Scenic and Emerald Cruises have announced a new partnership with travel technology company TravelTek.   The agreement means all Scenic and Emerald ocean and river cruise itineraries are live on the TravelTek API.   Travel agents can book online and see real-time availability and pricing of the operators’ cruises, as well as the latest offers and promotions.   Agencies need to contact their relevant sales manager to request a booking API connection.   Jonathan Davies, head of sales at Scenic Group, said: “By making our full ocean and river cruise programmes available via the TravelTek API, we’re giving agents the tools they need to sell with confidence and efficiency. Real-time availability and live pricing mean faster quotes, fewer barriers and a smoother booking journey for both agents and their clients. This integration empowers agents to focus on what they do best - delivering expert advice and exceptional service - while knowing they have instant access to our latest itineraries and offers.”

  Scenic Group has announced the launch of the Scenic & Emerald Rewards global loyalty programme, combining the existing Scenic Club and EmeraldEXPLORER schemes into one unified platform.   The new programme, which is now live, will reward members who travel across all the Scenic and Emerald luxury yacht and river cruises, and escorted land journeys.   Scenic & Emerald Rewards combines existing status points from the previous programmes into a single consolidated balance, providing members with one streamlined account. All existing members have been automatically transferred to the new platform.   It includes a four‑tier structure, comprising Gold, Diamond, Emerald and Chairman’s Club levels, with benefits such as access to new pre‑release itineraries, exclusive event invitations, private transfers or airport hotel stays on eligible journeys, complimentary accommodation on longer trips and priority onboard services. Those in tiers that were merged have been moved to the new equivalent or higher tier, with status points adjusted upwards.   In addition, a new MyRewards feature has been introduced. Guests can earn 1% of their eligible new booking value as an actual monetary amount, which can then be redeemed towards their next luxury cruise or tour.   Glen Moroney, Scenic Group founder and chairman, said: “The launch of the new integrated Scenic & Emerald Rewards global programme marks a significant evolution in the recognition and benefits for our valued guests. Few travel companies can offer the unrivalled opportunity for their members to earn and receive status points, for travel across luxury ocean, river and escorted land journeys, spanning all seven continents and more than 100 countries.   “It will also provide all current and future members one unique account, which includes the new MyRewards feature, providing a real monetary value for members to redeem. The Scenic & Emerald Rewards programme has been designed to ensure we continue to develop more relevant experiences for our valued members and deliver enhanced recognition, communication and benefits across the portfolio of luxury experiences."   Scenic & Emerald Rewards is free to join for all guests returning from their first holiday with either brand.

  Travel agents have reported a significant increase in Antarctica bookings for Scenic on the back of the ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ series, filmed onboard the ultra-luxury cruise line and sister brand Emerald Cruises.   Billy Rusbridge, from ROL Cruise, secured two Antarctica bookings worth more than £65,000, for the 13-day ‘Antarctica In Depth’ itinerary on Scenic Eclipse, both departing in February 2027.   Meanwhile, Natasha Yarnold from Fred Olsen Travel Lymington; Dan McMahon from SixStarCruises.co.uk; and Natalie Werrett, ROL Cruise, all individually booked more than £50,000 worth of cruises visiting Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands (departing in 2027) while the show aired.   The six-part ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ series, produced by JetSet TV, began airing on January 2, on Channel 5. It followed Jane as she embarked on an extraordinary expedition from Antarctica to the Arctic, on the ultra-luxury yachts Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara.   During her journey, Jane embraced the experience onboard, taking part in a range of activities, from helicopter rides to whale watching and even performing a song at the end of each episode.   Billy Rusbridge said: “Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole has been a powerful tool in helping me sell Scenic Eclipse to cruise customers, as it brings the ship and its expedition experience vividly to life. Seeing the luxury, the technology, and the real emotions of polar exploration on screen builds instant trust and excitement, especially for clients who may feel uncertain about expedition cruising.”   Jonathan Davies, head of sales at Scenic Group, said: “Since the show hit our screens, we’ve seen genuine demand translate directly into agent success. By showcasing the once-in-a-lifetime experiences onboard Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara, from helicopter flights to intimate wildlife encounters, the series has helped to turn aspiration into action. It proves that inspiring storytelling not only excites viewers but actively supports our agent partners by driving high-value bookings.”

  Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours have launched a new trade incentive offering travel agents the chance to win a river cruise.   Running until February 28, 2026, the campaign includes two cabins – one on Scenic River Cruises and one on Emerald Cruises – that will be awarded to agents who sell 20 cabins across a selection of March and April 2026 river cruise departures.   Applicable itineraries departing in March and April include: * Emerald’s eight-day ‘Jewels of the Rhine’ voyage, departing Amsterdam and calling at Düsseldorf; Cologne; Koblenz; Mannheim; Strasbourg; Breisach; Freiburg; and Basel. Prices start from £2,395pp. Includes a complimentary upgrade from an Emerald Stateroom to a Panorama Balcony Suite, return flights and a free Platinum drinks package or €300 onboard credit per couple. * Scenic’s eight-day ‘Gems of the Danube’ cruise, departing Munich and calling at Passau; Linz; Melk; Durnstein; Vienna; Bratislava; and Budapest. Prices start from £2,795pp.  Includes a complimentary upgrade from a Standard to a Balcony Suite, return flights and private door-to-door transfers.   The incentive applies to new bookings, which will be automatically entered into a prize draw. The winners will be chosen at random and join a seven-night sailing on selected departures in 2026.   Jonathan Davies, head of sales at Scenic Group, said: “Travel agents are at the heart of everything we do, and this incentive is our way of rewarding their expertise and passion. By selling Scenic and Emerald, agents aren’t just unlocking exceptional value for their clients; they’re earning the chance to experience our brands as their customers do. There is no better sales tool than first-hand experience, and this incentive offers them an opportunity to step on board and understand the Scenic and Emerald difference.”

  Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours have announced the appointment of Leiza Sullivan as sales manager for the North and Midlands, effective immediately.   In the role, Leiza will manage and build relationships with retail and independent agents and provide support for trade events and visits, training sessions and marketing. She will report to Jonathan Davies, head of sales at Scenic Group.   Leiza was most recently regional sales manager at Sani/Ikos Group and has previously worked at brands including APT Travel Group, Avalon Waterways and Jet2 Holidays.   Leiza Sullivan said: "I’m delighted to join the Scenic and Emerald trade team and can’t wait to reconnect with my agent partners in the North and the Midlands.”   Jonathan Davies said: “Leiza brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a strong track record of working closely with the trade, making her a fantastic addition to the Scenic and Emerald Cruises trade team. She will be instrumental in developing and nurturing partnerships with retail and independent agents, while delivering valuable support through training, events and marketing initiatives.”   The appointment brings the Scenic and Emerald trade team to 12.   Scenic recently launched a new trade incentive to win an eight-day Mediterranean cruise. The incentive, running until February 16, has been introduced to coincide with the new six-part ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ series, filmed onboard Scenic and Emerald Cruises, and airing on Channel 5. To be in with a chance of winning, travel agents need to make a new Scenic Ocean or Emerald Yacht Cruises booking.   In addition, the cruise lines are giving travel agents the opportunity to earn double River Rewards & More points for all new ocean and river cruise bookings made until February 16.

  Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises have introduced a new series of events designed to connect travel agents with new and existing customers.   Launching this month, the ‘Travel Lounges’ are small, curated gatherings hosted in partnership with the cruise lines’ trade partners.   Each session will welcome up to 25 guests, sourced directly from a travel agency’s client base.   Presentations will be led by Scenic and Emerald’s sales managers and focus on education and product insight. Guests can register for specific presentations based on river or ocean cruising. To date, events have been confirmed with agencies including Fred Olsen Travel, Barrhead Travel, Hays Travel and Miles Morgan Travel.   The cruise lines are aiming to host approximately 50 'Travel Lounges' per quarter in 2026.   Jonathan Davies, head of sales at Scenic Group, said: “Travel Lounges are designed to support agents at a local level, with accessible and manageable events. By working directly with agents and engaging their own clients, we’re helping to build confidence, knowledge and trust in our brands. These events give agents a practical way to educate customers, generate leads and create meaningful conversations they can convert into future bookings.”   Events will be hosted in-store or at an external venue organised by Scenic.

  Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has launched a new trade incentive to win an eight-day Mediterranean cruise.   The incentive, which is live from today (January 2), has been introduced to coincide with the airing of the first episode of the new six-part ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ series, filmed onboard Scenic and Emerald Cruises and starting at 9pm tonight, on Channel 5 and via streaming.   To be in with a chance of winning, travel agents need to make a new Scenic Ocean or Emerald Yacht Cruises booking before February 16.   The winner, who will be selected at random after the closing date and contacted by email, will join the eight-day ‘Enchanting Provence, Tuscany and the French Riviera’ cruise, departing from Nice on April 25, 2026. Ports of call include Portofino, Livorno, Calvi, Monte Carlo, Marseille, and Mahon.   ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ follows Jane as she embarks on an extraordinary expedition from Antarctica to the Arctic, on the ultra-luxury yachts Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara.   Produced by JetSet TV, each hour-long episode will take in different destinations, including Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falklands, Uruguay, Brazil, Greece, Italy, Norway, Svalbard and the Arctic Circle.   During her journey, Jane will embrace the ultra-luxury experience on the 6-star Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara. She will also take on a range of activities, from helicopter rides to whale watching and even performing a song at the end of each episode.   During tonight’s episode, Jane takes a zodiac ride around Winter Island, getting up close with icebergs and the native wildlife; discovers what’s on offer on Scenic Eclipse; and explores Livingstone Island.   Subsequent episodes of ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ will air on consecutive Fridays at the same time.   Jonathan Davies, head of sales at Scenic Group, said: “This incentive is our way of bringing the excitement of ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ directly to the trade. As viewers watch Jane travel from Antarctica to the Arctic, we want agents to feel equally inspired and now they have the opportunity to win an eight-day Mediterranean cruise while celebrating the launch of this remarkable new series.”   For more information, agents should contact their local sales manager or email [email protected]. Additional information about the series can be found at Scenic.co.uk/pole-to-pole.

  Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has unveiled four wine-themed river cruise itineraries, as part of its new 2026 ‘A Taste of’ series.   The sailings include experiences such as private vineyard tours, tastings hosted by experts, and tailored excursions.   The itineraries comprise: * Eight-day ‘Gems of the Danube’, departing July 13, with prices starting from £3,245pp. Highlights include a visit to the Etyek wine region to sample aromatic whites and sparkling wine; the Carpathian wine region; and visits to wineries in the Wachau Valley. * Eight-day ‘Rhine Highlights’, departing August 12, 2026, with prices starting from £3,375pp. Highlights include visits to winemaking villages in the Alsace region, with a tasting in a local wine cellar; a guided tour and tasting at the property of Fritz Ritter, a family owned vineyard; and a visit to the Koblenz Wine Museum. * Eight-day ‘Tastes of Bordeaux – A Wine Cruise’, departing June 29 and October 22, with prices starting from £3,139pp. Highlights include a visit to a château in Saint-Émilion; e-bike ride through the Médoc wine countryside; and a visit to a local estate in the Sauternes region. * 11-day ‘South of France’, departing August 2 and October 19, with prices starting from £4,467pp. Highlights include learning about the vineyards that produce Provence’s signature rosé; a visit to a local wine estate in Burgundy; and a guided tasting of the Côtes du Rhône wines with a local expert.   ‘A Taste of’ sailings are themed itineraries with curated experiences unique to each specific departure.   Dominic Keely, head of marketing - rivers & land - UK at Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, said: “Our new wine-themed journeys for 2026 celebrate Europe’s most storied vineyards with intimate tastings, expert-led encounters and immersive regional explorations. These distinctive river cruises blend ultra-luxury with authenticity, offering travellers a taste of some of the finest wine regions.”   Fares include Scenic Freechoice excursions; Scenic Enrich events; premium beverages*; all meals; transfers; gratuities; and a butler service.

  The first episode of a new series fronted by Jane McDonald and filmed onboard Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises will air on January 2, at 9pm on Channel 5 and via streaming.   The six-part ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ documentary follows Jane as she embarks on an extraordinary expedition from Antarctica to the Arctic, on the ultra-luxury yachts Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara.   The series promises stunning visuals, engaging storytelling and a unique perspective on some of the planet’s most spectacular destinations.   During episode one, Jane takes a zodiac ride around Winter Island, getting up close with icebergs and the native wildlife; discovers what’s on offer on Scenic Eclipse; and explores Livingstone Island.   Produced by JetSet TV, each hour-long episode will take in different destinations, including Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falklands, Uruguay, Brazil, Greece, Italy, Norway, Svalbard and the Arctic Circle.   During her journey, Jane will embrace the ultra-luxury experience on the 6-star Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara. She will also take on a range of activities, from helicopter rides to whale watching and performing a song at the end of each episode.   Nichola Absalom, UK managing director of sales and marketing at Scenic Group, said: “We’re eagerly anticipating the launch of this six-part adventure, which showcases remarkable destinations while highlighting the numerous luxurious experiences that guests can enjoy while travelling with us. It has been a joy working with Jane, whose passion for exploration is infectious, and we can’t wait for viewers to experience the extraordinary world of luxury cruising that awaits them.”   Jane McDonald said: “This series completely blew my mind. I’ve always been a homegirl but the more I travel, the more I think that there’s more to life. I’ve been cruising for a lot of years now but the beauty of working with Scenic is that, unlike the big cruise ships, they can get into all sorts of places that I’ve never been before. This took me to places that I will never forget. I would work with Scenic again in a heartbeat.”   Subsequent episodes of ‘Jane McDonald: Pole to Pole’ will air on consecutive Fridays.

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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