Eclipse lures new market

SCENIC’S reputation for developing high-end products has been brought to the fore again, with its biggest single investment in 30 years luring a new clientele to the Australian travel company.

Still a month out from cutting steel on its maiden ocean cruise liner, Scenic Eclipse, sales for the ‘World’s First Discovery Yacht’ are “exceeding” targets, says Scenic’s acting executive general manager Aleisha Fittler.

What the luxury travel company wasn’t expecting was for Eclipse to open up a new and 10 year younger demographic of first-time traveller - the soft adventurer - in the 45-55 age bracket.

Speaking exclusively with CW at Scenic’s 30th anniversary trade celebration in Sydney last night, Fittler revealed Eclipse’s polar itineraries in particular, have proven to be very popular.

“Probably the biggest surprise is how well the Arctic is selling, especially so far out, because the Arctic sailings don’t begin until 2019. The pick-up has been amazing,” Fittler commented.

Bookings on Scenic Eclipse have been spread across all markets, however Aussies - who have a greater tendency to book very early - led the charge to snap-up preview pricing earlier this year.

She also confirmed to Cruise Weekly that Scenic Eclipse has already undergone a number of “enhancements” since the preview program, including increasing the vessel’s size.

Originally planned to be 165m in length and 16,500-tonnes, Eclipse has been bulked up to 168m and 17,000-tonnes for added comfort.

Fittler said some spaces on the ship will now be larger than originally planned, emphasising expectations “will be absolutely exceeded at main launch”.