Scenic Eclipse accidents and incidents

31 January 2022Other Incidents

On January 31, 2022, was the first launch of the cruise ship’s "Scenic Neptune" (6-passenger submarine). The mini-sub dived with passengers onboard in Stromness (South Georgia Island).

The special event took place during the 20-day itinerary (roundtrip from homeport Ushuaia Argentina) themed as "Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands" (departure January 17th).

It also made Scenic Cruises the first commercial company that was granted permission to dive submersibles in this British overseas territory. Scenic Eclipse also became the first ship that dived a submarine in the UK's South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands since the Falklands War with Argentina (April 2 through June 14, 1982).

24 May 2020Other Incidents

On May 24, 2020, the superyacht was boarded by Andrej Plenkovic (Croatia's Prime Minister) for a shipwide tour. The special guest was greeted (via video call) by Glen Moroney (Scenic Group's founder). The event was participated by Sasha Coklijat (Scenic Group-owned MKM Yachts' Director) and James Griffiths (the cruise ship's Captain).

May 2019Other Incidents

In early-May 2019, the unfinished cruise vessel was moved from Uljanik Shipyard (Pula, Croatia) to Viktor Lenac Shipyard (Rijeka, Croatia). Viktor Lenac Shipyard is owned by Palumbo Group - Malta-based international company that owns several Mediterranean shipyards specializing mainly in cruise ship refurbishments.

According to Palumbo Group's official statement, the ship was moved to Viktor Lenac to undertake mainly underwater works (hull cleaning, blasting, and painting), then will be moved back to Uljanik Shipyard for completion (planned delivery in August 2019).

January 2018Other Incidents

In mid-January 2018, the Uljanik Shipyard in Pula Croatia (building Scenic Eclipse) was reportedly in financial difficulties and its employees haven't been paid for months.

There were speculations about the yacht's delay. There were also concerns about the ordered sistership (Scenic Eclipse II, scheduled for delivery in 2020) from the 3 Maj Shipyard in Rijeka Croatia.

The Croatian government offered to guarantee a EUR 96 million loan to the shipyard as restructuring aid. The proposal was subject to European Commission approval. On January 23, 2018, the EUR 96 million state guarantee from the government was approved by the European Commission. The loan helped Uljanik shipyard to stay operational (meeting urgent liquidity needs) and complete its new building projects (all new cruise vessels on order and under construction). EU's conditions for the state aid included finding a foreign investor.

In 2017, the shipyard received restructuring aid as part of the accession of Croatia to the European Union. However, the shipyard used most of the money to lower its shipbuilding prices. This led to a full order book, but not many improvements. The yard is old and remained antiquated, despite its vessels' fine quality.

• (July 2018 update) Yacht's planned delivery (August 2018) was re-scheduled for January 2019. All bookings received full refunds.
• (November 2018 update) Ongoing financial issues, along with a shipyard strike (by engine and systems commissioning workers) resulted in almost 6 weeks delay. Yacht's delivery date was re-scheduled for April 13, 2019. All rebooked deals on Scenic Eclipse received a 25% future booking discount (based on rebooked cruise cost). Scenic Cruises also covered costs incurred with changes in travel plans.
• (Fenruary 2019 update) Vessel's launch was once again delayed (for a 3rd time) and re-scheduled for August 15, 2019. To all affected bookings, Scenic Cruises offered full refunds plus reasonable "associated travel costs”  and 25% discounts on pre-booking.

On March 26, 2019, 12 former Uljanik Shipyard top-level executives were arrested by Croatia’s anti-corruption investigation agency and charged with fraud. Reportedly, the yard lost approx EUR 160 million (USD 67,5m) during its restructuring in 2012-2013. March 2019 was marked by several shipyard strikes due to unpaid 7-month salaries. During the strikes, outside contractors were allowed to work on Scenic Eclipse 1.