Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic is an Australian-founded cruise and tour company best known for all-inclusive river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia, and since 2019 for two small ocean-going expedition ships it calls Discovery Yachts. It belongs to Scenic Group, which also owns Emerald Cruises.
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About Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
The business began in 1986 as Warrnambool Scenic Tours, running coach trips along Victoria's Great Ocean Road, and grew into an international escorted-tour operator by the late 1990s. It chartered river ships in Europe from 2006 before building its own fleet of 135-metre "Space-Ships" from 2008; France followed in 2013, the Mekong ship Scenic Spirit in 2016, Scenic Eclipse in 2019 and Scenic Eclipse II in 2023. Today the river fleet counts eleven Space-Ships on the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhône, Seine and Bordeaux's rivers, Scenic Azure on the Douro and Scenic Spirit on the Mekong, with Scenic Aura being refitted for India and more ships, including the 270-guest Scenic Ikon, on order for 2027 and 2028.
Fares are sold as all-inclusive: drinks are included apart from a few rare wines and spirits, shore excursions are chosen through the Scenic Freechoice program, private Scenic Enrich events add concerts and similar outings, and butlers are part of the crew. River ships carry up to 163 guests in suites, most with an enclosed Sun Lounge balcony, and offer up to five dining venues. The Discovery Yachts add helicopters and a submarine, at extra cost, for polar and warm-water voyages.
What Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is known for
Scenic is regularly ranked among the top river cruise lines, including Condé Nast Traveler readers' choice listings in 2018 and 2021 to 2023, and its ships draw praise for space, all-suite accommodation and inclusions that leave little to pay on board. Scenic Spirit was named Asia's best river cruise ship at the 2022 World Cruise Awards, and Scenic Eclipse II was a Cruise Critic pick for best new expedition ship in 2023. Things travelers weigh against that: fares sit at the top of the river market because so much is bundled in; several Europe ships date from 2008 to 2011, though the whole Europe fleet was refurbished in 2024; river itineraries can be altered by high or low water, as Scenic's own terms note; and the yachts' helicopter and submarine outings cost extra and are not allowed in many countries.
Who it's for
River · riverboats through towns and cities, a port most days
- Couples
- History and culture
- Food lovers
- Adventure seekers
Scenic suits couples and experienced travelers who want a polished, all-in price, with drinks and excursions settled before departure, and who value roomy suites over onboard entertainment. Food and wine lovers will find several dining venues on each ship and, on the France ships, a cooking school. The Discovery Yachts fit travelers who want Antarctica, the Arctic or the Kimberley with expedition gear but hotel-level comfort. Travelers who want kids' clubs, nightlife or big-ship activities, and anyone shopping on price alone should look elsewhere; Scenic Group's own Emerald Cruises sells a similar river product with fewer inclusions.
How it rates
- Cabins
- 5/5
- Dining
- 5/5
- Entertainment
- 3/5
- Service
- 5/5
- Pools & decks
- 2.4/5
- Value
- 3/5
The fleet's average on each metric, across 16 rated ships in service. Each ship is scored 1 to 5 by Cruise Frog's editors; these are not reader reviews.
Rankings and comparisons
- #3 of 10 · Best river cruise lines
- #4 of 18 · Best cruise lines for adventure
- #13 of 20 · Best cruise lines for food lovers
- #13 of 32 · Best cruise lines for history and culture
- #19 of 50 · Best cruise lines for couples
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- Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours vs Emerald Cruises
- Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours vs Riviera Travel
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Where Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours sails
Ships
Best rated
#14.2 ★Scenic Eclipse2019 · 17,545 GT · 228 guests · Antarctica · MediterraneanScenic Eclipse is the first of Scenic's ocean-going "Discovery Yachts", an all-suite expedition ship of 17,545 gross tons with a Polar Class 6 rating and room for 228 guests, cut…
#24.2 ★Scenic Eclipse II2023 · 17,545 GT · 228 guests · Australia and New Zealand · South PacificScenic Eclipse II is the sister of Scenic Eclipse: a 228-guest, all-suite expedition yacht of 17,545 gross tons and about 168 metres, with 114 suites and a Polar Class 6 hull…#34.0 ★Scenic Aura2016 · 44 guestsScenic Aura is a 44-guest river ship that Scenic introduced in 2016 for cruises on the Irrawaddy in Myanmar, following Scenic Spirit on the Mekong. She is not sailing as of late…Every ship, by class
Space-Ship class
11 ships · 2008–2016 · 2,200–2,721 GT · avg 3.8 ★
- Scenic Amber2016 · 2,721 GT · 163 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Jasper2015 · 2,721 GT · 163 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Opal2015 · 2,721 GT · 163 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Gem2014 · 2,200 GT · 122 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Jade2014 · 2,721 GT · 163 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Jewel2013 · 2,721 GT · 163 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Crystal2012 · 2,721 GT · 163 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Pearl2011 · 2,721 GT · 159 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Diamond2009 · 2,721 GT · 147 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Ruby2009 · 2,721 GT · 159 guests3.8/5
- Scenic Sapphire2008 · 2,721 GT · 147 guests3.8/5
Other ships
5 ships · 2016–2023 · 1,780–17,545 GT · avg 4.0 ★
Coming soon
Where to fly in
- Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)1 Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ship sails from Bordeaux, France2 lounges on Lounge Frog
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)1 Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ship sails from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam3 lounges on Lounge Frog
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (CCU)1 Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ship sails from Kolkata, India4 lounges on Lounge Frog
- Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS)1 Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ship sails from Lyon, France2 lounges on Lounge Frog
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)1 Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ship sails from Paris, France21 lounges on Lounge Frog
- Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)1 Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ship sails from Porto, Portugal1 lounge on Lounge Frog
Quick answers
What is Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours known for?
