Scenic Group has made a series of investments across its trade programme to support travel agent partners ahead of peaks. It includes a new partnership with the training scheme OTT and recruitment drive for its sales and partnership team. Under the OTT partnership travel agents will have access to training modules and the opportunity to learn more about the Scenic Group brands – Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises. They will learn about the fleets of luxury yachts, onboard facilities, itineraries, land tours and excursions as well as new tours and itineraries for the 2025/2026 season. The Scenic Group OTT course is now live and there are five training modules available for agents to access. Lessons are on: Truly all-inclusive Scenic River Cruises Emerald Cruises River Cruises Emerald Cruises Luxury Yacht Cruises Scenic Eclipse, world’s first Discovery Yachts Scenic Eclipse expedition voyage The first 50 travel agents to complete a training module and pass the quiz will receive a Scenic or Emerald Cruises branded backpack. To redeem, agents need to email [email protected] with proof of completion. The launch of the new training course comes as the sales and partnership team is expanding the team across three new roles. It is currently recruiting for a new sales manager, key account manager and senior charter operations executive to drive sales growth. Nick Hughes, Director of Sales, Partnerships and Strategic Growth said: “Ahead of peaks and the critical WAVE period, we want to ensure our agent partners are prepared to support what we all expect to be a very busy sales period.” 

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To mark the 2024 Olympics, cruise operators Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises are launching a new Olympics-themed travel agent incentive. From 26 July – 11 August 2024, top sales agents and agencies can win one of three prizes. Agents can win a host of sport- and Paris-themed rewards. Prizes include gym and coffee vouchers; a Gymshark holdall; a surfing experience for two; a tandem skydive; French wines gift sets; and vouchers from Love2Shop, M&S and Amazon. Scenic Group’s team of on-the road sales managers will also be hosting agents from top-selling stores in their regions for dinners. Scenic has also promised to ‘fill the fridge’ at top selling travel stores across the UK. Guests can explore Northern France by sailing the Seine on Scenic’s 11-day Normandy & Gems of the Seine. On Emerald Cruises’ ten-day Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Paris cruise, guests will explore the Rhône and Saône rivers through the South of France during the Olympic summer. There are options for a canoeing excursion in Avignon, hiking through the vineyards of Tournon, and cycling around the village of Glun. As a city stay extension, guests can enjoy a two-night stay in host city Paris. Prices starts from £3,050 per person including flights, transfers, meals and excursions. 

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Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours just launched the Worldwide Discoveries Collection, which spans departures from October 2025 to March 2027. Scenic’s two Discovery Yachts will sail over 163 itineraries visiting 278 ports in 50 countries. Highlights include yacht cruise voyages to witness the Solar Eclipse in Greenland and Iceland; Christmas in Antarctica; and a dedicated itinerary to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of US independence. Scenic Eclipse guests can also cruise iconic rivers from Europe's Guadalquivir and Seine rivers to the iconic Thames; as well as the Delaware, York and Cape Fear rivers in North America. To celebrate the launch and Scenic Eclipse’s 5^th birthday, Scenic’s regional sales managers will be hosting agent dinners nationwide. They take place at venues in Scotland, the Northwest, the Midlands and London during the week of 9 September. Places will be randomly allocated to ten agents who make a yacht cruise booking or go above and beyond to promote the new season. Wendi Hardy, National Key Account Manager for Scenic UK, will be hosting a dedicated webinar to offer agents selling tips. Scenic Eclipse will arrive in the South of France for the Monaco Grand Prix weekend as well as Cannes Film Festival season. The Discovery Yachts are the only ships with two on board helicopters and a custom-built submersible. The ships accommodate 228 guests (200 in Antarctica), with spacious all-verandah suites. The collection training webinar is held on June 26, from 09:30. Travel agents can now register. 

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Scenic reported Q1 sales revenues, with bookings up by a third year-on-year on its river product. It cited a spike in popularity in sailings on the Danube and an uplift on Douro-specific sailings on forward year departures. It follows the addition of Scenic’s collection of new itineraries to its 2024 season. These feature extended time in ports including Bordeaux, Nuremberg, Vienna and Budapest, and new experiences as part of the Scenic Enrich programme. Scenic’s website recently underwent a revamp, relaunching in the middle of Q1. Since then, the luxury operator reported website traffic up year-on-year. Also, Scenic Group recently unveiled a design update to the luxury river cruise fleet across Europe. There is a comprehensive refresh of the ships' main deck introducing new layouts and modern furniture. “The design update of our river fleet integrates innovative features of our ultra-luxury and luxury ocean yachts into our river cruise ships,’ said Karen Moroney, director of project design, Scenic Group. The enhancements incorporate partnerships with renowned designers such as Missoni and Freifrau. ‘ Nick Hughes, sales, strategy and partnership director said: “With the new design updates, we are looking forward to continued growth in 2024 and beyond to the 2025 season.” On 3 May, Scenic launched its new ultra-luxury Europe river cruise brochure for the 2025 season It features new port deployments in Krems, Regensburg, Mohacs and Bratislava and a host of new exclusive Scenic Freechoice excursions, across 15 sailings. 

