Scenic Group is marking its 40th anniversary with one of the most ambitious growth plans in its history, adding nine ships between 2026 and 2028. The expansion includes new river and ocean vessels across the company’s Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands.
Scenic Group, Full Bore Ahead
The program is already underway with the spring 2026 debut of Emerald Kaia, followed by Emerald Astra, entering service on Europe’s rivers in May. The schedule continues into 2027 and 2028, with Emerald Lumi, Emerald Nova, Emerald Raiya, Scenic Aria on the Douro River, Scenic Spirit II on the Mekong, Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht and Emerald Xara all joining the fleet.
One of the highlights is the growth of the Scenic Group yacht portfolio. Scenic Eclipse II will return to Australia, the Kimberley and the South Pacific in 2028 after a successful two-year deployment. At the same time, Emerald Xara will introduce yacht cruising in Asia and Australia for the Emerald brand, operating 14 itineraries through Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands. From there, it will sail south to Darwin and the Kimberley coastline, offering new ways to explore the region on either Scenic Eclipse II or Emerald Xara.
Scenic Eclipse II’s 2028 program will stretch from Tahiti across the South Pacific, continuing around Australia’s Top End to Hobart, then to New Zealand, the Ross Sea in East Antarctica and Indonesia’s Spice Islands before returning to Northeast Asia.
Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht, now two years from its inaugural sailing, has already seen strong early demand. The 728-foot vessel will carry up to 270 guests in 135 all-verandah suites, including the approximately 2,690 sq ft. Ikon Penthouse has its own wellness studio and spa area. The ship will feature a 1,700-sq.-m two-level Senses Rejuvenation Spa, 15 dining options and eight bars and lounges. Culinary programming and wellness spaces are designed to enhance the all-inclusive experience onboard.
For the 2028-2029 season, Super Earlybird bookings include a 20-minute helicopter flight or 30 minutes in Antarctica. Guests in Penthouse Suites receive a private helicopter landing and a personalized excursion on select itineraries. Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season covers 110 ports across 21 countries, introducing 26 new destinations from Europe and the Atlantic to Africa and Antarctica.
Voyages aboard Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Xara for 2028-2029 are open for pre-registration, while Scenic Ikon’s first season is available to book.
For more information, visit scenic.cruises.
