With the beautiful Málaga port decorated for the festive occasion and the evening sun beaming down on the guests, speeches were made by Glen Moroney, President of the Málaga Port Authority Carlos Rubio – who presented a special plaque to Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Mr Victor Gonzalez, and Dr. Sullivan. The event included VIPS, trade guests and media from around the world. Dr. Sullivan successfully christened Scenic Eclipse II while toasting the Discovery Yacht and all who sail on her.

Dr. Sullivan is an American geologist and oceanographer, and a former NASA astronaut and US Navy officer. She is the first American woman to walk in space and a veteran of three shuttle missions. Dr. Sullivan also holds the honor of being the first woman to visit the deepest spot in the oceans, the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, seven miles below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, and served as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) after being confirmed by the US Senate in 2014. Dr. Sullivan, having received many accolades and awards during her distinguished careers, is also the holder of three Guinness World Records: the first woman to reach the Challenger Deep, the first person to visit space and the deepest point on Earth, and the greatest vertical extent travelled by an individual (within Earth’s exosphere) – thus the title as the “World’s Most Vertical Person.”

“I was so honored to be asked to be Godmother of Scenic Eclipse II as it was not something I ever expected,” stated Dr. Kathy Sullivan during the christening of the Discovery Yacht. “But now that I have had the opportunity to tour the ship with Glen and Karen Moroney and hear their story and see their vision for travel, I am eager to join her for a sailing. Seeing the level of luxury that is possible in what is truly an expedition vessel has me wondering what the Moroneys could do with the rather restrictive confines of the Space Shuttle and the super cramped environment of the submersible we used to dive the Mariana Trench. I am touched and honored to be Scenic Eclipse II’s Godmother.”

“It is rare to find anyone who has the list of unprecedented accomplishments achieved by Dr. Kathy Sullivan,” suggested Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of The Scenic Group. “The depth of her experiences above our planet, and on and below our seas, and her incredible passion for exploration is truly inspiring and is what we feel makes her the perfect representation of our newest Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht. Although we are not able to duplicate some of her more extreme adventures – yet – we do believe that Scenic Eclipse II offers our guests exploration possibilities unlike any in the industry. We are so honored to have Dr. Sullivan as the Godmother of Scenic Eclipse II and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

After launching Scenic Eclipse in 2019, the World’s First Discovery Yacht, Scenic furthers its industry leadership role when it comes to continuous innovation incorporating several new features on Scenic Eclipse II. The newest member of the Scenic Eclipse fleet has an expanded steam room in the 5,920ft² (550sqm) Senses Spa that includes aromatherapy, as well as an integrated ice fountain and experience showers, and a KLAFS custom salt therapy lounge with heated beds. An expanded dedicated infrared ‘ocean view’ lounge with color light therapy to energize and reinvigorate skin cells is new. A redesign of Deck 10, the new Sun Deck, includes a new Sky Bar with indoor and outdoor seating and privacy cabanas, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy stunning views with a drink in hand, and a large, oval-shaped pool with comfortable relaxation space that serves as a perfect venue for sail-away deck parties. In addition to the ultra-luxury Discovery Yachts’ two state-of-the-art six-guest helicopters, Zodiacs, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other activity amenities, Scenic Eclipse II will also have a next generation American-made electric submersible, capable of comfortably holding eight guests.

The addition of the 228-guest (200 in the polar regions) Scenic Eclipse II to the fleet opens even more of the world to the guests with new itineraries, destinations, and discovery adventures. The combined fleet will visit 50 countries across all seven continents in 2023 and 2024. The ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II is built to explore the coldest of climates (like her sister she is Polar Class 6) but also offers all the amenities and activities sought for the warmer regions of the world from its custom-designed marina including Tiwal sailing boats, swim platforms, E-bikes, snorkeling, wake boarding, water skiing, etc. Scenic Eclipse II will explore the islands of Greenland, Svalbard and Iceland above the Arctic Circle and the Caribbean in its inaugural season. New voyages in 2024 and 2025 will take in the Asia Pacific region, including New Zealand, Western Australia’s remote Kimberly region and Coral Coast, Tahiti, Fiji, Borneo and Japan. Both Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts will spend the November to February Antarctica season taking guests to many of the most remote regions of this amazing continent, including the rarely-visited Weddell Sea, where the Emperor Penguin reigns supreme, and the world’s largest marine sanctuary, the seldom visited Ross Sea.

