Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Mayflower and Evergreen
The Scenic route to global success started in 1986 with coach tours operating throughout Australia. Over the years, new markets were discovered and developed. A new historic chapter commenced in 2008 as Scenic took on the exciting world of river cruises. Since then, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has continued to grow the Scenic Space-Ship fleet, and today we have a grand total of 12 ships sailing across the rivers of Europe including, the Rhine, Main and Danube, the French rivers, the Douro river in Portugal, as well as on the Volga River in Russia.
Emerald Cruises was founded in 2013 as Emerald Waterways and is part of the Scenic Group. Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specializing in deluxe river cruises.
Our fleet of 8 Star-Ships has been custom-built to sail Europe’s Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, Douro, and Volga rivers, with each one home to a range of stylish innovations.
Our Headquarters is located in Zug, Switzerland. Our goal is to operate the Scenic Group fleet with the best resources available. When we talk about resources, we mean people. We are committed to finding and nourishing the best new talents in the industry.
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF INNOVATION
Scenic is renowned for constant innovation, always taking all guest feedback seriously and ensuring the guest experience is at the heart of everything it does. When it comes to new touring locations and styles of travel, many Scenic innovations have evolved from guest feedback, as members are searching for new destinations and experiences. Take a trip down memory lane of Scenic's most celebrated innovations.
1986
1986: Warrnambool Scenic Tours commences tours to the Great Ocean Road
This then expanded into extensive land journeys throughout Australia and New Zealand by 1992.
1999
1999: Let’s take on the world
By 1999, Scenic guests began travelling to Canada and Alaska, and making Scenic the region’s leading tour operator. Tours across Europe, Russia, Asia and South and Central America soon followed.
2006
2006: Europe river cruising is introduced as Scenic guests want new ways to explore.
Scenic Tours began to charter ships along Europe’s historic waterways in 2006.
2008
2008: Scenic enters the world of ship building
With a desire to create ships tailored to the Scenic guests’ needs the launch of Scenic Space-Ships started from 2008, with Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Emerald. From 2009-2016, the Space-Ship fleet expanded to 13 ships in Europe.
2012
2012: The innovative Scenic Sun Lounge is launched with Scenic Crystal.
The introduction of the Scenic Sun Lounge meant guests could enjoy the stunning views, whatever the weather. At the touch of a button, the glass window slides down to bring the outdoors inside.
2013
2013: Vive la France!
In 2013, Scenic began offering river cruises in the beautiful South of France, signalling Scenic’s expansion across Europe’s river. Two more ships are added in France in 2014 and 2015 on the Seine River and on Bordeaux’s waterways.
2014
2014: Scenic Group launches sister brand Emerald Cruises, debuting two new Star-Ships on the Rhine, Main & Danube Rivers in 2014.
The award-winning fleet now includes eight in Europe, including France and Portugal, and one on the Mekong River. Emerald Azzurra, the first super yacht, joins the fleet in 2022.
2016
2016: Exotic South East Asia
Always ahead of the curve, Scenic Spirit launched on the Mekong River, followed by Scenic Aura on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. Built to European standards, these 5-star ships set the benchmark in 5-star luxury river cruising in the region.
2016
2016: Scenic Azure launches on the Douro River
This first ship in Portugal, and Scenic Amber brings the fleet total to 13 ships in Europe. The Scenic Azure accommodates up to 96 guests and was custom-built to navigate the picturesque Douro River.
2017
2017: Bon Appétit!
Cruising though some of the world’s finest culinary regions, it was apt that Scenic Culinaire, the exclusive on board cooking school was launched on Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond. Taught by experts and using the finest local ingredients, guests could now be immersed in the culinary wonders of the Rhône and Bordeaux regions onshore and on board
2019
September 2019: The Christening Ceremony
After making her way down the diverse coastlines of Canada and the USA – via charming townships such as Lunenburg and Martha’s Vineyard – Scenic Eclipse arrived in New York City. During a ceremony broadcast live to several countries, the ship was christened by Godmother, Dame Helen Mirren, on 10 September 2019, as part of a special ceremony in Manhattan, New York.
November 2019: Taking advantage of the sleek design
Scenic Eclipse traversed the Caribbean and Panama Canal, before heading south to the Chilean fjords. The unique features of the Discovery Yacht enabled her to explore the narrow channels of the fjords, before reaching Cape Horn.
November 2019 – March 2020: The Great White Continent
The World’s First Discovery Yacht™ travelled to Antarctica for its inaugural season. As the first Polar Class 6 vessel, Scenic Eclipse’s state-of-the-art technology, safety and wealth of discovery vehicles allowed guests to experience this magnificent region like never before.
2021 & BEYOND
Future horizons with Scenic Eclipse…
• An exclusive 2021 season in the Australian Kimberley region
• Antarctica and the Arctic in 2022
• Scenic Eclipse II due to sail in 2023
