So apparently when Scenic tries something new or launches into a new sector it doesn’t hold back on spending, luxury and offerings.
The company is taking a “whole new step” from river cruising into adventure ocean cruising, with plans to launch the world’s first discovery yacht called, Scenic Eclipse.
Arriving on 31 August 2018 (and a potential second vessel in June 2019), the ship is three years in the making and will cost Scenic in excess of $230 million once complete.
According to the company’s founder, Glenn Moroney, the ship has been designed in line with the Scenic’s new branding to offer a high-end luxury cruising experience across the globe aboard the first 6-star ultra-luxury mega yacht.
Up to 228 guests will be able to experience the vessel on each sailing and enjoy 114 all-verandah suites, from the spacious 32sqm Verandah Suite to the truly luxurious 233sqm two-bedroom Owner’s Penthouse Suite.
Speaking at Scenic’s annual ‘Night of Stars’ event in Sydney on the weekend, Moroney said safety and comfort were top of mind during the planning process and sees the vessel exceeding the safety requirement to sail in the polar regions, equipped with top stabilisers to reduce rockiness and “a huge amount of space for guests”.
“We started with something that was simplistic but then sort of developed it with no compromises.”
Glenn Moroney, Scenic Founder
“The important thing to us was safety and comfort for our guests.”
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about Scenic’s ultra-luxury mega yacht:
She’s top for safety
As mentioned, safety was first in mind when planning Scenic Eclipse, which is why Scenic will give her the highest passenger ship ice class rating.
She’ll be a Polar Class 6 vessel, meaning she’ll be able to break through ice a little easier than other ships.
Eclipse will also be equipped with the latest technological advancements, which will allow her to navigate challenging seas with more ease.
Smooth sailing
Scenic Eclipse will utilise innovative zero speed stabiliser fins, 50 percent larger than standard to provide even greater stability.
These sophisticated stabilisers, normally only found on the largest private super yachts, also work when the ship is stationary; adding further to guest comfort.
“With our stabilisers our aim is to get people that would never go to Antarctica because they’re too scared of the motion. We can’t smooth the oceans but we can make it as smooth as possible.”
Glenn Moroney, Scenic Founder
Space, space, space
Scenic Eclipse will be able to carry 228 passengers per sailing in a ship measuring 165.7 metres.
According to Moroney, this extra length allowed the cruise line to create extensive public and guest spaces including all-suite accommodation featuring a verandah.
The top tier room is a two-bedroom Owner’s Suite measuring at 233sqm and includes a terrace of 65sqm.
The Owner’s Penthouse measures at 185sqm and has a terrace of 65sqm, while the Grand Panorama Suite is 100sqm and a terrace of 43sqm.
Panorama Suites are 56sqm; Spa Suites 48sqm; Deluxe Verandah’s measure 38sqm; and Verandah Suites are 32sqm.
So much food
Passengers won’t have a shortage of places to eat, with six onboard restaurants and cafes.
Taking a bit of Europe and Asia around the world, the ship will have a contemporary French fine dining restaurant with a capacity of 44 guests as well as a Pan Asian restaurant, which can hold up to 100.
Those keen on some spaghetti will want to stop by the Italian and steak restaurant or secure a place for some light eating at the Ocean Cafe and Lounge/
Eclipse will also have in-room dining with 24-hour room service.
Helicopters and submarines
Scenic Eclipse will take guests to places previously thought inaccessible with two on board helicopters and a seven-seat submarine.
These twin engine helicopters will take guests beyond the horizon whilst the custom-built submarine provides optimal sightseeing to a world below the surface.
Led by experts in their fields, the team will cover a range of subjects and interests plus a full complement of dedicated Antarctic and Arctic team members in these two regions.
A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks are also on board plus scuba diving and snorkelling excursions for in-depth discoveries.
Pools and Jacuzzis
While the ship will travel to the colder regions, it will also have itineraries in warmer areas where guests will love to take a dip in the indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and plunge pool.
The water areas will be located close to the 450sqm spa, which will feature an extensive menu of luxury treatments as well as a well-equipped gym with a separate yoga and pilates studio.
Other delights
Similarly to the line’s river products, the ship will offer all-inclusive packages (minus the helicopter and submarine tours).
Guests will have all meals paid for, 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 theatre.
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 personalise the guest experience plus Scenic Enrich special events.
Check out a video of the ship below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wnP29qpfUs
When she launches, Scenic Eclipse will embark on her maiden voyage from Istanbul to Venice before sailing to The Americas; Antarctica; Europe and the Mediterranean; and the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords.
The full brochure detailing the 18 different itineraries will be available in February.
Meanwhile, Scenic will also start renovating four of its first generation ships this year to bring them in line with the newer river vessels.
Scenic isn’t the first river cruise line to cross into ocean cruising, last year Viking launched its first mass market ship, Viking Star. Read on.