On 19 September 2025, in the picturesque harbour of Honfleur in Normandy France, two custom-designed river and yacht cruising ships met for the very first time. Scenic Gem, purpose-built for the historic Seine River, and Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™ marked a significant milestone with a day of celebrations.

A unique convergence of river & ocean design

Honfleur, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and picturesque harbour, provided the ideal backdrop for this extraordinary event. Scenic Gem, purpose-built to cruise the winding Seine, is one of only a few river ships able to dock directly in Honfleur’s historic heart. This unique capability allows guests to step off the ship and immediately explore the charm of Normandy’s markets, galleries, and cafes, and enjoy a seamless shorter travel experiences to the historic Normandy beaches.

By contrast, Scenic Eclipse is designed to roam the farthest reaches of the globe. The World’s First Discovery Yachts™, it is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for advanced exploration. GPS Dynamic Positioning allows the ship to hold position without dropping anchor on sensitive seabeds. Extended stabilisers and advanced Azipod propulsion also ensure a smoother journey even in open seas. And for guests seeking the extraordinary, Scenic Eclipse carries two helicopters and a custom-built submersible, opening access to destinations most travellers can only dream of. Seeing these two ships side by side in Honfleur Harbour was an incredible moment for the crew and guests. One is designed to navigate a historic river, and another built to cross oceans and explore remote polar regions converged in one harbour, a feat made possible by Scenic’s vision and innovative ship-building.

A symbolic ceremony

To mark the occasion, the captains of Scenic Gem, Captain Ludovic Libs and Scenic Eclipse, Captain Radomir Novosel shared a ceremonial presentation on deck. Rather than a simple exchange of gifts, the moment was symbolic - an acknowledgement of the seamanship, design ingenuity, and shared values that unite Scenic’s diverse fleet. Inspired by the occasion, Scenic Eclipse Pastry Chef Jed Samson, Executive Chef Viktor Malek, and the culinary team unveiled an elaborate cake masterpiece. The creation showcased Honfleur’s picturesque harbour skyline, complete with a delicately crafted edible Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Gem. Guests on board were also invited to visit each of the ships for a view into the unique opportunities to sail on these vessels. While also gaining insights from a special guest, guide Ben Baillie, who shared the rich history of the region.