Scenic Eclipse

[Carol From California]

18 minutes ago, Expat Cruise said:

At this point I almost think those booked in April should lose your money when the ship does not sail. It is very clear the line is lying, even with this new partnership it is impossible to turn this business around overnight. And even with a overnight turn around not enough time to have a ship ready for a cruise in April.... fool and his money are soon parted....

My opinion is if the ship does sail in April Scenic will refund everyone as they have done before.  

[dougo in oz]

16 minutes ago, Carol From California said:

My opinion is if the ship does sail in April Scenic will refund everyone as they have done before.  

I agree with you that they will have to refund if the ship does not sail in April.  I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to talk people to going on the ship at a later date rather than refund their money.

I also think it's fair to say that some people are very skeptical that there is sufficient time for the build to be completed and the ship trialed at sea before she is ready for operations.

The issue is that people have booked in good faith and ST provides upbeat comments about the completion date which is only some 6 weeks or so away ....  can it be done???  

Time will tell, but the right thing to do by all the people booked on this cruise is to tell them straight, not to cover the situation in "advertising speak" or send out a general bulletin.  How hard could it be to send a letter to the passengers booked on the April sailing ? Apparently too hard ....

[texmanufan]

I was supposed to be already in Buenos Aires now ready for the Antarctic cruise. I have no fear that those booked will lose their money. Scenic refunded via check  the cruise I had paid for via credit card. And I earned all the air miles for the huge expense. They refunded me for the redeposit of the air miles I had used as well as giving me a 25% discount on a future booking. So I kick the can down the road. Yes it sucks I was supposed to be on my way to Antarctica but I am making the best of it heading for an alternate vacation instead.

 

The scenic Eclipse ticked all my boxes to hit my seventh continent. Better across the drake passage with extended stabilizers which is huge considering the expense vs comfort. The sub and helicopters to explore once you get there along with the size of the rooms.

 

Yes, I feel sorry for those not knowing as I was when I found out a couple of months before departure. I also think they could be a little more open about the chances of meeting these new deadlines but they are in a tough position with some things out of their control. Their biggest mistake was choosing the shipyard for the build.

[dougo in oz]

From "Cruise Passenger"

https://cruisepassenger.com.au/scenic-eclipse-builder-finds-new-partner-as-launch-date-approaches/

[drron29]

Well everyone can take something from the thoughts of the Croatian Minister for the Economy.

https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/34029-uljanik

The Pessimists on here can say I told you so but for the optimists there is this passage-

"He added that construction work on a big ship, which was also the most valuable vessel under construction, was nearing completion and that he hoped a solution for that ship would be found and that guarantees would not have to be paid for it."

I take it this ship is the Eclipse and if it is not completed the Government is up for a  large payout of guarantees.So they have a vested interest in pushing for the completion of the Eclipse.

[dougo in oz]

1 hour ago, drron29 said:

 

I take it this ship is the Eclipse and if it is not completed the Government is up for a  large payout of guarantees.So they have a vested interest in pushing for the completion of the Eclipse.

 

 

Wouldn't they be up for some kind of pay out in any case because previous deadlines for the completion of Eclipse has come and gone several times ?

[Expat Cruise]

5 hours ago, drron29 said:

"He added that construction work on a big ship, which was also the most valuable vessel under construction, was nearing completion and that he hoped a solution for that ship would be found and that guarantees would not have to be paid for it."

I take it this ship is the Eclipse and if it is not completed the Government is up for a  large payout of guarantees.So they have a vested interest in pushing for the completion of the Eclipse.

 

This alone should tell people that the ship will not cruise in April. Have you ever seen a Government Agency work fast? The new owners will want the guarantees to be as low as they can get them to save money, and this means more time. The suppliers can have and will place liens against the ship in order to get payment, which again means more time before the ship can be released.  Still thinking about being on a cruise in April 2019? How about thinking will the ship even be available and released this year?

[goorawin]

I'm not sure that everyone is aware but I found this information on Scenic's UK web site.

https://www.scenic.co.uk/news/2018/11/~/link.aspx?_id=AA10FED757EF4BE1BF3A6E60D2BCD4A9&_z=z

"Scenic took the initiative to purchase the vessel outright in January 2018 and in consultation with the shipyard and the unions
we have taken the action to directly employ workers to ensure that our progress does continue, and we meet our new sailing date."

If this is correct (the outright purchase) then it does put a total different light on the issue. Scenic could do what it likes with the ship, regardless of the shipyard's future. In this case there is every likelyhood it will be completed in time for the April trip.

