Scenic Group at 40: Scenic Ikon leads new river ships and yachts to 2028

Scenic Group, the travel company behind Scenic and Emerald Cruises, has marked its 40th anniversary by setting out new river ships and luxury yachts that run through to 2028. The most notable arrival is Scenic Ikon, which joins the Scenic Discovery Yachts ultra-luxury collection with a Mediterranean debut in April 2028 and Antarctica in its inaugural season.

The Group made the announcement in Vancouver on 13 October 2026, as anniversary celebrations for guests and partners got under way around the world. It began in Australia in 1986 and has since grown into a global travel group that operates on all seven continents. The new programme shows where it plans to grow next: new river ships in Europe and Asia, journeys in India, and a larger yacht fleet that reaches into the Indian Ocean.

Scenic Ikon is the centrepiece. A Mediterranean debut followed by an Antarctic season in the same first year gives the ship two very different settings: the ports and coastlines of southern Europe, then the ice of the far south. Travellers who already know the Scenic Discovery Yachts collection will see Scenic Ikon as its next step. The same year, Scenic Eclipse II returns to Asia Pacific, so the collection’s 2028 season covers three very different parts of the world.

On the rivers, Emerald Lumi will expand Emerald Cruises & Tours’ offering on the Seine in France from 2027. The Seine is one of Europe’s most travelled waterways. A new ship there matters most to travellers who prefer to sail on the newest vessel on a familiar route, and it gives Emerald’s guests another option in France alongside the Group’s existing European programme.

The Asian river plans are more ambitious. Scenic Spirit II and Scenic Spirit III will both launch on the Mekong River in 2028, a significant investment in a river where the Scenic name is already established. In India, journeys on the Hooghly River begin in 2027, with a further ship planned for the Brahmaputra River in 2028. Together, the Hooghly and the Brahmaputra form a two-year sequence. A traveller interested in India by river can plan the Hooghly for 2027 and keep the Brahmaputra in mind for the year after.

Emerald Yacht Cruises is growing too. Emerald Raiya joins the fleet in 2027 and Emerald Xara follows in 2028, adding new destinations that include the Seychelles. A small yacht is a natural fit for an island group, and the Seychelles gives the Emerald brand an Indian Ocean option alongside its existing itineraries. Emerald Xara’s arrival in 2028 coincides with Scenic Eclipse II’s return to Asia Pacific, which makes 2028 the Group’s busiest year for new launches.

The anniversary itself is being celebrated on board through October, with special dining events, themed entertainment and commemorative experiences. Selected Scenic & Emerald Rewards loyalty departures carry extra significance. On the Scenic Discovery Yachts Chairman’s Voyage in the United States, the ship calls at Wilmington, Charleston and Key West. On the river, a Romantic Rhine & Moselle cruise includes a dinner in Lucerne hosted by Scenic Group management. For loyal guests, these departures are a chance to meet the people who run the company.

The launches fall into two waves. 2027 brings Emerald Lumi on the Seine, the first Hooghly journeys and Emerald Raiya. 2028 brings the larger group: Scenic Ikon, the two Mekong ships, the Brahmaputra ship, Emerald Xara and Scenic Eclipse II’s return to Asia Pacific. The announcement gives the ships and their years but no fares or detailed itineraries. Travellers interested in an inaugural season, especially Scenic Ikon’s first Antarctic sailings, should register interest with Scenic or a trusted travel adviser now, so they are ready when departures open for booking.

Source: Scenic