The growing number of expedition cruise ships being built is intersecting with the cruise tradition of godmothers naming and blessing newly-embarking ships to highlight some of the amazing accomplishments of women explorers, scientists and outdoor pioneers.

Scenic Luxury Cruises has christened its new expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse II in Malaga, Spain. The honor was done by American astronaut, former U.S. Navy officer, geologist and oceanographer Dr. Kathryn Sullivan. She is the first American woman to walk in space and also the first woman to visit the deepest place in the oceans, was Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of NOAA (the National Oceania and Atmospheric Administration.)

Dr. Sullivan is the holder of three Guinness World Records: the first woman to reach the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench in the Pacific, 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.”

Jason Flesher - Dir of Expedition Operations; Dr. Kathryn Sullivan; Chairman Glen Moroney; Captain Torry Sakkariassen

She successfully christened Scenic Eclipse II while toasting the ship and all guests and crew who sail upon her, joined by Scenic Group owners Glen and Karen Moroney and other VIP guests in port in Spain.

New and Returning Favorite Features

You may know about the first ocean expedition ship for Scenic: Scenic Eclipse I, which made a splash with its pair of onboard touring helicopters.

Her new sister ship, the 228-guest Scenic Eclipse II, has two state-of-the-art six-guest helicopters, Zodiacs, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other expedition cruising ‘toys’ as well as a next generation American-made electric submersible, capable of comfortably holding eight guests.

The ice-class ship is made for polar exploration, but the Scenic Eclipse II also offers water toys 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, and more.

There’s a newly-designed Sun Deck, including a new Sky Bar with indoor and outdoor seating and privacy cabanas, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views with a drink in hand, and a large, oval-shaped pool with relaxation space that serves as a perfect venue for sail-away deck parties.

Guests stay in all-verandah suites and dine in a choice of 10 venues – from Asian Fusion to French fine dining to a Chef’s Table to 24/7 room service. There’s a nearly-6000 square foot spa with a gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio as well as aromatherapy, an integrated ice fountain and experience showers, and a KLAFS custom salt therapy lounge with heated beds; 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 for the ultimate in service.

Inaugural Season Sailing

In her inaugural season, Scenic Eclipse II will explore the islands of Greenland, Svalbard and Iceland above the Arctic Circle and the Caribbean.

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.