After setting sail on its maiden voyage from Reykjavík, Iceland, Scenic Eclipse arrived at Pier 88, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, in the world-famous setting of New York City.
The godmother of the Scenic Eclipse, actress Helen Mirren, joined her husband, Academy Award-winning director Taylor Hackford, and was welcomed aboard by the ship's co-owners Glen and Karen Moroney.
“It was an honor to welcome Helen and Taylor aboard and share with them our vision and passion, which together with the dedication and talent of the Scenic team have created an experience that has set a new benchmark in Discovery Cruises,” said Mr. Glen Moroney, President and Founder of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours.
Master of ceremonies Claire Newell was on hand to introduce Helen Mirren to Scenic Eclipse Captain James Griffiths and New York City Ports Director General Ken Winkler, who presented a commemorative plaque for Mr. Moroney's First Visit.
Mr. Moroney gave a brief speech about the creative drive and determination to offer such a unique sailing experience and detailed the construction history from its initial conception. Ms. Karen Moroney and her design team, comprised of Carmen Mikus (Interior Design) and Niksa Fiorienni (Architect), were recognized as the creative force behind the Scenic Eclipse.
Reflecting the ship's elegant and exclusive spirit, the official naming ceremony was attended by more than 350 international media, agents, and VIP guests who witnessed Helen Mirren break the ceremonial bottle of champagne against the hull and bestow the traditional blessing upon all who sail on it.
Mirren added: “I was delighted to be invited to take on the role of godmother of Scenic Eclipse, but even more so now that I’ve stepped aboard and seen the level of detail in the design and technology that has gone into its creation. It’s an exceptional cruising experience, and I’m honored to have christened it. I wish its crew and guests many years of adventure and discovery.”
Designed to offer the ultimate experience for 228 guests (200 in the polar regions), Scenic Eclipse takes ocean cruising to a whole new level: combining luxury and discovery with the latest in safety and sustainability, giving guests the opportunity to explore beyond what was previously imaginable. Reservations are now open through its representative in our country, StarClass.
Scenic Eclipse features 114 suites, all with balconies, ranging in size from 32 m² to 247 m²; 10 dining options, from Asian Fusion to French cuisine, from Chef's Table to a poolside buffet; the 550 m² Senses Spa with a state-of-the-art gym and separate yoga and Pilates studios; two six-person helicopters and a six-person submarine, the Scenic Neptune, capable of reaching depths of nearly 200 m; a cutting-edge theater for entertainment and conferences; indoor and outdoor pools; butler service for all guests; and a nearly 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.
Also noteworthy is the technology: innovative stabilizing fins 50% larger than usual that provide stability even at zero speed; the highest polar class rating for passenger ships: Polar Class 6; redundancies in propulsion, navigation, safety systems and food refrigeration; state-of-the-art bridge systems; and a dynamic GPS positioning system that allows stationary positioning without an anchor, reducing environmental impact and improving safety during Zodiac operations.
