Scenic Eclipse II returns to the Kimberley, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific in 2028 with new luxury land journeys

New regional voyages, included helicopter flightseeing and small-group extensions create more ways to explore by ocean and land

20 July 2026: Scenic Group has unveiled its new 2028-29 collection of Scenic Eclipse II voyages and handcrafted land journeys across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific, marking the Discovery Yacht’s return to the region following her successful 2024 and 2025 seasons. 

From the Kimberley region and Tasmania, to New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and the islands of the South Pacific, this collection combines iconic cities with some of the region’s unique coastlines. 

Guests can circumnavigate Japan during its celebrated cherry blossom season, while new itineraries add destinations including Palau, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tasmania. Expedition-style voyages will also explore remote parts of Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sulawesi and the Indonesian archipelago. 

In Tasmania, Scenic Eclipse II will visit King Island, Bruny Island and the national parks of the rugged west coast, while visits in Sydney and Newcastle ports reconnect the heritage of where Scenic Group started 40 years ago. 

Since the ocean voyages were first released in April, the Kimberley has already attracted very strong demand, reflecting growing interest in immersive, truly all-inclusive discovery closer to home. 

Handcrafted land journeys extend the experience 

Scenic has significantly expanded its collection of handcrafted land journeys for 2028 and 2029, responding to demand for longer holidays and seamless travel before and after a Discovery Yacht voyage. 

New small-group itineraries will explore Australia’s east coast, the Top End and Central Australia, as well as New Zealand, the South Pacific and Japan. 

Designed to connect with selected Scenic Eclipse II voyages, the journeys allow guests to combine ocean exploration with inland destinations, cultural experiences and handpicked luxury accommodation, all planned and delivered by Scenic. 

Featured properties include Kokomo Private Island in Fiji and The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo, which offers views across some of the Japanese capital’s most recognisable landmarks. 

Included helicopter flightseeing offers a new perspective 

Guests booking the Super Earlybird offer on selected 2028-29 voyages in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific will receive a complimentary 20-minute helicopter flightseeing experience, where permitted^≈. This experience offers a rare aerial perspective of the landscapes, coastlines and natural landmarks visited during the voyage. 

The Penthouse suite guests and Chairman’s Club members, will also have access to selected helicopter landing experiences, including golf at Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and dining experiences in the Marlborough Sounds. 

Scenic Eclipse II’s two on board helicopters^ also enable optional experiences that reach locations inaccessible from the coastline or only accessible through lengthy overland travel. These include: 

• Heli-fishing in the Kimberley - fly into isolated waterways accessible only by helicopter, with the day’s catch prepared by Scenic’s chefs at Elements or Koko’s on board. 

• Flightseeing over natural landmarks - including Mitchell Falls and Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley, the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand’s Bay of Islands and Marlborough Sounds, and Fiji’s island chains. 

• Remote helicopter landings - including private pearl farm visits in the Kimberley, golf on the cliffs of Cape Kidnappers and gourmet dining in the Marlborough Sounds. 

Scenic Group’s General Manager, S&M APAC, Anthony Laver, said Scenic Eclipse II’s return will give guests a greater choice across some of the world’s most diverse and spectacular regions: 

“Scenic Eclipse II continues to set the pace for ultra-luxury discovery in the Kimberley and our region. The anticipated return of this Discovery Yacht, together with new land extensions across Australia, the South Pacific and Asia, means guests and their travel advisors can transform a single voyage into a truly enriching journey. This will feature the unrivalled and truly all-inclusive helicopter experiences, showcasing the region’s most remarkable landscapes from an entirely new perspective that no other cruise company can offer or deliver.”  

Truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury discovery 

Scenic Eclipse II combines immersive destination discovery with up to 10 dining experiences, a dedicated whisky bar featuring more than 100 varieties and a 550-square-metre wellness retreat. 

On Expedition and Discovery Voyages, Scenic excursions are led by an expert team supported by specialist local knowledge. 

From 2028-29, guests staying in Panorama, Grand Panorama and Owner’s Penthouse suites will also receive enhanced inclusions¤. These include a private Scenic Discovery experience on Expedition and Discovery Voyages, a private half-day guided excursion on selected Signature Yacht Cruises and private chauffeur airport transfers. 

This collection forms part of Scenic Group’s continued regional expansion, with Emerald Xara beginning her inaugural Asia and Australia season in 2028, Scenic Aura debuting in India and Sri Lanka from late 2027, and Scenic Spirit II joining the Mekong fleet in early 2028. 

To learn more about the new 2028-29 Scenic Eclipse II voyages and handcrafted land journeys across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific, please view the latest brochure.  

For current offers and departure information, refer to the latest Scenic Discovery Yachts Cruise Calendar, visit scenic.cruises or speak with your local travel advisor.  

About Scenic   

For 40 years, Scenic Group has set the benchmark for innovation in luxury travel, creating award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys. Beginning in Australia in 1986, the company has grown into a global leader through its brands: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours and Mayflower Cruises & Tours.   

Scenic Group is the only cruise company to design, build, crew and operate its own ships with the expertise of its in-house shipbuilding division. This fully integrated model ensures exceptional quality and a consistently elevated guest experience. With a strong global footprint and high repeat guest rates, Scenic and Emerald Cruises are uniquely positioned to deliver seamless, end-to-end journeys across ocean and river cruises and land tours under each of the three brands.