Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is folding helicopter flightseeing into its super earlybird booking packages, a move that deepens the all-inclusive proposition for ultra-luxury expedition cruising. The offer applies to voyages departing between April 2027 and April 2029 aboard Scenic Eclipse and the upcoming Scenic Ikon.
Under the new terms, guests will receive a complimentary 20-minute helicopter flight over selected destinations, or a 30-minute flight over Antarctica. Both vessels in the Discovery Yacht fleet — including Scenic Eclipse II — are equipped with two Airbus H130 helicopters, each seating up to six passengers.
Enhanced Inclusions Across Premium Suites
Scenic has also upgraded benefits for higher suite categories. On Antarctic Peninsula voyages, guests in Owner’s, Penthouse and Ikon Penthouse suites now receive private jet transfers between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. These same categories also gain helicopter landing experiences at exclusive sites such as Snow Hill Island, the McMurdo Dry Valleys, and select locations in Europe.
For guests in Panorama, Grand Panorama, Scenic Yacht Suite, Grand Terrace, Owner’s Penthouse and Ikon Penthouse staterooms, additional perks include exclusive Scenic Discovery excursions, a private half-day excursion, and private airport transfers.
Chairman’s Lounge Debuts on Scenic Ikon
Scenic is introducing a Chairman’s Lounge aboard the new Ikon, a private retreat reserved for Penthouse guests and Chairman’s Club members. The lounge will feature an exclusive bar and access to 15 different dining experiences.
“We know from guests’ feedback that a helicopter flightseeing experience can reframe a journey,” said Jason Flesher, director of discovery operations. “By including helicopter flightseeing experiences, we are quite literally elevating ultra luxury discovery, giving guests perspectives that few travellers will ever experience.”
The inclusion of helicopter flightseeing as a standard component — rather than an optional add-on — signals a broader industry trend toward experiential all-inclusive packages. As AI agents are projected to handle 58% of OTA hotel bookings by 2027, cruise lines are differentiating through tangible, high-value inclusions that appeal to discerning travelers.
2028/29 Season: Eclipse II Returns to Australia
Scenic recently unveiled its 2028/29 season, which will see Eclipse II return to Australian waters. The vessel will offer voyages across the Kimberley, Asia, the South Pacific, and Antarctica, expanding the Discovery Yacht fleet’s presence in the region. This move brings ultra-luxury expedition cruising back to Australian travelers, complementing the line’s global itineraries.
For travel professionals, the enhanced earlybird offer provides a strong selling point for clients seeking transformative experiences. The combination of helicopter flightseeing, private jet transfers, and exclusive landing sites positions Scenic’s product as a leader in the ultra-luxury expedition segment. As value-first bookings and package holiday demand surge, the inclusion of high-cost experiences like helicopter flights could sway high-net-worth clients toward Scenic’s earlybird deals.
For more details, visit Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours or contact your preferred travel advisor.
