Scenic Discovery Cruises vs Seabourn

Why should we cruise with Scenic?

We asked Scenic why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
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The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.

What destinations are Scenic exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Scenic from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select.

Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!

Who cruises with Scenic?

Well-travelled couples and solo travellers seeking ultra-luxury small-ship cruising and destination-focused exploration. Guests are international, with a strong Australian, New Zealand, North American and British mix.

What are Scenic known for?

Ultra-luxury small-ship cruising aboard Scenic Eclipse, Eclipse II and Ikon, all-verandah suites, butler service for every guest, close to 1:1 crew-to-guest service, expedition cruising and onboard helicopters and submersibles.

Are Scenic's fares all-inclusive?

All-inclusive fares with all dining, premium beverages throughout the day, in-suite minibar, gratuities, WiFi, butler service and Scenic Freechoice or Discovery excursions.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include helicopter and submersible experiences, spa and salon treatments, a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines and spirits and laundry outside applicable suite inclusions.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Tipping and gratuities onboard and onshore are included.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. Scenic Freechoice and Discovery excursions are included. Expedition and Discovery voyages can include Zodiac cruising, guided landings, kayaking and paddleboarding, while helicopters and submersible experiences cost extra.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included throughout the ship.

Does Scenic have a loyalty program?

Yes. Scenic and Emerald loyalty programs are combined into Scenic & Emerald Rewards, allowing members to earn status across Scenic's and Emerald's ocean, river and land journeys.

Is Scenic a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are permitted but Scenic Eclipse is primarily designed for adults rather than families.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include live music, theatre performances, cabaret, trivia, dance classes, lectures, Discovery Team presentations, gym use, yoga and Pilates, pools and spa relaxation facilities.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Helicopter and submersible experiences and spa treatments cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Scenic's ships?

Yes. Scenic Eclipse offers up to 10 included culinary experiences, ranging from casual venues to fine dining and degustation restaurants. Reservations are required for some venues, but there is no dining surcharge.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining experiences are included.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are included, along with a complimentary in-suite minibar.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium wines, Champagne, spirits and other alcoholic drinks are included throughout the day, except for a small selection of rare, fine and vintage labels.

Do Scenic sell any beverage packages?

No. A beverage package is unnecessary because premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are already included.

Do Scenic offer room service?

Yes. In-suite dining and beverage service are included, with personalised butler service for every suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Scenic Eclipse has an expansive Senses Spa with thermal and relaxation facilities. Salt therapy lounges, dry and wet saunas, cold plunge pool and mineralised spa facilities are included. Selected spa therapy and salon treatments cost extra.

Are there gyms onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Scenic's Discovery Yachts have fully equipped gyms included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Complimentary yoga, Pilates, stretching and other group wellness activities are offered, with programmes varying by voyage.

Do Scenic offer personal training?

Yes

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes

Do Scenic offer a laundry service?

Yes, self-service laundry service is available and included. Complimentary laundry is included with selected higher suite categories and loyalty benefits.

Why should we cruise with Seabourn?

We asked Seabourn why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Seabourn welcomes you to all-inclusive, luxury cruising refined to its purest form. Where hand-selected itineraries take you to places beyond the reach of larger ships. Cruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed - elegant, yet casual - sumptuous, yet understated. Our intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide, sailing to the heart of landmark cities, as well as to hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow.

Our ships attract interesting people, who seek to share read more experiences beyond the expected in places beyond the ordinary. Our acclaimed staff offers a unique style of heartfelt hospitality that is sincere, thoughtful and personal.

What destinations are Seabourn exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Seabourn from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Seabourn is best described as boutique ultra-luxury cruising: small ships, all-suite accommodations, and an onboard experience built around included dining, premium drinks, Wi-Fi packages, and service-led luxury. For cruise-lovers who value a refined, uncrowded onboard experience, high-touch service, suites as standard, and luxury inclusions that reduce onboard bill shock, Seabourn is one of the strongest choices in the ultra-luxury category.

Who cruises with Seabourn?

Well-travelled couples and solo travellers from around the world, particularly the US, Canada, UK and Australia. Guests generally favour intimate ships, personalised service and a relaxed luxury atmosphere.

What are Seabourn known for?

Ultra-luxury small-ship cruising, all ocean-front suites, highly personalised service, complimentary premium drinks and caviar, all-inclusive dining and expedition cruising to remote destinations.

Are Seabourn's fares all-inclusive?

Seabourn's inclusive fares include all dining venues, premium wines and spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, in-suite dining, gratuities, entertainment and unlimited Surf WiFi.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include shore excursions, premium wines and spirits outside the complimentary selection, spa and salon treatments, upgraded Stream WiFi, professional laundry and valet services and selected premium expedition experiences such as kayaking and Image Masters.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

Seabourn's traditional ocean cruises charge extra for shore excursions. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit include a programme of expedition experiences such as Zodiac cruises and landings, guided walks, hikes and selected shore excursions, with additional optional experiences available for purchase.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Unlimited Surf WiFi for one device per guest is complimentary. An upgraded Stream package supporting streaming, internet calling and additional devices is included for eligible premium suites and loyalty members or can be purchased as an upgrade.

Does Seabourn have a loyalty program?

Yes. Seabourn Club has Club Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Elite levels, with benefits including WiFi upgrades, shore excursion discounts, laundry, spa benefits, premium wine discounts and complimentary cruises for qualifying members.

Is Seabourn a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are permitted, but Seabourn is primarily designed for adults. Families are more commonly seen during school holidays, and expedition cruises have stricter minimum-age requirements.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include Seabourn Conversations lectures, live music, theatre and cabaret performances, movies, trivia, cooking demonstrations, fitness activities and signature events such as Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf or Caviar on the Ice where offered.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes on Seabourn's traditional ocean ships. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit do not have casinos.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Spa and salon treatments, selected premium fitness or wellness services, The Retreat cabanas on Seabourn Encore and Ovation, and some optional expedition activities incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Seabourn's ships?

Yes, but unlike many cruise lines all Seabourn dining venues are complimentary. Restaurants vary by ship and include The Restaurant, The Colonnade, Earth & Ocean, Solis and other ship-specific venues.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining venues are complimentary.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium spirits and fine wines are complimentary throughout the voyage, including an in-suite bar stocked to guest preferences. Selected ultra-premium wines and spirits cost extra.

Do Seabourn sell any beverage packages?

No. A beverage package is unnecessary because premium wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages are already included.

Do Seabourn offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary in-suite dining is available 24 hours a day, and guests can also dine privately in their suite from selected restaurant menus.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Full spa and salon services are available for an additional charge, with an 18% gratuity added to optional treatments.

Are there gyms onboard Seabourn's ships?

Yes. Ships have complimentary fitness centres with cardio and strength-training equipment.

Are fitness classes available onboard Seabourn's ships?

Yes. Yoga, meditation, stretching, TRX and other classes are offered, although programmes vary by ship. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit have more limited traditional fitness-class programmes.

Do Seabourn offer personal training?

Yes on Seabourn's traditional ocean ships for an additional charge. Personal trainers are not available on Seabourn Venture or Seabourn Pursuit.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service launderettes with washers and dryers are available.

Do Seabourn offer a laundry service?

Yes. Professional laundry and valet services are available for an additional charge, although complimentary laundry is included for certain Seabourn Club levels and selected premium-suite guests.