Cruise company Scenic will sail a new 100-guest superyacht into small ports across the Mediterranean by mid-2021.

The Scenic Group has begun construction on Emerald Azzura, a 110-metre ship that marks the first chapter in the cruise company’s new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand.

Speaking at the cruise company’s eighth annual ‘Night of Stars’ at the weekend, Scenic founder and chairman Glen Moroney said the ship will visit all major ports across the Mediterranean, but will also drop anchor at smaller ports across the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, the Adriatic Coast and the Red Sea.

“Yes, we start in Barcelona, finish in Rome, but it’s all the little ports in between that’ll make this really special,” he said.

At this stage, Emerald Azzura is set to launch by July 2021, giving guests access to smaller ports and harbours across Europe typically unreachable by larger vessels.

While onshore, guests will enjoy included ‘EmeraldPLUS’ cultural experiences, a range of included ‘EmeraldACTIVE’ excursions, and have the opportunity to book ‘DiscoverMORE’ optional excursions to tailor their cruise.

Scenic to build next ship, group CEO says

Scenic also revealed it has registered a company in Croatia to set up a new shipyard for the build of its next big vessel, hinted by Moroney at being a possible second Scenic Eclipse.

The move to take over build responsibility follows multiple delays and setbacks encountered by Scenic during the final stages of the construction of its successful Scenic Eclipse, which the company maintains is the most advanced polar vessel in the world.

After ongoing financial challenges, strikes and manpower shortages at Uljanik Shipyard, Scenic eventually took over manufacturing in the last few months before Scenic Eclipse’s launch.

“Unless you want to build at Meyer Werft or Fincantieri … we knew we were going to go through the same process again,” Moroney said. “We’ve decided to take it 100 per cent under our own control.”

Moroney also revealed Scenic Eclipse has received a significant upgrade onboard for its Mediterranean and warm-water operations.

“There was one area I don’t think that we optimised, and that was fresh air, sunlight, pools outside,” he said.

“And we have massive space on deck 10 that we could have done a little bit better with.”

Guests on the celebrated vessel will now be accommodated with further spas, and food and beverage offerings in this space, alongside individual kabanas.

“During the Mediterranean season, I’m sure this space is going to be really popular,” Moroney said.