In attendance, among others, were Scenic chair and founder Glen Moroney, Malaga Port Authority president Carlos Rubio and the ship’s godmother, oceanographer and former NASA astronaut Dr Kathy Sullivan. 

Sullivan – who performed her godmother duties of blessing the ship and ‘smashing the bottle’ – commended Scenic Eclipse II for combining the highest standards of scientific exploration with comfort and “relaxed luxury.”

The vessel is in fact endowed with two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters which seat up to six guests as well as a submarine for deep ocean explorations.

“This is a ship whose concept and vision are delivered upon in the most superb of fashions,” she told guests. “There are many expedition cruises out there that do a fine job of taking you around, treating you well, keeping you safe and taking you to fascinating places.

“[But] Glen and Karen’s vision to combine that standard of learning, discovery and excellence with an altogether different scale of casual, relaxed comfort and luxury is a very unique combination.”

The 178-metre luxury yacht – which has been designed, built and operated all in house – set sail on its inaugural trip in mid-April, departing from Lisbon toward Barcelona. 

The vessel, which is now cruising around the Mediterranean, will sail across all seven continents, giving guests the opportunity to “get out there and explore.”

“[Dr Sullivan’s] adventures are far more extreme than we’d ever attempt but the idea is still the same: to get out there, explore and experience this amazing world that we have,” Moroney added. 

“We’re trying to do it in just a little bit more comfort but ultimately, it’s still the same goal to go to places that are unique, that very few people have been to and to really enjoy it while we still can.”