Oscar-winning actor Helen Mirren has officially christened Scenic Eclipse in a ceremony in New York.

The 228-passenger ship arrived at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal as part of its maiden voyage from Reykjavík.

The ship, which Scenic describes as the “world’s first discovery yacht”, was scheduled to launch back in August 2018 but suffered a series of setbacks due to problems at the Uljanik shipyard.

Mirren was joined by her husband, Academy Award-winning director Taylor Hackford, and welcomed on board by the line’s co-owners Glen and Karen Moroney.

Speaking at the ceremony, Glen Moroney said: “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.”

Mirren said: “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”.

Scenic Eclipse has 114 all-veranda suites, 10 dining options, a spa with the latest equipment and a separate yoga and Pilates studio. In addition, guests can use two six-guest helicopters and one six-guest submarine Scenic Neptune, capable of depths of nearly 200m.

Commenting on the ship, Mirren said she “investigated every style of cabin available” and how even the smallest cabins are “so spacious and comfortable”.

“I don’t want to conclude before filling you in on a secret,” she added. “As you know Glen Moroney was integral to the design of the ship and it is entirely his vision and he worked tirelessly to see it through. But it is Karen, as you know, who is responsible for the incredible interiors on Scenic Eclipse and when you tour it I really urge you to pay attention to all those amazing details – the light fittings, the position of the mirrors…”

Along with its luxury cabins, she also reflected on the ship’s various green features and how it is “one of the greenest ships sailing today”.