Scenic Unveils Bold 2028 Expansion Plans for Three New Ships
Scenic Group is making big moves for 2028, and cruise fans should take notice. Three ships are getting exciting new itineraries and upgrades worth knowing about.
Scenic Group’s Big 2028 Expansion
Scenic Group has been on a serious growth streak. Nine new ships are being added to their fleet — one of the biggest expansions in the company’s 40-year history.
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Recent additions include the Emerald Kaia and the upcoming Emerald Astra. In 2027, four more ships join the fleet. Then 2028 brings three more exciting vessels.
Three Ships to Watch in 2028
Emerald Xara Sets Sail Through Asia and Australia
The Emerald Xara will be a first for Emerald Cruises. It will be the brand’s first yacht to sail across both Asia and Australia.
The ship will offer 14 brand-new itineraries. Destinations include Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands. From there, the ship heads south to Darwin and Australia’s stunning Kimberley coastline.
Scenic Ikon: Already Selling Out
The Scenic Ikon is also debuting in 2028, and demand is already strong. Several early sailings in the Mediterranean, Aegean, Adriatic, and Antarctica are already sold out.
Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group, shared his excitement about the ship: “This remarkable vessel is the result of more than three years of passion, innovation and development by our team, and we are delighted to share the Scenic Discovery Yacht with our valued guests, travel advisors and partners.”
He added: “Every element of Scenic Ikon’s design has been optimized to deliver unrivalled experiences across diverse destinations and environments, from its primary base in the Mediterranean, to the pristine regions of Antarctica.”
Food lovers will also have a lot to look forward to. Chef Tom Goetter, who oversees ocean hotel operations, says the dining venues are being designed to be truly one-of-a-kind — “a place where you feel there is no comparison.”
Scenic Eclipse II Returns to Australia
Good news for fans of the Scenic Eclipse II. The ship is coming back to Australia, the Kimberley region, and the South Pacific in 2028.
This return follows two successful seasons in the area. Passenger and partner demand drove the decision to bring the ship back.
Tom Batchelor, acting vice president of deployment, product, and port operations for ocean, explained the move: “We are delighted to be bringing Scenic Eclipse II back to the Kimberley, Oceania and East Antarctica from March 2028, following two highly successful seasons that highlight the region’s strong appeal for world-class expedition and discovery journeys.”
He added: “Launching Emerald Xara for her inaugural season means guests can explore this extraordinary part of the world across both of our brands, reflecting our confidence to deliver unique experiences in the region and our commitment to growing Scenic Group’s presence across all continents globally.”
The 2028 route for the Eclipse II is a globe-trotter’s dream. It starts in Tahiti, winds through the South Pacific, and travels to Australia’s Kimberley coast. From there, it continues to Hobart, New Zealand, and East Antarctica’s Ross Sea, then circles back through Indonesia’s Spice Islands to Northeast Asia.
Enhanced All-Inclusive Perks for 2028
Scenic is sweetening the deal for guests booking the Scenic Ikon and Scenic Eclipse voyages in 2028-29. Early bird bookings come with a 20-minute helicopter flight — or 30 minutes for Antarctica sailings.
Penthouse Suite guests get even more exclusive perks. They’ll enjoy a private helicopter landing experience and a private excursion on select voyages.
Pre-registration is now open for the Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Xara’s 2028-29 seasons. The Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season is already available to book.
