What Our Guests Are Saying
Firsthand experiences from travelers who've sailed with Rick & Tracey's guidance
These are the words of real travelers —
people just like you who trusted Rick and Tracey to plan the journey of a lifetime. Every review is from a named guest who booked directly through Small Cruise Journeys.
Antarctica on the Scenic Eclipse
Guest Experiences
"Antarctica is an Arctic Safari like nothing else on earth. You are standing 2 feet from a penguin or a fur seal — and not just one, but thousands! You won't find a nature destination that immerses you in it and spits you out as a different person."
"When Rick told us that travelling to Antarctica would be a 'trip of a lifetime,' we believed it since he was a former colleague of ours, and we knew his recommendation would be honest. What he told us could not compare to the grandeur and splendor we witnessed in this untouched part of the world. It's a world truly 'down under.' In our opinion, the best way to describe this adventure is an Arctic Safari. Wildlife (penguins, seals, whales, birds) abound, but not behind a fence or being sheltered in a vehicle; you are there, standing 2 feet from a penguin or a fur seal! And not just one, but thousands! If you think Alaska is great, it's good, but it doesn't hold a candle to the glaciers, mountain peaks, and sheer beauty of this wild and pristine landscape. The great part about a Scenic cruise to Antarctica is that you don't just see it from your luxury yacht; you are immersed in it firsthand through shore landings and zodiac raft excursions led by trained outdoor experts. There's even an onboard helicopter to soar you over the mountains and glaciers. Don't think twice — this cruise will blow your socks off! You won't find a nature destination that immerses you in it and spits you out as a different person."
"The twice-daily excursions were fascinating, the ship exceptional, and all-inclusive meant no surprise charges. Rick also helped with our pre and post arrangements in Buenos Aires. A great experience — we would definitely call on Rick for future travel needs."
"We just returned (December 2025) from an incredible voyage on the Scenic Eclipse to Antarctica. We traveled with a group of 14 friends. We had some unusual dietary needs and Rick worked with us and the Scenic staff to make sure everyone's needs were met. The ship's staff and crew were exceptionally friendly and ready to do anything to make our trip the most enjoyable. The ship was exceptional, and we appreciated that the cruise was all-inclusive — no surprise charges. We went to all seven restaurants and the food was delicious in all. The twice-a-day excursions with the discovery staff were fascinating. Antarctica is a very special place and experiencing it on the Eclipse is definitely the way to go. Rick also helped us with our pre and post arrangements in Buenos Aires. All-in-all, a great experience and we would definitely call on Rick for future travel needs."
"Rick's insider access to Scenic gave us the absolute best prices, far less than other agencies or when we called the cruise line directly. He was on top of everything and communicated with us constantly. We would not hesitate for a moment to use him again."
"We sailed on the Scenic Eclipse II to Antarctica in January. Our cruise was handled perfectly by Scenic Cruises and Rick of Small Cruise Journeys. Scenic I and II are small, true 6-star all-inclusive discovery vessels, with just 200 passengers. Our ship was spectacular, with wonderful food in seven restaurants, and an extraordinarily friendly crew. Our cabin was huge and our every need was attended to. Both Scenic ships are purposely built to explore places like Antarctica in comfort and safety. They go where the big ships can't. A special shout-out to our brilliant naturalists, who prepared us for each adventure and made sure we came away from each tour in absolute awe. On Scenic, there are no crowds, formal nights, casinos, or art auctions. What you do get is an experience of a lifetime. Our trip was expertly handled by Rick from start to finish. His insider access to Scenic resulted in the absolute best prices, far less than other agencies or when we called the cruise line. He was on top of everything and communicated with us constantly. We would not hesitate for a moment to use him again."
"I did my research and the price I received from Rick was unbeatable! The ship, food, and staff were all exceptional. We've already signed up for Antarctica again with Rick and are looking at others!"
