by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Tue October 13, 2026
Scenic Group is marking its 40th anniversary with plans to expand its river cruise and yacht fleets, add new destinations in Asia and Europe and introduce a new luxury discovery yacht in 2028.
Founded in Australia in 1986, the travel company will celebrate the milestone throughout October with special onboard experiences for guests and events for travel partners. Its expansion plans extend through 2028, with new ships scheduled to debut on rivers in Europe, India and Southeast Asia, as well as in the yacht cruising market.
“We have grown into a global travel group spanning all seven continents,” says Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group. “Throughout that growth, our vision has remained the same: to continually elevate how our guests experience the world.”
Among the upcoming additions is Emerald Lumi, which will expand Emerald Cruises & Tours’ European river cruise offerings on the Seine River in France in 2027. The company also plans to introduce river cruises on India’s Hooghly River in 2027, followed by a ship on the Brahmaputra River in 2028.
In Southeast Asia, Scenic Spirit II and Scenic Spirit III are scheduled to debut on the Mekong River in 2028.
The company is also expanding its yacht fleet. Emerald Raiya is scheduled to launch in 2027, followed by Emerald Xara in 2028. The additions will broaden Emerald Cruises’ itineraries, including sailings in the Seychelles. Scenic Eclipse II is also scheduled to return to the Asia-Pacific region in 2028.
Scenic Group’s next major yacht launch, Scenic Ikon, is set to debut in the Mediterranean in April 2028. Its inaugural season will also include Antarctica, expanding the company’s Scenic Discovery Yachts collection.
“Guest feedback drives our innovation and guides our investment in new ships, destinations and journeys,” Moroney says.
Anniversary Celebrations and Savings
Throughout October, guests traveling with Scenic and Emerald Cruises & Tours can expect special dining events, themed entertainment and other commemorative experiences.
The company has also planned select departures for members of its Scenic & Emerald Rewards loyalty program. These include the annual Scenic Discovery Yachts Chairman’s Voyage in the United States, with special events in Wilmington, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; and Key West, Florida.
Another featured departure is a Scenic Romantic Rhine & Moselle river cruise with a land extension in Switzerland and an exclusive dinner in Lucerne hosted by Scenic Group management.
“These moments are an opportunity to share the Scenic Group story with our guests and recognise the people, care and attention to detail behind every journey,” says Tom Goetter, vice president of ocean hotel operations.
Scenic Group USA & LATAM is also offering anniversary savings from October 12-26, 2026. Travelers who book select 2026 and 2027 departures using promotional code BOOST26 can save an additional $200 per person.
Eligible itineraries include select Scenic and Emerald river cruises on the Rhine and Danube, including Christmas market sailings. The offer also applies to select 2027 Scenic Discovery Yachts departures in the Western Mediterranean and Emerald yacht sailings in the Caribbean and Seychelles departing between November 2026 and March 2027.
The promotion is intended to help travel advisors reconnect with existing clients and introduce new travelers to the companies’ river and yacht cruise offerings.
“Anniversaries naturally allow us to look back, but for us, 40 years is really a launching point for what comes next,” says Moroney. “We are growing our fleets, expanding into new regions, and creating more ways for guests to experience the world with both Scenic and Emerald.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
