Scenic has announced the launch of the world’s First Discovery Yacht, the Scenic Eclipse. Three years in planning, Scenic’s recently-established Ocean Cruising Line heralds a new direction for the award-winning luxury travel operator, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. The Scenic Eclipse will embark on her maiden voyage on August 31, 2018, sailing from Istanbul to Venice, followed by discovery voyages to The Americas; Antarctica; Europe and the Mediterranean; and the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords.
The Ultimate in Luxury
World-class innovation meets luxury with the Eclipse. A “6-star” ship, the ultra-luxury mega yacht will carry 228 guests in 114 all-veranda suites: from the spacious 344 sq. ft. Verandah Suite to the over-the-top 2,500 sq. ft. two-bedroom Owner’s Penthouse Suite.
With intimate guest numbers comes a wealth of public space. Guests will enjoy a choice of six on-board dining options – from contemporary fine dining with French cuisine, to Pan Asian, Italian and steak to casual al-fresco dining on the Pool Deck or in the Ocean Cafe Lounge. Guests can relax in one of the Jacuzzis on the Sun Deck or enjoy a drink with friends in one of spacious bars and lounges on board. The ship also features a nearly 5,000 sq. ft. spa offering an extensive menu of luxury treatments, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and plunge pools. The wellness aspect is complemented by a well-equipped gym with a separate yoga and Pilates studio.
Scenic’s signature brand of all-inclusive luxury means guests will enjoy the highest level of inclusions – all meals (no surcharge at any on-board dining venue), complimentary top-shelf beverages all day every day, butler service with an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio and on-board entertainment and lectures in the 240-seat theater. As with all Scenic cruises, all tips and gratuities are included as is complimentary Wi-Fi, expert local guides for included shore excursions, a choice of included Scenic Freechoice activities to personalize the guest experience plus numerous Scenic Enrich special events.
The opulent interiors have been designed by Karen Moroney, who derived inspiration from a number of the world’s leading luxury hotels. Each suite has been handcrafted to feature the finest in design and fittings, and the public spaces offer an elegant environment to dine and relax.
Safety First
Scenic has not only designed a luxurious Discovery Yacht but it will also be built to the highest safety standard including the latest technological advancements. The ship has been specifically designed to navigate challenging seas in the utmost comfort and safety. Scenic Eclipse will utilize innovative zero-speed stabilizer fins, 50% larger than standard to provide even greater stability. These sophisticated stabilizers, normally only found on the largest private super yachts, also work when the ship is stationary, adding further to guest comfort.
The Scenic Eclipse will have the highest passenger ship ice class rating – Polar Class 6 (Ice Class 1A Super), providing an added element of safety for guests. For Arctic and Antarctica cruises, guest numbers will be limited to 200 which enables more landings per day for each guest.
Discover a Whole New World
Adding even more to the uniqueness of the product, the Scenic Eclipse will take guests to places previously thought inaccessible by using its two on-board helicopters as well as a seven-seat submarine, offering a whole new dimension of wonder. While these twin-engine helicopters take guests beyond the horizon, the custom-built submarine will be providing optimal sightseeing to the rarely-visited world below the water surface.
The on-board Discovery Team will assist guests in experiencing the very best of these remote regions. Led by experts in their fields, the team will cover a range of subjects and interests during lectures and excursions and be assisted by a full complement of dedicated Antarctic and Arctic team members when in those two regions. A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks are also on board plus scuba diving and snorkeling equipment for use during ‘in-depth discoveries.’
Scenic Eclipse has been designed by a collaboration of internal and external naval architects including Foreship in Finland and is being built by the Uljanik Group in Croatia. There is an option for a second ship to be delivered in June of 2019. Scenic Eclipse joins the Scenic Group’s fleet of 21 river cruise ships throughout Europe, Russia and Southeast Asia.
Speaking at Scenic’s annual Night of Stars trade event in Sydney on Saturday, January 16, Chairman Glen Moroney commented: “Our goal with Scenic Eclipse was to open up the private Discovery Yacht experience so that our guests could discover regions previously only visited by a fortunate few. In many cases, only the supremely wealthy or explorers and adventurers could’ve traveled to the Antarctic hinterland or have ventured below the surface to witness polar wildlife in their natural habitat, but now we are making these experiences accessible to our guests while traveling in the utmost luxury and safety.”
The Eclipse brochure, detailing 18 different itineraries, will be available in February.
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
