Scenic Group, the multi-award-winning global luxury travel company founded in Newcastle, New South Wales in 1986, is marking 40 Years of Innovation with ambition. This milestone year will be defined by continued innovation, and an extensive pipeline of new luxury river ships and yachts, and new destinations across both its Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours brands. In exciting news for the region, Scenic is reinforcing its commitment to the Australian market, with Scenic Eclipse II returning to Oceania in 2028.

40 Years of Innovation

What began as an Australian domestic coach tour company four decades ago has evolved into one of the world's most respected names in ultra-luxury travel. Scenic and Emerald Cruises & Tours today serves discerning guests across seven continents, 100 countries and 350 ports. Uniquely, they also design, build and operate their own ships, meaning they can seamlessly adapt to guest feedback and demands.

From introducing balconied Scenic Space-Ships that transformed European river cruising, to pioneering the world's first ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht with Scenic Eclipse in 2019, Scenic has consistently set the benchmark in luxury travel.

Unrivalled inclusions, seamless experiences

At the heart of Scenic's success is a philosophy that has never wavered: that true luxury means never having to think about what's included. Guests enjoy unrivalled inclusions, from fine dining across multiple restaurants and unlimited premium beverages, a range of curated shore excursions, butler service, Wi-Fi, gratuities (both onshore and on sea) and more.

On the Scenic Discovery Yachts ocean voyages, that commitment extends further still, with up to 15 included restaurants and eight bars and lounges with no additional surcharges, in-suite minibars restocked daily, and all excursions included from Zodiacs, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards on the water to Scenic Freechoice and e-bikes and even polar parkas and polar boots where needed.  Guests who book early can also secure included helicopter flightseeing for unrivalled views beyond what is accessible on the coastline * and a submersible*, providing an unparalleled four-dimensional experience, something unmatched in luxury expedition cruising. Included Scenic Enrich and Scenic Freechoice options allow every guest to tailor each trip to their own tastes and interests, meaning a deeper, more fulfilling experience.

Wellness is also at the core of the Scenic Discovery Yachts experience, with its signature Senses Spa setting the benchmark at sea. From therapeutic expertise to infrared saunas, to Salt Therapy Lounges, Vitality pools, yoga and Pilates studios, gyms and active excursions that enrich your understanding of a destination, every guest will come away rejuvenated and restored in mind, body and spirit.

Scenic Ikon

The recently announced Scenic Ikon will provide a unique blend of world-class expedition capability, sustainability, culinary excellence and ultra-luxury - the signature elements of all Scenic Discovery Yachts. Launching in April 2028, Scenic Ikon will welcome guests into luxuriously appointed suites, 15 distinctive dining venues, expansive lounges and entertainment spaces.

Guests can experience ultimate in wellness in the 1,700sqm Senses Rejuvenation, including restorative spa treatments, hydrotherapy and thermal experiences, anchored by an array of world-class fitness offerings. Every moment is expertly designed to elevate discovery, culinary excellence and wellness for an unrivalled all-inclusive yacht cruise experience.

Emerald Cruises Fleet Growth

Emerald Cruises & Tours is undergoing its most significant period of growth. Additional yachts launching will more than double the fleet in the next few years. The next-generation superyacht Emerald Kaia is on its way to Europe ahead of its inaugural Mediterranean season from April 2026. Followed by Emerald Raiya and Emerald Lumi in 2027; and Emerald Xara in 2028.

Curated Land Journeys

Scenic and Emerald both offer luxury curated land journeys around the world, designed to complement the group's ocean and river cruise portfolio and respond to growing demand for immersive, multi-destination travel. The group's land tours are fully escorted journeys designed to be immersive and seamless, combining accommodation, curated sightseeing and Scenic's signature approach to unrivalled inclusions.  

From iconic rivers to remote polar frontiers, the award-winning Scenic and Emerald Cruises & Tours  covers all seven continents and more than 100 countries across the world's rivers, oceans and land.

Download images here: IMM Scenic and Emerald Images

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Notes to editors: Scenic Group was founded in 1986 in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. The group operates Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises. Vessels currently under construction include Scenic Ikon, Emerald Kaia, Emerald Astra and Emerald Lumi.

About Scenic Group

Scenic Group has grown over their 40-year history to include award-winning, truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to all seven continents. Scenic Group comprises of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours, and Mayflower Cruises & Tours.