The Scenic Eclipse is well on her way to a 2018 debut, and is currently under construction at a shipyard in Croatia. Scenic recently released new photos of the newbuild process.
“Currently, 60% of the ship’s steel construction is complete and soon she will be taking shape on the slipway. Here we can see the retractable zero speed stabilizers being delivered to the shipyard. These stabilizers are a major innovation on Scenic Eclipse, which not only stabilize the ship but also allow safer entry and exit in isolated locations,” the company said.
Last month, Scenic announced that it will enter the ocean cruise market with the launch of the 228-passenger luxury mega yacht Scenic Eclipse in 2018, effectively making Scenic the second river cruise line after Viking to head to the open seas.
The fact that Viking and Scenic have invested in some serious ocean-going hardware can be viewed through many different lenses.
Michelle Baran
On the one hand, it may indicate some nice profits coming out of their river cruise endeavors, allowing for expansion. We can’t know for sure – these are private companies and investments (and capital) can come from many different sources – but there’s a case to be made that they wouldn’t be able to shell out for blue water product if their river cruise business one wasn’t holding up nicely. It may also be that these companies are looking for ways to bring a loyal customer base to destinations that they can’t via inland waterways.
But there’s also a case to be made that they might be heading into the ocean market to diversify their portfolios and reduce the risk of being fully invested in rivers, which has become a very bloated market over the last few years.
If you look at investment in the opposite direction, from ocean to river, the fact that Crystal Cruises is bankrolling a new fleet of river cruise ships could be seen as an indicator that the river cruise industry does show signs of continued promise into the near, and perhaps longer-term. But it also means a further inflation of the river bubble.
In the river cruise industry, there are some signs of headwinds in 2016; some increased discounting taking place, some post-Paris attacks challenges, and I’ve already written about a relative slowdown in shipbuilding momentum.
And it remains to be seen whether these recent river-to-ocean crossover moves are signs of further headwinds or rather indicate that the river cruising industry still has plenty of wind in its sails.
The Scenic Eclipse will be equipped with helicopters and a submarine.
River cruise operator Scenic will make its foray into ocean cruising with the launch of Scenic Eclipse, a 228-passenger yacht, in 2018.
The company calls Scenic Eclipse a “six-star, ultra-luxury mega discovery yacht.” It will be an all-suite, all-balcony vessel with suites ranging from the 344-square-foot verandah suite to the 2,500-square-foot, two-bedroom owner’s penthouse suite.
There will be six onboard dining options, including contemporary fine-dining French, Pan-Asian and Italian cuisine, and casual al fresco dining on the pool deck or in the Ocean Cafe Lounge. There will be Jacuzzis on the sun deck and several bars and lounges.
The Scenic Eclipse will have indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and plunge pools.
The ship will also feature a nearly 5,000-square-foot spa offering a menu of treatments, as well as indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and plunge pools. A gym will house a studio for yoga and Pilates.
The Scenic Eclipse will embark on its maiden voyage on Aug. 31, 2018, when it will sail from Istanbul to Venice, followed by itineraries that will include the Americas, Antarctica, Europe and the Mediterranean, and the Arctic.
The ship will have a Polar Class 6 rating (Ice Class 1A Super). For Arctic and Antarctica cruises, guest numbers will be limited to 200, which will enable more landings per day for each guest. The vessel will also utilize zero-speed stabilizer fins to provide greater stability.
The Scenic Eclipse will have two helicopters for excursions as well as a seven-seat submarine. A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks will be onboard along with scuba diving and snorkeling equipment.
An onboard Discovery Team will be led by experts in various fields and will cover a range of subjects and interests during lectures and excursions.
There will be no extra charge for any dining venues on the Eclipse.
Included in the cruise fare: all meals (there will be no surcharge at any onboard dining venue), top-shelf beverages all day, butler service, and onboard entertainment and lectures in the 240-seat theater. As with all Scenic cruises, all gratuities are included in the price as is Wi-Fi, shore excursions, Scenic Freechoice activities and special events.
Scenic recently established an ocean cruising division, an initiative that was three years in the making. The Scenic Eclipse is being designed in collaboration with naval architects including Foreship in Finland and is being built by the Uljanik Group in Croatia. There is an option for a second ship to be delivered in June 2019.
The Scenic Eclipse joins Scenic’s fleet of 21 river cruise ships throughout Europe, Russia and Southeast Asia. Scenic, an Australia-based company, also offers escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.
The Eclipse brochure, detailing 18 itineraries, will be available in February, Scenic said.
“Currently, 60% of the ship’s steel construction is complete and soon she will be taking shape on the slipway. Here we can see the retractable zero speed stabilizers being delivered to the shipyard. These stabilizers are a major innovation on Scenic Eclipse, which not only stabilize the ship but also allow safer entry and exit in isolated locations,” the company said.
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