The latest luxury yacht, the Scenic Eclipse has finally embarked on her inaugural voyage – a 13-day discovery itinerary from Reykjavik to Quebec.

“Today is the fruition of many years of planning and work from a large and dedicated team to create a vessel and an experience which has set a brand-new benchmark in ultra-luxury discovery cruising”, said Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours.

“We are extremely proud of this ship and what it brings to the world of cruising. In terms of innovation, technology and design it is second to none. The onboard helicopters and submarine and our handcrafted itineraries that take our guests to 38 countries in some of the world’s most stunning and remote locations – these are what truly set us apart.”

Scenic Eclipse Helicopter Heli Deck
Scenic Eclipse Helicopter Heli Deck

Karen Moroney, Project Director – Design and Mr Maroney’s wife, led a small design team creating and building partnerships with leading brands and artists across the world to create the ship.

“We have commissioned a number artworks from renowned international artists which will be a focal point of the interiors. ”, she said. “This is more than just a cruise ship, this is a total sensory experience, from the entry foyer to the guest suites and the dining areas, the feel is one of calm, luxury and serenity to allow our guests to truly relax and take in the total voyage”.

Scenic Eclipse Cocos restaurant

The Scenic Eclipse caters for only 228 guests and 200 for the polar regions. She has 114 all-verandah suites range in size from 32 m² to 247 m²; 10 dining options – from Asian Fusion, French fine dining, a chef’s table to a poolside buffet; the 550 m² SENSES spa with a well-equipped gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio.

Suites started at over $17,000 for the in augural 13 day voyage.

There are also two six-guest helicopters and one six-guest submarine capable of depths of nearly 200m; a state-of-the-art theatre for entertainment and lectures; indoor and outdoor plunge pools; butler service for all guests; and an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.

And then there is the technology: innovative zero-speed stabilizer fins, 50% larger than standard to provide greater stability and cutting roll by more than 85%; the highest passenger ship ice class rating – Polar Class 6; redundancies in propulsion, navigation, safety systems and food refrigeration; state-of-the-art bridge systems; and a GPS dynamic positioning system allowing for stationary positioning without an anchor, reducing environmental impact and enhancing safety during Zodiac operations.

The sleek vessel, which was supposed to start sailing in November 2018, was delayed because of construction issues at a Croatian shipyard where her sister ship is still on the stocks.

Mr Maroney has announced plans to build a fleet of the ships.