Scenic Luxury Cruises And Emerald Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury Cruises In 2024 & 2025
In the world of luxury cruising, Scenic Luxury Cruises and its sister brand, Emerald Cruises, are leaders, offering unparalleled experiences on the water. These two brands, part of the Scenic Group, have carved a niche by providing travellers with a blend of opulence, innovation, and breathtaking scenery. This comprehensive overview delves into the history, offerings, and unique features that make Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises standout choices for discerning travellers.
Scenic Luxury Cruises And Emerald Cruises
History and Evolution: Scenic Luxury Cruises has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1986 by Glen Moroney in Australia. Originally known as Australian Scenic Tours, the company started offering coach tours in Australia and New Zealand. However, recognising the allure of European river cruising, Moroney expanded the company’s focus to include river cruises in the early 2000s. This decision marked a turning point, leading to the establishment of Scenic Luxury Cruises and the introduction of their very own state-of-the-art river cruise vessels.
Emerald Cruises, a sister brand of Scenic, was launched later, in 2014, as a more affordable alternative without compromising on quality and luxury. It aimed to appeal to a broader demographic while maintaining the high standards set by its predecessor.
Fleet and Vessels: Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises boast a fleet of modern and luxurious ships designed to provide the ultimate cruising experience. Two of Scenic’s spaceships, Scenic Jasper and Scenic Crystal, are marvels of engineering with spacious suites, innovative design, and cutting-edge technology. The Space-Ships feature all-inclusive amenities, private balconies, and exclusive butler service, ensuring a pampered and memorable voyage.
And then there are Scenic’s Discovery Yachts Eclipse I and II, epitomising luxury expedition ocean cruising. These state-of-the-art vessels redefine exploration with opulent suites, fine dining, and cutting-edge amenities. From polar regions to tropical paradises, Scenic Eclipse I and II offer discerning travellers an unparalleled blend of comfort and adventure, setting new standards in the world of expedition cruising.
Emerald Cruises, on the other hand, operates its innovative Starships, including the Emerald Dawn and Emerald Destiny. These offer contemporary design with a focus on comfort and efficiency. The use of panoramic windows in suites, a heated swimming pool with a retractable roof, and a diverse range of dining options contribute to the overall appeal of Emerald Cruises.
Emerald Cruises’ yachts Azzura and Sakara redefine boutique luxury on the seas. With a focus on intimate experiences, these state-of-the-art vessels offer spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalized service. Azzura and Sakara provide discerning travellers with a unique combination of elegance and comfort, creating unforgettable moments on the water.
Destinations and Itineraries: Both Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises offer an extensive range of itineraries, catering to various preferences and interests. Scenic focuses on river cruising in Europe, with journeys along iconic rivers like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine. Additionally, they have expanded their offerings to include exotic destinations like the Mekong River in Southeast Asia and the Nile River in Egypt.
Emerald Cruises primarily operates in Europe, offering river cruises along popular waterways. Their itineraries often include stops at charming towns and cities, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and history. Both brands emphasise curated shore excursions led by knowledgeable guides, providing guests with authentic and enriching experiences at each port of call.
All-Inclusive Luxury: One of the defining features of both Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises is their commitment to the all-inclusive luxury experience. From the moment guests step on board, they are greeted with a range of amenities that set the standard for excellence in the cruise industry. All-inclusive offerings typically encompass gourmet dining, top-shelf beverages, shore excursions, airport transfers, and even pre-cruise hotel stays.
Scenic takes the all-inclusive concept to a higher level with its signature all-inclusive luxury. This means that virtually every aspect of the cruise, including gratuities and exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences, is covered by the upfront cost. The idea is to allow guests to fully relax and enjoy their journey without worrying about additional expenses.
Emerald Cruises, while providing a more accessible price point, still maintains a comprehensive, all-inclusive model. Guests can expect to enjoy complimentary excursions, meals, and a selection of beverages. The focus is on delivering exceptional value without compromising on the quality and sophistication expected from a luxury cruise.
Innovations and Technology: Both Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises have embraced technological innovations to enhance the guest experience. Scenic has introduced the Scenic Tailormade app, allowing guests to have access to insightful commentary, maps, and even self-guided tours during shore excursions. The Scenic Sun Lounges, found in all-balcony suites, are another innovative feature, transforming balconies into all-weather lounges with the push of a button.
Emerald Cruises, meanwhile, has invested in the EmeraldACTIVE program, providing guests with the opportunity to stay active and healthy during their cruise. This may include guided biking tours, hiking excursions, or even yoga classes on the ship’s sun deck. The emphasis on wellness and an active lifestyle sets Emerald Cruises apart in the industry.
Environmental Responsibility: With the increasing awareness of environmental issues, both Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises have taken steps to minimise their impact on the ecosystems they visit. Electric-assist bicycles are available for shore excursions on most ships, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. They have also introduced the Scenic Culinaire program, focusing on sourcing local and sustainable ingredients for their onboard culinary offerings.
The company is actively working to reduce single-use plastics on its ships and has invested in technologies to minimise emissions and energy consumption. Both brands recognise the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the destinations they explore for future generations.
Guest Experience and Reviews: The heart of any cruise experience lies in the satisfaction of its passengers. Both Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises consistently receive positive reviews for their outstanding service, attention to detail, and commitment to guest satisfaction.
Scenic’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its numerous awards, including recognition as the “Best Luxury River Cruise Line” by Cruise Passenger Magazine for several consecutive years. Guests often praise the spacious suites, exceptional dining options, and the overall sense of luxury that permeates every aspect of the Scenic experience.
Emerald Cruises, while a newer player in the industry, has quickly garnered a loyal following. Guests appreciate the value for money, the diverse range of itineraries, and the contemporary design of the ships. The innovative use of technology, such as the EmeraldACTIVE program and insightful shore excursions, adds to the overall positive guest experience.
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises have established themselves as leaders in the luxury cruise industry, offering unparalleled experiences for travellers seeking a perfect blend of opulence, innovation, and natural beauty. Whether exploring the historic rivers of Europe or venturing into exotic destinations, guests can expect a level of service and attention to detail that sets these brands apart.
Scenic Luxury Cruises, with its longstanding history and commitment to all-inclusive luxury, continues to be a benchmark for excellence in the industry. Meanwhile, Emerald Cruises, as the more accessible sibling, successfully caters to a broader audience without compromising on the quality and sophistication expected from a luxury cruise.
As the cruise industry evolves, both Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises are poised to continue their legacy of providing unforgettable journeys, pushing the boundaries of what luxury cruising can offer in terms of experiences, amenities, and sustainability.
Amanda Todd will be representing Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises at the
WorldLee Journeys Travel Expo on Sunday 11 February 2024.
The expo will run from 10 am -12.30 pm at Breakers Country Club at Wamberal.
Register HERE for your free ticket to speak with Liz at the WorldLee Journeys Travel Expo.