Scenic Eclipse II has 114 all-verandah suites range in size from 345 ft² to 2,659 ft² (32m² to 245m²); 10 dining options – from Asian Fusion to French fine dining to a Chef’s Table to 24/7 room service; a 5,920 ft² (550m²) spa with a well-equipped gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio; the aforementioned two helicopters and electric submersible; a state-of-the-art theater 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.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 37-year history to include award-winning, truly all-inclusive river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht, followed by Scenic Eclipse II, on 13 April 2023. Scenic is part of The Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Mayflower Cruises & Tours, and Evergreen Tours.

The article Ultra-luxury discovery yacht Scenic Eclipse II Christened in Málaga by NASA astronaut Dr. Kathryn Sullivan first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Virgin Red, Virgin’s Group-wide rewards club, has anchored some extraordinary exclusive deals for its members with sailings from Barcelona or Athens for 80,000 points.

Lucky Virgin Red sailors will be able to embark on a 7-night Mediterranean voyage on the Valiant Lady or Resilient Lady departing from either Barcelona or Athens. Virgin Red members will be able to book cabins for two sailors at these exclusive, limited-time reward-rates when they book and travel by July. Departure dates are Sunday-Sunday between 1 June and 31 July 2023.

Virgin Voyages has curated four glamorous itineraries that allow sailors to experience some of the most picturesque islands and coastal cities in the Mediterranean. Sailors can board one of Virgin’s boutique, exclusively adult ships with exquisite dining experiences, first-class entertainment and state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities all included, as well as unlimited soft drinks and Wi-Fi.

But act fast to secure your spot! This is a limited-time special offer and there are only a limited number of cabins available.

Andrea Burchett, Managing Director Commercial and Loyalty for Virgin Red, says: “We are thrilled to partner with Virgin Voyages once again to offer our members an exclusive Mediterranean voyage this summer. Whether you prefer a late night in Dubrovnik or an overnight in Ibiza, our members can get ready for an adventure that blows other cruise vacations out of the water. Book fast to secure your spot!”

The article Exclusive Virgin Voyages offer for Virgin Red members first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Open for bookings now, SeaDream’s Holiday 2025 Caribbean voyages sail November 2025 through New Year’s week of January 2026 and feature 14 delightfully different itineraries. Whether the pristine British Virgin Islands, the flavorful Spanish and French West Indies, the islands of the Puerto Rico Archipelago, or rarely accessed Guadeloupe and Martinique, each voyage offers a remarkably different yachting experience.

“With a SeaDream luxury yachting experience, guests explore the best that the Caribbean has to offer. Whether it’s gorgeous South Friar’s Bay, an intimate port in St. Kitts where you can enjoy an elegant beach party, or the equally popular Jost van Dyke, home to our signature Champagne & Caviar Splash, guests will have a memorable experience at every stop. Itineraries feature more overnights in destinations like St. Barths and Bequia, adding a distinctive nightlife element, and multiple destinations in playful yachting harbors that the big ships can’t reach, where SeaDream guests can explore ashore without crowds,” says SeaDream’s Andreas Brynestad.

Several of SeaDream Yacht Club’s Holiday 2025 Caribbean itineraries:

• Spanish & British Caribbean Delight. San Juan to Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, December 13-December 20, 2025. Destinations include the best of the Puerto Rican Virgin Islands, including Culebra Island and Esperanza, where guests can kayak in bioluminescent waters; an overnight stay in chic St. Barths invites guests to enjoy the island’s French flair after dark; Sandy Ground, Anguilla; an evening in St. Kitts’ South Friar’s Bay, where guests enjoy an evening beach party; undiscovered Prickly Pear; and Sint Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles.
• Windward Islands Discovery. Marigot to Bridgetown, Barbados, November 16-23, 2025. Destinations include Rodney Bay, St. Lucia; Terre de Haut, Îles des Saintes, where guests soak in the French Caribbean flair; a long-awaited return to Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe; sophisticated and stylish Bequia, known as one of the most celebrated, understated yachting playgrounds of the Caribbean; and Tobago Cays, where guests can snorkel and swim in the tranquil lagoons of the Grenadines.
• Tropical New Year’s I. San Juan to St. Thomas, December 27, 2025-January 3, 2026.
• Tropical New Year’s II. San Juan to Bridgetown, Barbados, December 28, 2025-January 4, 2026.

