Ocean, River or Expedition -- Scenic Has It Covered
Ken Muskat
By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
Photos/Video Courtesy of Scenic Group
While city-sized megaships may dominate the headlines, worldwide, demand has never been higher for more intimate, personalized, luxury cruising on a smaller scale. As proof, consider the news coming from Scenic Cruises.
Founded 40 years ago in Australia by Glen Moroney, what started out as motorcoach tours has grown into a fleet of ultra-luxury and luxury yachts, river ships and expedition travel, with nine new ships set to launch between 2026 and 2028.
At Seatrade Cruise Global, held this April in Miami Beach -- the cruise industry's biggest event -- Ken Muskat, Scenic's president and managing director for the USA/Latin America market, talked to me about the cruise line and what's ahead.
North Palm Beach Life
Photos/Video Courtesy of Scenic Group
While city-sized megaships may dominate the headlines, worldwide, demand has never been higher for more intimate, personalized, luxury cruising on a smaller scale. As proof, consider the news coming from Scenic Cruises.
Founded 40 years ago in Australia by Glen Moroney, what started out as motorcoach tours has grown into a fleet of ultra-luxury and luxury yachts, river ships and expedition travel, with nine new ships set to launch between 2026 and 2028.
At Seatrade Cruise Global, held this April in Miami Beach -- the cruise industry's biggest event -- Ken Muskat, Scenic's president and managing director for the USA/Latin America market, talked to me about the cruise line and what's ahead.
The Triton 660/9 AVA (Triton Submarines)
"What makes us unique is the fact we're one of the only ones that have two brands covering river, ocean and expedition," he said. "We've got something for the entire lifetime vacation journey." The two brands Muskat referenced are Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours and Emerald Cruises, and each features both ocean-going and river ships. "By the end of 2028, we're going to have 35 ships combined."'
That list includes two Scenic yachts primarily built to cruise Antarctica, and also sail in the Caribbean and Mediterranean -- Eclipse I and Eclipse II -- both featuring both a helicopter and submersible built by Triton Submarines, based in Sebastien, Florida. Eclipse II is utilizing the Triton 660/9 AVA, with a 360-degree acrylic hull.
"It's state of the art," said Muskat. "Everybody is seated like in a living room, and once it does down in the water the glass disappears. It's just unbelievable."
That list includes two Scenic yachts primarily built to cruise Antarctica, and also sail in the Caribbean and Mediterranean -- Eclipse I and Eclipse II -- both featuring both a helicopter and submersible built by Triton Submarines, based in Sebastien, Florida. Eclipse II is utilizing the Triton 660/9 AVA, with a 360-degree acrylic hull.
"It's state of the art," said Muskat. "Everybody is seated like in a living room, and once it does down in the water the glass disappears. It's just unbelievable."
Emerald Kaia
The next Scenic ship will be the first of its Ikon class, debuting in April, 2028. "It's going to be a similar platform but about 50 percent larger, with only 18 percent more guests -- 270 in total," said Muskat. As opposed to the Eclipse ships, Ikon will be "70 percent warm weather and 30 percent polar, so it will still be able to do Antarctica but it's going to have more outdoor space and bigger pools -- the warm weather things people are looking for."
Emerald launched its ocean-going superyachts starting in 2022 with Emerald Azzurra, followed by Emerald Sakara. Each holds 100 guests and they are mostly sailing warm weather itineraries. In April, Emerald Kaia debuted, slightly larger and accommodating 128 guests, with two additional ships, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara, to follow in 2027.
As for destinations, Robert Castro, Vice President of Marketing, said "We really are global. We visit all seven continents with all lengths of itineraries, overnight stays and extensions." Plus the size of their ships mean that go where the large ships can't.
Emerald launched its ocean-going superyachts starting in 2022 with Emerald Azzurra, followed by Emerald Sakara. Each holds 100 guests and they are mostly sailing warm weather itineraries. In April, Emerald Kaia debuted, slightly larger and accommodating 128 guests, with two additional ships, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara, to follow in 2027.
As for destinations, Robert Castro, Vice President of Marketing, said "We really are global. We visit all seven continents with all lengths of itineraries, overnight stays and extensions." Plus the size of their ships mean that go where the large ships can't.
Robert Castro
Castro noted that because of how expansive their portfolio is, they can offer guests the ability to combine their travel. "Maybe you start with a river cruise," he said, "then do a land package -- it's extremely customizable."
While Scenic is a luxury brand, Castro said the fact it's virtually all-inclusive stands them apart from the competition. "The only thing you pay extra for would be the helicopter, the submarine or a spa treatment. But even the spa's thermal suite is included."
Whether on river or ocean, Muskat said they like to create immersive cultural exposure for guests, including local food and drink as well as bringing local entertainers onboard.
And what about the crew-to-passenger ratio? While it's different on the river ships due to space limitations, Muskat said it's still generous, while on the Scenic yachts, it's virtually one-to-one, or better. "You're always going to have exceptional service," he said, "and the culinary is second to none."
While Scenic is a luxury brand, Castro said the fact it's virtually all-inclusive stands them apart from the competition. "The only thing you pay extra for would be the helicopter, the submarine or a spa treatment. But even the spa's thermal suite is included."
Whether on river or ocean, Muskat said they like to create immersive cultural exposure for guests, including local food and drink as well as bringing local entertainers onboard.
And what about the crew-to-passenger ratio? While it's different on the river ships due to space limitations, Muskat said it's still generous, while on the Scenic yachts, it's virtually one-to-one, or better. "You're always going to have exceptional service," he said, "and the culinary is second to none."
Beyond the ocean and river travel, guests can also opt for a land component and extend their trip. "Because of our touring background, and because of what we do so well with our shore excursions, we can offer land packages in partnership with hotels," said Muskat. "It's not a huge part of our portfolio, but it's growing."
Previously, both Emerald and Scenic had their own guest loyalty programs. Both have since been converged into one program. "So regardless of where you travel -- on ocean, river or land -- you will earn points with us," said Castro. And with their "super-high guest satisfaction scores," they experience a lot of repeat business. Right now, they are continuing to focus on the U.S. market, which has been a big area of growth, Muskat said.
Upon seeing one of the ships for first time, one thing that stands out is their gorgeous design. "Our owners and founders built a product they would like to sail on," said Muskat, "based on what they would want in a vacation. "
Safe to say, what they created is what we all want in a vacation.
Previously, both Emerald and Scenic had their own guest loyalty programs. Both have since been converged into one program. "So regardless of where you travel -- on ocean, river or land -- you will earn points with us," said Castro. And with their "super-high guest satisfaction scores," they experience a lot of repeat business. Right now, they are continuing to focus on the U.S. market, which has been a big area of growth, Muskat said.
Upon seeing one of the ships for first time, one thing that stands out is their gorgeous design. "Our owners and founders built a product they would like to sail on," said Muskat, "based on what they would want in a vacation. "
Safe to say, what they created is what we all want in a vacation.
