Some ships carry not only passengers, but also emotions. The Zenith is one of them, an elegant cruiser that sailed the world's oceans for decades and gave generations of guests unforgettable moments. For all those who love maritime history, there is now a new highlight: the Zenith as a detailed collector's model on a scale of 1:1250.

The story behind the model ship

The decision to create a model of the Zenith arose from a genuine passion for the sea. We followed the ship for many years, from its active days at sea to its final chapter in Alang, India, where it was eventually scrapped. From there, a special memento came into our possession: an original piece of the wooden railing. It is a perfect match for our high-quality wooden ballpoint pens, even though no such pen has been made from it yet. That is set to change soon, because the railing wood has character and history.

A fortunate coincidence was a conversation with a model builder friend who still owned the original model of the Horizon, the sister ship of the Zenith, from Sextant SX 117. However, upon closer inspection of the general plan, it became apparent that the original model no longer corresponded to the actual condition of the ship in many respects. This meant that extensive adjustments had to be made, from correcting the length and width to numerous details of the modifications in the new design.

Special attention was paid to the characteristic chimney and mast, which were completely redesigned for the model. A real highlight is the openwork chimney, which you can see through. A delicate detail that is impressive at this scale. The final appearance of the model was perfected by the precise and fine application of the decals, giving the miniature its realistic and high-quality look.

A fortunate combination of special coincidences, careful research, and genuine enthusiasm has resulted in a collector's item with soul. Perfect for anyone who appreciates Zenith as much as we do.

Technical data of the Zenith

Before we delve into the eventful history of the original, here are the most important key data of the Zenith:

• IMO number: 8918136
• Length: 207.7 meters
• Width: 29.0 meters
• Year of construction: 1992
• Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg (Germany)
  
• Propulsion: Two controllable-pitch propellers via diesel engines
• Speed: approx. 19 knots
• Passenger capacity: approx. 1,828 guests

The Zenith was designed specifically for the American cruise market and impresses with its elegant design, spacious interior areas, and maritime lines that continue to fascinate to this day.

The History of the Zenith - From Celebrity to Peace Boat

In 1992, the Zenith was launched at the renowned Meyer shipyard in Papenburg. It was originally built for Celebrity Cruises, which was then still a subsidiary of the Greek shipping company Chandris and later became part of the Royal Caribbean Group. The Zenith was the second ship in the Horizon class, following its sister ship Horizon from 1990.

1992 - 2007: Celebrity Cruises

In its early years, the Zenith sailed in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Luxurious, stylish, and very popular with North American passengers. The design was elegant and understated, the lines classic yet modern.

2007 - 2014: Pullmantur Cruises

In 2007, the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruises took over the ship. The Zenith was refurbished, given a new color scheme, and modernized interiors, and now primarily served the Spanish cruise market. Routes around the western Mediterranean and the Canary Islands were particularly popular.

2014 - 2017: Croisières de France

During this phase, the Zenith sailed for a short time under the Croisières de France label, another Pullmantur subsidiary, and catered specifically to French guests. With a new brand identity but the same familiar comfort, the welcoming atmosphere remained unchanged.

2017 - 2019: Pullmantur Cruises

After the bankruptcy of the previous shipping company, the ship returned to Pullmantur Cruises, where it remained in service for another two years.

2019 - 2020: Peace Boat

In 2019, the ship was chartered to the Japanese NGO Peace Boat, which promotes international understanding and environmental protection. Due to the pandemic, however, the ship was rarely used. It was finally decommissioned and scrapped in early 2022.

Conclusion:

The Zenith was more than just a cruise ship. It was an ambassador for maritime design in the 1990s. This model pays homage to that era and is a real gem for any collection. If you have a soft spot for classic cruise ships, then this model is just the thing for your display case. The model is available exclusively from the Modellperlen online shop and is only available in limited quantities.

We hope you enjoy the model, your Modellperlen team.