SYDNEY-based Scenic Group is embarking on further river cruise expansion in Europe and Asia with three new ships to be delivered in 2027 and 2028.
The luxury vessels, including one new Emerald Star-ship and two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-ships, “reflects our confidence in the strong demand for our unique approach to luxury cruising,” Scenic Group chairman & founder Glen Moroney said.
“With Scenic Ikon in build for delivery in 2028 and five Emerald Cruises yachts and river ships already confirmed, this announcement marks the next phase of our strategic fleet growth,” which coincides with the Scenic Group’s 40th anniversary.
“By bringing the design and construction of these new river ships under the expertise of our team at MKM Yachts, we can apply the same exacting standards, innovation and design principles that have underpinned Scenic Group’s success for the past 40 years,” Mr Moroney said.
Launching in June 2027 and purpose-built for Portugal’s Douro River, Emerald Nova will join Emerald Radiance and introduce longer itineraries. Scenic Aria will launch in September 2027 and join Scenic Azure, also in Portugal.
In 2028 Scenic Spirit II will be added to Scenic’s fleet on the Mekong River, which the company has been expanding “following a period of significant demand growth, flowing through Vietnam and Cambodia”.
The latest announcement builds on Scenic Group’s previously confirmed new ships, including Emerald Astra, launching in May 2026 on the Rhine, Main and Danube and Emerald Lumi, debuting on France’s Seine River in 2027.
Combined with the launch of new luxury yachts Emerald Kaia from April 2026, Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, as well as Scenic Ikon in 2028, this commitment to build more new ships, represents Scenic Group’s most significant fleet growth phase in nearly a decade, it says.