Scenic has confirmed that its second ultra-luxury expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse II, has completed its sea trials.

The vessel ” was put through its paces” over two weekend sessions during February in the northern Adriatic between Croatia and Italy, the operator said in a statement.

The 114-suite ship has now returned to its shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia, for the final stages of construction ahead of its inaugural sailing on 13 April, an 11-day Incredible Iberian Discovery cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona.

A naming ceremony will then take place in Malaga in early June. It will follow in the footsteps of Scenic Eclipse, which launched last summer.

The introduction of Scenic Eclipse II will see the cruise line sail to more than 50 countries across all seven continents in 2023 and 2024.

‘Countdown on’ for Scenic Eclipse II launch

Scenic vice-president of marine operations James Griffiths said: “Scenic Eclipse II has been built to the highest standards and it is fantastic to see the discovery yacht sail through the sea trials and surpass all expectations. The countdown to launch really is now on.

“Nearly identical to her sister ship – with a few exclusive enhancements – it is the benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising taken to a new level.

“She will spend the summer season exploring the Mediterranean, Iceland and Scotland, before moving on to warmer Caribbean waters and Antarctica.”

Scenic Group recently outlined plans to operate fam trips on its new ships.

The company’s UK director of trade sales Andrea Stafford said in February: “Scenic Eclipse II will be making UK calls in September and we will be showcasing the yacht to the trade, which is already creating excitement.”