Major Fleet Expansion Underway

The expansion programme spans both luxury and discovery brands under the Scenic Group portfolio. The rollout began this month with the launch of Emerald Kaia, followed by Emerald Astra, which will begin sailing Europe’s rivers in May 2026.

Further additions are scheduled for 2027, including Emerald Lumi, Emerald Nova, Emerald Raiya, and Scenic Aria, the latter to operate along Portugal’s Douro River. In 2028, the growth continues with the Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht and Emerald Xara, while Scenic Spirit II is also scheduled to join the fleet on the Mekong, according to industry reports.

According to Scenic Group, this marks one of its most significant growth phases to date, aligning with its strategy to expand globally across every cruise sector.

Scenic Eclipse II to Return to Australia

Scenic confirmed that Scenic Eclipse II will redeploy to Australia, the Kimberley, Oceania, and East Antarctica in 2028 following two successful seasons. The vessel will again operate expedition voyages across the South Pacific, the Kimberley coastline, New Zealand, and the Ross Sea.

“We are delighted to be bringing Scenic Eclipse II back to the Kimberley, Oceania and East Antarctica from March 2028, following two highly successful seasons that highlight the region’s strong appeal for world-class expedition and discovery journeys,” said Tom Batchelor, Acting Vice President, Deployment, Product and Port Operations – Ocean.

“Launching Emerald Xara for her inaugural season means guests can explore this extraordinary part of the world across both of our brands, reflecting our confidence to deliver unique experiences in the region and our commitment to growing Scenic Group’s presence across all continents globally.”

Emerald Xara to Debut in Asia and Australia

Among the 2028 introductions, Emerald Xara will become the first Emerald Cruises yacht to operate in Asia and Australia. The yacht’s inaugural programme features 14 itineraries, visiting destinations across Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands, before sailing south towards Darwin and the Kimberley region.

Scenic said the deployment reflects strong guest interest in expedition and discovery journeys across Asia and Australia.

Scenic Ikon to Offer Worldwide Itineraries

Also debuting in 2028, the Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht will accommodate up to 270 guests in 135 all-veranda suites, including a large penthouse. Facilities include a two-level spa, a range of dining venues, and curated bars and lounges.

The ship’s inaugural season will visit 110 ports across 21 countries, featuring 26 new destinations in Europe, Africa, the Atlantic, and Antarctica.

“Scenic Ikon has been conceived, engineered and built with our in-house shipbuilding division at MKM Yachts and will be operated entirely by our own dedicated Scenic crew,” said Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group. “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.”

Culinary experiences onboard will be led by Chef Tom Goetter, Vice President Oceans Hotel Operations, who noted that the ship’s dining concepts are being developed as “a place where you feel there is no comparison.”

Enhanced Onboard Experience in 2028–29

In line with the fleet expansion, Scenic Group is introducing enhanced inclusions for upcoming voyages aboard Scenic Ikon and Scenic Eclipse II in the 2028–29 season. Guests booking Super Earlybird offers will receive a complimentary helicopter flight of 20 minutes (30 minutes in Antarctica), while Penthouse Suite guests will have access to an exclusive helicopter landing and a private excursion on select itineraries.

Pre-registration is now open for Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Xara’s 2028–29 sailings, while bookings for Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season are already available.

Industry Significance and Outlook

Scenic Group’s 40th anniversary milestone underscores continued investment in global deployment across river, ocean and expedition cruising. By 2028, the company’s fleet will operate across a broad range of regions worldwide, reflecting its long‑term strategy to expand its luxury and discovery‑focused offering.

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