Scenic Group Expands River Fleet
Scenic Group has announced the launch of three new river ships that will enhance the river fleet of Emerald Cruises with a new Emerald Star-Ship and that of Scenic Cruises with two luxury Scenic Space-Ships, extending the group’s presence in Europe and Asia between 2027 and 2028.
The announcement comes at a particularly significant moment for Scenic Group, which is celebrating 40 years of innovation: a milestone that confirms the company’s leadership and vision in the global river cruise and luxury yacht market.
Emerald Nova Douro CGI
Glen Moroney, Chairman & Founder of Scenic Group, explained that the commitment to building three new river ships for the Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises brands reflects the company’s confidence in strong demand for its distinctive approach to luxury cruising. Moroney also emphasized that, with Scenic Ikon currently under construction and scheduled for 2028, and with five yachts and river ships from Emerald Cruises already confirmed, this announcement marks a new phase in the group’s strategic fleet growth. By entrusting the design and construction of the new river ships to the MKM Yachts team, he added, the company will be able to apply the same high standards, innovation, and design principles that have supported Scenic Group’s success over the past forty years.
The new Emerald Star-Ship, Emerald Nova, will join Emerald Radiance in Portugal in June 2027, introducing a longer itinerary that will allow guests to explore the region more thoroughly. The ship will operate two different itineraries, offering guests greater choice and flexibility in discovering Portugal. Among these is the 11-day “Douro Highlights: Porto, Salamanca & the Wine Valley” cruise, which passes through vibrant cities and vineyard landscapes, with dynamic activities such as guided excursions and kayaking.
Scenic Aria, which will debut in September 2027 on the Douro River, will also offer cruises in Portugal with two distinct itineraries: the 11-day “Unforgettable Douro” and the 8-day “Delightful Douro.” These new offerings will give guests even more opportunities to discover the charm of the Douro and experience some of the most comprehensive all-inclusive cruises in Europe. Finally, in response to growing demand in Asia, Scenic will also expand its fleet on the Mekong River, which flows through Vietnam and Cambodia. Scenic Spirit II will offer guests new opportunities to discover the cultural richness, tranquil landscapes, and authentic life of Southeast Asia.
Scenic Aria Douro CGI
Scenic_Spirit and Spirit II Mar 2026
The new vessels will join other ships already confirmed by the group, including Emerald Astra, arriving in May 2026 on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, and Emerald Lumi, which will debut on the Seine in France in 2027. Together with the launch of the new luxury yachts Emerald Kaia (April 2026), Emerald Raiya (2027), and Emerald Xara (2028), as well as Scenic Ikon scheduled for 2028, this new-build program represents Scenic Group’s most significant fleet expansion in the past ten years.
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