Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Glen Moroney founded Scenic in Australia in 1986 as a coach-touring company, later expanding into European river cruising and growing into Scenic Group, which also owns Emerald Cruises. Scenic remains privately owned and is especially popular with Australian, North American and British travelers.

On the rivers, Scenic sails its Space-Ships, carrying up to about 160 guests, on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Seine, Rhône and Saône and Bordeaux’s rivers, plus the Douro in Portugal and the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. At sea, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are polar-class Discovery Yachts carrying around 200 to 228 guests, each equipped with two helicopters, a submarine and Zodiacs for expedition voyages and warm-water cruising.

River itineraries typically run 7 to 15 days, often with land extensions, while the Discovery Yachts sail Antarctica, the Arctic, the Mediterranean, the Kimberley in Australia and other regions seasonally.

Scenic feels polished, attentive and very inclusive. Guests are typically in their 50s to 70s, from Australia, North America and the UK, many celebrating special trips. Daytime dress is relaxed and dinners are smart casual, with no formal nights. Every suite on the river ships has a butler, and nearly everything is prepaid, so there’s little to sign for. Excursions balance group touring with independence: Scenic Freechoice lets you pick from several activities, Scenic Enrich adds exclusive events such as private concerts, and e-bikes and a GPS-guided app let you explore on your own. On the Discovery Yachts, the mood is luxurious and adventurous, with optional helicopter flights and submarine dives.

River ships have a main restaurant plus more intimate venues, including a chef’s table tasting experience on many Space-Ships, all included. Menus highlight regional specialties, and room service is available. On the Discovery Yachts, there are several restaurants, from Asian to French-inspired fine dining, with a chef’s table experience.

Evenings feature local performers, lectures and wine tastings onboard, and Scenic Enrich events ashore, such as classical concerts in historic venues. Wellness classes are offered, and e-bikes are available for independent exploration. On the Discovery Yachts, expedition talks, helicopter flightseeing and submarine dives are the main attractions, with the flights and dives at an extra cost.

Children are allowed on some departures, but there are no kids programs and the experience is designed for adults.

River Space-Ships offer suites with butler service, many with a Sun Lounge balcony that converts from indoor lounge to open-air space at the touch of a button. Larger Royal Panorama Suites add more space. On the Discovery Yachts, all suites have verandas, with butler service throughout.

Drinks are included throughout the cruise, covering wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and coffees, plus an in-suite minibar. Some premium labels cost extra.

Gratuities are included in Scenic fares, both onboard and for included excursions, so tipping isn’t expected.

Scenic & Emerald Rewards, launched in 2026, combines Scenic’s and Emerald’s former programs. Members earn status across river, yacht and touring trips from both brands, with tiers of Gold, Diamond, Emerald and Chairman’s Club.