Following successful sea trials, DNV certification and delivery to Valpariso, Chile by Boeing 747 aircraft, Triton Submarines confirms their ground-breaking new Triton660/9 AVA is now fully integrated on board Scenic Eclipse II, operated by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
Employing revolutionary Advanced Versatile Acrylics methodology to create the world’s first submersible with a free-form acrylic pressure hull, the Triton 660/9 AVA is specifically designed for the cruise and hospitality sectors. The submersible is rated to 660’ (200m) depth capacity and features comfortable leather seating for nine occupants–eight guests plus a pilot. Proposed as a direct replacement for outmoded twin-hulled tourist submersibles, the AVA’s patent-pending expanded-ellipse acrylic pressure hull delivers up to three times greater interior viewing volume, breathtaking panoramic views, and improved comfort for all guests.
The greater guest capacity offered by the Triton 660/9 AVA also ensures greater guest satisfaction, due to the volume of passenger turnover, in addition to the highly attractive additional 33% revenue generated by the operator on every dive. In addition to numerous features that deliver advantages in terms of safety, reliability, and both operator and guest experience, the Triton 660/9 AVA’s Versatile Interior system truly changes how future guests engage with the ocean environment. Able to be quickly reconfigured between dives, this remarkable submersible can offer a variety of premium dive activities, including dining or cocktail dives, spa treatments, or even subsea gaming experiences.
First in the industry to embrace this transformative shift in subsea excursions are the pioneers of ultra-luxury Discovery Yachting, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, with the first Triton 660/9 AVA having been integrated aboard Scenic Eclipse II. A testament to the demand, as well as the product and service provided by Triton Submarines, the companies have announced the signing of an LOI for two further units of this model and Triton’s commitment to provide ongoing training and technical support for Scenic ‘existing submersible assets from other brands.
Patrick Lahey, President and Co-Founder, Triton Submarines, said: “At Triton Submarines, we ‘refocused on developing safe, certified and fully accredited submersibles for a wide range of operational scenarios, which wouldn’t be possible without the support and collaboration of visionary clients like Scenic. We thank Scenic for their belief in Triton and our capacity to deliver the highly innovative Triton660/9 AVA, which represents a new paradigm in the way people experience and interact with the ocean.
Lahey added: “In addition to delivering innovative, reliable, and safe products, Scenic is aware they can count on Triton’s unwavering commitment to the aftersales service and technical support aspect of the relationship, which has established us as a sector-leader for the last 17-years. We thank Scenic for their confidence in committing to additional Triton 660/9 AVA models for their growing fleet of unique vessels, and engaging us to provide ongoing technical support for their existing submersible asset from another manufacturer. We look forward to working together and contributing to the extraordinary experiences Scenic guests are fortunate to enjoy while ensuring profitability for the Owners.
“Jason Flesher, Scenic Director of Discovery Operations, remarked: “Our collaboration with Triton Submarines on the custom design of our new submersible reflects our commitment to continuous innovation and leading the way in ultra-luxury yacht cruising.
Featuring360-degree panoramic views, Scenic Neptune II has been designed to provide an immersive underwater experience that will give guests the feeling of seamlessly merging with the wonders of the ocean. “The clarity of the acrylic hull once submerged is such that you feel at one with the water. Encountering the vibrant marine life of the South Pacific and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef within Scenic Neptune II will create memories to last a lifetime,” added Flesher.
Founded in 2007, Triton Submarines have an unrivalled track record in producing the world most accomplished submersibles, all fully certified by a third-party classification society, built to commercial grade, and designed for ease of maintenance. Utilizing Triton submersibles, their clients’ countless record-breaking achievements in the fields of marine research, deep ocean exploration and documentary filmmaking are etched into the history books, scientific journals, and immortalized in landmark global broadcasts. With a new generation of innovative models now coming online however, Triton is determined to forever change how discerning cruise guests will experience and engage with the ocean.
Those wishing to experience the Triton 660/9 AVA for themselves should note that Scenic Eclipse II’sinaugural season in the Oceania region commenced on 13thMarch 2024 with its journey from Valparaiso across the Pacific. The ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht will arrive in Australia, where Scenic was founded, for the first time on 20thApril 2024, with onward journeys along the East Coast, Top End and Kimberley regions of Australia, Indonesian Archipelago, South Pacific, New Zealand, and East Antarctica over the next two years.