"My husband and I recently had the pleasure of sailing on the Scenic Eclipse II. It was our first time with Scenic, but it will not be our last. It was a wonderful experience. The cabins were spacious, quiet and very comfortable. The food was delicious, with numerous restaurants to choose from. The staff was very attentive and learned our names and our likes and dislikes immediately. There were many excursions, all included, to choose from. I did my research and the price I received from Rick was unbeatable! You won't be disappointed. And we have already signed up for Antarctica with Rick and are looking at others!"
"As seasoned travelers, my wife and I can safely say it was the trip of a lifetime. The boat was simply outstanding in all respects — from the luxurious cabin to the scrumptious food and superb excursion staff."
"We travelled on the SCENIC 2 yacht to Antarctica and as seasoned travelers, my wife and I, can safely say it was the trip of a lifetime. The boat was simply outstanding in all respects from the luxurious cabin, to the scrumptious food and drinks and the superb cabin and excursion staff. We cannot recommend the cruise highly enough."
"This was more than just a vacation — it was a profound experience. Flawlessly organized, luxuriously comfortable, and deeply moving. For anyone with a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature's raw beauty, we can't recommend it highly enough."
"Our recent journey to Antarctica aboard the Scenic Eclipse II was nothing short of extraordinary — a true once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeded every expectation. From the moment we embarked in Ushuaia, Argentina, the service was impeccable. The crew was not only attentive and professional but also warm and genuinely enthusiastic about the adventure ahead. Our guides were simply fantastic — their extensive knowledge and communication skills really helped us enjoy our trip. The ship combined state-of-the-art technology with fantastic comfort, making the Drake Passage smoother than anticipated. This was more than just a vacation — it was a profound experience. The cruise was flawlessly organized, luxuriously comfortable, and deeply moving. For anyone with a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature's raw beauty, we can't recommend this experience highly enough."
Eclipse Discovery Voyages Worldwide
Guest Experiences — Brazil, New Zealand, Fiji, Lisbon to Dublin, Australia
"Rick, a long-standing veteran in the travel industry, booked extraordinary tours with exceptional local guides in Rio and Buenos Aires. A five-star experience all the way — an outstanding and memorable trip."
"What a fabulous trip was orchestrated for us on the Scenic Eclipse cruise from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, down the Atlantic coast to Uruguay with a final destination of Buenos Aires. It was our maiden voyage on Scenic, and while we had heard rave reviews, the ship exceeded our high standards and expectations! It was a five-star experience all the way. The seven restaurants (we tried every one of them!) are all excellent, with multiple courses and drinks all included! Multiple excursions were available every morning upon arrival at port, all of which we pre-selected, keeping the groups small and intimate. And the absolute bonus of booking through this site: Rick, a long-standing veteran in the travel industry, booked extraordinary tours with exceptional local guides in Rio, where we spent a couple of days before the cruise, and in Buenos Aires, where we stayed in a five-star hotel and had two days of guides and touring to match. All in all, we are most grateful for an outstanding and memorable trip, and we look forward to our next one!"
"Thank you to Rick for recommending and booking this unforgettable trip, assisting with flights, and saving us literally thousands of dollars. We are looking forward to another trip with Scenic."
"Our recent cruise to New Zealand aboard the Scenic Eclipse was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped on board, we were struck by the elegant design of this ultra-luxurious yacht, which carried only 200 passengers. Dining was a true delight — our favorite was the Japanese sushi-sashimi restaurant. Mornings at the breakfast cafe were always a delight with very personal service. Great variety of excursions, very well organized and safe. Thank you to our agent, Rick, for recommending and booking this unforgettable trip for us, assisting with and booking our flights, and saving us literally thousands of dollars on both the flights and the cruise. We are looking forward to another trip with Scenic."
"A special thank you to Rick, who curated this unforgettable journey. Thanks to his expertise and the fantastic deal he gave us, this was truly the trip of a lifetime. We've already booked Antarctica with Scenic in 2027."