Destinations include multiple island stops in either the British Virgin Islands or Martinique and Guadeloupe, French West Indies; guests enjoy the experience of both yachts being anchored together for an elegant dinner in St. Kitts’ South Friar’s Bay and St. Barths for a festive New Year’s celebration.

With SeaDream’s recently unveiled $10 million yacht renovations, guests explore the best of the Caribbean in new, beautifully elevated surroundings. Onshore experiences are bookended by ample opportunity to relax and unwind on board in understated elegance, with highly anticipatory service, 5-star al fresco dining, and an intimate, open-air ambiance personalized to each guest’s tastes.

The tranquil turquoise water of the Caribbean is ideal for SeaDream’s enhanced watersports marina – complete with a new water slide – equipped with yachting toys like Hobie Cat catamarans, kayaks, a banana boat, wakeboards, snorkeling gear, a floating island and trampoline, stand-up paddleboards, water skis, and waverunners.

The article SeaDream Yacht Club unveils Holiday 2025 Caribbean Season first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The launch of cabin cruises is a significant step forward in SamBoat’s efforts to democratise the world of boating, allowing passengers to experience the wonders of sailing at a fraction of the cost. From solo travellers to groups of friends, Cabin Cruise enables travellers to live the yachtie lifestyle without having to charter an entire boat, and on a more intimate scale than a typical cruise.

All journeys are accompanied by a crew of professional and experienced sailors who also act as personal tour guides, sharing their insider perspectives on local history and culture. SamBoat cabin cruises include all meals on a full-board basis, prepared by an expert onboard crew, and optional excursions are also offered to explore the region in depth.

The cabin cruises take place on modern, spacious and comfortable catamarans and sailboats, usually with four to six cabins and a maximum of twelve passengers sharing their travel experience. Guests can retreat to their cabins for a moment of relaxation or socialise with fellow travellers in one of the generous indoor and outdoor communal areas.

This expanded offering marks a new chapter of growth for SamBoat, broadening its business model even further beyond providing peer-to-peer boat rental services. With the ambition of reaching €100m in annual turnover by 2024, SamBoat has seen recent revenue growth of over 72% in 2022, as well as a tripling of its week-long yacht charter business.

Laurent Calando, CEO and co-founder at SamBoat, says: “SamBoat has undergone extraordinary growth in the last few years, and therefore we felt the time was right to further establish ourselves in the industry by expanding the services we offer. Our overarching goal has always been to democratise sailing and the launch of cabin cruises fits perfectly with our core values, aiming to reach a wider audience by offering our customers the option to rent a cabin rather than an entire boat.

Ensuring a superb customer experience is imperative for us, so working with local experts has always been a priority for SamBoat. The cabin cruise expansion will carry this onward, with every journey accompanied by a crew with in-depth knowledge of the region acting as personal tour guides and sharing their insider perspective. The more SamBoat grows as a force in the boating and yachting industry, the more we will be able to carry out our key mission: to give everyone the opportunity to discover the joy of being at sea.”

The article Global boat rental platform SamBoat launches new Cabin Cruise offering first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

On his appointment, Crandall commented, “After having come all the way from Indonesia, I immediately felt at home when I arrived at Champlin’s Marina & Resort. I am thrilled to join the team overseeing marina operations, and I look forward to utilizing the knowledge I have gained through decades of working seaside.”

