VANCOUVER — Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours are giving travel advisors a head start on one of Europe’s most in-demand cultural events, opening pre-registration for sailings featuring the 2030 Oberammergau Passion Play.

The once-a-decade Passion Play returns to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau May 18 to Oct. 6, 2030, with Scenic Group planning to pair the performance with European river cruises and land journeys.

The 2030 staging will be the 43rd production of the Passion Play, a tradition dating back to 1634 that sees local residents perform the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Presented in the village’s open-air Passion Theatre, the production is expected to feature some 100 performances during its limited season.

“Oberammergau is one of Europe’s most remarkable cultural occasions, and its once-in-a-decade staging makes it an event many guests plan years in advance,” said Elisabeth Sadler, VP, River Cruising Product, Scenic Group.

“By opening pre-registration now, guests and travel advisors have the opportunity to register their interest early. Through Scenic and Emerald Cruises, guests will have a choice of travel styles to experience this extraordinary cultural event as part of an unforgettable European journey,” she added.

Scenic Group’s collection offers opportunities to combine the Passion Play with river cruising along the Rhine, Main and Danube, as well as land journeys taking in Bavaria and other European destinations. The full program is still to come, with itinerary details, departure dates, accommodations, inclusions and availability to be announced at a later date.

For now Scenic Group is encouraging early pre-registration, with capacity expected to be limited for the 2030 season.

40TH ANNIVERSARY PRIZES

Scenic’s Oberammergau update comes amid Scenic Group Canada’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Advisors who make a new Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours or Emerald Cruises & Tours booking Oct. 1 – Nov. 30, 2026, will be entered for a chance to win exclusive weekly prizes.

The prizes include: a $200 prepaid Mastercard gift card; 100,000 Scenic Group Rewards points; 250,000 Scenic Group Rewards points; one cabin on a Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours FAM; and one cabin on a Emerald Cruises & Tours FAM. 

Details are in the trade flyer here.