Scenic Group Celebrates 40 Years with an Expanded Fleet Program

Scenic Group, a prominent river and luxury yacht operator established in 1986, is celebrating its fortieth anniversary with a significant expansion plan featuring new vessels and innovative product developments. The company was launched in Newcastle, New South Wales by Glen Moroney initially as a domestic coach tour operator, but it has since transformed into a global leader in providing premium cruise and travel experiences across diverse aquatic landscapes.

During the annual Night of Stars event held in Sydney, the company’s General Manager Sales and Marketing for Australia and Asia Pacific announced that they are poised for further growth, with more developments expected even beyond current fleet commitments. This gathering, which celebrates high-achieving travel partners, highlighted the company’s momentum and its direction for the future.

Over the last three decades, Scenic has introduced pioneering ideas in river cruising, such as balcony-equipped vessels that have set trends in the European sector. Their venture into expedition cruising began with the launch of a luxury discovery yacht, which was followed by boutique yachts introduced in Europe and the Caribbean. The company’s fortieth anniversary will focus on increased investment in both innovation and fleet expansion.

Currently, the company is constructing several vessels, including the superyacht Emerald Kaia and the riverboats Emerald Astra and Emerald Lumi, along with a new class of yacht named Scenic Ikon. These vessels are being built at company-managed shipyards in Vietnam and Croatia, allowing Scenic to maintain high standards throughout the design and construction phases.

The growth of Scenic’s distribution network demonstrates its success. In just a decade, the number of travel agencies generating significant revenue with Scenic products has grown from three to fifty-nine. Recent trends show a strong recovery in travel demand, with clients seeking longer journeys that combine different travel experiences across multiple destinations.

Scenic Group employs over 7,000 people globally and operates approximately 25 vessels across its brands, including Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises. The fleet features a variety of ships from European riverboats to expedition and ocean-going yachts. With a commitment to enhancing its offerings, Scenic operates 15 river ships and two luxury discovery yachts, while Emerald manages ten Star-Ships in Europe and along the Mekong, along with plans for additional yachts set for delivery in the coming years.

The upcoming Scenic Ikon is positioned as a next-gen discovery yacht that enhances the operational model established by Scenic Eclipse, which is set to return to Australia in 2028, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the regional market.

Emerald Cruises, the group’s contemporary brand, is also expanding with new-generation river vessels and plans to venture into the Seine by 2027, enhancing its European river network. Furthermore, Emerald has reintroduced land-based tours, targeting markets in Africa, Egypt, and Japan, to complement its cruise itineraries for an integrated travel experience.

The leadership emphasizes their vertically integrated model of ship design, construction, and operations allows for greater operational control and flexibility, enabling ongoing innovation in response to market demands.

As it enters its fifth decade, Scenic Group’s strategy prioritizes fleet investment and product diversification to facilitate quality travel experiences on rivers, oceans, and expedition routes.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.

Editorial Team

At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising.

Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry.

Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.