The much-awaited Scenic Eclipse cruise ship owned by the Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has entered operations. It has earned a high luxury rating and is backed by helicopters and submarines.

The luxury cruise ship was christened by award-winning actress Helen Mirren in New York on Sept. 10. Scenic Eclipse itineraries are high on polar cruising.

The Australian-owned company began construction of this first ocean-going ship in 2017. After many challenges the 17,085-gross-ton, the 228-guest ship was ready for service in August 2019.

The cruise line has been more active in the deluxe, all-inclusive river cruise domain. But the determination to expand into sea cruise with Scenic Eclipse offering has been done with higher value addition to the services.

According to cruise news, the Eclipse joined the market as a game-changing expedition ship. The unique features include two helicopters and a submarine that support the ship’s logistics in addition to the usual zodiacs, kayaks, and e-bikes.

Polar Class 6 luxury rating and sleek design

The Eclipse has been accorded a Polar Class 6 rating. The benefit of high ranking will be that it can expand fast into many new niche markets and regions where other ships will not.

The exterior design is a hit and resembles a mega yacht and breaks the notion that it hard for the modern cruise ship to have sleeker looks especially for the seagoing lines.

The innovations at the interiors were led by Karen Moroney, the owner’s wife with a thrust on contemporary elegance punctuated with the play of fresh flowers and colorful artwork.

A pair of Azipods propels the ship while bow thrusters perk up the maneuverability. The GPS positioning allows the ship to remain stationed in the same location without a traditional anchor that hurts sea beds.

Among the cabin features, “Do not disturb” red lights outside the cabin doors and Quietvox headphones can be termed a legacy of the Scenic’s popular river cruise boats.

However, the outstanding 5,920-square-foot spa and 10 dining options will fascinate guests taking cruise deals as they are stellar standards in the realm of luxury expedition cruising.

GettyImages-Cruise Ship in Miami
Residents of the city wave as they watch the world's largest luxury liner, the Freedom of the Seas, docks at the port of Miami 25 May 2006. ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images

Alaska expedition cruise in high demand

Among the expedition cruise packages, Alaska cruise is growing in demand.

The biggest state in the U.S. beckons cruisers with many opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty.

Alaska attractions include ice formations of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait ports like Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau.

North to the Kenai Peninsula offers a perfect jumping-off point for cruises to Denali, Fairbanks, and Yukon in Canada.

The demand for Alaska cruise peaks during the months from May to September while locals suggest June is the best time. Activities in Alaska will range from flight-seeing and fishing to dog-sledding and gold-panning.