Understated elegance meets technical innovation as Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours’ stunning new ultra-luxury discovery yacht, started its inaugural Mediterranean season with a debut sailing from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon last week.
Aboard the spectacular ship for its maiden voyage – a 12-day Incredible Iberian Discovery cruise to Barcelona, Spain – are Scenic Group chairman and founder Glen Moroney and his wife, Karen. Along with top tier loyalty guests, they were joined by a host of specially invited VIPs who have all played a part in the vision and delivery of the much-anticipated new arrival.
The addition of the 114-suite Scenic Eclipse II to the fleet is a milestone moment for Scenic, effectively doubling its capacity in the exclusive exploration cruise market. The 550ft vessel is a near-identical sister-ship to Scenic Eclipse, which set the benchmark for ultra-luxury cruising when it launched in 2019.
For the first two months of operations, Scenic Eclipse II will spend its time exploring the picturesque coastal waters and coves of Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Spain and France before heading north towards Norway for a series of Arctic expeditions.
“The arrival of Scenic Eclipse II really is a dream come true,” said Moroney. “Seeing it here today is testament to the incredible hard work of the team at Scenic Group and MKM Yachts.
“Guests tell us every day that they simply cannot believe the experiences they get to enjoy when journeying with us – Scenic Eclipse II will elevate that once again. We have pushed the boundaries to what is possible on an ultra-luxury vessel, both in terms of comfort and technology.”
Under the stewardship of captain Erwan le Rouzic, guests on the debut sailing will enjoy enhanced ultra-luxury spaces, new culinary experiences, and exclusive cultural moments. Tom Goetter, director of food and beverage for Scenic Group Oceans, will be on hand to oversee the ship’s ten inspiring culinary options, including the new Chef’s Garden @ Epicure immersive culinary masterclass experience and presentation area that will see the executive chef and his team personally share the secrets of local dishes and cooking techniques. Meanwhile, the Discovery Team will provide expert insight into the many life-enhancing excursions available.
Among the design enhancements to the 550ft-long Scenic Eclipse II are the new Sky Deck, which now features 270-degree views and a brand-new Sky Bar with indoor and outdoor seating including six private cabanas allowing guests to enjoy the stunning views with their favourite drink in hand.
Another new feature is the large, oval shaped pool, complete with comfortable furniture by Italian design house Paola Lenti. A perfect venue for sail-away deck parties, the pool now incorporates special jets allowing guests to swim ‘laps’.
Elsewhere on board, guests on the inaugural sailing will be able to truly immerse themselves in the ship’s eclectic art collection. In a rare exclusive, British-born artist Carl Hush will be on board for a live installation of his new feature artwork inside Koko’s Asian fusion restaurant. The acclaimed creator, whose work encompasses street art, collage and painting, draws heavily on Japanese culture to explore representations and constructions of women. Hush previously created a bespoke piece in a similar vein for Scenic Eclipse, and this is a rare opportunity for guests to see an artist at work.
Additional art on board includes an exclusive mural commission by Croatian designer Slaven Kosanovi Lunar in the Night Market @ Koko’s, and the resin mixed media work of Mitch Gobel who resides in Australia’s Byron Bay, in the Scenic Bar and Lounge and each guest suite.
Scenic Eclipse II’s upcoming voyages have already attracted much interest, with an exciting array of itineraries through 2023 and 2024 now available. From the Arctic in the summer – exploring Norway, Greenland, Iceland and Canada – the yacht tours the British Isles before heading across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal to South America, and eventually down to Chile, Argentina, and Antarctica for the Winter.
In March 2024, it then takes a turn across the Pacific towards French Polynesia, Tahiti and Fiji, before a series of cruises exploring the Kimberley coastline during Australia’s winter. New Zealand, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands are among more Pacific options up until October 2024.
Of special interest will be Scenic Eclipse II’s first appearance in UK waters in September this year. The ship will offer two consecutive 10-day itineraries:
Northern Isles, Iceland and Scotland (departing Reykjavik, Iceland, September 4), which features home calls in Fetlar Island, Shetlands, Lerwick, Stromness, Aberdeen and Leith.
Scottish Isles: Historic Trails and Wilderness (departing Leith, September 12), calling at Aberdeen, Stromness, St Kilda (Outer Hebrides), Portree (Isle of Skye), Sound of Mull/Fort William, Oban, Portrush (Northern Ireland) and Dublin (Republic of Ireland).
Prices for a Scenic Eclipse II voyage start from £5,590.
For more information or to book, visit sceniceclipse.com or contact your local travel agent.
All imagery credit: Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours
