Further delay in delivery of Scenic Eclipse

The launch of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours first ocean-going ship has been delayed for a second time.

The operator is offering full refunds and 25% discounts on a future cruise for those booked on the vessel Scenic Eclipse.

The first sailing date has been put back to April 13, 2019 from an already amended date of late January.

The 228-passenger luxury vessel, featuring helicopters and a submarine for prime viewing in the Arctic and Antarctica, was originally due to enter service in August this year.

Scenic blamed the latest set-back on “continuing financial issues” at the Uljanik shipyard in Pula, Croatia where Scenic Eclipse is being built.

The company said that a strike by specialist engine and systems commissioning workers as delayed this part of the ship’s completion.

“Scenic has been in constant contact with the shipyard, workers representatives and the government to ensure the completion of the ship as soon as possible,” the operator said.

“Due to those efforts, more than 600 workers are still on board each weekday. The progress on the ship’s interiors and other areas of the final build stage have seen far less impact from the industrial action, and continue to progress at good pace.

“The specialist commissioning team returned to work progressively last week, however it will not be possible to catch up the now almost six weeks’ time lost due to strikes in this area.

“Scenic acknowledges the regrettable impact this has on guests and understands their disappointment at this change in sailing date.

“Scenic has committed to providing guests a full refund for the cost of their Scenic Eclipse cruise and consideration of any other reasonable associated costs incurred with their travel plans.

“In addition, Scenic will provide all guests who rebook a Scenic Eclipse voyage a future cruise credit to the value of 25% of the cost of their rebooked cruise.”

A dedicated phone number for guests has been set up – 0161 234 2865 – and the company has begun contacting passengers and travel agents to provide details on the refunding process.

Billed as “the first luxury discovery yacht,” Scenic Eclipse is described as setting a new benchmark in design, innovation and luxury.

“With its commitment to world-class safety, innovation in design and quality appointments throughout, offering guests the experience of discovering the world in all-inclusive luxury remains Scenic’s primary focus,” the company added.