Ultra-Luxury Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse II Christened in Málaga by NASA Astronaut Dr. Kathryn Sullivan
Accompanied by Scenic Group co-owners, Glen and Karen Moroney, NASA Astronaut Dr. Kathryn Sullivan christened one of the world’s most technologically advanced ultra-luxury yachts, Scenic Eclipse II, in front of an esteemed audience in Málaga, Spain.
With the beautiful Málaga seaport decorated for the festive occasion, official speeches were made by Scenic Group Chairman and Founder Glen Moroney, and the President of the Málaga Port Authority Carlos Rubio – who presented a special plaque to Glen Moroney, and Dr. Kathy Sullivan, Scenic Eclipse II’s Godmother. The event included VIP’s, travel industry and media from around the world. Dr. Sullivan successfully christened Scenic Eclipse II, while toasting the Discovery Yacht and all who sail on her.
“I was so honored to be asked to be Godmother of Scenic Eclipse II as it was not something I ever expected,” she stated during the christening of the Discovery Yacht. “But now that I have had the opportunity to tour the ship with Glen and Karen Moroney, to hear their story and see their vision for travel, I am eager to join her for a voyage. Seeing the level of ultra-luxury that is possible in what is truly an expedition vessel, has me wondering what the Moroney’s 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 the Scenic Eclipse II’s Godmother.”
Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group “It is rare to find anyone who has the list of unprecedented accomplishments achieved by Dr. Kathy Sullivan. The depth of her experiences above our planet 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.”
With the launch of Scenic Eclipse II, the second Discovery Yacht, Scenic furthers its industry leadership role in continuous innovation, incorporating several new features on Scenic Eclipse II. The newest member of the Scenic Eclipse fleet has an expanded 550sqm Senses Spa, which now includes aromatherapy, as well as an integrated ice fountain, rain 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 also a new wellness feature.
New Bar Area A redesign of Deck 10, the new Sky Deck, includes a new bar area with indoor and outdoor seating and privacy cabanas. This offers 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 Antarctica) Scenic Eclipse II to the fleet opens up 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 (custom built 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 and water skiing.
Scenic Eclipse II will explore the islands of Greenland, Svalbard and Iceland above the Arctic Circle and the Caribbean in its inaugural sailing. New voyages in 2024 and 2025 will take in the Asia Pacific region, including New Zealand, Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region and Coral Coast, Tahiti, Fiji, Borneo, and Japan. Both Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts will spend the Antarctica season (November 2023 to February 2024) 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 contains 114 all-verandah suites range in size from 32m² to 245m²; 10 dining options – from Asian Fusion to French fine dining to a Chef’s Table to 24/7 room service; a 550sqm spa with a well-equipped gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio; the aforementioned two helicopters and next generation electric submersible; a state-of-the-art theatre for entertainment and lectures; indoor and outdoor plunge pools; butler service for all guests; and a close to 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.
The technology is hi-tech and industry leading, with oversized zero-speed stabiliser 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 and state-of-the-art bridge systems. The GPS dynamic Positioning system allows for stationary positioning without an anchor, reducing environmental impact and enhancing safety during Zodiac operations.
Godmother Profile
Dr. Kathryn 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.”
Glen Moroney Interview – Podcast
Listen to Scenic’s founder and Chairman Glen Moroney share his personal journey of success. Learn how Glen went from being a coach tour operator in Australia to navigating the challenges to create a thriving luxury global business. Glen’s story is an inspiring reminder that with perseverance and a clear vision, remarkable achievements are possible. Podcast Episode: HERE