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Creating unforgettable, award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys for over 38 years.

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The Scenic Group Story

Established in 1986, we are a proudly Australian-founded company, taking our guests to the most fascinating destinations in over 60 countries and every continent. Our journey began in 1986 with coach tours across Australia. As we discovered new markets, we sought to create unforgettable, award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys. 

Since 2008, we have set the benchmark in truly all-inclusive, ultra-luxury five-star river cruises in Europe and South East Asia. In 2019, we introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™, a 228-guest ultra-luxury ship, and our second yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, in April 2023, taking guests to all four corners of the globe.

Emerald Cruises was founded in 2013 as Emerald Waterways and is part of the Scenic Group. Emerald Cruises is an award-winning brand which specialises in deluxe river cruises and super yacht experiences, with a fleet of 8 custom-built Star-Ships sailing Europe’s Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhône, Seine, and Douro rivers, South East Asia's Mekong RIver, and two super yachts sailing the crystal waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Americas.

Our Headquarters are located in Zug, Switzerland. Our goal is to operate the Scenic Group fleet with the best resources - our people. We are committed to finding and nourishing the best talent in the industry.

CELEBRATING 40 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.

Panoramic view of the twelve apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Australia

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.

View of Lake Banff in Canada with the sun hitting the peaks of the mountains

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.

The Hungary Parliament Building in Budapest lit up at night on the edge of the river

2006: Set sail on Europe River Cruising

Scenic charters ships along Europe's historic waterways giving guests a new way to explore the European continent.

Luxury river cruise ship sailing past the Marksburg castle on a hill

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.

Two guests holding champagne flutes looking out at the views of Budapest from the ship

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.

Luxury river cruise ship sailing down the river in Bordeaux

2013: Vive la France

Expanding Europe River sailing with two more ships added in 2014 and 2015 on the Seine River and on Bordeaux's waterways.

Luxury river cruise ship sailing next to a cliff with a castle on it

2014: Scenic Group launches sister brand Emerald Cruises, debuting two new Star-Ships

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.

On board pool on a South East Asia river cruise ship

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.

Luxury river cruise ship sailing down the Douro river lined with vineyards

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.

Scenic Culinaire chef running a tutorial for guests on board a luxury river cruise

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.

Helen Mirren at the Christening of Scenic Eclipse with the owner

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.

Scenic Eclipse docked in Panama Canal

2019: Taking advantage of the sleek design

In November, 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.

Ultra-Luxury Discovery Yacht sailing in the waters of Antarctica

2020: Scenic Eclipse proves perfect for expedition with its inaugural season to Antarctica

Scenic Eclipse world-class design, Polar 6 rating and expert Discovery Team enables guest to experience the far reaches of the world in ultra-luxury from the Artic to the Antarctic to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

luxury ocean cruise discovery yacht sailing in the blue waters of bora bora next to an island cove

2023: Scenic Eclipse II sets the new benchmark in ultra-luxury 6-star cruising

Scenic Eclipse II sets a new benchmark with an expanded 550sqm Senses Spa complete with KLAFS infrared chairs, saunas and steam room, colour and cold therapies. Are-configured Sky Deck featuring a newly designed Vitality pool with private cabanas and a Sky Bar plus new and custom-built Neptune II submersible takes ultra-luxury cruising to the next level.

both ocean cruise discovery yachts sailing next to each other in Disko Bay Greenland

2023: Scenic Eclipse II inaugural sailing

Scenic Eclipse II inaugural sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon in April brings about a new era of expedition cruising of unrivalled discovery.

Dr Kathy Sullivan at the Scenic Eclipse II Christening with the owner

2023: Scenic Eclipse II Christening

Scenic Eclipse II is christened by Dr Kathy Sullivan in Málaga, Spain in June.

luxury ocean cruise discovery yacht sailing in the blue waters of the kimberleys in Australia with a helicopter flying over head

2024: Scenic Eclipse II embarks on its inaugural Australia season

In April, Scenic Eclipse II will embark on her maiden Australian voyage to Newcastle, where Scenic was founded 37 years ago, with voyages in the Kimberley, South Pacific, Indonesia, New Zealand and East Antarctica.

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