Ikonic new ship for Scenic

THE SCENIC Group has announced another newbuilding expedition-type cruise ship will join its fleet in 2028, with construction of Scenic Ikon now underway in Croatia.

Characterised by the Sydney-founded group as a Scenic Discovery Yacht, the vessel is being purpose-built to excel in both polar regions and warm water destinations. It will cater for up to 270 passengers. 

“Expertly engineered and rated Polar Code 6 with an Ice Class 1A Super strengthened hull, it will be exceptionally versatile. Offering the ultimate in discovery, Scenic Ikon is equipped with two Airbus helicopters, a custom-designed Triton AVA submersible, Zodiacs, and luxurious superyacht Fassmer tenders,” the group says.

Glen Moroney, founder & chairman of Scenic Group, said: “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.  

“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 Discovery Yacht with our valued guests, travel advisors and partners. Every element of Scenic Ikon’s design has been optimised to deliver unrivalled experiences across diverse destinations and environments, from its primary base, The Mediterranean to the wilds of Antarctica."

Construction of Scenic Ikon is well underway, following a steel-cutting ceremony in February attended by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and the keel laying in May 2025. The yacht remains firmly on schedule for delivery at the end of 2027, Scenic says, ahead of final testing and entry into service. 

Scenic Ikon will set sail from Venice in April 2028 and the inaugural voyage has almost sold out, with following departures selling strongly, Scenic says. The maiden season includes sailings through to March 2029 and features 110 ports, 21 countries, and 26 new destinations. Spanning the Mediterranean, Aegean and Egypt, the Cape Verde Islands, Dakar's vibrant city, the wonders of Antarctica, The Falkland Islands and Chilean Fjords. 

Scenic was established in 1986 by Mr Moroney, began operating five-star river cruises in Europe and South East Asia in 2008, and launched into deep-sea cruising in 2019 with the introduction of Scenic Eclipse in 2019 and Scenic Eclipse II in 2023.