Also if this is correct then why was it not made more public with booked passengers?????????

[Expat Cruise]

4 minutes ago, goorawin said:

I'm not sure that everyone is aware but I found this information on Scenic's UK web site.

https://www.scenic.co.uk/news/2018/11/~/link.aspx?_id=AA10FED757EF4BE1BF3A6E60D2BCD4A9&_z=z

"Scenic took the initiative to purchase the vessel outright in January 2018 and in consultation with the shipyard and the unions
we have taken the action to directly employ workers to ensure that our progress does continue, and we meet our new sailing date."

If this is correct (the outright purchase) then it does put a total different light on the issue. Scenic could do what it likes with the ship, regardless of the shipyard's future. In this case there is every likelyhood it will be completed in time for the April trip.

Also if this is correct then why was it not made more public with booked passengers?????????

Really if true this only serves to complicate things more.  Scenic can purchase the ship from the yard but it does not clear any liens or claims that outside vendors, suppliers or contractors may have against the ship. It is also very questionable if the yard even had the right to do this " Outright Purchase".  If these outside people who are owed money will not sign off the ship can never leave the yard.... or at least until settled in court of between the parties involved. 

 

If it goes to court it will be months, if not years. Also the press releases talked about the yards biggest asset a ship under construction in the yard, well it is not a asset if you do not own it anymore. Again not shot in the World that the April 2019 cruise happens..... now if you want to talk about  April  2022, 2023 then maybe you have a chance. But guests have a better chance of sailing on the RMS Titanic in 2019, then this Scenic Ship. 

[drron29]

12 hours ago, Expat Cruise said:

Really if true this only serves to complicate things more.  Scenic can purchase the ship from the yard but it does not clear any liens or claims that outside vendors, suppliers or contractors may have against the ship. It is also very questionable if the yard even had the right to do this " Outright Purchase".  If these outside people who are owed money will not sign off the ship can never leave the yard.... or at least until settled in court of between the parties involved. 

 

If it goes to court it will be months, if not years. Also the press releases talked about the yards biggest asset a ship under construction in the yard, well it is not a asset if you do not own it anymore. Again not shot in the World that the April 2019 cruise happens..... now if you want to talk about  April  2022, 2023 then maybe you have a chance. But guests have a better chance of sailing on the RMS Titanic in 2019, then this Scenic Ship. 

 

Quite the pessimist aren't you.

First if Scenic have bought the ship outright it would be likely they have settled any outside claims.

Second your scenario I doubt is consistent with Croatian and EU law.Certainly it has been stated in linked articles that before bankruptcy proceedings can take place there first must be a court enquiry.That was sceduled to start January 25th but postponed when the proposals for recapitalisation were firmed up.

Scenic were also present during these recent negotiations and at one stage it was thought they would join the 2 partners already on board.

Fairly likely that Scenic have had discussions with the Italians so that if an enquiry started they could sail the Eclipse to Italy-it is only the internal fit out to go.The Italians have a lot of experience with luxury cruising having built most of the Silversea fleet.

So I am feeling confident for our August 2019 sailing.

[Carol From California]

1 hour ago, drron29 said:

 

Quite the pessimist aren't you.

First if Scenic have bought the ship outright it would be likely they have settled any outside claims.

Second your scenario I doubt is consistent with Croatian and EU law.Certainly it has been stated in linked articles that before bankruptcy proceedings can take place there first must be a court enquiry.That was sceduled to start January 25th but postponed when the proposals for recapitalisation were firmed up.

Scenic were also present during these recent negotiations and at one stage it was thought they would join the 2 partners already on board.

Fairly likely that Scenic have had discussions with the Italians so that if an enquiry started they could sail the Eclipse to Italy-it is only the internal fit out to go.The Italians have a lot of experience with luxury cruising having built most of the Silversea fleet.

So I am feeling confident for our August 2019 sailing.

I agree with you drron29.  I believe that Scenic is doing everything they can to launch the April cruise.  They said there would be an announcement in mid-February which is next week.  If for some reason they have to delay things again, you should be fine for August, 2019.  Our cruise is not until July, 2020 so I don't think I need to worry.  I feel for those who are booked in April and May this year, in case they have to push things back again.  Fingers crossed things will be okay.

[czardas]

Well it’s official Scenic just called me to say that my June Arctic trip has been cancelled and the ship won’t be sailing until August 2019. 

This is the second cruise I’ve had cancelled now. I’ve been offered 50% off my next Arctic booking for 2020.  

