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Emerald Sakara and Scenic Eclipse I anchored off St Tropez

Scenic Group's 40 years of innovation

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40 years in the making

Innovation has defined Scenic Group’s journey from its Australian beginnings in coach tours to a global fleet of luxury ships, now spanning all seven continents, across yacht and river cruises and handcrafted land journeys. Today, that same spirit of innovation continues to drive the business forward, defining Emerald Cruises & Tours and its sister brand Scenic as global leaders in luxury travel.

See how a commitment to continuous innovation over four decades has been central to how Emerald Cruises & Tours and Scenic guests experience the world.

“Innovation isn’t what we do - it’s how we think”

40 YEARS OF FIRSTS

26+ SHIPS & YACHTS

100+ COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE

Since our beginnings in Newcastle, Australia, in 1986, we have grown to include Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours and Mayflower Cruises & Tours, offering river cruises, yacht cruises and land journeys across all seven continents.

From Emerald Cruises’ first purpose-built river ships on Europe’s rivers to its award-winning luxury yachts, every step of our history has been guided by one question: what would make this better for our guests?

Forty years on, that question still drives us. As we mark this milestone, we are focused on what comes next as much as we are on celebrating how far we have come.

Innovation in every dimension

At Scenic Group, innovation is central to the entire guest experience across our brands.

Emerald Kaia Owner’s Suite lounge with private balcony and sea views

Ship design

Each Emerald Cruises and Scenic ship is now conceived, designed, built and delivered under the leadership of our dedicated team at MKM Yachts. This unique approach allows us to shape every aspect of the guest experience, combining cutting-edge engineering with thoughtful design, luxury, wellness, and a deep sense of enjoyment.

Guests riding e-bikes through vineyards in the Netherlands

Flexibility to explore

Personalise your river or ocean cruise with selected EmeraldACTIVE and EmeraldPLUS  included experiences, giving you the freedom to shape each day around your interests and pace, alongside optional DiscoverMORE excursions. Choose from guided coastal walks, bike rides and cultural encounters, or embrace the freedom to explore independently.

CGI rendering of Emerald Raiya sailing on open water

So much more included

Thoughtful inclusions ensure a seamless and relaxing journey. From guided excursions to EmeraldPLUS experiences, gourmet dining, complimentary beverages and engaging on board entertainment, every moment is designed with you in mind.

Seared white fish with herbs, berries and roasted vegetables

Regionally inspired dining

Food and drink are woven into each destination you visit, with our chefs sourcing fresh local ingredients to create dishes that reflect regional flavours as you sail. Contemporary, welcoming dining venues and attentive service make every meal feel special, with all dining experiences included and a range of wines, draft beers and soft drinks available at selected times throughout your journey.

Spa therapist giving a back massage to a guest

Wellness on the water

Wellness is woven into life on board, whether you are gliding along Europe's rivers or cruising the open sea. On our Emerald Star-Ships, you can stay active in the fitness area, enjoy morning wellness sessions and unwind in calming spaces such as the heated pool or dedicated wellness area, while on Emerald Yacht Cruises, the Elements Spa, indoor-outdoor gyms and marina platform create a natural rhythm of movement and relaxation.

Emerald Azzurra anchored beside a Caribbean beach

Destination access

Explore with confidence, guided by over 40 years of expertise in luxury travel and worldwide journeys. Whether you join a river cruise, yacht cruise or land journey, enjoy thoughtfully designed itineraries that bring you closer to each destination, from smaller ports and harbours that larger ships can't reach to carefully chosen stays in the heart of the places you visit.

Scenic Group's four decades of innovation

Every year has brought a new chapter. Here are some of the milestones that have defined who we are.

Limestone sea stacks and cliffs at the Twelve Apostles, Australia

1986

Scenic begins its story as Warrnambool Scenic Tours along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, quickly earning a reputation for exceptional, guest-centred service.
Three hikers on a forest trail overlooking Lake Louise

1988

Evergreen Tours is acquired by Scenic Group, joining a growing portfolio of innovative travel brands while maintaining its distinctive focus on value and quality.
Guests leaving a coach at Kata Tjuta in central Australia

1993

Scenic leads the way as the first touring company to introduce coach double doors exclusively to the whole fleet, enhancing comfort, flow and ease of touring.

The Next Chapter

By 2028, Scenic Group will operate 26 river ships and 8 yachts across Scenic and Emerald Cruises, reaching all seven continents and more than 100 countries.

As Scenic Group celebrates 40 years, innovation continues to define every part of the business. From pioneering new travel experiences to designing, building and operating our own ships, we remain focused on setting new standards in luxury travel.

The spirit that has guided us for the last 40 years continues to drive every decision we make.

Scenic Group 40 Years of Memories anniversary banner
Scenic Group 40 Years of Memories anniversary banner

Celebrate 40 years with 40% off 

To mark 40 years of Scenic Group, enjoy 40% off selected river cruises and yacht voyages when you book during October 2026. 

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