dive ♬ Up and Away (Vocalese) - GHOSTLAND

Absolutely. If a sub dive is something you're interested in, make reservations in advance if you can. While not every line allows advance bookings for the subs, the ones that do often extend discounts for those who plan ahead.

Since each sub holds such a small number of passengers, there's extremely limited capacity available. Dives are often canceled if weather conditions aren't near perfect, meaning even fewer people will have a chance to go. Plus, with all the moving parts on each submarine, there's a chance one won't be functional (as was the case on my cruise), so the number of people who get a ride could be even fewer.

Fun facts about the submersibles

• The submarines on Seabourn Venture cost $4 million each.
• Their max speed is about 2 knots.
• For propulsion, each is equipped with eight thrusters — six around the sides and two on the top. They're electric, powered by 260-volt batteries. Air is released from air canisters on the sub to help it sink; when it's time to resurface, the two top thrusters are used. Air canisters aren't refilled until the sub reaches the surface.
• Each sub must be weighted down to precisely 720 kilograms (1,587 pounds). To accomplish this, each passenger is weighed before boarding, and additional weights are placed on board as needed.
• Every 2 minutes, the pilot must push a "dead man's switch" to reset it. If he fails to do this, an alarm sounds, and the sub will automatically return to the surface within 9 minutes.
• Tanks pump oxygen into the sub during dives, and carbon dioxide absorbents are placed inside to remove CO2 from the air.
• The pilot has a small viewing window but drives mostly by using sonar, and he or she maneuvers the sub like a crab so there's less resistance in the water.
• Pilots undergo about a month of extensive theory and hands-on training in Curacao in order to be certified.
• The subs must be recertified at regular intervals, at which time key components are checked for proper safety and functionality.

Bottom line

Is a submarine dive on a cruise ship worth it? It's completely your call, but it's definitely an exclusive experience with a high price tag. Although it's a lot of fun, unless you're super into the technology aspect alone, it's likely a better value in a warmer destination like the Caribbean or Galapagos where there are larger, more colorful marine animals to see.

Also be prepared for cancellations, which make reservations for this high-demand activity even more coveted. Make your reservations well in advance if possible, which could score you a discount.

If you're someone who's claustrophobic or if you can't climb up and down a small ladder, this activity is one you'll want to skip.

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Latest cruise trend: Helicopter rides like the one on this Greenland-Iceland sailing

SKJOLDUNGEN FJORD, Greenland — Zodiac rides, kayaks, paddleboards and e-bikes have long been part of the stable of activities found on expedition cruise ships.

But passengers on high-end ships are now asking for more expensive toys to play with — namely onboard submarines and helicopters.

Seabourn, Viking and Scenic are three cruise lines that recently added submarines to some of their expedition ships. The latter also has onboard helicopters complete with helipads on its two “ultra-luxury yachts” — Scenic Eclipse I and Eclipse II.

Watching the scenery in a remote polar region slowly glide by from a ship’s deck can be captivating. Experiencing it at speeds exceeding 100 mph from the skies above is downright exhilarating.   

Indeed, a 30-minute “flightseeing” helicopter ride over a glacier and remote ice sheet in eastern Greenland was one of the highlights of my recent 12-day Arctic cruise on the Scenic Eclipse II, a 220-passenger ship that made its inaugural voyage in April. 

Here's what it costs to take a helicopter ride on a cruise

The Eclipse II’s sister ship, Scenic Eclipse I, debuted in 2019. It has a sub and two helicopters. The Eclipse II also has two helicopters — a sub will be brought onboard in October, in time for its Antarctica sailings that begin in early December. The oceangoing ships are two of the newest additions to the Australia-based cruise line’s fleet, which also includes 15 riverboats.

Scenic bills itself as offering its passengers “all-inclusive luxury.” Sightseeing tours, all specialty restaurants, drinks, gratuities and airport transfers are included in the fare, which can exceed $1,000 per person per day, depending on the itinerary and choice of cabin. 

Expedition cruising in Alaska: How to see the wilder, less visited side of the 49th state

Submarine and helicopter rides are optional add-ons that cost more. A lot more.    

A half-hour helicopter ride costs $795 per person. Sub rides cost $350-$795, depending on the region and if it’s a 20- or 40-minute dive. 

Despite the hefty price tag, Jason Flesher, Scenic’s director of Discovery Operations, says the helicopters and subs have proven to be “extremely popular” with passengers.

“We have many guests fly and dive multiple times during their voyage,” he says, adding that the excursions “give our guests the full perspective of their surroundings.” 

On my sailing, more than half of the ship’s 140 passengers signed up for helicopter rides. Our pilot, Pascal Fischer, told me that on Antarctic sailings, the percentage of passengers taking helicopter rides usually hovers around 80 percent.

“You can go 20 miles from the ship and the world looks totally different, especially in places we go like the Arctic and Antarctica,” says Fischer. “You may even see places that no human ever saw before because we are in such remote areas.”

