Published on October 21, 2025
Scenic Group has unveiled its most ambitious new vessel, the Scenic Ikon, which is set to debut in April 2028. The announcement marks a new chapter for the company’s ultra-luxury expedition portfolio, positioning the twenty-six thousand five hundred-gross-ton Discovery Yacht as one of the most technologically advanced ships ever purpose-built for both polar exploration and warm-water cruising.
Redefining Ultra‑Luxury Discovery Cruising
Constructed by Scenic’s in-house shipbuilding arm, MKM Yachts, the Scenic Ikon will measure 672 feet (205 meters) in length with a 78-foot (24-meter) beam and accommodate 270 guests across 135 all-veranda suites. Cabins will range from 365 sq. ft. (34 sqm) to 2,691 sq. ft. (250 sqm), offering expansive personal space across five decks equipped with private terraces and panoramic ocean views.
The vessel is being built to Polar Code 6 and equipped with an Ice Class 1A Super hull, enabling it to navigate safely through icy waters and tropical seas alike. Designed for versatility, Scenic Ikon will sail itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Aegean, Antarctica, the Chilean Fjords, and other global destinations.
Engineering Excellence and Expedition Innovation
Scenic Ikon promises to set new benchmarks in design and expedition capabilities. The super-yacht will feature:
- Two Airbus helicopters for wide-ranging aerial excursions
- Scenic Neptune III, a custom Triton AVA-9 submersible for underwater exploration
- A fleet of Zodiacs and Fassmer tenders suited for shore landings and adventure travel
- An extensive ultra-luxury spa, multiple fine-dining venues, and an indoor-outdoor observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass walls
Its construction follows major milestones, including steel cutting in February 2025, which was attended by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and keel laying in May 2025. The vessel remains on schedule for delivery by late 2027, followed by sea trials before commercial service begins in spring 2028.
The Itinerary: From Venice to the Ends of the Earth
The inaugural voyage, departing from Venice in April 2028, has already sold out. Over a 12-month debut season running through March 2029, Scenic Ikon will visit 110 ports in 21 countries across 26 destinations, including:
- Mediterranean staples: Italy, Greece, Spain, and Egypt
- Atlantic adventures: Cape Verde Islands and Dakar (Senegal)
- Polar frontiers: Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and the Chilean Fjords
Each itinerary is curated to provide natural wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural immersion. Scenic’s expeditionary approach emphasizes multi-sensory discovery, from glacier landings in polar regions to sun-drenched sailing along ancient Mediterranean trade routes.
Elevating the Concept of Discovery Yachts
Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group, described Scenic Ikon as the culmination of three years of intensive research, design, and innovation. Beyond engineering, Scenic Ikon represents the group’s vision of responsible luxury travel, where adventure and sustainability coexist.
The yacht’s eco-friendly technologies include next-generation propulsion systems, optimized hydrodynamics for reduced drag, and energy-efficient waste-recovery systems. Scenic Ikon will also utilize advanced dynamic positioning, allowing it to maintain stability without anchoring, thereby protecting delicate seabed ecosystems.
Scenic’s Expanding Global Footprint
The introduction of Scenic Ikon follows the success of the brand’s earlier Discovery Yachts – Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, which dramatically elevated standards in small-ship cruising. With Scenic Ikon, the company reinforces its leadership in ultra-luxury expedition travel, appealing to discerning travelers who seek meaningful, curated experiences that blend exploration and comfort.
Scenic Group’s continuous investment underlines its commitment to in-house expertise, managing all aspects of ship design, construction, and operation. The 2028 launch will also expand Scenic’s ability to serve both polar explorers and cultural travelers, setting the stage for new itineraries that merge luxury cruising with geographic discovery.
Boost to Maritime Tourism and Regional Economies
Scenic Ikon’s introduction promises to further enhance the global profile of destinations it serves. Each maiden call will bring high-value tourism inflows, supporting port infrastructure and local economies in key regions such as Venice, Dakar, Ushuaia, and Santorini. The company’s all-inclusive policy ensures local suppliers, from wine producers to tour operators, benefit directly from expedition itineraries.
The ship’s presence in smaller, environmentally sensitive destinations will be carefully regulated through Scenic’s sustainability charter, promoting low-impact tourism consistent with UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) standards.
Pioneering Experiences Through Air, Sea, and Depth
Equipped for three-dimensional exploration, Scenic Ikon redefines luxury expedition possibilities:
- The helicopter program allows guests to soar above polar ice formations or Mediterranean coastlines, experiencing previously unreachable perspectives.
- The Scenic Neptune III submersible provides a rare opportunity to explore ocean depths up to 1,000 feet, bringing guests face-to-face with marine biodiversity.
- Shore-based excursions will include guided wildlife expeditions, archaeological site tours, and private culinary events led by expert regional chefs.
These curated experiences combine to create a holistic itinerary that merges intellectual enrichment with adventure tourism—a foundation of the Scenic brand identity.
Shaping the Future of Luxury Expeditions
The unveiling of Scenic Ikon coincides with growing global demand for small-ship voyages blending environmental stewardship and authentic exploration. This trend reflects a shift in traveler behavior, with luxury cruise passengers increasingly seeking purposeful, transformative itineraries that connect them to the planet’s most remote and pristine environments.
For the international tourism industry, Scenic Ikon represents the synthesis of exclusivity, technology, and sustainability, elevating the Discovery Yacht concept into a new era of innovation and environmental responsibility. Its 2028 launch will strengthen Scenic Group’s leadership within the expanding exploration cruise market while supporting sustainable tourism across continents.
Image Credit: Scenic