The Scenic Story
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: 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: 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.
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: 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.
Scenic Tours began to charter ships along Europe's historic waterways in 2006.
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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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: 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: 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.
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: Bon Appétit!
As the world's cuisine capital, 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.
As the world's cuisine capital, 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.
2017: A fresh approach to on board wellness
In 2017, Scenic becomes the first and only river cruise operator to feature Salt Therapy Lounges on Scenic Diamond and Scenic Sapphire in France. In 2019, due to popular demand, these were added to the Space-Ships on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
In 2017, Scenic becomes the first and only river cruise operator to feature Salt Therapy Lounges on Scenic Diamond and Scenic Sapphire in France. In 2019, due to popular demand, these were added to the Space-Ships on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
2019: The new benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising
From the world’s northernmost capital Reykjavik to Quebec, Canada, Scenic Eclipse, The World's First Discovery Yacht™, sets sail on her maiden voyage in August 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.
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.
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.
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.
Future horizons with Scenic Eclipse...
- Antarctica and the Arctic in 2022 & 2023.
- Scenic Eclipse II due to sail in 2023.
Scenic is a member of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies). Scenic has been the recipient of national and international accolades from the industry and its partners, as well as recognized within the industry for its exemplary product and operations.