Exploring Greenland by cruise ship and helicopter

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a semiautonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. It’s three times the size of Texas, yet its population is only 56,000, making it the least densely populated territory in the world.   

You can’t get much more remote than eastern Greenland, where few cruise ships go and there are only a handful of tiny fishing settlements. During our four days exploring that region, we saw no other signs of human civilization.  However, we did see plenty of blue and humpback whales, seals and other marine life. 

On the gloriously sunny 50-degree day of my helicopter ride, the Eclipse II was anchored in the Skjoldungen Fjord in southeastern Greenland. I walked up to the ship’s helipad at the stern on Deck 8 — one floor above where I had eaten breakfast that morning in the Yacht Club restaurant — for a 10-minute safety briefing.  

Three fellow passengers and I were fitted with lifejackets and given noise-canceling headphones so we could hear Fischer’s descriptions of what we would be seeing during the flight. We were then escorted to one of the Eclipse II’s two $3.5 million Airbus H130 helicopters. Each helicopter can carry a maximum of six passengers and a pilot. I was in a middle seat but still enjoyed unobstructed views of the remote landscape.

We flew over the magnificent Thrym Glacier and then banked west between jagged peaks for a look at Greenland’s pristine ice sheet, which covers about 80 percent of the territory. With the noise-canceling headphones, the 40-mile trip was surprisingly tranquil and smooth. Never have 30 minutes passed by so quickly. 

As we landed back on the ship’s helipad, I wondered why the Eclipse II needs two helicopters instead of just one.  Fischer explained it’s primarily for safety reasons.

“It could be you get a warning light that tells you you have to land now. And then you land. So we have a second helicopter that can pick up the passengers and bring them back to the ship,” says Fischer, who has been flying helicopters for 25 years, including seven years as an air-ambulance pilot in Arizona. 

Additionally, the second helicopter helps ensure that every passenger who wants to fly has the opportunity. On a busy day — when the weather conditions are ideal for flying — Fischer says the two choppers can carry up to 96 people.  

“Normally we are able to fly everyone who wants to go, unless we have a cruise that lasts 10 days, and we just have 10 days of bad weather,” says Fischer. “It’s not often that we aren’t able to fly everyone who wants to fly.”

As helicopters are so new on ships, the cruise lines are still figuring out how best to integrate them with on-land activities. For instance, Scenic recently started offering excursions that take passengers on helicopter rides to go skiing, hiking, fishing or — in Mediterranean ports — play a round of golf. 

A helicopter excursion in Antarctica takes passengers to see 5,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island — a spot only accessible by helicopter. 

Highlights of a French river cruise: World-famous wine, Dijon mustard from taps

Some cruises also offer submarine rides

Scenic’s two submarines, named Neptune I and Neptune II, carry six to eight passengers plus a pilot. The U-Boat Worx sub on the Eclipse I is capable of submerging 984 feet, although it typically dives only about one-third of that depth for safety reasons and a better viewing experience. 

The Eclipse II will have a Triton sub, capable of submerging 600 feet. The cruise line says the battery-powered subs don’t emit hazardous substances and pose no danger to aquatic life.

Fittingly, the Eclipse II was christened in June by Kathy Sullivan, a geologist and oceanographer who was the first American woman to complete a spacewalk for NASA. She’s also traveled to the deepest depths of the ocean, earning her the title “World’s Most Vertical Person.”

We started the cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland, the world’s northernmost capital city, before sailing across the Denmark Strait to the southeastern coast of Greenland.  

Four days were spent exploring the region’s many fjords, glaciers and icebergs up-close on eight-passenger Zodiacs driven by members of the ship’s 17-person expedition team, consisting of naturalists, botanists, marine biologists and a historian. The Eclipse II then transited the Prince Christian Sound in southern Greenland before cruising along the territory’s west coast. There, we visited Nuuk, Greenland’s largest town (population 20,000). 

All told, we covered 2,600 miles during the voyage.

It’s not easy to get to Greenland as there are no direct flights to/from North America. To get home at the end of the cruise, we took a four-hour Air Greenland flight from Kangerlussuaq Airport to Copenhagen for an overnight hotel stay before flying home to the U.S. the following day.

Needless to say, while the jets that took us home flew much higher and faster, they couldn’t come close to matching the thrill and excitement of a helicopter ride over one of the most remote places on the planet.  

Cruising Greenland and Iceland

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours:   www.scenicusa.com .

Visit Greenland: www.visitgreenland.com .

Dan Fellner of Scottsdale is a freelance travel writer. Contact him at  [email protected]  or visit his website at  DanFellner.com .   

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French missile double punch adds new naval capability for Europe

PARIS — France’s synchronized test firing of naval cruise missiles from a surface ship and a submarine 400 kilometers apart adds a land-attack capability for European navies that may be more difficult for air defenses to counter, analysts told Defense News.

