There are holidays you take, and then there are experiences that leave an imprint on your soul. Our Easter escape aboard the Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first discovery yacht, was unmistakably the latter. An ultra-luxury cruise that felt more like a curated journey through time, culture, and sea. This voyage redefined what it means to travel in style.
Scenic Eclipse: A Yacht, not a Ship
From the moment we stepped aboard in Madeira, Scenic Eclipse made one thing clear: this isn’t your typical cruise. Inspired by the sleek silhouette of a sailing yacht and outfitted with cutting-edge technology, the Eclipse isn’t just built to impress. It’s built to immerse. With just 200 guests on board, the sense of space and serenity is unparalleled. And with a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, every detail, from your preferred morning coffee to a spontaneous afternoon Zodiac outing, is remembered and delivered with effortless grace.
We were fortunate enough to stay in one of the two Owner’s Penthouse Suites. A floating sanctuary perched at the bow of the yacht. It comes with sweeping ocean views, a private spa pool on the terrace, a dining room for eight, and a bathroom that would rival any five-star hotel. Personalized butler service ensured we never had to lift a finger. To call it indulgent would be an understatement. It was transformative.
The Itinerary: Discovery in Every Port
Day 1 – Madeira
Our journey began with a helicopter flight over Madeira. It revealed a tapestry of terraced hillsides, deep ravines, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Taking off from the yacht's own helipad was a stunning introduction to the adventure ahead, and an immediate indication of how Scenic elevates every moment.
Day 2 – Porto Santo
Less developed and infinitely charming, Porto Santo gave us time to breathe and explore at a gentler pace. We joined a guided hike through volcanic landscapes and ended the day soaking up the sun along the island’s golden coastline.
Day 3 – Tangier
Crossing the Atlantic and arriving in Tangier felt like stepping into a different world. Our city tour led us through the whitewashed Medina, where scents of spices filled the air and time seemed to slow down. A highlight? Mint tea on a rooftop terrace, with sweeping views.
Day 4 – Málaga
Our final stop in Málaga was a wonderful way to wrap up the cruise. More than just a sunny Spanish port, it’s a city rich with art, history, and soul. After exploring the historic center, we retreated back to the yacht club for cocktails.
Beyond Luxury
Of course, no mention of Scenic Eclipse is complete without noting the unmatched facilities: a 550sqm spa sanctuary, multiple dining venues from sushi to French fine dining, a salt therapy lounge, and even a state-of-the-art submersible for underwater exploration.
Whether soaring over ancient islands, wandering the labyrinthine alleys of a Moroccan port city, or sipping a Negroni as the sun melted into the sea, every moment aboard felt tailored to the curious, style-conscious traveler. This wasn’t just a holiday, it was a statement: that luxury today is about depth, authenticity, and discovery.
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