Scenic Group: an ambitious global expansion
Scenic Group is celebrating its 40th anniversary by looking to the future with an ambitious global expansion plan. A benchmark in the ultra-luxury travel segment across rivers, oceans, and expedition cruising, the company has announced the arrival of nine new ships between 2026 and 2028, marking one of the most significant growth phases in its history.
The expansion has already begun in 2026 with the debut of Emerald Kaia, followed by the launch of Emerald Astra on Europe’s rivers, scheduled for May. The program will continue over the next two years with new river and ocean vessels. Specifically, 2027 will see the addition of Emerald Lumi, Emerald Nova, Emerald Raiya, and Scenic Aria on the Douro River, while 2028 will bring Scenic Spirit II on the Mekong, as well as Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht and Emerald Xara. This plan reflects a clearly defined strategy aimed at strengthening both sides of the group’s portfolio while delivering increasingly innovative and design-focused experiences.
Emerald Kaia Exterior Apr 2026-002
Emerald_Astra_Exterior_
One of the central pillars of this growth is the luxury yacht segment. In 2028, the debut of Emerald Xara and the return of Scenic Eclipse II to Australia, the Kimberley, and the South Pacific will represent a key milestone in the Group’s global strategy. After two successful years in the region, Scenic Eclipse II will return to meet growing demand. Its 2028 program will be particularly extensive: departing from Tahiti, it will cross the South Pacific to Australia, then continue to Hobart, New Zealand, and East Antarctica (the Ross Sea), before sailing through Indonesia’s Spice Islands to Northeast Asia. At the same time, Emerald Xara will introduce a new offering in the yacht segment, becoming the first Emerald Cruises vessel to explore Asia and Australia. The new ship will feature 14 brand-new itineraries across Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands, before continuing to Darwin and the remote Kimberley coast. For the first time, travelers will be able to explore these regions with both of the Group’s brands.
Tom Batchelor, Interim Vice President Deployment, Product & Port Operations – Ocean, stated that Scenic Group is delighted to bring Scenic Eclipse II back to the Kimberley, Oceania, and East Antarctica from March 2028, following two highly successful seasons that highlighted the region’s strong appeal for world-class expedition and discovery travel. He added that the launch of Emerald Xara for its inaugural season will allow guests to explore this extraordinary part of the world across both of the Group’s brands, demonstrating the company’s ability to deliver unique experiences and its commitment to strengthening Scenic Group’s presence across all continents.
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Scenic Eclipse II
There is also great anticipation surrounding Scenic Ikon, the new and highly awaited Discovery Yacht, which two years ahead of its debut, is already experiencing strong demand, with several departures sold out across the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Adriatic, and Antarctica. Designed as an evolution of the Discovery Yacht range, Scenic Ikon will accommodate up to 270 guests in 135 veranda suites, including a 250-square-meter Penthouse featuring a private wellness area. On board, guests will enjoy a 1,700-square-meter, two-level spa, 15 all-inclusive dining experiences, and eight bars and lounges.
Scenic Ikon has been conceived, designed, and built by Scenic’s in-house MKM Yachts division and will be fully operated by the company’s dedicated crew. This extraordinary vessel represents the result of more than three years of passion, innovation, and development by the Scenic team. Every element of Scenic Ikon’s design has been optimized to deliver unparalleled experiences across a wide range of destinations and environments, from the Mediterranean to the pristine regions of Antarctica, said Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group.
Significant focus will also be placed on the culinary offering. The Group’s philosophy aims to go beyond the traditional concept of onboard dining, creating unique environments that are difficult to replicate and capable of redefining the standards of cruise cuisine. For the 2028/2029 season, the all-inclusive experience will be further enhanced, with benefits including helicopter flights for early bookings and exclusive experiences reserved for Penthouse Suite guests.
Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season will call at 110 ports across 21 countries, introducing 26 new destinations spanning Europe, the Atlantic, Africa, and Antarctica. The itineraries will be designed to ensure deeper immersion, with longer stays, late departures, and flexible journey combinations.
Scenic Ikon – Marina_rendering
Emerald Lumi
At the same time, the expansion of the river fleet continues, with new ships including Emerald Astra (2026), Emerald Lumi and Emerald Nova (2027), Scenic Aria on the Douro, and Scenic Spirit II on the Mekong in 2028.
Bookings for Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season are already open, while voyages aboard Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Xara for 2028/2029 are currently available for pre-registration.
With this plan for nine new ships, Scenic Group further strengthens its position as a global leader in the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise segment. The company demonstrates a clear strategic vision, focusing on innovation, diversification of its offering, and new destinations to meet a growing demand for increasingly exclusive and immersive experiences.
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