by Ana Figueroa
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Mon November 19, 2018
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is used to the spotlight, after three decades as an award-winning escorted tour operator. In 2019, the company will continue to make news with its river cruise and Discover Yacht products. Leading the way is the April debut of the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse.
The much-anticipated Polar Class 6 (Ice Class 1A Super) vessel will bring some innovative design elements to the luxury expedition arena. Among them: 114 all-verandah suites (with butler service) ranging in size from 345 to 2,659 square feet.
Ten dining options include Asian Fusion, French and an intimate chef's table. The ship also features a spa nearly 6,000 square feet in size, with a separate gym, yoga and Pilates studio; indoor and outdoor plunge pools and a 240-seat theater. Two six-passenger Airbus H130 helicopters and a submarine capable of reaching depths of nearly 1,000 feet offer added adventure above and beneath the sea.
Scenic Eclipse will travel through Scandinavia and Antarctica in its 2019 inaugural season, as well as North America's East Coast.
On the rivers of Europe, Scenic's fleet of eight Space-Ships will be remodeled in time for the 2019 season. Scenic Ruby, Pearl, Jasper, Opal, Amber, Crystal, Jade and Jewel will all undergo transformations to improve the passenger experience.
Enhancements include a reduction in stateroom numbers. Ruby and Pearl will emerge with 81 staterooms, with a passenger capacity of 161. The other six vessels will have 83 staterooms capable of accommodating 165 passengers. The crew count will remain the same across the fleet, however.
The ships will also add two new 520 square-foot Royal Owners Suites; larger wellness centers and a Salt Therapy lounge. The humidity and temperature-controlled lounge is created from salt bricks that emit negatively-charged ions. Said to improve well-being, the room is available to passengers free of charge.
New active excursions such as e-bike tours and hikes are set for Scenic's river cruise itineraries in 2019. And, the line will increase the number of its National Geographic Expeditions cruises. New are a Gems of the Danube Christmas Markets sailing between Nuremburg and Budapest; Dutch Sights & Belgium Delights, roundtrip from Amsterdam during tulip season; and Unforgettable Douro, an 11-day voyage that explores the historically-rich region.
Each sailing features an onboard National Geographic expert, who will conduct presentations and host excursions. A National Geographic photographer will also be on board to help passengers hone their skills.
Additional Scenic/National Geographic River Cruise cruises in 2019 will sail on the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle Rivers; through France's Bordeaux region, and on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar
Scenic is also increasing its offerings in Egypt and Jordan, due to strong demand. New dates will be added aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat III in Sept, Oct. and Nov. 2019. The 36-passenger vessel features oversized picture windows, a Sun Deck pool and tented lounge chairs.
Itineraries include the 11-day Treasures of Egypt cruise along the Nile. It sails from Luxor to Aswan, with highlights such as the Great Pyramids and Sphynx, the temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, the antiquities in the Luxor Museum, numerous market visits and city tours, and a sunset dinner at The Terrace in Aswan.
The 10-day Kingdom of Jordan Unveiled cruise features two nights in Amman; the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra; the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the Red Sea.
The Essence of Egypt and Jordan is a 20-day cruise that combines both trips. For those who'd like to extend their time in the exotic Middle East, Scenic offers two four-day vacation extensions.
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