Scenic launches ocean cruise ship

Scenic Eclipse is currently under construction in Croatia, and will launch on August 31 2018, sailing itineraries in the Americas, Antarctica, Europe and the Mediterranean and the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords.

The line described the new ship as a “six-star ultra-luxury mega yacht”, with 114 all-veranda suites, as well as a 233 square-metre two-bedroom owner’s penthouse suite.

It will have five restaurants, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, a spa, and will be all-inclusive, with butler service, complimentary drinks, wifi and shore excursions.

Features of the ship will include stabilisers which are 50% larger than standard to ensure smoother sailings on rougher seas, and the highest ice class rating in the passenger-ship industry.

Eclipse will also have two onboard helicopters, as well as a seven-seat submarine. Scenic brand manager Nichola Absalom said customers would pay an additional surcharge to use these, but insisted it would not be “stupid money”.

“We really want people to see these areas that they reach,” she added. “We’re making the millionaire lifestyle accessible to people.”

Scenic UK managing director Chris Townson added: “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.”

Meanwhile the company also revealed that its sister line Emerald Waterways will see two new ships and itineraries launched in 2017.