Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

6 7 The 100-guest super yacht Emerald Azzura will launch in 2021 ocean cruise business,” says Moroney. “Especially for those of us who focus on smaller, ultra-luxury yachts.” Scenic’s entry into ocean cruising is an amenity-rich 17,545gt luxury vessel able to accommodate a maximum of 228 passengers. Employing the luxury, all-inclusive philosophy, the Scenic Eclipse features ten dining options, a large theatre, pools and a spa, as well as two Airbus H130 helicopters and a submarine that passengers can book for explorations. While she has the appearance of a billionaire’s yacht, the Scenic Eclipse also has an Ice Class 1A Super classification. Designed to navigate in Antarctica and the Arctic, she received the Polar Class 6 designation, the highest passenger ship ice-class rating, and boasts a long list of technological advancements. Her Azipods were modified for ice operations, with zero-speed stabiliser fins that are 50 per cent larger to provide increased stability, oversized bow thrusters that aid with manoeuvrability, and a dynamic positioning system that maintains position without the use of anchors. “We knew exactly what we wanted with Scenic Eclipse from day one,” says Moroney. Every detail was carefully planned, but with construction well underway, through no fault of the Scenic Group, the shipyard went bankrupt. “We knew what we were building was too important to give up,” says Moroney, so Scenic took the unheard-of step of becoming the general contractor and managing construction of its ship, which was completed a year behind schedule, in August 2019. “Starting off as a tour operator so many years ago laid a strong foundation for our cruise business, as we already had some of the major needs in place. And the experience to make it work, day one,” says Moroney. 2021 will see the launch of Emerald Yacht Cruises with a new 100-guest super yacht, the Emerald Azzurra. Designed to cruise the Adriatic Coast, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, the new ship is true to the company’s principals, with a modern upscale design and amenities including balcony cabins, a wellness centre with a gym and spa, and Zodiacs for unique shore experiences. Scenic is also launching MKM Yachts, a new shipbuilding company to work with the shipyard in Croatia as the prime contractor for Scenic Eclipse II, which began construction in July 2020, plus four more custom-built vessels over the next six years. Despite the tragedy of the coronavirus pandemic, Moroney says he is proud of the strength and fortitude of Scenic’s employees and is confident that everyone will again be enjoying the camaraderie shared while sailing. C&F “Listen to your guests, provide the best in service and experiences, and then make it better.”