Crandall brings to his new role over 40 years of global experience in the marine industry, spending the last 30 years in South Asia. Most recently, Crandall spent his time in the Maldives as the Marine Consultant for nine different HPL Resorts and the Marine Operator Manager for the Four Seasons Resort. Crandall’s ample experience on the water has allowed him to hold many different positions in the industry, including Director of Operations at Goodman Marina & Yacht Services in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Singapore; Operations Manager in Bali, Indonesia; and a First Officer and Relief Captain in Indonesia. Crandall began his successful career as a U.S. Coast Guard, working his way up the ladder to become a Professional Seaman on the United States East Coast, the Mediterranean Sea, Adriatic Sea, and in Southeast Asia.

“We take pride in having one of the largest marinas in New England and we are excited to share our exciting new enhancements and experiences with our seafaring guests this season,” says Eric Bradley, Vice President of Operations at TPG Marinas. “Crandall is a knowledgeable and experienced marina leader who will help us usher in another successful summer to remember here on Block Island.”

This season, marina guests of Champlin’s will have the chance to book the brand-new Catch-and-Cook Package, providing all the tools needed to prepare and cook their fresh catch of the day. The package will include access to a grill, fish fillet knife, oyster knife, seafood forks, crab mallet, spatula, claw crackers, seafood steamer, cedar plank, fish poacher, and fish platter, as well as tasty seasonings and juicy lemons to fill each dish with flavor. Boaters who choose to dine out can enjoy new food and beverage delivery services from the property’s dining venues, including destination inspired cocktails such as Champlin’s famous mudslide cocktail.

Boaters can also take advantage of the property’s latest amenities, including new electric pedestals, a renovated area with heated pool, live entertainment, complimentary watersports, e-bike charging, a marina supply store, marina showers, and a marina restroom. Champlin’s Marina also offers an easy-access fuel service with the largest diesel tanks on the island.

The article Champlin’s Marina & Resort unveils enhanced marina experiences under new Dock Master, Glenn Crandall first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The U-Boat Worx Nautilus is the world’s first superyacht submarine. This latest design at 42m in length, this incredible hybrid-electrical sub offers deep-sea exploration to a depth of 150m.

Designed to deliver the superyacht lifestyle above the waves as well as below, in surface cruising mode the Nautilus features a sun deck with freshwater pool, bar counter and al fresco dining area, as well as an impressive beach club. In an innovative feat of engineering, the sun deck is retracted before the Nautilus dives. There’s accommodation for up to 10 guests in five ensuite cabins, each benefitting from their own large picture-window, and separate quarters for a crew of seven.

The Nautilus is presented to market with an interior by Officina Amare. Understandably, the ocean has been the source of inspiration for the interior styling and the arrangement centres around the 10 circular viewports, which have a diameter of almost 4m. A mezzanine observation lounge provides panoramic views whether above or below the water’s surface, and the interior can be fully customised with alternative layouts available.

This state-of-the-art submarine is constructed in steel and offers a surface speed of 9 knots or 4 knots when submerged, with a range of 3,200 nautical miles. Equipped with a sonar system and underwater cameras, the Nautilus will bring you face-to-face encounters with marine life and offer complete underwater freedom in total safety.

Designed, engineered, and built by the most competent and experienced company in this field, the Nautilus presents a buyer an exceptional opportunity and a chance to achieve a number of world firsts. The Nautilus is not just a means of transportation, but is a true technological marvel built to take you on adventures around the world and under the waves.

The article Moravia Yachting announces its appointment for the sale of the U-Boat Worx Nautilus submarine first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Emerald Sakara, the second luxury yacht to join the Emerald Cruises fleet, was custom built by The Halong Shipbuilding Company in Vietnam and follows quickly in the wake of identical sister-yacht, Emerald Azzurra, which launched in March 2022.

Both the Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra feature just 50 luxury suites and staterooms, 88 percent of which have a private balcony or terrace. With a maximum of 100 guests on a given journey, Emerald Sakara, like her sister yacht, offers a new type of exclusive cruising experience, exploring ports and harbors only accessible to small yachts.

“Karen and I have overseen the development and construction of Emerald Sakara and having visited the shipyard recently can say it certainly exceeds our expectations,” said Glen Moroney, Chairman and founder of The Scenic Group, Emerald Cruises’ parent company.

