Scenic Group Celebrates 40 Years of Innova8on with Accelerated Global Expansion Through 2028
Vancouver, BC, April 15, 2026 – As Scenic Group celebrates 40 years of innova9on, the company is entering a major expansion phase, with nine new ships launching between 2026 and 2028. This milestone underscores the company’s con9nued leadership in ultra-luxury and luxury travel, spanning rivers, oceans and expedi9on voyages worldwide.
The expansion is already underway with the successful debut of Emerald Kaia in April 2026, followed by the highly an9cipated launch of Emerald Astra on Europe’s rivers in May 2026. Building on this momentum, the company will introduce addi9onal river and ocean vessels through 2027 and 2028, culmina9ng in the debut of Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht and Emerald Xara, alongside expanded global deployment of Scenic Eclipse II.
Scenic Group’s three-year growth roadmap reflects a deliberate and strategic expansion across both brands:
• 2026: Emerald Kaia (launched), Emerald Astra (May)
• 2027: Emerald Lumi, Emerald Nova, Emerald Raiya, Scenic Aria (Douro River)
• 2028: Scenic Spirit II (Mekong), Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht, Emerald Xara
This pipeline reinforces Scenic Group’s commitment to delivering innova9ve, design-led ships and excep9onal guest experiences across every journey.
9 NEW SHIPS OVER THE NEXT 3 YEARS Product
Ocean
River
Yacht CollecPon Expansion
Emerald Kaia
Emerald astra
Emerald Raiya
Emerald Lumi
Emerald Nova
Scenic Aria
Emerald Xara
Scenic Ikon
Scenic Spirit II
A key highlight of this expansion is the con9nued growth of Scenic Group’s luxury yacht collec9on. In 2028, the debut of Emerald Xara and the return of Scenic Eclipse II to Australia, the Kimberley and the South Pacific will mark a significant milestone in the Group’s global deployment strategy. Following a successful two-year deployment in the region, Scenic Eclipse II will return in response to strong demand from guests and travel partners. At the same 9me, Emerald Xara will introduce a new dimension of luxury yacht cruising across Asia and Australia, becoming the first Emerald Cruises yacht to explore these regions.
Emerald Xara will operate 14 new i9neraries, spanning des9na9ons including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands, before sailing south to Darwin and the remote Kimberley coastline. For the first 9me, guests will be able to explore this extraordinary part of the world across both brands, sailing on either Scenic Eclipse II or Emerald Xara.
“We are delighted to be bringing Scenic Eclipse II back to the Kimberley, Oceania and East Antarc=ca from March 2028, following two highly successful seasons that highlight the region’s strong appeal for worldclass expedi=on and discovery journeys. Launching Emerald Xara for her inaugural season means guests can explore this extraordinary part of the world across both of our brands, reflec=ng our confidence to deliver unique experiences in the region and our commitment to growing Scenic Group’s presence across all con=nents globally,” said Tom Batchelor, Ac9ng Vice President, Deployment, Product & Port Opera9ons – Ocean.
Scenic Eclipse II’s extended 2028 program will sail from Tahi9 through the South Pacific to Australia’s Kimberley coastline, con9nuing across the Top End to Hobart, then onward to New Zealand and East Antarc9ca’s Ross Sea, before naviga9ng Indonesia’s Spice Islands and returning to Northeast Asia.
Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht
Marking two years un9l its inaugural sailing, Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht is already genera9ng strong demand, with several early departures sold out across the Mediterranean, Aegean, Adria9c and Antarc9ca. Designed as the next evolu9on of the Scenic Discovery Yacht experience, Scenic Ikon will accommodate up to 270 guests in 135 all-verandah suites, including the 250sqm Ikon Penthouse featuring a private wellness studio and spa ameni9es. The ship will also introduce a 1,700 sqm, two-level Senses Rejuvena9on Spa, alongside 15 all-inclusive dining experiences and eight bars and lounges.
“Scenic Ikon has been conceived, engineered and built with our in-house shipbuilding division at MKM Yachts and will be operated en=rely by our own dedicated Scenic crew. This remarkable vessel is the result of more than three years of passion, innova=on 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 op=mized to deliver unrivalled experiences across diverse des=na=ons and environments, from its primary base in the Mediterranean, to the pris=ne regions of Antarc=ca,” said Glen Moroney, Founder & Chairman of Scenic Group.
Culinary innova9on will also play a defining role onboard. “From the very beginning with Scenic Eclipse, we’ve asked ourselves what truly hasn’t been seen at sea and how we could use the advantage of sailing the world’s seven con9nents to create something en9rely new. The philosophy with Scenic Ikon is more than crea9ng specialty dining venues with another cuisine concept, we are designing them to be genuinely unique, a place where you feel there is no comparison. With Scenic Discovery Yachts, we are reimagining ocean cruising cuisine to a new level,” said Chef Tom Goejer, Vice President Oceans Hotel Opera9ons. Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season will span 110 ports across 21 countries, introducing 26 new des9na9ons across Europe, the Atlan9c, Africa, and Antarc9ca. Designed for deeper immersion, i9neraries feature longer stays, late departures and seamless combina9on journeys.
Across Scenic Ikon and Scenic Eclipse voyages for the 2028/2029 season, the all-inclusive experience has been further enhanced. Guests booking Super Earlybird offers will enjoy a 20-minute helicopter flight (30 minutes in Antarc9ca), while Penthouse Suite guests will receive an exclusive helicopter landing experience and a private excursion on select voyages.
Significant Growth Period
These announcements build on Scenic Group’s broader expansion across its river cruise fleet, including Emerald Astra (2026), Emerald Lumi and Emerald Nova (2027), Scenic Aria (Douro, 2027) and Scenic Spirit II (Mekong, early 2028).
Together, this nine-ship pipeline represents one of the most significant growth periods in Scenic Group’s 40-year history, reinforcing its posi9on as a global leader in ultra-luxury cruising across rivers, oceans and expedi9on travel.
Voyages for Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Xara 2028/2029 are now open for pre-registra9on, while Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season is available to book, providing guests with the best value and access to preferred suite categories.
For more information about Scenic Group’s award-winning river and ocean cruises, or to book travel, please visit www.scenic.ca or call 866-689-8611; and www.emeraldcruises.ca or call 855-444-0161.
Travellers can also book through their preferred Professional Travel Advisor. ###
For media inquiries, please contact: Andrea Mancini, PR & Media Rela:ons Email: ScenicGroupCA@casacom.ca