New discovery yacht will debut in August 2018 and will take guests to remote areas of the world
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Travel operator Scenic is to branch into ocean cruising by launching the ‘world’s first discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse, in August 2018.
To be built by Uljanik Group in Croatia, Scenic Eclipse has been designed by internal and external naval architects including Finnish company Foreship over the past three years. There is an option for a second ship to be delivered in June 2019.
The 16,500gt newbuild, which features interiors designed by Karen Moroney, will be able to accommodate 228 guests in 114 all-veranda suites and will also offer six onboard dining options; various bars and lounges; a 240-seat theatre. The ship will also have a 5,000 sqft spa with treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and plunge pools; and a gym with a separate yoga and Pilates studio.
In addition, guests will receive complimentary meals, top-shelf beverages, wifi access, butler service, gratuities, onboard entertainment and lectures, expert local guides for included shore excursions, a choice of included Scenic Freechoice activities; and Scenic Enrich special events.
“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,” said Glen Moroney, Scenic’s chairman.
Scenic Eclipse will embark on her maiden voyage on 31 August 2018, sailing from Istanbul in Turkey to Venice, Italy. This voyage will be followed by 18 different itineraries in The Americas, Antarctica, Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords.
To ensure she can sail safely in more remote areas, the yacht will have the highest passenger ship ice-class rating – Polar Class 6 – and will be equipped with zero-speed stabiliser fins that are 50% larger than the standard model.
Scenic’s onboard Discovery Team will work with experts to create onboard lectures and shore excursions that make use of a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, scuba diving and snorkelling equipment, two onboard helicopters, and a seven-seat submarine. For Arctic and Antarctica cruises, guest numbers will be limited to 200 to enable more landings per day for each guest.
“In many cases, only the supremely wealthy or explorers and adventurers could have travelled 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 travelling in the utmost luxury and safety,” said Moroney.
Scenic already operates 21 river cruise ships throughout Europe, Russia and Southeast Asia.