By
Laura Hyde |
Scenic Group will expand its fleet with three new luxury river cruise vessels: one Emerald Star and two ultra-luxury Scenic Space ships to extend the lines presence across Europe and Asia in 2027 and 2028.
Emerald Nova is purpose-built for sailing Portugal’s Douro River, where it will join Emerald Radiance. When it launches in June 2027, Emerald Nova will introduce the 11-day ‘Douro Highlights’ itinerary, which will enable guests to “delve deeper” into the region.
Scenic Aria will join Scenic Azure on the Douro River when it launches in September 2027. It will operate Scenic Group’s signature 11-day ‘Unforgettable Douro’ and eight-day ‘Delightful Douro’ itineraries.
Scenic Aria will operate cruises on the Douro River from September 2027
Scenic Spirit II will sail itineraries on the Mekong River, through Vietnam and Cambodia, when it launches in early 2028, providing guests with the opportunity to experience Southeast Asia.
Scenic Spirit II will sail voyages on the Mekong River from 2028
“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,” said Glen Moroney, chairman and founder of Scenic Group. “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. By bringing the design and construction of these new river ships under the expertise of our team at MKM Yachts, we can apply the same exacting standards, innovation and design principles that have underpinned Scenic Group’s success for the past 40 years.”
Scenic Group is scheduled to launch river cruise ships Emerald Astra in May 2026 and Emerald Lumi in 2027. It is also expected to debut luxury yachts Emerald Kaia in April 2026, Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, as well as Scenic Ikon in 2028, representing the group’s most significant fleet growth phase in nearly a decade.