“Truly All-Inclusive Luxury” – Scenic Ikon Unveiled in Toronto

During the construction of Scenic Eclipse I, the original shipyard went bankrupt. Rather than abandon the project, Scenic took the bold step of completing the vessel on its own, a move that ultimately launched the brand’s in-house shipbuilding capability. Today, that legacy continues with the development of Scenic Ikon, the newest addition to the Discovery Yacht collection, set to debut in April 2028 with an inaugural season running through March 2029.

“As one Italian shipbuilder once told us, anyone can build a luxury ship with enough time and money,” said Scenic Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, speaking to travel advisors and industry partners Monday in Toronto. “The real challenge is delivering that same level of luxury at a price guests find accessible. Scenic has achieved exactly that.”

Featuring spacious suites ranging from 34 to 250 square metres, Scenic Ikon will offer personalized butler service, fully stocked in-suite minibars, private airport transfers, and 15 distinct dining experiences with no surcharges. Guests will also enjoy more than 150 premium whiskies, over 30 wines across multiple venues, and complimentary access to the onboard spa facilities. All gratuities, both on board and ashore, are included.

Exclusive experiences such as complimentary helicopter flights for early bookings and bespoke heli-landing excursions for Chairman’s Club members will take the journey to new heights.

Moroney says with lead-in pricing starting around $1,200 CAD per day, Scenic’s ocean yachts provide exceptional value, often 20–30% lower than comparable ultra-luxury competitors. By managing ship construction in-house, Scenic was able to reduce capital costs and passes those savings directly to guests. Excursions, Scenic Freechoice activities, Scenic Enrich cultural events, and the active Scenic Discovery program are all included in the price.

“The Scenic Ikon will be an incredible feat of engineering, truly a marvel in its own right,” James Griffiths, Vice President of Nautical & Technical Operations told Travel Market Report Canada. “Guests will be amazed not only by the yacht’s design and sophistication but also by its capability. It’s both a state-of-the-art superyacht and a purpose-built expedition vessel, allowing us to explore virtually anywhere in the world with ease and comfort.”

Jason Flesher, Director of Discovery Operations said “The Scenic Ikon represents the ultimate in ultra-luxury exploration—it’s not just another expedition ship, it’s a Scenic Discovery Yacht. While the industry calls it expedition cruising, we call it discovery yachting. It’s not only about what you discover in the world, but what you discover within yourself.”

Onboard, guests can expect next-level discovery experiences. The yacht will feature two Airbus H130 helicopters, offering 270-degree forward-facing views for breathtaking “flight-seeing” whether soaring over the Antarctic ice or the Mediterranean coast. Early bookers will enjoy a complimentary 20-minute flight-seeing experience in select destinations, while guests in the Ikon Penthouse Suites or members of the Chairman’s Club will receive exclusive heli-landings, from heli-golfing and heli-hiking to private winery visits and cultural excursions.

Below the surface, Scenic Ikon will house a custom-built Trident AVA submersible, seating eight guests and one pilot and offering a rare opportunity to explore the ocean depths in complete comfort.

“Scenic offers something truly unique,” Flesher added. “No other operator provides a four-dimensional view of your destination by helicopter, under the ocean, on paddleboards, or on land; all in one day, all guided by our expert Discovery Team.”

Tom Goetter, Vice President of Hotel Operations, said Canadians in particular appreciate Scenic’s easygoing, inclusive style. “Our Canadian guests are some of our most loyal travellers,” he told Travel Market Report Canada. “They love our relaxed, modern hospitality, nothing too formal or fussy. Canadians value that sense of community on board, where everyone quickly feels like family.

What Canadians love most is that everything really is all-inclusive. There’s no upselling, no hidden charges, no need to think about wine packages or promotions. From the moment they step aboard, they can simply relax, knowing everything has been taken care of.”

That sentiment is echoed by Juna Ueda, General Manager of Sales at Scenic. “Canadian consumers appreciate that with Scenic, there truly are no hidden costs. We don’t even ask for a credit card at check-in,” he told us.

“From the moment guests arrive, a Scenic representative is there to greet them and handle their airport transfers. Even gratuities are included, so there’s no need to worry about tipping. There are no surprise expenses, only delight and enjoyment of your vacation.”

Construction of Scenic Ikon is well underway, with steel cutting earlier this year attended by the Prime Minister of Croatia. Delivery is on track for late 2027, with the inaugural voyage set for April 9, 2028. The first two sailings are already sold out, and the third is over 75% booked, demonstrating the demand for this new ultra-luxury experience. Canadian travel advisors are encouraged to book early.

“I think the product, its inclusions, and also the price point, has hit a very, very good nerve in the market and it’s something that we’re very happy about,” added Moroney.

“I enjoy putting together these journeys and the sense of wonder,” said Flesher.” But what’s most important for us is that discovery that guests will take with them and the stories they’ll have for life.”