The French frigate Aquitaine and a Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, sailing near Quimper and Biscarosse, respectively, last week each fired a Missile de Croisière Naval or MdCN that simultaneously hit a target at a military testing site in south-west France, a first for the French Navy.

Coordinated cruise missile strikes could be used to saturate adversary defense systems, raising the chance of a successful hit on defended targets in a high-intensity context, the French Navy said in statement to Defense News. The synchronized double shot of the domestically developed MdCN relied on existing systems and software, the service said.

The French Navy’s coordinated launch from different platforms “is a notable development,” said Nick Childs, senior fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. “Being able to carry out strikes from different platforms in different locations at the same time complicates the air-defense challenge for the opponent.”

Whether it’s possible to actually saturate air defenses depends on how many missiles can be launched and the sophistication of the defense, Childs said. He said both France and the U.K. already had the ability to carry out complex strikes through the combination of air-launched missiles and weapons from naval platforms.

The synchronized cruise-missile firing is “something special,” as few navies in Europe perform land strikes, said Sebastian Bruns, senior researcher at the Institute for Security Policy Kiel University (ISPK). He said the exercise is “more of a capability demonstrator,” meant to validate the technology and telegraph the implications to would-be adversaries at the same time.

The political winds surrounding such military capabilities are changing, he added. “Land attack is entering the realm of the imaginable.”

The MdCN is France’s answer to the U.S.-made Tomahawk, and was developed by pan-European missile maker MBDA following a contract in 2006. The naval cruise missile entered service in 2017 and was used operationally by France for the first time in strikes against Syria in 2018.

“This development gives some operational advantage to the French Navy as a single service and more options for French planners,” Childs at the IISS said. “But it is probably not a game-changer in terms of capability.”

The French Navy said it regularly trains on multiple missile launches from different carriers, with trajectory coordination and synchronized missile arrival the most important training goals. Training on joint strikes is also planned with U.S. and U.K. partners, with regular exercises on coordinating trajectories and missile arrivals, according to the Navy.

Missile coordination is an active field of research, and a Google Scholar search for the term finds dozens of studies since 2023, including on neural networks for warhead coordination and ant-colony-based algorithms for missile-flight planning. Of the first 20 studies that show up, 16 are by authors affiliated with Chinese research institutes and companies.

While the U.S. can carry out this type of synchronized firing from different carriers, the U.K. only has this capability on its nuclear-powered attack submarines, according to the French Navy. The U.K.’s Trafalgar-class submarine Triumph fired Tomahawk missiles at Libyan air defenses during Operation Ellamy in 2011.

The U.K. Royal Navy aims to have similar options when its Type-26 frigates enter service with the ability to launch cruise missiles, Childs said. The Navy’s current Type-45 destroyers were originally intended to be fitted with land-attack cruise missiles, but that was never funded, he said.

The long-range capability provided by the MdCN “makes it possible to impose a military threat from the very outset of a crisis, thus influencing the will of competitors,” the French Armed Forces Ministry said in statement last week.

The French naval cruise missile is powered by Safran’s Microturbo TR 50 engine, and has a speed of around 1,000 kilometers per hour and a range of about 1,000 kilometers, according to official data . The 6.5-meter, 1.4-metric ton missile is launched using a first-stage booster that separates before wing deployment, and French submarines can launch the missile from their torpedo tubes in a protective shell that is discarded on breaking the surface.

Firing cruise missiles from a naval platform provides a permanent presence and “undeniable freedom of action” at sea, as there are no diplomatic overflight constraints, the Navy said. The use from a submarine also allows for actions that require greater discretion, it said.

The Netherlands has said it will equip its four current Zeven Provinciën-class frigates with Tomahawk missiles during maintenance in the 2025-2029 period, adding a land deep-strike capability the Dutch navy currently lacks. The Dutch also plan to fit the cruise missiles to their future air-defense frigates and submarines .

Sebastian Sprenger in Cologne, Germany, contributed to this report.

Rudy Ruitenberg is a Europe correspondent for Defense News. He started his career at Bloomberg News and has experience reporting on technology, commodity markets and politics.

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Coast Guard airlifts injured Astoria man from cruise ship

TILLAMOOK, Ore. — A 65-year-old man from Astoria was helicoptered off of a cruise ship yesterday afternoon by the U.S. Coast Guard following an injury.

The man was picked up from the cruise ship ‘Koningsdam’ approximately 175 miles west of Tillamook, Oregon. The man had received an injury a few days prior and needed higher medical care.

LifeFlight assisted USCG in transporting the man to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Portland.

(1/2) A #USCG aircrew from Astoria rescued a 65-year-old man from the cruise ship 'Koningsdam' yesterday afternoon approximately 175 miles west of Tillamook, OR. The man received an injury a few days prior and it was requested to transfer him to higher medical care... pic.twitter.com/bc1aAIV0GZ — USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) April 26, 2024

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