“Being able to add to the Emerald Cruises fleet so swiftly is a sign of the reception our new yachts have received from guests and our travel partners. Emerald Sakara opens up a whole world of new destinations that are sure to spark greater demand.” Karen Moroney is co-owner and head of product services for Scenic Group.

Onboard, Emerald Sakara’s Wellness Center comes complete with spa (where various body therapies are available), gym and state-of-the-art infrared sauna; while the Sky Bar, infinity pool and comfortable public areas on the top decks provide the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.

The yacht’s marina platform was designed with watersports in mind. Guests can plunge into activities like swimming; borrow the gear to snorkel, paddleboard or take one of the SEABOBs out for a spin; or dive in with a little help from the deployable water-trampoline.

After Emerald Sakara’s August debut, the yacht will embark on a summer season exploring the coastal waters of Italy, Greece, Türkiye and the Adriatic. From there, it’s off to cross the Atlantic where the Emerald Sakara will winter in the Caribbean and Central American sun. The first Eastern Caribbean and Grenadines sailing is scheduled to depart on November 17, 2023. The yacht will be christened on December 2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico by her godmother Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA.

The inaugural eight-day Ionian Sea Adventure begins on August 5, 2023, in Rome (Civitavecchia) and heads to Athens (Pireaus), stopping at picturesque ports along the way. Guests can live it up with the glitterati on a guided walking tour of Capri, sample Sorrento’s famed gelato in one of many seaside towns or take in the colorful terraced houses of the Amalfi Coast as they kayak along the blue water. Other tempting excursions include a relaxing afternoon river tubing in Alcantara, hiking through olive groves in Cephalonia, and stepping back in time on a tour of the ancient ruins at Delphi.

Emerald Cruises offers a diverse lineup of river and yacht cruises on three continents. Emerald Azzurra, the line’s first ocean-going vessel which debuted in March 2022, is a 100-guest, luxury yacht sailing the warm waters of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, and new for the 2023/2024 season, the Caribbean and Central America. In November 2022, Emerald Azzurra was named Best New Luxury Ship in Cruise Critic’s 2022 Editors’ Picks Awards. Emerald Sakara, the brand’s second luxury yacht, launches in 2023. On the rivers, Emerald Cruises sails eight branded Star-Ships in Europe and one on the Mekong. The brand offers innovatively-designed ships, outstanding service and a focus on active shore excursions and onboard wellness offerings through their signature EmeraldACTIVE program. Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours in Australia.

The article Emerald Cruises celebrates float out of newest luxury yacht Emerald Sakara first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

SeaDream Yacht Club is a pioneer in the living foods movement, having implemented the first raw foods menu at sea over a decade ago and introducing vegan options in 2013. Over time, the company has expanded its cuisine to offer unique vegan dishes on every menu, and now guests can enjoy these—including vegan eggs, vegan bacon, vegan prawns, and vegan chicken—at every meal, if they so choose. The new vegan offerings are part of SeaDream Yacht Club’s ongoing commitment to provide innovative and diverse culinary experiences that cater to the dietary preferences and requirements of all guests.

“With decades of experience in the whole foods and wellness areas, we are excited to expand our culinary offerings to include more vegan dining options than ever before, as we strive to provide exceptional culinary experiences that are aligned with our commitment to sustainability,” said Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club. “We have carefully curated a variety of delicious and nutritious plant-based dishes that showcase the best of local and seasonal ingredients, providing our guests with healthy and sustainable dining choices.”

The new vegan dining options will be available beginning April 22 on SeaDream II and the following month on Sea Dream I in all onboard dining venues, including the Dining Salon and al fresco Topside Restaurant. Guests can expect a wide range of creative and flavorful vegan dishes, such as freshly prepared salads, hearty soups, flavorful stir-fries, and delectable desserts, all made with high-quality, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients, including flavors from local farmers’ markets.

