The six-star “ultra-luxury” ship had been due to launch in August last year but has been beset by construction delays.

In November, Scenic said financial issues at the Uljanik shipyard and a strike by workers had further delayed the build.

The launch was initially put back to “late January 2019" before being revised back again to April 13, 2019.

In an update issued on Thursday (January 24) alongside a video, Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney said the build was “progressing well” with interior and exterior work “on schedule”.

However, Moroney gave no further indication of when the ship would launch, stressing the line would update passengers again “by mid-February”.

“As you will see, the build is progressing well with interior and exterior completion on schedule,” said Moroney.

“However, the situation with Uljaniks Shipyard’s financial challenges remains, which has an ongoing impact on their part of the ship’s systems commissioning works.

“Despite the Shipyard’s financial challenges, the quality of workmanship is exceptional and there are many pleasant surprises in store. The onboard team recruited early last year has been working constantly, despite the delays, to ensure the onboard experience will match the standard of the ship.”

Moroney confirmed the ship’s two helicopters and submarine had been delivered, the latter taking its first test dive in December.

He added despite the “extreme challenges” the build posed, everyone at Scenic was excited to finally welcome Eclipse’s first guests.

“It will be everything we’ve promised and much more,” he said. “We greatly appreciate your valued support during this period, and I will provide a further update by mid-February.”