Scenic is regularly ranked among the top river cruise lines, including Condé Nast Traveler readers' choice listings in 2018 and 2021 to 2023, and its ships draw praise for space, all-suite accommodation and inclusions that leave little to pay on board. Scenic Spirit was named Asia's best river cruise ship at the 2022 World Cruise Awards, and Scenic Eclipse II was a Cruise Critic pick for best new expedition ship in 2023. Things travelers weigh against that: fares sit at the top of the river market because so much is bundled in; several Europe ships date from 2008 to 2011, though the whole Europe fleet was refurbished in 2024; river itineraries can be altered by high or low water, as Scenic's own terms note; and the yachts' helicopter and submarine outings cost extra and are not allowed in many countries.
Who is Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours best for?
Scenic suits couples and experienced travelers who want a polished, all-in price, with drinks and excursions settled before departure, and who value roomy suites over onboard entertainment. Food and wine lovers will find several dining venues on each ship and, on the France ships, a cooking school. The Discovery Yachts fit travelers who want Antarctica, the Arctic or the Kimberley with expedition gear but hotel-level comfort. Travelers who want kids' clubs, nightlife or big-ship activities, and anyone shopping on price alone should look elsewhere; Scenic Group's own Emerald Cruises sells a similar river product with fewer inclusions.
Where does Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours sail?
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours's ships in service sail Rhine (8 ships), Danube (8 ships), Northern Europe (2 ships), South America (2 ships), Antarctica (2 ships), Mediterranean (1 ship), Australia and New Zealand (1 ship), South Pacific (1 ship), Seine (1 ship), Rhône (1 ship), Douro (1 ship) and Mekong (1 ship).
How is Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours rated?
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours's fleet averages 3.9 out of 5 on Cruise Frog, across 16 rated ships. Its best-rated ship is Scenic Eclipse at 4.2.
Does Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours have new ships coming?
Yes: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has 3 new ships on the way: Scenic Aria (debuts September 2027), Scenic Ikon (debuts April 2028) and Scenic Spirit II (due 2028).
How many ships does Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours have?
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has 16 ships in service on Cruise Frog: Scenic Amber, Scenic Aura, Scenic Azure, Scenic Crystal, Scenic Diamond, Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Eclipse II and Scenic Gem, and 8 more.
What ship classes does Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours sail?
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours sails 1 class of ship in service: Space-Ship class (11 ships), plus 5 ships not in a named class.
Who owns Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours?
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is part of Scenic Group.
Where is Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours based?
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. It has operated since 1986.
What is Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours's loyalty program called?
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours's past-guest loyalty program is Scenic & Emerald Rewards.
What is the largest Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ship?
Scenic Eclipse is Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours's largest ship at 17,545 gross tons, carrying 228 guests.
Cruising with children
Scenic’s river and discovery-yacht products need separate checks for children. A suite and inclusive fare do not, by themselves, establish age acceptance or a children’s program.
Read the Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours family guide →Is a drinks package worth it?
House wine is included in Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours' fares, so you may not need a drinks package. If you'd want cocktails or premium wines, enter what they cost.
House wine is included in Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours' fares, so you may not need a drinks package at all. Scenic ↗
Per person, a day, as the line quotes it.
A typical drink you'd buy on board.
Optional. Count coffees and sodas if the package covers them.
The days the package is charged for.
To make the drinks package pay for itself
6drinks a day
A $75-a-day package costs the same as 5.8 drinks at $13. Over 7 days that's $525, or 41 drinks for the cruise.
Pay as you go
At 5 drinks a day, buying drinks one at a time costs about $70 less than the package.
- Drinks package, 7 days
- $525
- Drink by drink, 5 drinks a day
- $455
Break-even is a target for your wallet, not a dare for your liver.
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
Related news about Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and its ships
- 5 things Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours does well—and 1 it doesn’t
Five strengths of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, one clear drawback, and the travelers most likely to enjoy its cruise style.
Cruise lines
- Scenic turns 40 with a $200 code for Scenic and Emerald cruises, good through October 26
US and Latin American travelers can take $200 per person off select Rhine, Danube, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Seychelles departures with code BOOST26. The window is short, and the list of eligible trips is narrow.
Cruise lines