Scenic has announced the cancellation of three upcoming cruises on the Scenic Eclipse due to a technical issue.
While Scenic stresses that the Eclipse continues to operate safely, the breakdown has created significant disruption for guests anticipating Caribbean and Brazilian itineraries.
The Scenic Eclipse ran into trouble last month and since then, the ship has been navigating at reduced speed, a challenge for any high-end cruise operation that markets itself on seamless voyages.
A technical issue with one of its two ABB Azipod propulsion units, identified during an Arctic sailing on September 12, has forced the luxury vessel to slow down operations and schedule critical maintenance.
According to Scenic, the Azipod system is a sophisticated alternative to traditional thrusters, providing enhanced manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency.
A Scenic spokesperson told Cruise Passenger, “Scenic Eclipse experienced a technical issue affecting one of its two Azipod propulsion units whilst sailing in the Arctic region on 12th September 2024. Since this date, Scenic Eclipse has been operating safely at a reduced propulsion capacity and continues to navigate at lower speeds.”
This safe yet slowed performance has pushed Scenic into a corner. To fix the Azipod, the company has had to schedule an emergency drydock for the Eclipse from October 28 to mid November.
As a result Scenic has scrapped three voyages: a 12-night Nassau to Bridgetown sailing departing on October 24, an 11-night Bridgetown to Rio de Janeiro crossing scheduled for November 5, and an 11-night Rio to Buenos Aires cruise set for November 16. That’s roughly a month of itineraries, gone.
“Despite our ongoing maintenance programs and due diligence, the failure of this one Azipod was unforeseen,” a spokesperson continued. “Our technical team is working closely with ABB Group’s engineers and has prioritised securing a drydock to carry out the maintenance from 28th October to early November,” said the spokesperson.
“This important work will require the cancellation of three upcoming voyages in the Caribbean and Brazil, with Scenic Eclipse scheduled to return to full operation for the Antarctica season beginning from late November.”
So what happens next for Scenic Eclipse?
The Scenic Eclipse is a flagship of luxury expedition cruising, and cancellations this late in the game are rare; passengers are expecting to be among the select few exploring exotic locations like the Caribbean and South America and it’s a big deal to cut itineraries like this.
“We understand this will inconvenience our valued guests on these voyages and share their disappointment, due to the late cancellation of these voyages,” the spokesperson added. “Our reservations and sales teams are working with our valued travel advisors and impacted guests to adjust their travel arrangements.”
In a competitive industry where itineraries are sold well in advance, this kind of disruption can be a significant hurdle. Still, Scenic is already planning its comeback, with Scenic Eclipse scheduled to return to the seas just in time for the lucrative Antarctic cruising season.
The first voyage after repairs will be the highly anticipated expedition from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and other remote destinations.
