Heralding a new and exceptional era in ocean cruising, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours today celebrated the official christening of Scenic Eclipse – the World’s First Discovery Yacht™ .
Having set sail on her maiden voyage from Reykjavík Iceland, Scenic Eclipse arrived at Pier 88, Manhattan Cruise Terminal, set against the world-famous backdrop of New York City.
Scenic Eclipse Godmother Dame Helen Mirren was joined by her husband, Academy Award-winning director Taylor Hackford and welcomed on board by ship’s co-owners Glen and Karen Moroney.
“It was an honour to welcome Helen and Taylor on board and to share with them our vision and passion which together with the dedication and talent of the Scenic team has created an experience which has set a brand new bench mark in discovery cruising”, said Mr Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours.
Ensuring the event ran smoothly, master of ceremonies Claire Newell was on hand to introduce Scenic Eclipse Captain James Griffiths and NYC Ports General Manager Ken Winkler who presented the 1st Visit Plaque to Mr Moroney.
Mr Moroney then delivered a short speech that spoke of the creative drive and determination to deliver such a unique sailing experience and detailed the history of the build from its first moment of conception. Mrs Karen Moroney and her design team comprising Carmen Mikus (Interior Project Design) and Niksa Fiorienni (Architect) were acknowledge as the creative drive behind Scenic Eclipse.
Reflecting the ship’s stylish and exclusive ethos, the official naming ceremony was attended by over 350 global media, agents and VIPS who witnessed Dame Helen Mirren christen the ship dockside by breaking the ceremonial bottle of champagne against the hull and bestowing the traditional blessing of safekeeping over all those that sail in her.
Dame Mirren added: “I was thrilled to be invited to take on the role of Scenic Eclipse godmother, even more so now that I have stepped aboard and seen the level of design detail and technology that have gone into her creation. She is an exceptional cruising experience, and I’m honoured to have christened her. I wish her crew and guests many years of sailing adventures and discovery”.
Designed to deliver the ultimate experience of a lifetime for 228 guests, (200 in Polar regions), Scenic Eclipse takes ocean cruising to a whole new level – marrying luxury and discovery with the ultimate in safety and sustainability, giving guests the opportunity to explore above and beyond what was previously imaginable.
Scenic Eclipse has 114 all-verandah suites ranging in size from 32 m² to 247 m²; 10 dining options from Asian Fusion to French fine dining, Chef’s Table to a poolside buffet; the 550 m² SENSES spa with latest technology-equipped gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio. Two six-guest helicopters and one six-guest submarine Scenic Neptune 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 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.
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