Scenic Group has shown strong confidence in the future of the luxury cruise sector, cutting steel for its second expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse II, and announcing a further four will be built by MKM Yachts shipyard, owned by the line in Rijeka, Croatia.
The construction of Scenic Eclipse II follows the remarkable success of the Scenic-designed polar-class Eclipse, and the new ships will be launched over the next six years.
Construction of the line’s first polar-class Scenic Eclipse was delayed by a year after the Uljanik shipyard in Croatia grappled with financial problems. Scenic has since formed its own shipyard, MKM Yachts in Rijeka, Croatia, to take over the construction of its fleet of five polar-class ships.
“All vessels will be of the highest six-star standard with the ability to navigate the polar regions,” said Glen Moroney, owner and chairman of Scenic.
The 228-guest Eclipse II will feature two six-passenger helicopters, one six-passenger submarine, 10 dining options, indoor and outdoor plunge pools with butler service across all 114-suites. It is expected to be delivered by early 2021.
“This heralds an exciting moment for the Scenic Group as we continue to develop our luxury ocean ships under both Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands,” added Mr Moroney.
Scenic Eclipse II will be the sister ship to Scenic Eclipse which launched in August last year with its first season sailing the Arctic, Antarctica, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Earlybird offers on Scenic Eclipse for sailings in 2021-23 are available on www.sceniceclipse.com
