A first for Scenic Tours

Scenic Tours reports that its river vessel, the Scenic Tsar, which launched on June 16, is the first new ship to be granted Russian registration in 25 years. The Russian Maritime Authority classifies “new build” as one that is at least 80% new and any ship wishing to meet that level of qualification must go through a stringent “new build” Russian registration process. The Scenic Tsar underwent a total reconstruction, the most extensive re-build ever undertaken in Russia, and met all criteria. With only its original steel hull, floors and ceiling remaining, Scenic Tsar now boasts a new deck of cabins, two new bars, a new lounge, a new restaurant, a new wellness area, a new galley with all new equipment, all new cabins (walls, showers, toilets, and all fittings), new air conditioning, new main engines and drive units, new generators, all wiring and electrical fittings, new plates on the steel hull, and all new furniture, curtains and soft furnishings. Scenic Tours managing director, Glen Moroney said that in order to operate a ship that met “both our world-class standards and the complex Russian regulations, we chose to embark on a total gut and re-build of an existing ship. Scenic Tsar is a new style of ship and will take the experience of river cruising in Russia to a whole new level.” Moroney added that: “Scenic Tours’ objective is to deliver the same high level of quality and service over all of our products with professionally trained and experienced staff providing a standard of excellence.” Sail on over to http://www.scenictours.com for complete information.