Scenic Ikon Ultra Luxury Expedition Yacht Launching 2028

Scenic Group has officially announced its latest addition to the Discovery Yacht fleet: Scenic Ikon, the third ultra-luxury cruise ship in its lineup. This groundbreaking vessel is set to begin service in April 2028 following its scheduled delivery at the end of 2027. Designed for both polar and warm-water destinations, Scenic Ikon represents the culmination of more than three years of development and experience building on its sister ships, marking a milestone in expedition cruising.

Scenic Ikon: Specifications and Capabilities

Scenic Ikon will be the largest vessel in the Scenic fleet, surpassing its predecessors, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, which each accommodate up to 228 passengers (limited to 200 passengers in Antarctica). The ship is rated Polar Code 6 and features an Ice Class 1A Super strengthened hull, allowing safe navigation in icy environments while remaining versatile enough for tropical settings. Measuring 672 feet in length with a gross tonnage of 25,000 (some sources report 26,500) and a 78-foot beam, it boasts accommodations for 270 guests in 135 all-veranda suites ranging from 365 to 2,691 square feet.

• Guests: 270
• Suites: 135, all with private verandas
• Gross Tonnage: 25,000 (also reported as 26,500)
• Length: 672 feet
• Beam: 78 feet
• Dining Venues: Multiple, including lounges and social spaces totaling 15 venues
• Lounges and Social Spaces: Included within total 15 venues
• Spa: Two-level, 1,700-square-meter (approximately 18,298-square-foot) Senses Rejuvenation Spa

Advanced Exploration Tools

The ship is equipped with cutting-edge expeditionary tools aimed at enhancing exploration opportunities for guests. Highlights include:

• Two Airbus helicopters for exploration and guest transfers
• Custom-built Triton AVA-9 submersible (Scenic Neptune III)
• A fleet of Zodiacs for polar expeditions and remote landings
• Luxurious superyacht Fassmer tenders for coastal transfers

Luxurious Amenities

Beyond its engineering feats, Scenic Ikon will cater to ultra-luxury travelers with unparalleled onboard facilities. Guests can indulge in signature wellness treatments at the Senses Rejuvenation Spa, a two-level, 1,700-square-meter (approximately 18,298-square-foot) venue offering hydrotherapy, thermal experiences, and exclusive therapies. The ship also features multiple dining venues, lounges, and various social and relaxation spaces, curated to provide a refined yet adventurous experience.

“Every element of Scenic Ikon’s design has been optimized to deliver unrivaled experiences across diverse destinations and environments, from its primary base, the Mediterranean, to the wilds of Antarctica,” said Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney.

A Groundbreaking Maiden Season

Scenic Ikon will launch with an inaugural voyage departing from Venice, Italy, in April 2028. This maiden season, lasting nearly one year, will offer 110 ports of call across 21 countries and 26 new destinations for Scenic. Highlights include the Mediterranean, the Aegean, Egypt, Cape Verde Islands, Dakar, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and the Chilean Fjords.

The dynamic itinerary emphasizes the ship’s dual capability for tropical and polar cruising. The inaugural voyage has already sold out, according to Scenic Group.

In-House Shipbuilding Expertise

Construction of Scenic Ikon is underway at MKM Yachts, Scenic Group’s in-house shipbuilding division, located in Rijeka, Croatia. Scenic adopted an in-house shipbuilding approach following financial troubles with the original Croatian shipyard during construction of their first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. A dedicated team manages and oversees the shipbuilding process for quality and precision. The steel-cutting ceremony, attended by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, took place in February 2025, followed by the keel-laying in May 2025. The project remains on schedule, with delivery set for the end of 2027.

Scenic Group emphasizes the benefits of vertical integration, ensuring stringent quality control and precision in every aspect of the ship’s construction. “This remarkable vessel is the result of more than three years of passion, innovation, and development by our team, and we are delighted to share Scenic Ikon with our valued guests, travel advisors, and partners,” Moroney added.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Scenic Ikon unique in the ultra-luxury cruise market?

Scenic Ikon combines advanced polar-capable engineering with a range of high-end amenities, including numerous dining venues, lounges, a two-level spa, and cutting-edge exploration equipment like helicopters and a custom-built submersible. This versatility positions it as a premier choice for both adventurous and luxury seekers.

Where will Scenic Ikon sail during its maiden season?

The inaugural season spans 110 ports in 21 countries, including destinations in the Mediterranean, Egypt, Cape Verde Islands, Dakar, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and the Chilean Fjords, adding 26 new routes to Scenic’s portfolio.

How does Scenic Group manage the ship’s construction?

Scenic oversees construction through its in-house shipbuilding division, MKM Yachts, in Croatia. This approach ensures stringent quality control and adherence to the company’s standards. Key milestones include steel cutting in February 2025 (attended by the Croatian Prime Minister) and keel laying in May 2025.

How large is Scenic Ikon and what are its guest accommodations like?

The ship measures 672 feet in length, has a gross tonnage of 25,000 (also reported as 26,500), a beam of 78 feet. It features 135 private veranda suites ranging from 365 to 2,691 square feet and accommodates 270 guests, with noted passenger limitations in Antarctic waters on sister ships.

What exploration capabilities will Scenic Ikon offer?

The vessel will be equipped with two Airbus helicopters, a Triton AVA-9 submersible, Zodiacs for expeditions, and luxurious superyacht tenders. These tools enable aerial, underwater, and coastal explorations to remote destinations.