Scenic Group Introduces Three New River Ships to Enhance Its Fleet
Scenic Group has announced the addition of three new vessels to enhance its river cruise fleet, a significant move in the company’s expansion across its two brands: Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Founder and chairman Glen Moroney expressed confidence in the ongoing demand for luxury river cruising, prompting this decision.
The first vessel, Emerald Nova, is set to launch in June 2027, operating on the Douro River in Portugal alongside the current Emerald Radiance. This ship will offer two new itineraries along the picturesque waterway.
Following this, Scenic Aria is scheduled to debut in September 2027, joining current ships like Scenic Azure and expected to run established itineraries in the region.
The third vessel, Scenic Spirit II, will commence service in early 2028 on the Mekong River, providing voyages through Southeast Asia that connect key destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Pre-registration for Scenic Spirit II has begun, while bookings for Emerald Nova and Scenic Aria are already open. This fleet expansion is part of a broader strategy, which includes the introduction of new builds like Emerald Astra, set to operate on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers by May 2026, and Emerald Lumi, launching on the Seine River in 2027.
Additionally, Scenic’s yacht segment is set to expand further with new vessels such as Emerald Kaia (April 2026), Emerald Raiya (2027), and Emerald Xara (2028). The ocean vessel Scenic Ikon is also currently under construction, with an expected delivery in 2028.
Moroney indicated that these projects represent a key phase in Scenic Group’s strategic fleet expansion, with the design and construction handled by the company’s own shipbuilding division, MKM Yachts, ensuring adherence to their high design and technical standards developed over four decades.
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