"Our journey through New Zealand aboard the Scenic Eclipse II was nothing short of extraordinary. Every included excursion was thoughtfully planned and unforgettable, including witnessing a pod of 500 dusky dolphins swimming alongside our whale-watching tour boat — pure magic. The ship exceeded all expectations. With a choice of eight diverse restaurants offering exceptional cuisine, we were spoiled for choice every night. Our cabin was incredibly spacious and came with the luxury of a private butler. A special thank you to Rick, who curated this unforgettable journey for us. Thanks to his expertise and attention to detail, and the fantastic deal he gave us, this was truly the trip of a lifetime. We've already booked our next adventure — to Antarctica with Scenic in 2027 — and we wouldn't consider traveling with anyone else."
"The staff is incredible — the butler and assistant were the best. The Yacht Club buffets for breakfast and lunch were incredible. If you're going to cruise, this is the way to cruise!"
"My wife and I both have Hospitality degrees and worked with an upscale Hotel chain in the US for 15 years, so our expectations and critical eye come into play when we travel. The trip on the Scenic Eclipse was exceptional. We had a great time and the ship was awesome. The staff is incredible, our butler and his assistant were the best. The Yacht Club buffets for breakfast and lunch were incredible and the fish they served everywhere was delicious. Mostly, we had dinner at Elements, the Italian restaurant, and the daily menu was excellent. Our cabin was very comfortable. We really appreciated all your tips for traveling and the great rate. It was a great experience. If you're going to cruise, this is the way to cruise!"
"The ship was everything we could expect and the staff were spot on. I asked for a Bowmore and was offered a choice of 12 or 21 years old. That sums up the Scenic Eclipse perfectly — we are already deliberating on Rick's latest offer!"
"Carol and I would like to thank you for facilitating a most excellent holiday on the Scenic Eclipse. The ship was everything that we could expect, and the staff were spot on. I enjoy a dram and was surprised and delighted when I asked for a Bowmore, to be offered a choice of 12 or 21 years old. In short, it was excellent. We are deliberating on your latest offer, more temptation!"
"This cruise exceeded every expectation. It blended luxury, comfort, and personal connection in a way that few experiences can. I would absolutely sail with this line again."
"From start to finish, this cruise was nothing short of amazing. Traveling on a smaller ship made such a difference — it felt more intimate, relaxed, and personal than the large liners and three steps above our previous ocean cruise on Viking. The staff delivered impeccable service, remembering our names, preferences, and even small details that made each day feel special. The specialty restaurants were absolutely outstanding. Each meal was beautifully prepared, with fresh ingredients and creative menus that easily rival top restaurants on land. One of the unexpected highlights was getting to know other passengers — because the ship was smaller, we had the chance to form genuine connections. The spa services were heavenly. This cruise exceeded every expectation. It blended luxury, comfort, and personal connection in a way that few experiences can. I would absolutely sail with this line again."
"The best part of being on the ship was the quality of the staffing in all areas. The staff was so nice and accommodating. They made all travelers feel genuinely special."
"We recently took a 12-Day Excursion on the Scenic Eclipse, traveling from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to Uruguay and ending in Buenos Aires. We stayed in a Deluxe Verandah Suite and enjoyed our trip very much. Our room was spacious and included a nice verandah, plenty of storage space, a large bathroom and shower, a very comfortable bed, and a blackout shade. We had a butler assigned to us who was able to address any need quickly. The ship had multiple restaurants with rotating menus offering a variety of food options, so meals were never redundant. The best part of being on the ship was the quality of the staffing in all areas, particularly food and beverage service. The staff was so nice and accommodating and excelled at their jobs. They made all travelers feel special and addressed any dietary or other needs of all passengers."
"The cruise was the highlight of the trip. The Eclipse II was phenomenal — pure luxury, exceptional dining and service, and a warm welcoming atmosphere. An amazing chance to connect with wonderful Australians."
