Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours’ newest ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, has successfully completed its sea trials and has now returned to the 3. Maj shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia for final fit out in advance of its inaugural sailing on April 13.
The much-anticipated 114-suite ship was put through its paces over two weekend sessions in February in the northern Adriatic between Croatia and Italy. The sea trials are a significant milestone in the launch of Scenic Eclipse II, demonstrating the ship’s performance with a series of checks on speed, stability and maneuverability. The trials are overseen by engineers and nautical experts from ship certification provider, Bureau Veritas.
Scenic Eclipse II will join Scenic’s ultra-luxury fleet alongside its near-identical sister ship Scenic Eclipse in less than two months’ time, with its inaugural sailing — an 11-day ‘Incredible Iberian Discovery’ cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona — departing on April 13.
Scenic Eclipse II successfully completes sea trials
“Scenic Eclipse II has been built to the highest standards and it is fantastic to see the Discovery Yacht sail through the sea trials and surpass all expectations,” said Vice President of Marine Operations, James Griffiths. “The countdown to launch is really on now. Nearly identical to her sister ship, with a few exclusive enhancements, Scenic Eclipse II is the benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising, now taken to a new level. She will spend the summer season exploring the Mediterranean, Iceland and Scotland, before moving on to warmer Caribbean waters and Antarctica. In 2024, Scenic Eclipse II will also visit Polynesia, Indonesia and Australia, where Scenic was founded 37 years ago.”
Due to the Discovery Yacht’s operating in protected marine environments such as the Antarctic, they feature an array of state-of-the-art technical features. These include GPS Dynamic Positioning that holds the ships in position, negating the need to drop anchor on ecologically sensitive sea beds; custom-built oversized stabilizers to provide greater stability; an Advance Azipod propulsion system which minimizes noise and vibration, reduces fuel consumption, and improves maneuverability; and the most advanced wastewater treatment systems to protect marine life.
With the addition of Scenic Eclipse II, the ultra-luxury cruise operator will be able sail to more than 50 countries across all seven continents in 2023 and 2024.
An official naming ceremony will be held in Malaga, Spain in early June, with Godmother Dr. Kathy Sullivan, doing the honors.
Truly All-Inclusive
All Scenic Eclipse voyages are truly all-inclusive, meaning guests can leave their wallet in a safe place and relax, knowing everything is taken care of. Internal flights, transfers, fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages and once in-a-lifetime immersive excursions are all included in the fare.
Scenic Eclipse set a new benchmark in luxury expedition ocean cruising when it launched in 2019 and Scenic Eclipse II adds even more to the equation. The Eclipse yachts have 114 luxurious suites across five decks, ranging in size from 345 to nearly 2,600 ft², 10 dining experiences, butler service to every suite, a staff to guest ratio of 1:1, a sumptuous 5,920 ft² spa sanctuary, and two on board helicopters and a submarine offering truly unique discovery experiences. Scenic Eclipse II has expanded the SPA steam room to include aromatherapy, and added an integrated ice fountain, experience showers, and a KLAFS custom salt therapy lounge with heated beds. Other changes with Scenic Eclipse II include an expanded dedicated infrared ‘ocean view’ lounge with color light therapy to energize and reinvigorate skin cells; a new bar area on Deck 10 with indoor and outdoor seating that offers guests the ability to enjoy stunning views with a drink in hand; and a large, oval-shaped pool with comfortable relaxation space that serves as a perfect venue for sail-away deck parties. The yacht’s electric submersible will hold eight guests.
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours’
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 36-year plus history to include award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Since 2008, Scenic has set the benchmark for truly all-inclusive, luxury five-star river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™, a 228-guest ultra-luxury ship, and plans to deliver a second yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, in 2023. Scenic is part of Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours.
Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures and reservations can be obtained via travel advisors; or in the US: www.scenicusa.com, phone (844) 788-7985, email: info@scenicusa.com. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the websites.