 

I didnt have have my hopes up for this trip, after I was bitterly disappointed missing our January Antarctic trip. Oh well I’ll save the Eclipse for next year and tick another bucket list by booking a journey on the Orient Express instead for June. 

[Carol From California]

3 minutes ago, czardas said:

Well it’s official Scenic just called me to say that my June Arctic trip has been cancelled and the ship won’t be sailing until August 2019. 

This is the second cruise I’ve had cancelled now. I’ve been offered 50% off my next Arctic booking for 2020.  

 

I didnt have have my hopes up for this trip, after I was bitterly disappointed missing our January Antarctic trip. Oh well I’ll save the Eclipse for next year and tick another bucket list by booking a journey on the Orient Express instead for June. 

So, so sorry to hear the news. I can imagine you must be so disappointed!  Are you going to book the Arctic In Depth, July 3, 2020 cruise?  We are booked on that cruise.

[czardas]

3 minutes ago, Carol From California said:

So, so sorry to hear the news. I can imagine you must be so disappointed!  Are you going to book the Arctic In Depth, July 3, 2020 cruise?  We are booked on that cruise.

 

Im really not sure of the date yet, the girl from Scenic just said they are holding our same cabin for the Arctic cruise next year. I am waiting for the email with details and prices. July 3rd is my husbands birthday, so that would be nice. 

[Expat Cruise]

On 2/10/2019 at 5:25 AM, Carol From California said:

I agree with you drron29.  I believe that Scenic is doing everything they can to launch the April cruise.  They said there would be an announcement in mid-February which is next week.  If for some reason they have to delay things again, you should be fine for August, 2019.  Our cruise is not until July, 2020 so I don't think I need to worry.  I feel for those who are booked in April and May this year, in case they have to push things back again.  Fingers crossed things will be okay.

And now it is official the April cruise is cancelled as is the everything until August 2019.  Anyone who stays with Scenic at this point  is just wasting time. If the current lawsuit that Scenic lost already is not overturned on appeal.... the whole line maybe in trouble not just this one ship. This ship ever sails the odds are just as good it will be under another brand... very far from this working out for Scenic.

[Carol From California]

2 minutes ago, czardas said:

 

Im really not sure of the date yet, the girl from Scenic just said they are holding our same cabin for the Arctic cruise next year. I am waiting for the email with details and prices. July 3rd is my husbands birthday, so that would be nice. 

There is only one in 2020 so that must be it.... "Arctic in Depth".  Looks like you will be celebrating your husband's birthday on the cruise.  😀🎂

[Old Arne]

I hate to say it, but our April cruise link has disappeared.  

[Carol From California]

5 minutes ago, Old Arne said:

I hate to say it, but our April cruise link has disappeared.  

I guess you were not contacted.....yet?  So sorry to hear you learned it from not seeing your cruise on the website.  That was the first thing I did when I read the post earlier today, was look on the website and noticed several cruises for 2019 that were there before have vanished.  It looks like the first cruise will be the cruise from Reykjavik to Quebec City in August. I guess we will all hear it in the mid-February update Scenic has promised to give.  I feel sorry for Scenic too....must be a huge disappointment for them as well as everyone who booked with them. 

[cruising kirby]

Australian's booked on  the Scenic Eclipse are getting emails now to advise the ship launch is now delayed until 15 August 2019.

[czardas]

2 hours ago, Carol From California said:

There is only one in 2020 so that must be it.... "Arctic in Depth".  Looks like you will be celebrating your husband's birthday on the cruise.  😀🎂

Unfortunately we won’t be doing that cruise with you, as the owners suite was already booked out and we were downgraded in cabins. We have now rebooked the Iceland & Greenland cruise for August 2020. 

Our Antarctic cruise is February 2020, so the bloody thing better be finished by then. 

I feel very sorry for the scenic staff, if anyone has to deal with them, please remember to be kind, it’s not their fault. 

[drron29]

The email we received-

The management of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours today announced that the scheduled launch of Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht, has been amended to 15 August 2019.
                             
However, please be advised that your sailing and scheduled itinerary is not impacted by this delay. 
 
As reported in the media the ongoing financial challenges faced by the Uljanik Shipyard, where  Scenic Eclipse is being built, have caused a range of ongoing impacts. Shipyard workers have not been paid full salaries since August 2018, which has led to strikes and manpower shortages as well as several other shipyard disruptions, resulting in months of lost production. To keep the Scenic Eclipse build moving as quickly as possible in these challenging circumstances we have expanded the team within the shipyard by employing Cruise Ship specialists from Finland, Italy, the UK and Norway. The expanded Scenic team took over the lead role in completing the ship with in excess of 115 directly-employed specialists in cooperation with the shipyard’s remaining management team and more than 500 subcontractors. 
 
