First pictures have been released of a new James Bond-style polar expedition ship as it sets sail on its maiden voyage.
State-of-the-art Scenic Eclipse carries two helicopters, which can be hidden away in hangars on the top deck, plus a submarine that can dive 1,000ft below the surface.
Until now, the inside of the luxury vessel has been a closely guarded secret. But today, as Scenic Eclipse sets sail on its first cruise – a 13-day voyage from Reykjavik to Quebec – we can show you photos of the restaurants, bars and spa for the first time.
“Today is the fruition of many years of planning and work from a large and dedicated team to create a vessel and an experience which has set a new benchmark in ultra-luxury discovery cruising,” said Glen Moroney, chairman of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours.
“We are extremely proud of this ship and what it brings to the world of cruising. In terms of innovation, technology and design, it is second to none. The onboard helicopters and submarine and our hand-crafted itineraries that take our guests to 38 countries in some of the world’s most stunning and remote locations are what truly set us apart.”
As I discovered on a visit to see the ship in Rotterdam last Saturday, Scenic Eclipse cuts a sleek, almost stealth-like, profile with its long, sharp bow, black hull and layered white decks.
Its two helicopters can each take six guests and a pilot on up to 12 flights a day. The experience is captured on five cameras as a permanent souvenir of the ride.
The air-conditioned sub, which also takes six passengers, can dive up to eight times a day. Guests sitting in two clear spheres on either side can swivel their seats through 280 degrees for the best view.
But that’s not all. The ship has a marina with 12 Zodiac boats and a fleet of kayaks, as well as the first stainless steel giant hot tub at sea.
An ice-strengthened hull means Scenic Eclipse can head into the Arctic and Antarctic.
Of course, all this adventure comes with a standard of luxury the old polar explorers could only dream of.
Six restaurants, a cafe and poolside grill offer a choice of menus including Italian, Japanese, French, Asian fusion, steak and seafood. If you want to pick up tips to improve your own cuisine, there’s also a cookery school.
As well as a spa with saunas, steam rooms and thermal lounges, guests can wear off some calories in a yoga and Pilates studio or fully equipped gym.
All this indulgence is for just 200 passengers in polar regions, or 228 when it heads to warmer climes such as the Caribbean, Greek islands and Spain.
The ship will be christened by Dame Helen Mirren in New York on September 10.
A nine-day cruise on Scenic Eclipse from Lisbon to Barcelona, leaving on April 11, 2021, costs from £4,075pp. To book, call 0808 256 5929 or visit scenic.co.uk .
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