Ultra

The addition of the 228-guest (200 in the polar regions) Scenic Eclipse II to the fleet opens even more of the world to the guests with new itineraries, destinations, and discovery adventures.

MALAGA, SPAIN – Accompanied by Scenic Group 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 on June 3.

With the beautiful Málaga port decorated for the festive occasion and the evening sun beaming down on the guests, speeches were made by Glen Moroney, President of the Málaga Port Authority Carlos Rubio – who presented a special plaque to Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Mr Victor Gonzalez, and Dr. Sullivan. The event included VIPS, trade guests and media from around the world. Dr. Sullivan successfully christened Scenic Eclipse II while toasting the Discovery Yacht and all who sail on her.

Dr. 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."

"I was so honored to be asked to be Godmother of Scenic Eclipse II as it was not something I ever expected," stated Dr. Kathy Sullivan during the christening of the Discovery Yacht. "But now that I have had the opportunity to tour the ship with Glen and Karen Moroney and hear their story and see their vision for travel, I am eager to join her for a sailing. Seeing the level of luxury that is possible in what is truly an expedition vessel has me wondering what the Moroneys 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 Scenic Eclipse II's Godmother."

"It is rare to find anyone who has the list of unprecedented accomplishments achieved by Dr. Kathy Sullivan," suggested Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of The Scenic Group. "The depth of her experiences above our planet, and on 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."

After launching Scenic Eclipse in 2019, the World's First Discovery Yacht, Scenic furthers its industry leadership role when it comes to continuous innovation incorporating several new features on Scenic Eclipse II. The newest member of the Scenic Eclipse fleet has an expanded steam room in the 5,920ft² (550sqm) Senses Spa that includes aromatherapy, as well as an integrated ice fountain and experience 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 new. A redesign of Deck 10, the new Sun Deck, includes a new Sky Bar with indoor and outdoor seating and privacy cabanas, offering 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 the polar regions) Scenic Eclipse II to the fleet opens 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 (like her sister she is 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, water skiing, etc. Scenic Eclipse II will explore the islands of Greenland, Svalbard and Iceland above the Arctic Circle and the Caribbean in its inaugural season. New voyages in 2024 and 2025 will take in the Asia Pacific region, including New Zealand, Western Australia's remote Kimberly region and Coral Coast, Tahiti, Fiji, Borneo and Japan. Both Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts will spend the November to February Antarctica season 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 has 114 all-verandah suites range in size from 345 ft² to 2,659 ft² (32m² to 245m²); 10 dining options – from Asian Fusion to French fine dining to a Chef's Table to 24/7 room service; a 5,920 ft² (550m²) spa with a well-equipped gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio; the aforementioned two helicopters and electric submersible; a state-of-the-art theater for entertainment and lectures; indoor and outdoor plunge pools; butler service for all guests; and an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio. And then there is the technology: innovative zero-speed stabilizer 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; state-of-the-art bridge systems; and a GPS dynamic positioning system allowing for stationary positioning without an anchor, reducing environmental impact and enhancing safety during Zodiac operations.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 37-year history to include award-winning, truly all-inclusive river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world's most fascinating destinations. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World's First Discovery Yacht, followed by Scenic Eclipse II, on 13 April 2023. Scenic is part of The Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Mayflower Cruises & Tours, and Evergreen Tours.

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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.