The highly anticipated arrival of the new Scenic Eclipse is still on track for the August 15 launch date, the company has told Cruise Passenger.
The Eclipse’s debut has been delayed a number of times because of financial issues at Croatia’s Uljanik shipyard in Pula. This includes strikes that have taken place over the last six to eight months.
While there are reports that strikes have been continuing at the shipyard over the last month, Scenic’s subcontractors have continued work on the Eclipse.
The construction is now on track after major ship building company, Fincantieri Group, stepped in to help resolve issues at the yard.
Scenic representatives recently previewed the Eclipse and according to Rob Huffman, the vice president of trade sales for Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, the staff “came back absolutely wowed”.
“We’re really excited about the future, we’re extremely excited about the August 15 launch date,” he told Travel Market report.
“The renderings don’t come close to the real deal.”
A spokesperson from Scenic’s Sydney office also confirmed the August 15 delivery date.
The Eclipse, which is the first ocean-sailing ship from the company, will be able to accommodate 228 guests in staterooms ranging from 350 to 2,500 square feet. The ship will also have several dining options, and comes equipped with Zodiacs, kayaks, e-bikes, two helicopters and a submarine that can travel down to 1,000 feet.
The polar-class ship will be able to explore the Arctic and Antarctic. The first itineraries will sail around the Mediterranean and make its way over to the East Coast of America in late September and October. She will then be sailing to the Caribbean before making her way down to Antarctica.
