The new ships will join the group's fleet in Europe and Asia between 2027 and early 2028. The order includes one new vessel for its Emerald Cruises brand and two for Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours brand.
Emerald's new 112-guest ship, Emerald Nova, will join Emerald Radiance in Portugal, launching on the Douro in June 2027.
Emerald Nova will operate two itineraries between March and November – an 11-day Douro Highlights sailing, which explores Porto, Salamanca and the Wine Valley, and an eight-day Secrets of the Douro sailing. Ports of call also include Porto and Salamanca, while guided hikes and kayaking excursions are available.
Then, in September 2027, the 96-guest Scenic Aria will also join the fleet on the Douro, sailing alongside Scenic Azure.
The ship will operate an 11-day Unforgettable Douro itinerary and an eight-day Delightful Douro sailing between March and November, calling at destinations including Regua and Pinhao.
Scenic Spirit II (left) will sail on the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia (Credit: Scenic Group)
In early 2028, the 68-guest Scenic Spirit II will be launched ahead of its inaugural sailing on the Mekong River. Calls include Phnom Penh, Angkor Ban and Ho Chi Minh City as the ship travels through Vietnam and Cambodia.
The new-builds add to previously announced ships including Emerald Astra, launching in May 2026 on the Rhine, Main and Danube, and Emerald Lumi, which will debut on the Seine in 2027.
Scenic Group is also expanding its yacht fleet with Emerald Kaia from April 2026, followed by Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028. A new ocean ship, the 270-passenger Scenic Ikon, will also be operational from 2028.
Glen Moroney, chairman and founder of Scenic Group, said the latest order forms part of the company’s "next phase" of fleet growth and will be built by the group’s shipbuilding division, MKM Yachts.
By early 2028, the group expects its river fleet to total 26 ships across both brands, including 15 for Scenic and 11 for Emerald.
