Scenic Eclipse in Drydock for Azipod Replacement

According to an update shared by Scenic Cruises, the Scenic Eclipse is currently in drydock in Galveston, Texas, for the installation of a new Azipod.

The new propulsion unit will replace one that is currently inoperable, the company explained in a social media post.

Scenic added that it’s working closely with its partner ABB Group to get the work completed in time for the vessel’s next cruise.

The replacement Azipod will be delivered to Texas via a specially chartered Antonov 124 aircraft, one of the world’s largest cargo planes, the company said.

Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s general manager of ocean operations; Jason Flesher, director of discovery operations; and Darko Caput, director of marine & technical operations,, are on-site to ensure all work is completed and that the Scenic Eclipse is certified for full operations.

The 2019-built vessel is scheduled to resume guest service on Nov. 27, 2024, kicking off a winter schedule of expeditions to Antarctica and South America.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our guests on board to create memories to last a lifetime in the white continent,” Scenic said.

In September, the company cancelled three cruises onboard the Scenic Eclipse due to an issue with one of the vessel’s ABB Azipod propulsion units.

At the time, Scenic said that the problem was affecting the propulsion capacity of the 228-guest vessel, forcing it to navigate at lower speeds.

While the ship was still sailing safely, it was necessary to secure a dry dock to carry out important maintenance work onboard, the company added.

The affected cruises were scheduled to sail to the Caribbean and South America between Oct. 24, 2024, and Nov. 27, 2024.

Built by the Uljanik Shipyard in Croatia, the Scenic Eclipse originally entered service for Scenic Cruises in mid-2019.

The 16,500-ton vessel was later followed by a sister ship, the Scenic Eclipse II, which debuted in April 2023.

Quark Expeditions offers first Arctic land program

By Tom Stieghorst
Quark Expeditions, a specialist in polar adventure cruises, said that for the first time it will offer a land vacation in the Canadian Arctic.

Beginning June 30 and running for six weeks through Aug. 13, 2015, Quark will partner with Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge to offer a week-long adventure camp experience.

The lodge sits on Somerset Island just above the Arctic Circle and is the northernmost lodge in Canada, Quark said. It features private lodging for two, locally sourced gourmet dining and guided activities such as hiking, kayaking, river rafting and exploring the Arctic tundra in all-terrain vehicles and a Mercedes Unimog.

It is known as a prime site for beluga whale watching.

Prices start at $7,995 per person based on double occupancy, plus a mandatory transfer package for $1,690. There is a maximum of 26 guests per departure.