Hobart has welcomed the arrival of Scenic Eclipse II, an “ultra-luxury” cruise ship that boasts over 100 suites with on-demand butler service, helicopter storage and various spa, yoga and pilates studios.
The ship, which is currently on its maiden call to the capital, marks the arrival of the first cruise of its kind to Tasmania.
Launched in 2023, Scenic Eclipse II features 114 suites and a capacity for 228 guests, or 200 guests for Antarctic expeditions.
The ship will soon embark on a journey to Antarctica, spending 23 nights exploring the Ross Sea via Macquarie Island before concluding in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Prices for the adventure start at $54,460 per person and go up to $132,055 per person for the exclusive ‘Owner’s Penthouse’.
Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark said Scenic travellers appreciate unique experiences, gourmet cuisine and pristine natural landscapes.
“Scenic specifically attracts high value travellers who are conscious of the environment and are sensitive of their impact while travelling,” Clark said.
“This maiden voyage is also a turnaround visit, which has flow-on effects for suppliers and operators, as the ship will need full provisioning and many guests will book accommodation in Tasmania pre and post their cruise.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the ship’s presence demonstrates Tasmania’s appeal as a cruise destination.
“It’s very exciting to welcome one of the world’s foremost luxury cruise lines, bringing 200 guests into port, with another 200 boarding for the start of their next expedition from Hobart,” he said.
“Tasmania is the gateway to the Antarctic and we are particularly excited to welcome this vessel as it arrives from its first expedition to east Antarctica.”