"We took an unforgettable adventure to Australia to explore the breathtaking, remote Kimberley coastline! Australia is an absolutely incredible destination. We boarded in Broome on the rugged north coast and once we set sail, there were no ports of call until Darwin — 11 thrilling days later! Every day, Zodiacs whisked us away to explore hidden rivers, inlets, and bays teeming with wildlife and marine life. We stepped ashore in untouched, remote areas, immersing ourselves in the rich Aboriginal heritage. Without a doubt, the cruise was the highlight of the trip. The Eclipse II was phenomenal — pure luxury, exceptional dining and service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It was also an amazing chance to meet and connect with so many wonderful Australians who quickly felt like old friends."
Luxury River Cruises & Ocean Yacht
Guest Experiences — France, Danube, Croatia, Fiji, Brazil
"The ship was very spacious for just 100 people and the crew was exceptionally friendly. Dinner outside at a table for two overlooking the harbor lights was unforgettable. What a great value with Rick — we highly recommend!"
"In September of 2024, my wife and I really enjoyed the Emerald Super yacht cruise of Croatia from Venice to Dubrovnik. The ship was very spacious for just 100 people and we found the crew to be exceptionally friendly, helpful, and fun. The ports of call were fantastic and we enjoyed riding the free electric bikes at most ports. The sea sports day was fun, where the staff brought out all the kayaks and water toys off the back of the ship. And the meals were excellent, especially dinner outside at a table for two overlooking the harbor lights. All in all, a great experience, and what a great value with Rick. We highly recommend!"
"Rick managed our 30th anniversary trip to Fiji from start to finish, ensuring a fantastic experience. We had no worries and enjoyed every moment. The yacht had a luxurious cabin, an attentive butler, and delicious food and drinks."
"My husband and I traveled to Fiji on the Scenic Eclipse II in October 2024 for our 30th anniversary. Rick managed our trip from start to finish, ensuring a fantastic experience. We had no worries and enjoyed every moment. The yacht had a luxurious cabin, an attentive butler, and delicious food and drinks. We look forward to another trip with Scenic and working with Rick again."
"We enjoyed this experience so much that we have already booked our next trip for 2026, thanks to Rick's invaluable assistance! The ship and its amenities were nothing short of extraordinary."
"My husband and I recently embarked on the most incredible journey aboard the Scenic Eclipse in October, traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. This trip truly exceeded our expectations. The ship and its amenities were nothing short of extraordinary. We were treated to a warm welcome, exquisite dining options at the various restaurants, and unforgettable excursions that made our trip even more special. We enjoyed this experience so much that we have already booked our next trip for 2026, thanks to Rick's invaluable assistance! We can't wait for our next adventure!"
"There is nothing like Paris in April. We went on the Scenic Gem to enjoy even more of Paris and Normandy — and all we can say is that it was a terrific trip. We were surprised by how different each port was, and if you like terrific food, you will be on the right ship."
"There is nothing like Paris in April. We recently spent some time in Paris and went on the Scenic Gem to enjoy even more of Paris and Normandy. The Gem is a river boat holding about 120 people. All we can say is that it was a terrific trip. We loved all the sightseeing and were surprised by how different each port was, being that the distances were not that great. While a small ship, it has everything you need. Wonderful cabins which are comfortable, large bathrooms — and this all comes with a butler! There are great choices for excursions, or you can just do your own thing. If you like terrific food, you will be on the right ship. Your trip also includes a gourmet chef. We loved our trip and look forward to booking southern France."
Egypt, Jordan & Beyond
Guest Experiences
"Rick arranged a two-week trip to Egypt and Jordan for our group of six. When the local tour company got a few wires crossed, Rick responded immediately and made things right. The price? Way less expensive than any big tour company."
"Rick arranged a two-week trip to Egypt and Jordan, including a Nile cruise, for our family-and-friends group of six. We threw him a few curveballs when we asked him to add a couple of stops to our itinerary, but he knocked those balls out of the park. And when the local tour company in Cairo got a few wires crossed in our accommodations, Rick responded immediately and made things right. Our guides were wonderful, the cruise was relaxing, and the price? Way less expensive than what we would have had to pay one of the big tour companies. I'm already hatching plans for the next trip."
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