VANCOUVER — Scenic Group is marking its 40th anniversary with a significant global expansion, announcing plans to launch nine new ships between 2026 and 2028 across its river, ocean and expedition cruise portfolios.
The growth strategy represents one of the most ambitious periods in the company’s history, spanning river cruising, ocean cruising and expedition-style yacht experiences.
The expansion is already in motion, with the debut of Emerald Kaia in April 2026 and the upcoming launch of Emerald Astra on Europe’s rivers in May. Additional vessels will follow through 2027 and 2028, including Emerald Lumi, Emerald Nova, Emerald Raiya and Scenic Aria on the Douro River in 2027, and Scenic Spirit II on the Mekong River, Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht and Emerald Xara in 2028.
Emerald Astra in Budapest
YACHT COLLECTION
A key focus of the expansion is the continued growth of the company’s luxury yacht segment. In 2028, Emerald Xara will debut with 14 new itineraries across Asia and Australia, becoming the first Emerald Cruises yacht to operate in the region.
Destinations will include Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, before sailing to Darwin and the Kimberley coastline.
At the same time, Scenic Eclipse II will return to Australia, Oceania and East Antarctica following strong demand, offering itineraries from Tahiti through the South Pacific to Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica’s Ross Sea.
SCENIC IKON
The upcoming Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht is already seeing strong interest ahead of its inaugural sailing in 2028, with several early departures sold out across the Mediterranean, Aegean, Adriatic and Antarctica.
The vessel will accommodate up to 270 guests and feature 135 all-verandah suites, including a 250-square-metre penthouse, along with a 1,700-square-metre spa, 15 dining venues and eight bars and lounges.
According to Glen Moroney, Scenic Ikon was conceived, engineered and built with the company’s in-house shipbuilding division at MKM Yachts and will be operated entirely by a dedicated Scenic crew.
“This remarkable vessel is the result of more than three years of passion, innovation and development by our team, and we are delighted to share the Scenic Discovery Yacht with our valued guests, travel advisors and partners. Every element of Scenic Ikon’s design has been optimized to deliver unrivalled experiences across diverse destinations and environments, from its primary base in the Mediterranean, to the pristine regions of Antarctica,” said Glen Moroney, Founder & Chairman of Scenic Group,” he said.
The ship’s inaugural season will visit 110 ports across 21 countries, introducing 26 new destinations across Europe, the Atlantic, Africa and Antarctica and featuring longer stays and combination itineraries.
BOOKING INCENTIVE
Across Scenic Ikon and Scenic Eclipse voyages for the 2028/29 season, the all-inclusive experience will be further enhanced with added benefits. Guests booking Super Earlybird offers will receive a 30-minute helicopter flight in Antarctica, while Penthouse Suite guests will enjoy an exclusive helicopter landing experience and a private excursion on select voyages.
Voyages for Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Xara 2028/2029 are now open for pre-registration, while Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season is now available to book.
For more information, go to www.scenic.ca or call 866-689-8611, or www.emeraldcruises.ca or call 855-444-0161.
Lead image caption: Scenic Ikon