SeaDream Yacht Club’s culinary team, led by Fleet Executive Chef Tomasz Kozlowski, has undergone extensive training in plant-based cooking techniques and ingredient sourcing to ensure that the vegan options are prepared to the highest culinary standards. The award-winning boutique travel company is also actively working with its suppliers to source eco-friendly and sustainable products, further enhancing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

In addition to vegan dining, SeaDream Yacht Club also offers a range of other dietary options, including vegetarian, gluten-free, high-protein, and pescatarian. Other special dietary requests, including providing guests with a Keto-friendly selections, ensure that all guests can enjoy their culinary experience on board.

SeaDream Yacht Club is proud to be a leader in the travel industry in the areas of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Since its inception, SeaDream Yacht Club has been committed to sustainability and environmental conservation, and the expansion of i special plant-based menu is a significant step toward the company’s goals of reducing its carbon footprint and providing a truly eco-conscious sailing experience for all guests.

The article SeaDream Yacht Club announces new vegan dining options for eco-conscious travelers first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The Durres Yachts and Marina is the result of a partnership between the Albanian government and Balfin Group, a leading Albanian investment company. The project was started in 2013, with the goal of creating a world-class marina that would meet the needs of yacht owners and travelers from around the world. After years of planning and construction, the marina finally opened in 2021, and it has already attracted attention from the global yachting community.

So what makes the Durres Yachts and Marina such a groundbreaking investment? First and foremost, it is the scale of the project. This is not just a marina; it is a comprehensive development that includes luxury hotels, residential villas, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. The marina itself can accommodate up to 70 yachts, with a maximum length of 40 meters, making it one of the largest and most advanced marinas in the region.

Durres Yachts and Marina, rendering.

In addition, the Durres Yachts and Marina is designed to meet the highest international standards of quality and sustainability. The marina uses state-of-the-art technology to minimize its environmental impact, with features such as a wastewater treatment plant, solar panels, and LED lighting. The marina also offers a range of services and amenities that are tailored to the needs of yacht owners, including 24-hour security, fueling station, boat repair services, and concierge services.

But perhaps the most important aspect of the Durres Yachts and Marina is its potential to stimulate growth and investment in the yachting industry in Albania. The marina is expected to create jobs and generate revenue for the local economy, as well as attract investment from other companies and developers. This, in turn, could lead to the development of new infrastructure and services, such as yacht maintenance and repair facilities, yacht clubs, and other amenities that are necessary for the growth of the industry.

Of course, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed in order for Albania to become a major player in the yachting industry. The country’s infrastructure, while improving, still has some way to go, and there is a lack of experienced and qualified personnel in the yachting sector. However, the Durres Yachts and Marina is a major step forward, and it is expected to attract investment and stimulate growth in the industry.

In conclusion, the Durres Yachts and Marina in Albania is a game-changing investment in the yachting industry, with the potential to transform Albania into a world-class yachting destination. With its scale, quality, and sustainability, the marina sets a new standard for excellence in the industry. And with its potential to generate growth, investment, and jobs, the marina is an investment in Albania’s future.

The article The Durres Yachts and Marina in Albania: A game-changing investment in the yachting industry first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Aboard the spectacular ship for its maiden voyage – a 12-day Incredible Iberian Discovery cruise to Barcelona, Spain – are Scenic Group Chairman and founder Glen Moroney and his wife, Karen. Along with top tier loyalty guests, they will be joined by a host of specially invited VIPs who have all played a part in the vision and delivery of the much-anticipated new arrival.

An official naming ceremony will be held in Malaga, Spain on June 3, with Godmother Dr. Kathy Sullivan, doing the honors.

The addition of the 114-suite Scenic Eclipse II to the fleet is a milestone moment for Scenic, effectively doubling its capacity in the exclusive exploration cruise market. The 550ft vessel is a near-identical sister-ship to Scenic Eclipse, which set the benchmark for ultra-luxury cruising when it launched in 2019. For the first two months of operation, Scenic Eclipse II will explore the picturesque coastal waters and coves of Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Spain and France before heading north towards Norway for a series of Arctic expeditions.

