Scenic Eclipse has successfully completed a set of sea trials off the coast of Croatia ahead of its maiden sailing on 15 August 2019.

The 228-passenger 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.

“It was a real pleasure to take Scenic Eclipse out to sea for the first time,” said the ship’s captain James Griffiths. “Sea trials are a critical milestone in the construction process as [it is] the first time all ship systems are operated together. It is a key opportunity to confirm the theoretical information from the tank tests and computer modelling. The results from these trials surpassed every expectation.

“I was also delighted with how quiet the ship is. She was vibration free and virtually silent during all our trials, exceeding our expectations in terms of stability, manoeuvrability and performance.

“Scenic Eclipse really does manage to combine small-ship manoeuvrability with big ship levels of comfort and quietness – it’s quite remarkable to experience it.”

Scenic Eclipse will now undergo final touches to its interior and exterior and the training of on-board teams before the maiden voyage from Reykjavik to Quebec.

Scenic also recently revealed the first interior images of the custom-designed submarine that will operate on the ship.