Dame Helen Mirren Christens Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours celebrated the official christening of Scenic Eclipse — the World’s First Discovery Yacht on Sept. 10 — with godmother Dame Helen Mirren and her husband, Academy Award-winning director Taylor Hackford, in New York City.
Scenic Eclipse sailed to New York on its maiden voyage from Reykjavík, Iceland.
“It was an honour to welcome Helen and Taylor on board and to share with them our vision and passion, which together with the dedication and talent of the Scenic team has created an experience which has set a brand new bench mark in discovery cruising,” said Glen Moroney, chairman and founder, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours.
Ensuring the event ran smoothly, master of ceremonies Claire Newell, herself a godmother for the Scenic Opal, was on hand to introduce Scenic Eclipse Captain James Griffiths and NYC Ports General Manager Ken Winkler who presented the First Visit Plaque to Moroney.
Moroney then delivered a short speech that spoke of the creative drive and determination to deliver such a unique sailing experience and detailed the history of the build from its first moment of conception.
Reflecting the ship’s stylish and exclusive ethos, the official naming ceremony was attended by more than 350 global media, agents and VIPS who witnessed Dame Helen Mirren christen the ship dockside by breaking the ceremonial bottle of champagne against the hull and bestowing the traditional blessing of safekeeping over all those that sail in her.
Dame Mirren added, “I was thrilled to be invited to take on the role of Scenic Eclipse godmother, even more so now that I have stepped aboard and seen the level of design detail and technology that have gone into her creation. She is an exceptional cruising experience, and I’m honored to have christened her. I wish her crew and guests many years of sailing adventures and discovery.”
Designed to deliver the ultimate experience of a lifetime for 228 guests, (200 in Polar regions), Scenic Eclipse takes ocean cruising to a new level – marrying luxury and discovery with the ultimate in safety and sustainability, giving guests the opportunity to explore above and beyond what was previously imaginable.
Scenic Eclipse has 114 all-verandah suites rangeing in size from 345 sq. ft. to 2,659 sq. ft.; 10 dining options – from Asian Fusion to French fine dining to a chef’s table to a poolside buffet; a 5,920 sq. ft. spa with a gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio; two six-guest helicopters and one six-guest submarine capable of depths of nearly 1,000 feet; a state-of-the-art theatre for entertainment and lectures; indoor and outdoor plunge pools; butler service for all guests; and an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.
