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 & 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 honoured 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-veranda suites ranging 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.

www.scenic.ca

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SALES FOR NEW AMERICAN COUNTESS NOW OPEN

American Queen Steamboat Company has opened sales for the 2020 season of its fourth vessel, the American Countess.

As the newest paddlewheeler on US rivers, Countess is already showing record-breaking interest. While still under transformation, the boat will officially debut for its inaugural voyage on April 5, 2020 and will travel from New Orleans to Memphis.

Built using the existing hull of the Kanesville Queen, a former gaming vessel built in 1995, the American Countess was cut in two as part of its planned lengthening, with the addition of a 60-foot mid-body section. Countess will offer many of the same heartland and deep South itineraries as its sisters – the American Queen and American Duchess, and will be sailing from April 2020 to January 2021, with additional sailing seasons to be announced.

Currently under construction, the American Countess will accommodate 245 passengers over the course of six- to 15-day itineraries, including its own “Mighty Mississippi” cruise. The new boat will feature four decks including a Sun Deck and 123 staterooms in four categories.

www.AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com

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RIVIERA TO LAUNCH NEW ALL-SUITE SHIP IN 2020

Riviera River Cruises will launch the new all-suite MS Geoffrey Chaucer in spring 2020.

The 443-foot Geoffrey Chaucer will accommodate 169 guests on itineraries on the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers and Dutch waterways.

The 443-foot Geoffrey Chaucer will be a state-of-the-art, all-suite ship featuring a unique yet exquisite blend of rich, sustainable hardwoods, gleaming brass, polished copper, sparkling glass, intricate wrought iron, and beautiful lighting. Amenities will include a panoramic observation lounge, main restaurant, fitness centre, spa, wellness area, boutique, and sun deck. A more intimate second restaurant at the stern of the ship – The Bistro – offers an open kitchen with a chef ready to take special orders, as well as panorama windows that allow for al fresco dining.

www.rivierarivercruises.com

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