The first of five new custom-built vessels planned for the next six years across the group
May 2020 – The Scenic Group announced that steel cutting for Scenic Eclipse II has commenced in Croatia as the initial step in the construction of the world’s second Discovery Ship. A newly formed company, MKM Yachts, wholly owned by the Scenic Group, will now take full responsibility for all new ocean ship builds starting with the construction of Scenic Eclipse II.
MKM Yachts confirmed an agreement with the Croatian Government to commence shipbuilding operations in a dedicated separate section of the existing Maj 3 Shipyard in Rijeka. “This outcome has been the result of a massive effort by our entire Croatian team, and in particular, our new Managing Director of MKM Yachts, Sasa Čokljat,” said Mr Glen Moroney, owner and Chairman, Scenic Group. “The Croatian Government has committed to supporting the redevelopment of the shipyard and assist in the funding of our new building program, which will comprise five custom built vessels over the next six years. All vessels will be of the highest 6-star standard with the ability to navigate the polar regions.”
Mr. Čokljat said that the new cruise line business model will allow MKM Yachts to take over a portion of Rijeka’s shipyard and use existing infrastructure and knowledge of Croatian shipbuilders, working in collaboration with Scenic’s expert team.
Mr. Čokljat praised the Government of the Republic of Croatia for their vision at the beginning of the negotiations as well as their readiness to “think outside the box,” offering a long-term development relationship with Croatian shipbuilding and the opportunity to preserve rich traditions in shipbuilding, continuity of production and knowledge, and hundreds of jobs. “I believe that the niche for the construction of research cruisers represents a sound direction for the revival of Croatian shipbuilding, with a new face for the future. We can be proud that the construction of one of the best ships in the world in its class takes place right here in Rijeka,” said Čokljat.
The 228-passenger ultra-luxury mega yacht, designed especially for polar expedition cruising conditions, “heralds an exciting new era for the Scenic Group, as we continue to develop our luxury ocean products under both Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands,” added Mr. Moroney. The first of these ships, Scenic Eclipse, launched in August 2019 to great fanfare, with a christening held in New York City on September 10, 2019 with Dame Helen Mirren doing the honors as the ship’s Godmother. The Discovery Yacht has since been named “Best New Ship” by Cruise Critic and as one of the best in the world on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2020 Hot List for cruise ships.
Inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht and custom-built with an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence in design, Scenic Eclipse combines a wealth of world-class facilities with the opportunity for unrivalled exploration. Scenic Eclipse has the highest Polar Class 6 rating and uses custom-built stabilisers that are 50% larger than those of other ships to provide greater stability as it navigates the water. The GPS dynamic positioning allows the ship to maintain location without dropping anchor onto sensitive water beds and the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems, plus the highly efficient engines will reduce emissions, noise and vibrations, for minimal disturbances to the marine life environment.
A voyage of discovery with Scenic Eclipse is truly all-inclusive luxury without exception. With a maximum of 228 guests (200 in polar regions), ship features include spacious all verandah suites from 345² to nearly 2,600², 10 dining experiences, butler service for all guests, two on-board six-guest helicopters and a six-guest submarine capable of diving nearly 1,000 feet, a comprehensive choice of shore excursions, exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences, Scenic Discovery excursions, Discovery Specialists and guides, full use of the Senses Spa and gym, and much more.
Scenic offers award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and elsewhere, while offering the same level of expertise and truly all-inclusive river cruises in Europe and the Mekong, Irrawaddy and Russia.
Additional information can be obtained via travel agents; or in the US: www.scenicusa.com; phone 844-788-7985; or email: [email protected] and in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone (866) 689-8611; or email: [email protected].