Scenic Eclipse II Comes to London: A View from the Bridge

The past week marked a truly memorable milestone for Scenic. Our arrival represented far more than another port of call; it brought one of the world's most advanced Discovery Yachts to the birthplace of maritime innovation, adding a new chapter to the Thames' rich seafaring story. 

From the moment we entered the river, the voyage became something very special. For those on board, London revealed itself from a perspective few ever experience – gliding past its iconic sights in the comfort and elegance of a 6-star Discovery Yacht. Along the riverbanks, our passage drew the attention of onlookers as Scenic Eclipse II made a striking journey through the heart of the capital, blending contemporary exploration with one of the world's most historic waterways. 

As is customary on my voyages, I recorded our progress in a captain's log, documenting each stage of our journey from Bordeaux to London. The entries below capture not only the navigation and milestones along the way, but also the anticipation of bringing Scenic Eclipse II to the River Thames for this landmark arrival. I hope they give you a sense of what it was like to be on the bridge as we completed this unforgettable voyage… 

27 July: Isles of Scilly > Poole

Our voyage continued as Scenic Eclipse II departed the beautiful Isles of Scilly, setting a course eastwards along England’s spectacular southern coastline. Leaving the rugged granite islands astern, we sailed towards the charming harbour town of Fowey, nestled on the dramatic Cornish coast. Stopping for the night in this picturesque port, guests were treated to a choice of spectacular excursions – a wonderful glimpse into the character of the Cornish coast!

Continuing our journey, we made our way across the Channel waters towards Guernsey, one of the jewels of the Channel Islands. Guests discovered the island’s unique blend of natural beauty and rich history, before its striking coastline provided a memorable backdrop as we continued our eastward passage.

This stretch of water is among the most fascinating in the British Isles. Beneath the surface, the nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of marine life. Those on the Observation Deck were treated to dolphin sightings as they playfully swam alongside the yacht, as well as grey seals residing along the rocky coast.

The dramatic coastlines of Cornwall and Devon gradually gave way to Dorset’s distinctive shores before our arrival into Poole Harbour. Our overnight stay in Poole has given us time to prepare for the next stage of our voyage before we set course across the English Channel, while guests disembarked to explore the historic quayside and browse independent boutiques and cafés, and history enthusiasts visited the charming streets and museums of Poole’s Old Town.

From here, we continue across the English Channel to Belgium, where the historic port of Ostend awaits, followed by our final approach towards London via the iconic River Thames.

The yacht continues to perform beautifully, and the crew remain in excellent spirits as we look forward to sharing more highlights from the voyage in the days ahead.

31 July - Poole > London

As our voyage entered its final chapter, Scenic Eclipse II departed the sheltered waters of Poole Harbour and crossed the English Channel to the picturesque French port of Honfleur, nestled on the Seine Estuary. After time to explore the picturesque harbour town, we continued north to the historic Belgian port of Ostend.   

Favourable conditions accompanied us across one of the world's busiest shipping routes before guests stepped onshore to discover its rich maritime heritage, elegant Belle Époque architecture, and vibrant waterfront.   

From Belgium, we turned once more towards England, crossing the North Sea before entering the Thames Estuary. As we approached the mouth of the River Thames, the surrounding waters came alive with commercial traffic, highlighting the enduring importance of this historic waterway as one of the world's great maritime gateways.  

Our transit along the River Thames brought this remarkable voyage to a close. As London’s skyline drew nearer, the journey offered one final reminder of the diversity of destinations we have explored – all made possible by the unique capabilities of Scenic Eclipse II. She has performed superbly throughout, and the crew are incredibly proud to have played a part in her inaugural journey into the English capital, a historic milestone and contribution to her extraordinary legacy.   

It has been my privilege to share this remarkable voyage with you. This moment marks an exciting new chapter for Scenic Discovery Yachts, and I hope we have the pleasure of welcoming you on board soon.   

For now, the crew and I will take the opportunity to celebrate this landmark arrival with guests before preparing for our onward journey to Stockholm in the next few days.  

Until next time,   

Captain James Griffiths.