05/10/2026
Two luxury yachts. Two very different experiences. Which would I choose?
On Wednesday, I flew over to Palma, Mallorca for the day and had the opportunity to step onboard Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Sakara.
Having now seen them both for myself, my biggest takeaway is that although they’re both luxury yachts, they actually offer two quite different styles of holiday.
SCENIC ECLIPSE II
This really does have the WOW factor.
Scenic Eclipse II carries up to just 228 guests and feels more like a seriously luxurious small cruise ship combined with an expedition yacht.
The suites are beautiful, there’s an incredible choice of dining, a huge spa and wellness offering and, depending on where in the world she is sailing, even two helicopters and a submersible!
For me, Scenic Eclipse II would really suit someone who wants ultra-luxury but also wants experiences and adventure.
Think Antarctica, the Arctic and some of the more remote corners of the world – but returning to serious luxury at the end of the day.
EMERALD SAKARA
This was a completely different experience – and I really liked it.
With only 100 guests onboard, Sakara genuinely feels like a private superyacht rather than a traditional cruise ship.
It’s contemporary, relaxed and intimate, with lovely outdoor spaces and a marina platform at the back of the yacht for getting out onto the water.
I could really see this appealing to someone who likes beautiful hotels, smaller ships and destinations such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean but perhaps doesn’t think of themselves as a traditional “cruiser”.
So which would I choose?
That’s exactly why seeing these ships personally is so valuable.
I wouldn’t simply recommend one over the other.
For adventure, discovery and an incredible range of onboard facilities, I’d be talking to you about Scenic Eclipse II.
For a smaller, relaxed, intimate superyacht-style experience, Emerald Sakara could be absolutely perfect.
And this is one of the things I love about being a Travel Consultant. It’s not just about finding you a cruise – it’s about knowing enough about the ships to help find the right cruise for you.
A very long day travelling to Palma and back, but absolutely worth it.
Which would you choose – Scenic Eclipse II or Emerald Sakara?