by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 4:30 PM ET, Wed April 15, 2026
Scenic Group is celebrating 40 years of innovation by expanding its fleet.
The company has nine new ships launching between 2026 and 2028, marking one of the most significant growth periods in the company’s history. The expansion is already underway with the debut of Emerald Kaia in April, followed by the launch of Emerald Astra in May.
From there, the company plans to introduce Emerald Lumi, Emerald Nova, Emerald Raiya and Scenic Aria in 2027 and Scenic Spirit II, Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht and Emerald Xara in 2028.
Emerald Xara will debut in Asia and Australia, becoming the first Emerald Cruises yacht to explore these regions. The ship will offer 14 new itineraries, visiting destinations across Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands, before sailing south to Darwin and the remote Kimberley coastline.
Also in 2028, Scenic Eclipse II will return to Australia, the Kimberley and the South Pacific.
“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,” says Tom Batchelor, acting vice president, deployment, product and port operations – ocean for Scenic Group. “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.”
Meanwhile, Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht will accommodate up to 270 guests in 135 all-verandah suites, including the large Ikon Penthouse featuring a private wellness studio and spa amenities. The ship will also introduce a two-level Senses Rejuvenation Spa, alongside 15 all-inclusive dining experiences and eight bars and lounges.
Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season will span 110 ports across 21 countries, visiting 26 new destinations across Europe, the Atlantic, Africa 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,” says 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.”
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