World’s First Discovery Yacht – Scenic Eclipse – launches in one year
Boston & Vancouver, August 2017 – It has been 99 years and 2 months since the last total solar eclipse crossed the United States coast to coast along almost the same path as the one on August 21, 2017* and 54 years and one month since Canada experienced something similar. Those who reside in its direct path will see what has been described by past viewers of total eclipses as an event that moved them to tears as stars will suddenly pop into view, Baily’s Beads appear at the edge of the Moon’s disk and tongues of red fire are visible at the edge of the sun. Well – in one year and 10 days from this year’s total eclipse, the world’s first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, will begin sailing. And based on the overwhelming response from the media since the initial announcement 18 months ago, and very strong pre-launch bookings from onsumers and travel agents – with some sailings already sold out, next year’s “Eclipse” (launch) is figuring to be a tremendous step forward for the cruise industry and a first for this planet.
The “6-star” ultra-luxury mega yacht, carrying just 228 guests, (200 in the polar regions of Arctic and Antarctica), launches in the Mediterranean on August 31, 2018. Scenic will be the first to offer guests a level of luxury, discovery, safety and world-class innovation never before bundled into a ship of this size. Guests can explore above and beyond what was previously possible from a cruise ship. Scenic Eclipse’s intimate size allows for docking in unique locations and smaller ports; its GPS dynamic position technology allows it to ‘anchor’ in areas where the use of a real anchor would make it off-limits; and its onboard seven-seat helicopters and submarine takes guests to the furthest reaches of remote regions.
Scenic Founder and Managing Director, Glen Moroney, said: “The level of excitement and anticipation we are getting from our booked guests tells us we have hit the nail right on the head. The market for true luxury in both small ships and expedition itineraries is heating up and we are proud to be able to put forth a ship we believe will exceed expectations.”
Every one of the 114 spacious and beautifully designed suites feature a private verandah and lounge area. Akin to the finest hotels in the world, the suites range in size from the generous 345ft² (32m²) Verandah Suites to the 2,660ft² (247m²) two-bedroom Penthouse Suite. 10 dining options offer choices from restaurants featuring Italian, steaks and seafood to French fine dining to Asian Fusion to poolside grilling to a Chef’s table or 24/7 room service. Eight spacious bars and lounges offer unlimited complimentary beverages.
Scenic has thought of everything so guests don’t have to lift a finger (or wallet): personal service with an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio; butler service for every guest; the 5,900 ft² (548m²) Spa Sanctuary with plunge pools, hair salon, treatment rooms and more; expert Discovery Leaders on all cruises; heated ndoor and outdoor swimming pools; and fares that include just about everything: all tipping and ratuities, all excursions (except helicopter and submarine), all meals, all events, all drinks 24/7, transfers, butler service for every suite – and much, much more. Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences range from a private performance in the elegant Salle Garnier at Opéra de Monte-Carlo to authentic cultural music and dance events on the beaches of Columbia and Greece, while guests will choose from dozens of expert-led Scenic Freechoice activities and discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak, e-bike, snorkeling and more, without paying anything extra.
Scenic Eclipse is built to the highest international safety standards, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and a host of safety features, including innovative zero-speed stabilizer fins that are than 50% larger for even greater stability. A rating of Ice Class 1A (Polar Class 6), the highest of any luxury vessel, enables the safest navigation through Arctic and Antarctic waters, while redundant kitchen, engine and navigation systems ensure additional peace of mind.
As for adventure – thanks to seven-seat on board helicopters and a seven-seat submarine capable to depths of 200 meters, Scenic Eclipse will take guests to places previously thought inaccessible, offering a whole new dimension of wonder – from above and below. Scuba diving experiences take in the coral reefs of the Caribbean, the beauty of the Mediterranean, and an abundance of sites in between. Additional fees apply.
Itineraries run from the bright beauty of Croatia to the crystalline waters of Cuba and South America’s coastline, from the remote Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands to the fjords of Norway and Chile and Svalbard in the Arctic Circle, and from the romantic Greek Islands to the Viking trail that traverses across Scotland, Iceland and Greenland to Atlantic Canada.
Examples include a once-in-a-lifetime 21-day adventure following in the footsteps of the great Shackleton to Antarctica and South Georgia and adding two days in the Falkland Islands – Dec, 2018 and March 2019; a nine-day exploration of the classic countries of Spain, Morocco and Portugal – April 2019; and following in the Footsteps of the Vikings, taking in Norway, the Shetland and Orkney Islands, Outer Hebrides, Skye and Iceland – Aug 2019.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ Family of Brands has grown over its 30-year history to include award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours that take participants to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations; two award-winning river cruise lines – Scenic and Emerald Waterways; and, in 2018, the World’s First Discovery Yacht – Scenic Eclipse.
Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures and reservations can be obtained via travel agents; or in the US: www.scenicusa.com; phone 844-788-7985; or email: info@scenicusa.com: and in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone (866) 689-8611; or email: canada@scenic.ca. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the website.
*www.greatamericaneclipse.com