SCENIC Group has announced the major growth of its river fleet, with three new luxury ships set to join its Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises brands (CW breaking news yesterday).
The new ships will join the fleet in 2027 and 2028, and include two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ships and one new Emerald Star-Ship, extending the company’s presence across Europe and Asia.
Emerald Nova (render pictured) will be the first, launching on the Douro in Jun 2027, joining Emerald Radiance.
She will be followed by Scenic Aria, which will launch on the same river in Sep 2027.
Aria will join Scenic Azure in Portugal, operating both of the cruise line’s signature itineraries on the river: the eight-day Delightful Douro and the 11-day Unforgettable Douro.
The final ship to launch will be Scenic Spirit II, which will arrive in early 2028 on the Mekong.
Already operating for the cruise line on the East Asian river is Scenic Spirit, which sails seven- and nine-night itineraries between Vietnam and Cambodia.
The announcement builds on Scenic Group’s previously confirmed new ships, including Emerald Astra launching in May on the Rhine, Main and Danube; and Emerald Lumi debuting on France’s Seine River next year (CW 08 Apr).
Combined with the launch of new luxury yachts Emerald Kaia from next month (CW 16 Jan), Emerald Raiya in 2027 (CW 26 Nov), and Emerald Xara and Scenic Ikon in 2028 (CW 04 Nov), the commitment to build more new ships represents Scenic Group’s most significant fleet growth phase in nearly a decade.
“Our commitment to an additional three new river ships for the Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands reflects our confidence in the strong demand for our unique approach to luxury cruising,” chair & founder Glen Moroney said.
“With Scenic Ikon in build for delivery in 2028 and five Emerald Cruises yachts and river ships already confirmed, this announcement marks the next phase of our strategic fleet growth,” he added. MS
