The keel-laying ceremony for the newest ship in the Scenic Cruises fleet – Eclipse II – has taken place at a shipyard in Croatia.

The sister vessel to Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Eclipse II is the second discovery yacht to be built for the Scenic Group in its ocean fleet.

It is due to enter service in the Mediterranean in the first quarter of 2023.

The 168-metre long vessel will carry 228 passengers with a staff-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1.

The line said: “There is an abundance of personal space to allow for social distancing if required.”

Scenic Group owner and founder Glen Moroney said: “Two years ago, we launched the most luxurious and technologically advanced polar cruise vessel ever built. The great success achieved by Scenic Eclipse and our guests’ continuous praise reaffirmed our desire to launch a sister ship – Scenic Eclipse II.

“We are all familiar with the challenges that currently face the cruising industry. We are proud to continue to invest in new ventures that demonstrate our unwavering belief in the future of the industry and indeed, Scenic’s leading position within that.

“The keel laying ceremony is symbolic for the start of full production and from here on we will proceed at speed for delivery.

“I would like to thank our partners at the Croatian shipyard as well as the government of the Republic of Croatia for their ongoing support.”