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Scenic plans 'double Eclipse' with order of a second newbuild

(Renderings: Scenic)
Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II in the high Arctic
This year's Scenic Eclipse will be joined by a sister ship in 2020 as tour operator Scenic confirmed another newbuild from Uljanik in Pula, Croatia.

Scenic Eclipse II will carry up to 228 passengers in 114 all-verandah suites. Facilities include nine restaurants, eight lounges and bars, a luxurious Spa Sanctuary, separate fitness areas and indoor, outdoor and plunge pools, as well as a marina deck, helicopters and a submarine. Also like Scenic Eclipse, the 17,085gt ship will be built to Ice Class 1A (Polar Class 6) standard.

No price was announced. Seatrade's orderbook estimates the first ship at $142m.

Scenic Eclipse II's maiden voyage will sail from Piraeus to Lisbon, before a debut sailing season that includes the European and Russian Arctic.

Itineraries will stretch from Russia's White Sea to the Northwest Passage, southern Greenland, the Bering Sea (with ports in both Russia and Alaska), both coasts of Canada, the US, Central and South America, a circumnavigation of Cuba and several sailings to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

Scenic founder and chairman Glen Moroney said the company's first foray into ocean cruising had sparked strong interest from travelers keen to experience the company's blend of 'six-star luxury meets expedition cruising.'

'The debut of Scenic Eclipse II will not only allow us to expand our offering and pioneer new destinations, such as the Russian Arctic, it will also allow us to continue our passion for innovation in design and innovation in handcrafted itineraries, which we are confident will appeal to a wide variety of guests.'

Itineraries for the ship’s debut season will be released this April.

Building will commence next year at Uljanik, where Scenic Eclipse is currently under construction. The ship was floated out Jan. 31 and is on target for its Aug. 31 debut.

Pre-bookings for Eclipse II are being taken with a $250 per person deposit. Travelers and agents can register to receive a brochure at www.scenicusa.com or www.scenic.ca.