Scenic Eclipse II begins Mediterranean season with Portugal debut

Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ new ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, began its inaugural Mediterranean season with a debut sailing from Lisbon, Portugal on April 13.

Aboard the ship for its maiden voyage – a 12-day Iberian Discovery cruise to Barcelona, Spain – are Scenic Group Chairman and founder Glen Moroney and his wife, Karen. 

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 company said in a press release. 

The 550ft vessel is a near-identical sister-ship to Scenic Eclipse, which launched in 2019. 

For the first two months of operation, Scenic Eclipse II will explore the 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.”

Among the design enhancement to Scenic Eclipse II are the new Sky Deck, which now features 270-degree views and a 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. 

Schedule for 2023-24

Scenic Eclipse II’s upcoming voyages through 2023 and 2024 are 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.

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