Scenic Group Announces the Next Phase of Fleet Growth with Three New
Luxury River Ships
Vancouver, BC, March 9, 2026 - Scenic Group has announced another significant fleet expansion, with three new luxury river ships to join its award-winning por<olio. This includes one new Emerald StarShip and two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ships, extending their presence across Europe and Asia in 2027 and 2028.
The announcement comes as Scenic Group celebrates 40 years of Innova:on, a milestone that underscores the company’s ongoing leadership and vision, within the global luxury river and yacht cruising industry.
Glen Moroney, Chairman & Founder, Scenic Group, said, “Our commitment to an addi:onal three new river ships for the Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands reflects our confidence in the strong demand for our unique approach to luxury cruising. With Scenic Ikon in build for delivery in 2028 and five Emerald Cruises yachts and river ships already confirmed, this announcement marks the next phase of our strategic fleet growth. By bringing the design and construc:on of these new river ships under the exper:se of our team at MKM Yachts, we can apply the same exac:ng standards, innova:on and design principles that have underpinned Scenic Group’s success for the past 40 years.”
Emerald Nova: Launching June 2027 on the Douro River
Purpose-built for the Douro River, Emerald Nova will join Emerald Radiance in Portugal, introducing a longer i:nerary that delves deeper into the region. Emerald Nova will operate two i:neraries giving guests more choice and flexibility to experience Portugal.
The 11-day Douro Highlights: Porto, Salamanca & the Wine Valley cruise will explore vibrant ci:es and vineyard landscapes, complemented by ac:ve op:ons such as guided hikes and kayaking.
Scenic Aria: Launching September 2027 on the Douro River
The ultra-luxury Scenic Aria will join Scenic Azure in Portugal, opera:ng both signature i:neraries, the 11Day UnforgeSable Douro and 8-Day Deligh<ul Douro. Guests will enjoy more opportuni:es to experience the cap:va:ng Douro River and the most all-inclusive cruises in Europe.
Scenic Spirit II: Launching early 2028 on the Mekong River
Following a period of significant demand growth, Scenic will be expanding its fleet on the Mekong River, flowing through Vietnam and Cambodia. Scenic Spirit II will offer even more opportuni:es for guests to discover the cultural riches, serene landscapes, and authen:c life of Southeast Asia.
This announcement builds on Scenic Group’s previously confirmed new ships, including Emerald Astra, launching in May 2026 on the Rhine, Main and Danube, and Emerald Lumi, debu:ng on France’s Seine River in 2027.
Combined with the launch of new luxury yachts Emerald Kaia from April 2026, Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, as well as Scenic Ikon in 2028, this commitment to build more new ships, represents Scenic Group’s most significant fleet growth phase in nearly a decade.
About Scenic Group
Founded in Australia, Scenic Group has established a strong presence in Canada, with its head office located in Vancouver, Bri=sh Columbia. The company employs over 80 people across the country, including an all-Canadian Contact Centre dedicated to suppor=ng both travel advisors and guests. By leveraging global exper=se alongside a local presence, Scenic Group is able to deliver high-quality service and support tailored to the needs of Canadian travellers.
Scenic Group is a global leader in luxury and ultra-luxury travel, uni=ng two award-winning brands, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours, to deliver immersive journeys by river, ocean, and land across more than 100 countries and all seven con=nents.
For more informa=on about Scenic Group’s award-winning river cruises, or to book travel, please visit scenic.ca or call 866-689-8611; and emeraldcruises.ca or call 855-444-0161. Discerning guests may also contact their Professional Travel Advisor to book their river journey.
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Contact: Andrea Mancini ScenicGroupCA@casacom.ca