Scenic Group announces fleet expansion with three new luxury riverboats
The company will add new ships to its Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands, expanding operations in Europe and Asia between 2027 and 2028 as part of its 40th anniversary
Scenic Group announced a new phase of growth for its fleet with the addition of three luxury river cruise ships, which will join its portfolio in the coming years. The expansion includes a new Emerald Star-Ship and two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ships, which will begin operating between 2027 and 2028 in destinations across Europe and Asia.
The announcement coincides with the company's 40th anniversary in 2026, a milestone that reflects Scenic Group's history of innovation within the global river cruise and luxury yacht segment.
Glen Moroney, president and founder of Scenic Group, noted that the decision responds to the growing demand for premium cruise experiences. “Our commitment to three additional new river ships for the Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands reflects our confidence in the strong demand for our unique approach to luxury cruising. This announcement marks the next phase of strategic growth for our fleet,” he stated.
Emerald Nova: debut on the Douro River in 2027
The Emerald Nova will be launched in June 2027 and was specifically designed to sail the Douro River in Portugal. The ship will join the Emerald Radiance, expanding the brand's presence in the region and offering more extensive itineraries.
Among the featured proposals is the 11-day itinerary “Highlights of the Douro: Porto, Salamanca and the Wine Valley”, which combines visits to historic cities, vineyard landscapes and activities such as guided walks and kayaking.
Scenic Aria: ultraluxury in Portugal
Also on the Douro River, the Scenic Aria will begin operations in September 2027, joining the Scenic Azure. This new Scenic Space-Ship will operate the company's flagship itineraries: the 11-day "Unforgettable Douro" and the 8-day "Enchanting Douro," expanding the range of all-inclusive experiences in Europe.
Scenic Spirit II: Mekong Expansion
The third ship announced will be the Scenic Spirit II, scheduled to enter service in early 2028 on the Mekong River, which flows through Vietnam and Cambodia. The vessel will address the growing interest in Southeast Asian itineraries, offering new opportunities to discover the region's culture, landscapes, and traditions.
Fleet growth plan
The expansion is part of a broader strategy that includes the launch of other ships previously announced by the group. These include the Emerald Astra, scheduled for May 2026 on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, and the Emerald Lumi, which will debut in 2027 on the Seine River in France.
These additions are joined by the new luxury yachts Emerald Kaia (2026), Emerald Raiya (2027) and Emerald Xara (2028), as well as the Scenic Ikon, whose delivery is scheduled for 2028.
With these investments, Scenic Group is driving the most significant fleet growth phase of the last decade, reinforcing its position in the international high-end river cruise and yacht segment.