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Scenic is inviting 50 travel agents aboard the luxury Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse during the upcoming UK & Ireland season. Scenic will welcome agents for ship tours and lunch in the Isle of Man, Dublin, Portrush and Aberdeen in June. “Scenic Eclipse has to be personally experienced to appreciate just how ultra-luxury she is, which is why we are sending only personal invites,” said director of sales, partnerships and strategic growth, Nick Hughes. “In addition to agent lunches and tours, we are hosting three fam trips this year across Scenic and Emerald Cruises’ European river collection – more than ever before.” Scenic Eclipse accommodates 228 guests (200 in Antarctica regions) and an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio and private butler service. Agents will also be able to see the onboard helicopters and new custom-built submersible Scenic Neptune. Excursions are led by Scenic’s Discovery Team, which comprise naturalists, marine biologists, and glaciologists. Scenic Eclipse ship visits: Isle of Man on Thursday 6 June 2024 Dublin on Friday 7 June 2024 Portrush on Saturday 8 June 2024 Aberdeen on Friday 14 June 2024   Scenic’s nine-day Scottish Isles: Historic Trails & Wilderness itinerary starts from £8,480pp. 

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  Scenic (www.scenic.com), the ultra-luxurious and truly all-inclusive cruise and land operator, has reported a huge uplift in sales across its ocean product, following a successful Q1 campaign and starring in the popular Channel 5 series ‘Cruising with Susan Calman’ in Antarctica.   Ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, starred in two episodes of ‘Cruising with Susan Calman’ as Susan discovered the most remote region on earth, Antarctica. Viewers watched the comedian, writer, and presenter, Susan Calman, sail the Antarctic peninsula on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™. The series which was intertwined with a successful Q1 campaign also led to an increase in Antarctica sales year-on-year, with more than a fourfold increase.   The episodes led to a record surge in website traffic and enquiries via phone resulting in bookings to Antarctica more than doubling compared to the previous weekend, before the first episode aired. The week commencing 12 February 2024 also cemented itself as Scenic’s top performing week  of 2024 so far across Ocean product, both in terms of overall bookings and bookings to the Antarctica region.   Nichola Absalom, managing director, sales & marketing, Scenic UK, said: “Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are unlike any other super-yacht on the market, offering unrivalled exploration and access to some of the world’s most spectacular regions. We were delighted to see such an uplift in sales, particularly to the Antarctica region, after the two episodes of ‘Cruising with Susan Calman’ aired, which followed the announcement of our largest Antarctica season in 2025/26 at the beginning of the year.   “With the arrival of Nick Hughes as Director of Sales, Partnerships and Strategic Growth earlier this year, we are looking forward to the continued growth of Scenic ocean sales and are confident of cementing our position as providing UK travel agents with the most comprehensive offers, support and training to its valued agent partners.”   With just 200 guests in Antarctica (228 in other destinations) and an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio and private butler service, both Discovery Yachts ensure an extraordinary level of personalised service for each guest. All Scenic ocean voyages are truly all-inclusive, meaning guests can leave their wallet in a safe place and relax, knowing everything is taken care of. Flights, transfers, fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages** and once in-a-lifetime immersive experiences are all included in the price.

Scenic has confirmed successful sea trials and a safety certification for a new submersible. It is awaiting delivery today of new Triton 660/9 AVA submersible which will be deployed onboard Scenic Eclipse II. The delivery of Scenic Neptune II is planned for Scenic Eclipse II’s upcoming voyages in the South Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, and East Antarctica in 2024 and 2025. It has 270-degree panoramic views and can descend up to 100 metres below the surface. Patrick Lahey, President and co-founder, Triton Submarines, said: “This represents a paradigm shift in how cruise guests experience and engage with the ocean.” Scenic Eclipse II’s inaugural season in the Oceania region begins today with its voyage from Valparaiso across the Pacific. The Discovery Yacht will arrive in Australia, where Scenic was founded, for the first time on 20 April 2024. It will sail the East Coast and Top End of Australia, Kimberley, Indonesian Archipelago, South Pacific, New Zealand, and East Antarctica over next two years. Experiences on Scenic Eclipse II also include two state-of-the-art helicopters and four seabobs will be added for these voyages. Each voyage will be led by an expert Discovery Team who will deep insights into the destination. Itineraries include 11-day all-inclusive voyage, Australia's Top End: Cape York & Arnhem Land and Passage through Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu.   