In a very positive development for the build and the Uljanik Group, a consortium comprised of the Croatian DIV group and Italian Shipyard Fincantieri was confirmed on 7 February as the new owner of Uljanik. Accordingly, Scenic is confident that these new owners will bring stability and focus to current and future ship builds. 
 
We are now positive that the revised departure of 15 August is most definitely achievable. Please be assured we are working hard to complete the delivery of Scenic Eclipse - a whole new benchmark in design, innovation and luxury - to bring you this amazing cruising experience.

In addition, we are pleased to advise we have further enhanced your cruising experience. An updated itinerary is attached.
 
We acknowledge that you may have questions, however appreciate your patience as we focus on working with our guests affected by the delay as a matter of priority. For further information please refer to our media statement and FAQ on www.scenic.com.au/media-centre
 
We look forward to welcoming you on board Scenic Eclipse.
 

[OceanPatter]

More marketing spin from Scenic.

 

Well, Expat Cruise, you have been proven right. Like you, I would also stay clear of the Scenic Eclipse. We were booked on the Cuba circumnavigation for last October, and after that bitter disappointment, I would hesitate in booking another cruise with them (ever). The Eclipse will be delayed a year (if not more). Think about the cruise ships that hold 3,000 - 6,000 passengers. They launch on time. There is something terribly wrong with Scenic’s management, the shipyard (obviously), or the due diligence that Scenic did (or did not do) on the shipyard.

 

They’re really setting a precedence for how things should not be done in the industry. Luxury yacht or no, this poor boat is jinxed.

Edited February 12, 2019 by OceanPatter

[dougo in oz]

1 hour ago, OceanPatter said:

More marketing spin from Scenic.

 

Well, Expat Cruise, you have been proven right. Like you, I would also stay clear of the Scenic Eclipse. We were booked on the Cuba circumnavigation for last October, and after that bitter disappointment, I would hesitate in booking another cruise with them (ever). The Eclipse will be delayed a year (if not more). Think about the cruise ships that hold 3,000 - 6,000 passengers. They launch on time. There is something terribly wrong with Scenic’s management, the shipyard (obviously), or the due diligence that Scenic did (or did not do) on the shipyard.

 

They’re really setting a precedence for how things should not be done in the industry. Luxury yacht or no, this poor boat is jinxed.

Totally agree about the bitter disappointment.  There are other luxury all inclusive brand ships that are very reputable and treat their guests with respect.  Regent comes to mind - up market, all inclusive and small ships (up to say 700).

TBH, I just don't get the loyalty to this brand when they clearly they have left a lot of people in the lurch over the past year with this ship alone, not to mention the thousands of passengers who had dreadful holidays with them when other river cruise lines were cancelling cruises and someone in head office of ST decided to press ahead ... where did that leave those passengers ? Either completely out of money if they walked away or primarily with a bus-around-Europe holiday, with some staying in 3 star hotels  and with a class action to boot !!

For goodness sake people, IMO, ST has been treating it's passengers like cash cows and keeping the cow bell around their collective necks by offering incentives for continued loyalty (eg price reductions) and in the case of those who were supposed to cruise on Eclipse, a huge price reduction if they book again.

I don't think anyone has asked how ST chose this particular ship yard  ... based on what?  I could guess it was price alone rather than reputation for a quality product and on time build ...  but only ST can tell you that for sure.  But all you will get from ST is a glossy marketing, positivity and soothing words which in the end mean nothing because they haven't delivered the product and once again have left people without their dream holiday ... and probably too late to book something similar with a luxury brand that knows what people want,



 

[OceanPatter]

You’re right about Scenic’s glossy marketing, dougo in oz. I was suckered in by that drop-dead gorgeous video of the ship that came out two years ago. Whoever created it should have received an Oscar for animation (fictional).

 

BTW, the Ritz Carlton yacht is launching in early 2020 (for 298 passengers). Don’t know the shipyard, but it’s hard to imagine that the Ritz Carlton would let anything happen similar to the Eclipse. It comes down to pure management (or lack thereof).

Edited February 12, 2019 by OceanPatter

[OceanPatter]

Just read online that the Ritz Carlton yacht is being built by the Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain in collaboration with Tillberg Design of Sweden. Delivery is expected in February 2020.

Edited February 12, 2019 by OceanPatter