Scenic Group Adds River & Ocean Capacity With 9 New Ships by 2028

In just three short years, clients will be able to choose from 15 Scenic river ships, 12 Emerald Star-Ships, three Scenic superyachts and five Emerald luxury yachts. With an ambitious plan to add nine ships total across both brands, Scenic Group is increasing its capacity by more than 1,200 passengers (on oceans and rivers combined).

This fleet expansion consists of thoughtful additions, rather than carbon copies, adding new choice on Portugal’s golden Douro River; deploying a custom-built vessel to call on the intimate ports of France’s Seine; and increasing square footage while reducing passenger capacity on Emerald’s new generation of boutique yachts.

Capping off this flurry of shipbuilding in 2028 will be Scenic Ikon, the cruise brand’s most over-the-top ship to date. The all-inclusive, all-suite superyacht will offer expedition experiences on helicopters and submersibles as it calls on global ports, from Egypt to the Chilean Fjords. Onboard, Scenic Ikon will feature 15 distinct dining venues; eight bars and lounges; and the two-story Senses Rejuvenation Spa, spanning 18,298 square feet.

Read on to follow a timeline of these exciting, upcoming ship inaugurals — plus how to make the most of the new capacity with group booking incentives. 

2026 River

• Emerald Astra sets sail in May, carrying 180 guests to destinations along Europe’s Main, Rhine and Danube Rivers. It’s the first ship in the fleet to introduce a complimentary guest laundry, adding value with yet another included amenity.

2026 Ocean

• Emerald Kaia sails this April bound for the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. As a next-gen superyacht, the vessel is spacious — 10 percent larger than Emerald Azzurra or Emerald Sakara — and accommodating just 128 guests. It also features the new Night Market Grill, an Asian-style private dining experience designed for up to eight guests.

2027 River

• Emerald Lumi has been purpose-built to navigate the Seine River and the Normandy region, taking up to 130 guests right into the heart of Honfleur and Rouen — destinations that few ships can reach.
• Emerald Nova will carry up to 112 guests along Portugal’s Douro River, beginning in June 2027.
• Scenic Azure II will sail the Douro River carrying just 96 passengers on behalf of Scenic Cruises when it launches in September 2027.

2027 Ocean

• Emerald Raiya will be the sister ship to Emerald Kaia,setting sail in April 2027 fromValetta to Athens on its inaugural voyage.In the winter season, Raiya will navigate the Red Sea and itineraries across East Africa.

 2028 River

• Scenic Spirit II will be the 68-passenger sister ship to Scenic Spirit, custom-built to ply the waters of the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia.

2028 Ocean

• Scenic Ikon sails from Venice in April 2028. This 270-passenger, ultra-luxury yacht joins the Scenic Discovery Yacht Fleet with an impressive maiden season featuring 110 ports across 21 countries — including Antarctica.
• Emerald Xara will be the third 128-passenger superyacht launching during this period (bringing the Emerald yacht fleet total to five), featuring all-suite accommodations and itineraries in the Med and Caribbean.

Group Benefit Programs

Whether you’re on the lookout for your corporate MICE groups or you have luxury clients who like to travel with plenty of companions, Scenic and Emerald both offer enticing group benefit programs. When booking group space, two to three years isn’t long at all, making now the perfect opportunity to secure room blocks onboard — or even charter —any one of these nine new ships. 

Scenic Group Benefits

Depending on the destination, a group onboard a Scenic ship can be as few as 10 guests or up to 90 passengers traveling together. With the “Discover Together” program, groups can save up to $500 per person, plus travel advisors can earn tour conductor credits.

Emerald Group Benefits

When you book a group onboard Emerald Cruises by April 30, 2026, clients can save up to $300 per person on all 2027 river or yacht departures. A dedicated Group Travel Sales Team can answer any questions: groupsales@emeraldcruises.com or (844) 857-6021.

Private Charter

For when nothing short of the entire ship will do, advisors can learn more about private charters and quotes by contacting charters-incentives@scenicusa.com or calling the Charters Department at (888) 887-6729.

From the Sponsor

Scenic and Emerald Cruises are leaders in luxury and intimate-ship cruising, offering award-winning river and ocean journeys to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Scenic delivers truly all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experiences, while Emerald offers contemporary luxury yacht and river cruises. Together, our brands are united by a shared commitment to innovation, personalized service, and unforgettable travel experiences across Europe, the Caribbean, Antarctica, and beyond. 

As we continue to innovate and enhance our fleet, our promise remains the same: empowering our travel advisor partners with the best tools, dedicated support, and meaningful opportunities to grow. Now through April 19, book your clients with up to 40% off select 2026 river cruises, plus free single supplement for solo travelers.

Stay connected and be the first to hear about these limited-time offers by signing up for our Trade Newsletter and following our Partners in Travel Advisors Facebook group.

At Scenic and Emerald Cruises, you’re not just part of the journey — you’re at the heart of it.