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The starring role of Scenic Eclipse on UK TV screens has led to a doubling of Antarctica bookings. It was featured on ‘Cruising with Susan Calman’ as she sailed in Antarctica on board Scenic Eclipse. The first episode led to a surge in website traffic and UK customer enquiries resulting in bookings to the region more than doubling compared to the previous weekend. Monday 12 February 2024 also cemented itself as Scenic’s top performing day of 2024 so far, both in terms of overall bookings and bookings to the Antarctica region. The majority were confirmed via trade partners. Sailing from Ushuaia on Scenic’s most popular expedition voyage, the episode saw Susan travel through the Drake Passage before reaching the polar south. Susan took a helicopter flight from Scenic Eclipse to see the glacial landscapes from above, and took a wildlife discovery cruise on one of the yacht’s Zodiacs to witness a penguin colony. Susan also joined excursions led by the Scenic expert Discovery Team, comprising naturalists, marine biologists, and glaciologists. The Scenic Eclipse discovery yachts carry just 200 guests in Antarctica with an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio and private butler service. It features all verandah suites and an expansive 550sqm Senses Spa, two Vitality pools and up to 10 dining options. The new ‘Sell Three, Sail Free’ incentive is open to all travel agents who confirm three new bookings onboard selected Scenic Eclipse I or Scenic Eclipse II sailings before 29 February. The following Antarctic sailings are applicable as well as a brand new polar voyage:

• 22 Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands 27 November 2024
• 13 Day Antarctica in Depth 17 December 2024
• NEW: 25 Day Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast 15 December 2024
• 24 Day Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife 8 & 31 January 2025

  Scenic will also be giving away triple River Rewards & More points worth £60 for every Antarctica booking made this February. 

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Scenic Eclipse has operated its first helicopter excursion to view Antarctica’s Emperor penguin colony. Following the start to the 2023/2024 Antarctica season, Scenic Eclipse's crew, led by Captain Radomir Novosel and the Polar Discovery Team operated the flight for guests during a 13-day Antarctica in Depth voyage. Guests landed on the Sea Ice near Snow Hill Island, located in the Weddell Sea. It landed just one kilometre from the penguin colony which is home to over 4,000 breeding pairs. Scenic Eclipse's Ornithologist Dr. Maricel Grilli, who has been working with Scenic in Antarctica since 2020, led the expedition. The dedicated crew followed all IAATO and biosecurity protocols during the excursion.    

Scenic and Emerald Cruises have reported a surge in travel agent bookings in 2023 as they gear up for their biggest-ever peaks sales season. Their campaign features its largest ever discounts – up to 40% off ocean and river cruises, free business class flights, and free drinks. It is offering a suite of marketing collateral and support, including dedicated social media images and window posters, plus dedicated peaks training. The new turn of year campaign showcases the range of ultra-luxury ocean and river cruising from Scenic Cruises, including new itineraries to the Kimberley region in Western Australia. Also, there are over 180 sailings on Emerald Cruises yachts Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara. Launching this week, the campaign comes after a highly successful few months of record sales and product enhancements. November saw the brand reporting its strongest UK sales week of the year, which culminated in a 2023 record one-day sales figure on November 27. Overall, between October and December this year, sales have doubled compared to the same period in 2022. Nichola Absalom, MD, Sales & Marketing, Scenic UK, said: “Our trade sales offering is in its strongest ever position as we head into peaks.” We have implemented direct agent feedback to allow us to enhance our online booking process and to provide a more streamlined approach.” Scenic and Emerald Cruises 2024 peaks training is open to all and started this week. Sales manager, Lewis Quigley will showcase both brands’ range of New Year offers and will be on hand to answer any questions about the booking portal. Scenic and Emerald Cruises peaks campaign is on sale from 19 December 2023 for Scenic and 21 December 2023 for Emerald Cruises.

  Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast who loves their routine or an active traveller who wants to hike, kayak and cycle their way around the world, there’s always an activity for you on a Scenic European river cruise.   Our selection of Scenic Freechoice activities allows you to customise your trip, so you can explore remarkable destinations according to your interests and preferred pace. Choose from up to six activities each day rated Active, Moderate or Relaxed, all included in your cruise price.   In this blog, find out the 10 must-do Scenic Freechoice activities that are perfect for travellers who want to discover Europe at a more active pace.  

  Discover this fascinating region with the new experiences available on Scenic’s 2023 and 2024 South East Asia Mekong River cruising program.   Each year, we introduce exciting journeys to immerse you in this vibrant destination. Here are some of the new experiences awaiting you:   1. Introducing Vang Vieng and Vientiane   The culturally rich and picturesque country of Laos is worthy of lingering a little longer, and guests on the Grand Indochina & Luxury Mekong and Journey Along the Mekong will be able to do just that by adding two nights.   Travelling via the new high-speed rail link that connects to China, you will spend one night in Vang Vieng, a small town surrounded by mountainous jungle and caves and home to the striking Blue Lagoon and Chang Caves. The second night is in the country’s capital, Vientiane, where you will visit Patuxay war monument and Pha That Luang, a gold-covered stupa and the national symbol of Laos.     2. Additional experiences in Hanoi’s Old Quarter   The Old Quarter is the traditional heart of Vietnam’s capital: an ancient network of narrow laneways, each historically dedicated to a different trade or craft. If your itinerary stops in the city of Hanoi, you can now learn about the history of this fascinating area on a 30-minute Old Quarter tour in a ‘green’ electric car. Get up-close to the cyclo drivers and the pulse of this ancient city.     3. Tour of Cao Dai Temple   Established in 1926, the unique Cao Dai religion fuses together the ideas and beliefs of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. Its awe-inspiring temples in the Mekong Delta really are to be seen to be believed: a clash of bright colours, gaudy patterns and eclectic motifs juxtaposed against the white robes of its worshippers.   During your Mekong River Cruise, you will get to witness it all at the Cao Dai Temple in Tan Chau, which has just been reopened to the public after renovations.     4. High tea at Raffles Phnom Penh   Elevate your afternoon at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, whose high tea has been an institution since the hotel opened in 1929. This luxurious epicurean experience comprising pastries, sandwiches and sweets is available as a Scenic Freechoice option for all guests in Phnom Penh.   5. Visit to Koh Chen Silversmith village   The craft of silver and copper smithing has been passed down through generations in Koh Chen, a tiny village on the Tonle River. On a Scenic Freechoice excursion, you can observe these local artisans at work as they craft intricate bowls, vases and other pieces that make for authentic souvenirs.   You’ll also feast on a Khmer-style lunch at Romdeng Restaurant, which is run by Friends, a social enterprise that supports local street children.   6. Bicycle tour through Hoi An countryside   This two-wheeled Scenic Freechoice excursion journeys through Hoi An’s rural landscape to see first-hand how locals live off the land. Pedal along quiet laneways, past family farms, rice paddies and grazing water buffalo before swapping your bike for a round bamboo boat to try your hand at traditional fishing with a net.   This one-of-a-kind immersive tour will end with a scenic cruise back to Hoi An with lunch on board.     7. Lantern-making class in Hoi An   Learn the 400-year-old craft of lantern-making during a Scenic Freechoice workshop hosted by Reaching Out, an NGO that helps disabled people gain meaningful employment and lead independent and fulfilling lives.   Hoi An is famous for the lanterns that line the ancient streets and riverside – in the evening the town is simply magical.   Image credit: Kathleen D, Scenic Guest, USA   8. New dining in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City   These new Scenic Freechoice dining options serve up a memorable feast for the soul as well as tastebuds. In Hoi An, guests can embark on a street food walking tour to sample tasty traditional fare such as banh mi (baguette) and cau lau (noodle bowl), as well as dining at Quang’s Kitchen, run by a chef from the local MasterChef series, and The Field Hoi An Restaurant and Bar, which is nestled in a verdant green landscape.   In Ho Chi Minh, you can dine among lanterns in the intimate Secret Garden Restaurant and enjoy a home-cooked-style meal with panoramic city views at SHRI Restaurant Bar and Lounge.     9. Learn about Cows for Cambodia   Cows are very expensive, so many families can’t afford one, however, through ‘Cows for Cambodia’ the family can look after the pregnant cow and can keep the calf once it is born, working like a ‘cow bank’. Featured as Scenic Freechoice activity, this experience will give guests a chance to learn about the program and be immersed in the local community.