TORONTO — Demand for Scenic Ikon is so high, the first two sailings are already sold out, and 20% of the inaugural season’s capacity is booked.

Considering the ship doesn’t set sail until April 2028, that’s really something.

As Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney told travel advisors and trade media at yesterday’s Scenic Ikon preview, “we hope to welcome your guests in 2028. I would suggest they book early.”

Moroney and his team shared details – and their excitement – about Scenic Ikon at the travel trade event at The Globe and Mail Centre in downtown Toronto, following last month’s heads up.

Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney is ready for Scenic Ikon’s 2028 launch

“We thought, what would it look like if we built the ultimate yacht for the Med and warm weather destinations, but also with the capability to get into polar regions? That’s Scenic Ikon,” said Moroney.

At 26,500 gross tons, 205 metres long and spanning a 24-metre beam, Scenic Ikon will host up to 270 passengers in 135 all-verandah suites ranging from 34 to 250 square metres, over five decks. The ship will also be home to 15 dining venues, a two-level spa, eight bars and nine pools.

The Scenic Discovery Yacht will be purpose-built for both polar regions and warm water destinations. Engineered and rated Polar Code 6 with an Ice Class 1A Super strengthened hull, Scenic Ikon will come equipped with two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters, a custom-designed Triton AVA submersible, Zodiacs, and luxurious superyacht Fassmer tenders.

Scenic knows a lot about ships – “because we build, own and operate our own vessels,” noted Moroney.

That capability was born of necessity. Who can forget the multiple delays for the launch of Scenic Eclipse back in 2018 and 2019? Those delays stemmed from Uljanik Shipyard, which ultimately ceased operations. As Moroney put it yesterday: “Scenic Eclipse’s shipbuilder went out of business, and that’s how we got into the business of building our own ships.”

He shared this advice he got from another luxury shipbuilder: “He told me, anyone can build a luxury ship with enough time and money. The question is, can you do it at a price point that your guests will pay? By building the ships ourselves, it brings the capital cost down and we pass those savings on to our guests.”

“WE HAVE A VERY CLOSE BOND WITH CANADA”

Scenic’s history dates back just about 40 years, to 1996. In early 2000s, the company started operating coach tours in Canada and set up an office here, in Vancouver. “We have an understanding of this market, we have a very close bond with Canada,” said Moroney.

He added: “In 2012 we decided we’d like to get into ocean cruising. We thought ultra-luxe cruising to polar regions would be a nice niche, and also the Med and warm weather ports.”

These days Scenic Group operates a fleet of river and ocean ships under its Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises brands. The group’s ultra-luxury ocean Discovery Yachts include Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II. Scenic Ikon inaugural season will run April 2028 through March 2029. The fleet also includes numerous river cruise ships.

Scenic Ikon will sail the Med, Aegean, Europe and Antarctica. “It’s just as comfortable for the Med, but with all the ice-class capability to allow for polar expeditions,” said Captain James Griffiths, GM, Ocean Operations.

Other Scenic Group team members at yesterday’s event included Lisa McCaskill, Director, Canada; Tom Goetter, VP, Oceans Hotel Operations; and Jason Flesher, Director, Discovery Operations.

Scenic is proud of its onboard inclusions, and with Scenic Ikon’s helicopter program, clients taking advantage of Super Earlybird offers will enjoy a complimentary flight.

“Can a cruise like this still be a great value?” said Moroney. “With a price point of about Cdn$1,200 per day, on other [comparable] cruise lines, you’ll spend the same by the time you come home. We coined the term ‘truly all-inclusive luxury.’ Our closest competitor is priced at 20-30% more with much larger ships.”

Moroney added that Scenic Group “has very loyal past guests” and noted that “the product, its inclusions and its price point have hit a nerve in the market.”