Scenic Eclipse II sea trials a success

SCENIC Luxury Cruises & Tours is putting the final touches on its highly anticipated Scenic Eclipse II (CW 20 Feb) after the ship successfully completed her sea trials in Europe.

Currently undergoing her final fit-out at the company’s 3. Maj Shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia, the ship was put through her paces over two weekend sessions last month in the northern Adriatic.

Scenic Vice President of Marine Operations, James Griffith, said “Scenic Eclipse II has been built to the highest standards and it is fantastic to see the Discovery Yacht sail through the sea trials and surpass all expectations”.

“The countdown to launch really is now on.”

Eclipse II’s inaugural sailing is scheduled for 13 Apr from Lisbon to Barcelona, while the ship will officially join the fleet during a naming ceremony in Malaga, Spain on 03 Jun.

NASA scientist and astronaut Kathy Sullivan will officiate as Scenic Eclipse II’s godmother, while the addition of the newbuild to the fleet will see Scenic expand its ocean-going operations to more than 50 countries across all seven continents this year.

In the northern summer of 2023 she will explore the Mediterranean, Iceland and Scotland, before moving to the Caribbean and then Antarctica.

In 2024 Eclipse II will also operate the brand’s first Australian itineraries, with a Kimberley program alongside visits to Polynesia and Indonesia.

Based on sister ship Scenic Eclipse, the newbuild offers a range of enhancements including the new Chef’s Garden @ Epicure, an immersive dining experience and presentation area; a new custom salt therapy lounge in the Senses Spa; and an innovative Sky Bar on the Sky Deck which features six private cabanas alongside an oval-shaped Vitality Pool complete with swim jets so guests can do “laps”.

Some of the suites have also been upgraded, including circular spa baths in the Spa Suites, and transformed bathrooms with a private mini-spa in the Owner’s Penthouse Suites.