Scenic branches into ocean cruising with a lavish 'discovery yacht'

Discovery voyages to the Americas, Antarctica, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords are planned.

The 16,500gt Scenic Eclipse was designed by a collaboration of internal and external naval architects including Foreship in Finland and is being built by the Uljanik Group in Croatia. There is an option for a second ship to be delivered in June 2019. The opulent interiors were created by Karen Moroney, who derived inspiration from some of the world’s leading luxury hotels.

Scenic chairman Glen Moroney said his company aims to open the discovery yacht experience so travelers can explore regions previously visited only by a fortunate few.

Scenic Eclipse will carry 228 passengers in 114 verandah suites, from the roomy 344-square-foot Verandah Suite to the 2,500-square-foot, two bedroom Owner's Penthouse Suite.

The yacht will have six dining venues, including contemporary fine dining with French cuisine, pan-Asian, Italian, steak and casual alfresco dining on the Pool Deck or in the Ocean Cafe Lounge. Scenic Eclipse also has a 240-seat theater. The ship's nearly 5,000-square-foot spa will offer indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and plunge pools. A gym with a separate yoga and Pilates studio are planned, too.

There will be butler service with an overall almost 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio.

Scenic's all-inclusive approach means there's no surcharge at any dining venue, and top-shelf beverages are available all day. Gratuities, Wi-Fi and excursions are included, too.

Scenic Eclipse will be equipped with zero-speed stabilizer fins, 50% larger than standard, according to Scenic. They also work when the ship is stationary.

A seven-seat submarine and a pair of twin-engine helicopters will take travelers to remote areas. A remotely operated vehicle and a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks are also on board, plus SCUBA diving and snorkeling equipment.

For Arctic and Antarctica cruises, passenger numbers will be limited to 200, enabling more landings per day for each person.

Scenic plans to register the ship in Malta.

Scenic Eclipse joins the Scenic Group’s fleet of 21 river cruise vessels throughout Europe, Russia and Southeast Asia.

A video detailing the yacht is here.