Scenic Group Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence with an Expanded Fleet Programme

Scenic Group, a river and luxury yacht operator that began in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with plans for an extensive fleet expansion. Founded by Glen Moroney in Newcastle, Australia, Scenic has transformed from a domestic coach tour company into a global leader in premium cruise and travel experiences, covering rivers, oceans, and expedition destinations.

At the recent annual Night of Stars event in Sydney, the General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Australia and the Asia Pacific announced upcoming developments and ongoing expansion beyond the current fleet. This event honored top travel partners, showcasing the company’s growth and future direction.

Over the past three decades, Scenic has made significant advancements, such as introducing balcony-equipped river vessels that reshaped the European river cruise market, moving into expedition cruising with luxury discovery yachts, and launching boutique yachts in Europe and the Caribbean. The company’s commitment to innovation and fleet growth will define its 40th-anniversary period.

Currently, Scenic is constructing several new vessels, including the superyacht Emerald Kaia, riverboats Emerald Astra and Emerald Lumi, and a new class of discovery yacht named Scenic Ikon. These vessels are being built in company-managed shipyards in Vietnam and Croatia, allowing for strict control over design and operational standards.

The company also reported notable growth in its distribution network, with the number of high-performing travel agencies increasing from three a decade ago to 59 today. This growth reflects broader market penetration and improved commercial relationships. Management noted a significant recovery in travel demand, with trends indicating longer journeys and multi-destination travel.

With more than 7,000 employees worldwide, Scenic operates or has approximately 25 vessels under construction across its branches, including Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises. The fleet includes European river ships, Southeast Asian river vessels, expedition yachts, and ocean-going yachts. The company operates 15 river ships and two luxury discovery yachts, while Emerald manages ten Star-Ships throughout Europe and along the Mekong River, in addition to three yachts with more planned for delivery.

A significant highlight is the upcoming Scenic Ikon, which aims to be a next-generation discovery yacht, building on the foundation established by Scenic Eclipse. The company has also confirmed that Scenic Eclipse will return to Australia and be homeported there in 2028, signifying a strong commitment to the Australian market and expanding expedition cruising access.

Emerald Cruises, the contemporary brand within the group, is also witnessing growth as it continues to roll out new-generation river vessels with modern designs and guest-focused enhancements. The brand plans to extend its European river program to the Seine in 2027, while its yacht fleet is also expanding for small-ship ocean itineraries.

Emerald has reintroduced land-based touring in key markets like Africa, Egypt, and Japan to complement its cruise offerings and support integrated travel experiences. Scenic leadership emphasizes that integrating ship design, construction, and operations into one structure enhances operational control and responsiveness to market demands.

As it enters its fifth decade, Scenic Group’s trajectory promises sustained fleet investment and product diversification, keeping premium travel across rivers, oceans, and expedition routes at the forefront of its strategy.

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