When Scenic's first oceangoing vessel, the Scenic Eclipse, launches this summer, it will mark the second river cruise line after Viking to head to the open seas.
But based on the renderings and marketing materials, Scenic's version of ocean cruising will look quite different from Viking's.
Whereas Viking brings its concept of sleek Scandinavian design and a relaxing vacation vibe straight from the rivers to the oceans, the Eclipse will strongly emphasize adventure and expedition, a departure from Scenic's river ships.
The 228-passenger Eclipse, which Scenic calls a luxury discovery yacht, launches Aug. 31 with an Ice Class 1A (Polar Class 6) rating, allowing it to sail in the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. It will feature a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, a seven-seat submarine, and snorkeling and scuba diving equipment onboard for above- and below-water exploration. Two onboard helicopters will provide yet another dimension to the types of sightseeing options for passengers.
Based on the renderings, the vessel's staterooms and public spaces will take some style cues from the modern luxury interiors of Scenic's river vessels. The all-suite, all-balcony Eclipse will have cabins ranging from the 344-square-foot verandah suite to the 2,500-square-foot, two-bedroom owner's penthouse suite, with dcor that features clean lines and subtle, natural color schemes.
Just as Viking had room on its ocean ships for the theaters, cinemas, spas, gyms and fitness pools that are not part of the Viking river experience, Scenic is also able to add more to the Eclipse than what its river vessels have.
The ship will have French, Pan-Asian and Italian restaurants, along with casual dining options. There will be several bars and lounges, a 5,000-square-foot spa, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and plunge pools, and a gym with a yoga and Pilates studio.
The Scenic idea is to combine uber-luxury accommodations and amenities with more active destination exploration of the Americas, Antarctica, Europe and the Arctic. The line already announced a sister ship to the Eclipse, to launch in 2020, and sail the European and Russian Arctic, including the White Sea and the Northwest Passage, as well as Antarctica.
And of course, another big difference between Viking and Scenic is that the 228-passenger Eclipse is a fraction of the size of the 930-passenger Viking ships, and thus far, Scenic only has plans for the two vessels, versus Viking's current shipbuilding pipeline that would bring the company's ocean fleet to 16 by 2027.
So yes, Scenic might be following Viking from the inland waterways out to the open sea, but with markedly different vessels.
Travel Weekly river cruise editor Michelle Baran is filling in this week for cruise editor Tom Stieghorst, who is on vacation.