An Australian entrepreneur quit his accountancy studies to sell coach tours along the Great Ocean Road. Built the world’s largest privately owned river cruise company. Then designed and built from scratch what he called the world’s first Discovery Yacht, a purpose-built ultra-luxury expedition vessel with two helicopters, a custom submarine, and a fully all-inclusive model so comprehensive it covers even top-shelf spirits.
That is the story of Glen Moroney and Scenic Group. And in 2026, its 40th anniversary year, the result is one of the most technologically ambitious and genuinely singular products in the entire luxury travel market.
In this episode, we cover everything you need to know about Scenic Luxury Cruises in 2026.
The two Discovery Yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, and what makes them genuinely different from anything else sailing: 228 guests, Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hulls, two Airbus H130 helicopters per ship, a custom submarine named Scenic Neptune diving to 305 metres, twelve Zodiacs for shore landings, dynamic positioning systems, and oversized zero-speed stabiliser fins 50 percent larger than standard, all combined in a vessel that also delivers 6-star luxury with private balcony suites, butler service for every guest, and up to ten restaurants at no supplemental charge.
The helicopters and exactly what they can and cannot do, including the significant list of destinations where regulatory restrictions prevent their operation in 2026, so you know precisely what you are and are not booking. The submarine and the remotely operated underwater drone that extends the reach of underwater observation beyond what the submersible itself can access.
The fully all-inclusive model and why it is one of the most comprehensive in ultra-luxury cruising, covering premium spirits, all Zodiac landings and shore excursions, watersports, gratuities, butler service, and Wi-Fi, with helicopter and submarine experiences as the only meaningful extras.
The 14 suite categories and why every single one has a private balcony and butler service with no exceptions. Ten restaurants and nine bars and lounges all included in the fare with open seating throughout.
The itinerary programme spanning over 350 ports across 49 countries in 2026, from the Antarctic Peninsula and East Antarctica to the Arctic, Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean, Kimberley coast, Indonesian Archipelago, and the Amazon.
The third Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon, arriving April 2028 and already sold out on its inaugural voyage. And an honest comparison with Seabourn, Silversea, Viking Expeditions, and SeaDream so you know exactly where Scenic sits and who it is genuinely built for.
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