Australian-founded Scenic Group has announced the launch of a new ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon, due to set sail in April 2028. The first three voyages are already sold out.
The maiden season through to March 2029 includes stops at 110 ports in 21 countries, and 26 new destinations including the Mediterranean, Aegean and Egypt, the Cape Verde Islands, Dakar, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean Fjords.
Equipped to the same high standard as Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Ikon is a little larger at 205 metres with capacity for 270 guests in 135 veranda suites (compared to 168 metres and 114 suites). The suites are spacious, starting at 34m2 up to 250m2 for the Ikon Penthouse.
Onboard, there are 15 dining venues, nine pools, and a 1700m2 Senses Rejuvenation Spa offering signature treatments as well as a hydrotherapy, thermal experiences and exercise options.
There are two dedicated Airbus H130-T2 helicopters for aerial views, and for underwater excursions, there’s a custom-designed 9-seater Triton AVA submersible capable of reaching depths of 60 metres in tropical waters and 90 metres in Antarctica. The clear bubble design allows for uninterrupted views of ocean life.
Scenic Ikon can switch the engines off and glide into port. It utilises a heating ventilation airconditioning system, cleaning outside air. No air on board is recycled. Only fresh water is discharged from the ship and there’s no single-use plastics on board.
At an industry information session recently, Scenic’s director of Discovery Operations, Jason Flesher, explained that 20 PhD qualified experts come on board to lead expeditions, give talks, and give guests the ultimate enrichment experience.
“We added a guide to a snorkelling trip so an 80-year-old passenger, who had never been snorkelling in her life, could experience something she’d always wanted to do,” Flesher said.
“Our guide said she was squealing in delight through the snorkel the whole time, and when she got back on board, she was buzzing and so grateful she was able to fulfill a lifelong dream – those are the extra steps we go to for guests at Scenic.
“Active guests can go on trail runs, hikes and mountain biking with our Discovery Team, and those who prefer less exertion can walk the same trails – everyone is catered for.”
Built for ice-class to cruise Antarctica, Scenic Ikon will spend most of the time in warmer waters, where guests can dine in the alfresco dining areas.
For more information, itineraries and bonus early bird booking offers that include helicopter rides, visit scenicikon.com.
