First-of-its-Kind Cruise Vessel to Visit Norfolk
Scenic Eclipse plans inaugural stop and overnight
Norfolk, Va.—Less than two months after being christened by actress Dame Helen Mirren, the world’s first Discovery Yacht is scheduled to call on Norfolk this week. The Scenic Eclipse is the first ocean cruise vessel for Australian-based, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The Eclipse boasts a Polar Class 6 rating, the highest of any luxury vessel, and was touted by USA Today earlier this week as “…a new generation of game-changing expedition ships.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome this unique vessel and its guests to Norfolk,” said Stephen E. Kirkland, Nauticus executive director. “This is a real first for us and we intend to roll out the red carpet.”
The Scenic Eclipse travels with two helicopters and its own six-person submarine capable of diving to a depth of 300 meters. The 551-foot-long Eclipse has 114 suites and accommodates 228 passengers. It is scheduled to arrive at Nauticus’ Decker Half Moone Center at 8AM on Thursday and will depart the following day at 7AM. This is one of two cruise ships to call on Norfolk this week – Nauticus will welcome nearly 2,000 German guests aboard the Mein Schiff 1 on Sunday. More than 35,000 cruise passengers are expected to call on the city this fall/winter.
###