Scenic Group has shared new details about 2028 plans for three ships: the Emerald Xara, Scenic Eclipse II and Scenic Ikon.
More details about the itineraries for the Xara and Ikon have been unveiled in a press release, while the Eclipse II is set to expand its global deployment.
In 2026, the company debuted the Emerald Kaia earlier this month, while the Emerald Astra will follow May.
2027 will see the addition of the Emerald Lumi, Emerald Nova, Emerald Raiya and Scenic Aria (Douro).
This will be followed by the Scenic Spirit II (Mekong), Scenic Ikon and Emerald Xara in 2028.
The company said the addition of nine new ships represents one of the most significant growth periods in its 40-year history, adding that the continued growth of its luxury yacht collection is a key highlight of this expansion.
Emerald Xara
According to the press release, the Emerald Xara will operate 14 new itineraries, spanning destinations including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands, before sailing south to Darwin and the Kimberley coastline.
The company said it will be the first Emerald Cruises yacht to explore regions across Asia and Australia.
Scenic Ikon
Also debuting in 2028, the Scenic Ikon is already generating what Scenic describes as strong demand two years before its inaugural sailing.
Several early departures across the Mediterranean, Aegean, Adriatic and Antarctica have already been sold out, the company said.
“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,” said Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group.
“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.”
Culinary innovation will also play a role onboard, with Chef Tom Goetter, vice president oceans hotel operations, noting that dining venues are being designed to be genuinely unique, “a place where you feel there is no comparison.”
Scenic Eclipse II Returning to Australia
2028 is also the year when the Scenic Eclipse II will return to Australia, the Kimberley and the South Pacific, according to Scenic.
The Eclipse will return following a two-year deployment in the region in response to what Scenic says is a strong demand from guests and travel partners.
“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.
“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,” said Tom Batchelor, acting vice president, deployment, product and port operations – ocean.
The extended 2028 program for the Scenic Eclipse will sail from Tahiti through the South Pacific to Australia’s Kimberley coastline, continuing across the Top End to Hobart, then onward to New Zealand and East Antarctica’s Ross Sea, before navigating Indonesia’s Spice Islands and returning to Northeast Asia.
All-Inclusive Enhancements
The all-inclusive experience has been further enhanced for the Scenic Ikon and Scenic Eclipse voyages in 2028-29, according to the press release.
Guests booking Super Earlybird offers will get a 20-minute helicopter flight (30 minutes in Antarctica), while Penthouse Suite guests will receive an exclusive helicopter landing experience and a private excursion on select voyages.
Voyages for the Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Xara 2028-29 are now open for pre-registration, while Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season is available to book.
