Scenic Group has announced three new luxury river ships launching in 2027 and 2028 on Portugal's Douro River and Southeast Asia's Mekong River, including an Emerald Star-Ship and two Scenic Space-Ships. The move, revealed on March 9, 2026, from Hollywood, Florida, coincides with the company's 40th anniversary and underscores growing demand for luxury cruising.
On March 9, 2026, from Hollywood, Florida, Scenic Group announced the addition of three new luxury river ships to its fleet: Emerald Nova, Scenic Aria, and Scenic Spirit II. This expansion, built by the company's subsidiary MKM Yachts in Rijeka, Croatia, marks the next phase of strategic growth.
Emerald Nova, an Emerald Star-Ship, launches in June 2027 on Portugal's Douro River, joining Emerald Radiance. It will offer the 11-day 'Douro Highlights: Porto, Salamanca & the Wine Valley' itinerary, featuring guided hikes, kayaking, city explorations, and vineyards.
In September 2027, the ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship Scenic Aria debuts on the same river, joining Scenic Azure, with 11-day 'Unforgettable Douro' and 8-day 'Delightful Douro' all-inclusive itineraries.
Scenic Spirit II, another Scenic Space-Ship, arrives in early 2028 on the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia, boosting capacity amid high demand for cultural and scenic explorations in Southeast Asia.
Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder of Scenic Group, said: “Our commitment to an additional three new river ships for the Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands reflects our confidence in the strong demand for our unique approach to luxury cruising. With Scenic Ikon in build for delivery in 2028 and five Emerald Cruises yachts and river ships already confirmed, this announcement marks the next phase of our strategic fleet growth. By bringing the design and construction of these new river ships under the expertise of our team at MKM Yachts, we can apply the same exacting standards, innovation and design principles that have underpinned Scenic Group’s success for the past 40 years.”
This builds on recent additions like Emerald Astra (May 2026, Rhine/Main/Danube), Emerald Lumi (2027, Seine), luxury yachts Emerald Kaia (April 2026), Emerald Raiya (2027), Emerald Xara (2028), and Scenic Ikon (2028). Scenic Aria and Emerald Nova are open for bookings, with Scenic Spirit II available for pre-registration.
The Australian-founded company, operating Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours, has redefined luxury travel across rivers, oceans, and land for 40 years.