“The arrival of Scenic Eclipse II really is a dream come true,” said Glen Moroney. “Seeing it here today is testament to the incredible hard work of the team at Scenic Group and MKM Yachts. Guests tell us every day that they simply cannot believe the experiences they get to enjoy when journeying with us – and Scenic Eclipse II will elevate that once again. We have pushed the boundaries to what is possible on an ultra-luxury vessel, both in terms of comfort and technology.”

Under the stewardship of Captain Erwan le Rouzic, guests on the debut sailing will enjoy enhanced ultra-luxury spaces, new culinary experiences, and exclusive cultural moments. Tom Goetter, Director of Food and Beverage for Scenic Group Oceans, will be on hand for a portion of the cruise to oversee the ship’s ten inspiring culinary options, including the new Chef’s Garden @ Epicure immersive culinary masterclass experience and presentation area that will see the Executive Chef and his team personally share the secrets of local dishes and cooking techniques. Meanwhile, the yacht’s Discovery Team will provide expert insight during the sailing along with information on the many life-enhancing excursions available.

Among the design enhancement to Scenic Eclipse II are the new Sky Deck, which now features 270-degree views and a brand-new Sky Bar with indoor and outdoor seating including six private cabanas allowing guests to enjoy the stunning views with their favourite drink in hand. Another new feature is the large, oval shaped pool, complete with comfortable furniture by Italian design house Paola Lenti. A perfect venue for sail-away deck parties, the pool now incorporates special jets allowing guests to swim ‘laps’.

Elsewhere on board, guests on the inaugural sailing (and all subsequent sailings) will be able to truly immerse themselves in the ship’s eclectic art collection. In a rare exclusive, British-born artist Carl Hush will be on board for a live installation of his new feature artwork inside Koko’s Asian Fusion restaurant. The acclaimed creator, whose work encompasses street art, collage and painting, draws heavily on Japanese culture to explore representations and constructions of women. Hush previously created a bespoke piece in a similar vein for Scenic Eclipse, and this is a rare opportunity for guests to see an artist at work.

Additional art on board includes an exclusive mural commission by Croatian designer Slaven Kosanovi Lunar in the Night Market @ Koko’s, and the resin mixed media work of Mitch Gobel, who resides in Australia’s Byron Bay, in the Scenic Bar & Lounge and each guest suite.

Scenic Eclipse II’s upcoming voyages have already attracted much interest, with an exciting array of itineraries through 2023 and 2024 now available. From the Arctic in the summer – exploring Norway, Greenland, Iceland and Canada – the Yacht tours the British Isles before heading across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal to South America, and eventually down to Chile, Argentina, and Antarctica for the Winter.

In March 2024, it then takes a turn across the Pacific towards French Polynesia, Tahiti and Fiji, before a series of cruises exploring the Kimberley coastline during Australia’s winter. New Zealand, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands are among more Pacific options up until October 2024.

Of special interest will be Scenic Eclipse II’s first appearance in Canadian waters in August this year as it spends three days exploring Canada’s largest island, Baffin Island, during the 14-day Uncover Greenland & Canada sailing. The yacht’s first visit to the USA will be in Boston on October 12 before she departs Portland, Maine the next day for an 11-day Bermuda & The Bahamas itinerary.

The Eclipse yachts have 114 luxurious suites across five decks, ranging in size from 345 to nearly 2,600 ft², 10 dining experiences, butler service to every suite, a staff to guest ratio of 1:1, a sumptuous 5,920 ft² spa sanctuary, and two on board helicopters and a submarine offering truly unique discovery experiences. Scenic Eclipse II has expanded the SPA steam room to include aromatherapy, added an integrated ice fountain, experience showers, and a KLAFS custom salt therapy lounge with heated beds, and an expanded dedicated infrared ‘ocean view’ lounge includes color light therapy to energize and reinvigorate skin cells. The yacht’s electric submersible will hold eight guests.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 36-year plus history to include award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Since 2008, Scenic has set the benchmark for truly all-inclusive, luxury five-star river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht, a 228-guest ultra-luxury ship, and delivered its second yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, in 2023. Scenic is part of Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours.

The article Ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, launches on inaugural sailing from Lisbon first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.