While we’ll always love Paris and London, heading to lesser-known destinations can often mean pristine landscapes, smaller crowds and more authentic and unique experiences. Scenic’s itineraries are curated to showcase smaller towns and villages not normally pinned to the mainstream tourist map, while the sleek and elegant design of Scenic’s Space-Ships and Discovery Yachts mean they can traverse waterways and reach ports inaccessible by larger ships.

On a Rhine river cruise, for example, Scenic will often dock in Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest cities surrounded by the scenic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and Baden Baden, a town famous for its Roman baths on the fringe of the Black Forest. In South East Asia, Scenic itineraries take in lesser-visited Indonesian islands – such as Komodo Island, home to a striking pink beach and famous dragon of the same name, and the World Heritage-listed Derawan Islands – which make for uncrowded and refreshing alternatives to Bali.

Destination detouring is a given on your ultra-luxury Scenic journeys, with exclusive experiences on offer such as a classical concert in a Viennese palace or a gala dinner at a 10th-century temple in Siem Reap.

While many of us follow the sun on holidays, seeking out cooler, wintry destinations is taking off. Antarctica is on top of many bucket lists, thanks to its remoteness and pristine landscapes. Scenic Eclipse is built to operate in the world’s most breathtaking polar environments.

The World's First Discovery Yacht takes guests to far-flung locales such as Antarctica, the Arctic, the Chilean fjords, the Baltics and Nordic regions, cruising through stunning landscapes from the comfort of a 6-star ship with a Polar Class 6 rating.

Scenic Eclipse’s Discovery Team of up to 20 experts, which include marine biologists, ornithologists and glaciologists, lead once-in-a-lifetime excursions on Zodiacs, kayak and stand-up paddleboards, by helicopter and even on board a custom-built Scenic Neptune submersible, showcasing the best of these remote polar regions from all perspectives.

Travelling solo isn’t a new thing, but it’s becoming increasingly popular. This is particularly the case for those who want to channel independence, are on a path to self-discovery or simply want to meet new people while exploring the world.

The intimate-group tours and cruises offered by Scenic are a top choice for solo travellers, offering independence with a supportive environment to navigate new destinations.  Spend the day discovering exotic destinations and meeting new-found friends, while having a spacious suite on board to retreat to with a butler to assist you at any moment – that’s the benefit of cruising solo with Scenic.

Exploring the world responsibly is at the forefront of travel trends, and Scenic is committed to sustainable travel as well as creating positive change. As part of our Cherish the Planet program, Scenic has six key environmental priorities. Its ships have been designed to be more efficient, reducing fuel consumption and carbon footprint. Food wastage has been reduced through menu design and kitchen technology; like dehydrators and food processors on Scenic Eclipse which help get the most out of fresh ingredients.

Produce is sourced from local markets and suppliers – as well as Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Spirit’s on board herb gardens - to use in the world-class dining experiences. And great efforts are made to ensure we support local communities and businesses with our shore excursions wherever possible.

Active discovery and wellness have become the ultimate travel combination. By day, Scenic Freechoice experiences may include a guided walking tour of a cobblestoned Old Town in France, kayaking the icy waters in Patagonia, a helicopter over the ancient lands of the Western Australian coastline, or a e-bike ride through the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux.

Whether travelling by ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht or Scenic Space-Ship, a sophisticated assortment of wellness spaces and experiences await. Take a rejuvenating yoga class in the state-of-the-art gym, a soak in the Vitality Pool or a session in the Salt Therapy Lounge. Book a massage treatment at the tranquil day spa or head to the Sun Deck or Observation Lounge and simply appreciate the rolling tapestry of river life or the great vast ocean pass by.  

Flavours shape your impression of a destination. More than being part of the journey, the culinary experience has, for some, become the reason to travel. Scenic has made dining an integral part of your cruising experience, with each voyage providing an incredible culinary journey for the epicurean traveller.

“The food world is a destination in itself,” says Ionel Purice, Scenic Group’s Corporate Executive Chef for France. “We’re committed to serving food from the regions where we cruise, to provide our guests with an authentic taste of the local cuisine.”

Scenic Freechoice experiences may include a cooking class to learn how to make local delicacies, a special meal with a top chef in France or perhaps a visit to a local food market in Hoi An to sample street food.

“I enjoy the morning market adventures, since that’s typically where my inspiration begins,” Chef Purice says.

On board, up to 10 unique dining experiences are available on Scenic Discovery Yachts, and up to five on ultra-luxury river cruises.

“There are a lot of people in the industry that say cruise ship dining can’t compare to restaurants on land. I wanted to prove them all wrong,” says Chef Tom Götter, Scenic Group’s VP Oceans Hotel Operations.

The expert team of chefs will prepare meals that celebrate local flavours, including ingredients such as truffles from Southern France or locally made sausage in Germany and accompanied by regional-specific beverages such as a crisp white wine from world-famous wine regions of New Zealand. 

However you want to connect with the world, Scenic’s exciting range of all-inclusive cruises to stunning destinations has something for everyone. Book now and indulge your love to travel in 2025 and 2026.