Scenic’s latest ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, has left its builders in Rijeka, Croatia ready for its inaugural 11-day sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona.

She was seen off by dignitaries including Croatian Prime Minister and Scenic Group Chairman and Founder Glen Moroney, who designed her and her sister, Scenic Eclipse 1.

Her owner couldn’t resist sounding off the ship’s horn as she pulled out.

The highly anticipated second Discovery Yacht will be based in the Southern Hemisphere from April next year, giving Scenic a permanent ultra luxury offering in the region year-round.

“The arrival of Scenic Eclipse II really is a dream come true,” said Mr 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.”

Currently, she is making a journey of 2,163 nautical miles (4,005km) that winds around the Italian coast, across the Mediterranean Sea and through the Strait of Gibraltar before arriving in Lisbon.

Scenic Eclipse carries 228 guests, two helicopters and a Scenic Neptune submarine. A Discovery Team will take guests on adventures.

Guests have up to ten dining experiences to choose from, with ocean and paddock-to-plate menus curated by Corporate Executive Chef Tom Götter featuring Australian produce exclusive to this voyage.

The addition of the 114-suite Scenic Eclipse II is a milestone moment for Scenic, doubling its capacity in the exclusive exploration cruise market.

For the first two months of operations, Scenic Eclipse II will spend its time exploring the picturesque coastal waters and coves of the Mediterranean, before a embarking on the schedule of Arctic and Antarctica expeditions. 

In April 2024, Scenic Eclipse II will be exploring the Kimberley, Asia, South Pacific and the final frontier – East Antarctica and the Ross Sea.

Guests on the inaugural sailing will experience 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. This immersive culinary masterclass experience and new presentation area will see the Executive Chef and his team personally share the secrets of local dishes and cooking techniques. 

Among the design enhancement to the 167m 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 water jets allowing guests to swim ‘laps’. 

Guests on the Iberian Discovery 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. 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 & Lounge and each guest suite. 

Scenic Eclipse II’s upcoming voyages have already attracted strong interest globally, with a range of itineraries through 2023 and 2024 now available. From the Arctic in the summer – exploring Norway, Greenland, Iceland and Canada – the Discovery 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. 

In March 2024, the ship will journey across the Pacific towards French Polynesia, Tahiti and Fiji, before a series of cruises exploring the Kimberley coastline, from May to August 2024. New Zealand, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands are among more Oceania itinerary options up until October 2024. 

Then move will mean not only mean ultra-luxury cruising will be available closer to home but key destinations will be even more accessible across the region, starting with the much anticipated Chairman’s Voyage from Newcastle to Cairns on the 22 April 2024, before its inaugural season in the majestic Kimberley and the Top End and unique voyage to Indonesia and the Spice Island.

Then Scenic Eclipse II will circumnavigate New Zealand, before commencing Scenic’s fifth Antarctic 2024/25 season, with departures from Hobart and Dunedin in New Zealand to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea for the very first time. 

Highlight voyages 

11-Day Kimberley Coastline Voyage 

Sail from Darwin to Broome in one of the most remote areas of Australia on the 11 Day Kimberley Coastline Voyage in 6-star ultra-luxury. Guests will embark on a journey of unparalleled ultra-luxury exploring the Kimberley’s hidden wonders, enjoying up to 10 world-class culinary experiences, and relaxing in the largest, most luxurious suites cruising this region. Indulge at the expansive 550m2 Senses Spa, rejuvenate at the dedicated yoga and Pilates studio, and unwind at the new Sky Deck & Bar featuring indoor and outdoor seating and a spacious vitality pool. Prices start from $14,975pp* based on 29 June 2024 departure in a Verandah Suite, including a Super Earlybird saving from $3,670pp*, plus receive up to $1,000pp* towards airfares. 12 other departures dates between May and August 2024. 

15-Day Beyond the Antarctic Circle 

Explore the world’s most unique continent, the pristine landscapes Antarctica on an ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II voyage on the Beyond the Antarctic Circle 15 Day voyage. Purpose-built for this region, the Polar Class-6 rating ensures a safe and comfortable expedition into polar waters, with up to 20 Discovery Team members, providing guests with fascinating insights and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The 15-day Beyond the Antarctic Circle voyage on a roundtrip from Buenos Aires. Prices start from $25,050pp* based on 8 January 2024 departure in a Deluxe Verandah Suite, including a Super Earlybird saving from $5,445pp*, plus receive up to $1,500pp towards airfares. Other departure dates on 21 January and 9 February 2024. 

The facts:

• Scenic Eclipse weighs in at 16,500 tonnes, and can cruise at 17 knots.
• There are eight passenger decks, ten dining experiences and an expanded steam room, aromatherapy room ice fountain and talk therapy lounge.
• She is a Polar Class 6 ship with 172 crew (188 when travelling in the Polar regions)
• There are 115 all-verandah suites, including a two-bedroom Owner’s Suite at 233sqm, including a terrace of 65sq.
• Service is almost 1:1
• There are two seven-seater helicopters, one seven-seater submarine and 12 Zodiacs.
• There is also a swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, yoga and pilates studio, a 240 seat theatre and library

Eclipse II will enter Australian waters for the very first time in 2024 when she undertakes a Chairman’s Voyage from Newcastle, the city where Scenic started 36 years ago.
The voyage will travel the East Coast Islands and the beauty of the Queensland coast.

Her launch comes at a busy time for Scenic, which will also be launching Emerald Sakara, a sister ship to Emerald Azzurra, which said in Europe and the Caribbean.

All this alone with 23 river vessels spread through Europe and Asia.

For more see Scenic.com.au