Scenic Eclipse II glides into the heart of London

It isn't every day a yacht capable of reaching Antarctica glides into the heart of London. As Scenic Eclipse II made her first-ever journey up the Thames, sailing towards Greenwich beneath London's iconic skyline, there was a definite sense that something rather special had arrived. Sleek, sophisticated and quietly confident, the six-star discovery yacht looked perfectly at home against one of Britain's most historic waterfronts, despite spending much of her time exploring some of the world's most remote corners.

At first glance, Scenic Eclipse II has all the hallmarks of a sleek super yacht. Clean lines, gleaming decks and an understated elegance give little away. It's only when you begin to discover what lies beneath the polished exterior that you realise this is a vessel built for far more than leisurely days at sea. This is one of only two yachts in the world carrying not one, but two helicopters, alongside its own custom-built submersible, Scenic Neptune II. Guests can fly over glaciers, skim across remote coastlines or descend beneath the ocean's surface, all from the comfort of the same ship. Adventure doesn't simply knock at the door here; it arrives by air, sea and submarine. Of course, after a day exploring Antarctica or Indonesia, you'll probably fancy somewhere comfortable to unwind.

Fortunately, comfort is something Scenic Eclipse II knows rather well. Carrying just 228 guests, or 200 during polar expeditions, the yacht feels wonderfully intimate. An almost one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio means service is quietly attentive rather than overbearing, while every suite comes complete with butler service. It's luxury that murmurs instead of shouting. Elsewhere on board, every corner seems designed to encourage you to stay just a little longer. Stylish lounges flow effortlessly into beautifully appointed bars, each impressively stocked with premium spirits and skillfully prepared cocktails. There are tranquil corners for reading, sociable spaces for a pre-dinner drink and panoramic lounges where watching the scenery becomes the entertainment. Food is just as impressive. With up to ten dining experiences available, there's little chance of culinary boredom setting in.

Overseeing the kitchens is acclaimed chef Tom Götter, leading an international brigade of 38 chefs representing 15 countries. The result is a menu that parallels the destinations themselves, global, adventurous and beautifully considered. When it's time to slow the pace, the yacht's expansive 550-square-metre spa and wellness sanctuary offers the perfect excuse to do absolutely nothing at all. Spacious observation lounges invite guests to sit back with a drink and watch the world drift by, whether that's an iceberg, a Mediterranean sunset or a pod of whales.

Luxury comes naturally aboard Scenic Eclipse II, and nowhere is that more obvious than inside the spectacular Owner's Suite. The generous lounge offers plenty of room to stretch out, the bedroom feels wonderfully peaceful, and the private deck with its own jacuzzi provides front-row seats to whatever breathtaking destination happens to be passing by. My favourite touch? The oversized bath sits beside an enormous window, turning an ordinary soak into a sightseeing experience. Every expedition is led by Scenic's specialist Discovery Team, which brings together experts in marine biology, archaeology, geology, history, wildlife, and photography. Rather than simply visiting remarkable places, guests leave with a novel understanding of them. It's the sort of luxury that leaves you richer in memories rather than just souvenirs.

On board, acclaimed British painter Tai Shan Schierenberg unveiled a specially commissioned work inspired by Canaletto's famous Greenwich landscapes. It was a thoughtful tribute that connected London's centuries-old roots of exploration with the next generation of expedition travel. This isn't simply another luxury cruise, it's a passport to parts of the world many people only ever dream of visiting, delivered with impeccable style, remarkable comfort and just enough adventure to leave you wondering where it might sail next.

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Written by Stacey Reeves

Photography courtesy of Scenic Eclipse II