Dame Helen Mirren has been announced as the godmother for Scenic’s newest ship.

The Oscar-winning actor will officially name Scenic Eclipse during a ceremony in New York on 10 September 2019. The luxury vessel launches on 15 August 2019, before departing Reykjavik for its maiden 13-day voyage.

“Scenic Eclipse is a unique ship that requires an equally unique person to act in this role,” said Scenic founder and CEO Glen Moroney. “We are delighted to welcome Dame Helen Mirren as Scenic Eclipse godmother – her style, beauty and spirit of adventure are true to those embodied in the design and ethos of Scenic Eclipse.

“Combined with the international acclaim as one of the world’s finest actresses, Helen Mirren makes the perfect godmother to figuratively preside over the ship and bring good fortune.”

Mirren added: “I am very honoured to have been chosen as the godmother to such a beautiful vessel as Scenic Eclipse. She will have many adventures and a wonderful life as she transports her guests in immaculate style and great safety to beautiful places.”

Scenic’s will visit a series of lesser known ports in the Caribbean and South America in 2019. It will spend six weeks sailing along the North American east coast before embarking on a 15-day Taste of the Caribbean cruise from 7-21 October and then a 13-day Colombia and Panama sailing departing from Miami.

The ship features two six-guest helicopters and one six-guest submarine – known as Scenic Neptune – capable of diving to depths of nearly 1,000 feet. Neptune features internal climate control and a surround sound music system, as well as acrylic spheres constructed from a material with the same refraction index as seawater, meaning it “visually disappears underwater and provides a very open and spacious feeling”, according to Scenic.

Scenic Eclipse, which will be captained by James Griffiths, also includes 10 dining options and a spa with a gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio.