Recently, we had the privilege to chat with Jason Flesher, Expedition Operations Manager on Scenic Eclipse. Here, we chat about his time aboard The World’s First Discovery Yachts:
You’ve been involved with Scenic Eclipse since she launched in 2019 - can you tell us what it’s like to see a ship come to life?
I’ve been a sailor since I was 19 when I joined the U.S. Navy and I can tell you that there are only two ships I have a deep connection with, the aircraft carrier that I served on for over three years and Scenic Eclipse. There is nothing like the experience of sailing a ship out of the shipyards where she was built and having the honour of being the first Discovery Leader on board to set the precedent. Yet to see her in the environment she was built for in the Polar Regions - that’s when you really see her and the crew come alive.
What is your favourite feature on Scenic Eclipse?
Simple, she was built for discovery and how we pioneered the new way of expedition cruising with her technologies, having all the Zodiacs in a garage rather than craning from an upper out deck, her Dynamic Positioning was also a game changer for our Discovery Operations. So many advances that we have years of experience learning and delivering in, whereas all the other operators with their new ships will take years to hone their operations.
The technology on Scenic Eclipse is fast becoming legendary, from the customised stabilisers to the GPS dynamic positioning. How have these innovations enhanced the experience of expedition cruising?
We have an A1 Polar Class 6 ice hull which allows us to go through first-year sea ice. It allows us to safely pass through ice fields and sea ice without having to either go around or cancel a landing because we cannot get through. But keep in mind that we would not be able to pass through if it is over first-year sea ice.
Scenic Eclipse is the only expedition ship with an on board submarine and helicopter. Have you experienced these marvels for yourself and if so, have you had any stand-out experiences?
I personally have experienced both the helicopter and the submarine. Prior to every helicopter operation, we have to do reconnaissance flights to scout a flight path and make sure we are not encroaching on any bird cliffs or other wildlife as well as making sure we stay at least 5 miles from any other ship so as not to disturb their experience. So, we always have a Discovery Team member to assist with these assessments and many times I was the scout on these flights. As for the submarine, I have also dived on many test dives and also had the honour of being on the very first commercial submarine dive in South Georgia Island.
Zodiac tours are a crucial part of expedition cruising, taking you close to wildlife and incredible scenery. Have you had any memorable experiences whilst out exploring in a Zodiac?
There are too many incredible experiences to name but one that I will never forget was sitting for almost two hours watching a pod of Orcas teaching their young how to hunt penguins and seals. Everything was just unfolding right in front of us.
What is your all-time favourite experience on Scenic Eclipse?
We have a culture on board Scenic Eclipse that we have one team/one family and we really pride ourselves on this. Working with such an incredible crew from all the departments is like no other ship I have been on. We collaborate, we support and we assist each other whenever without question and they support and assist the Discovery Team just as equally. But most rewarding is the friendships and bonds that are made across all the departments and knowing we are in it together, providing the same level of experience for the guests and each other. A true sense of a single team and family.
Scenic has one of the largest expedition teams at sea - how will this benefit guests looking to make the most of their time on board and ashore?
We are the only expedition ship that can offer our guests the ability to experience their destination from the air in one of our two Scenic helicopters, on the water by Zodiacs, kayaks and paddleboards, under the water on our Scenic Neptune Submarine or on shore. This is all whilst being guided by the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team who will keep our guests safe, provide in-depth enriching lectures and give them the greatest enriching and interpretive experience on board and ashore.
Are there any destinations you are looking forward to experiencing with Scenic Eclipse?
The world! Every corner has its incredible landscapes, cultures and adventures to be had.
