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If you like the idea of exploring some of the most remote places on Earth, but you also want ultra-six star dining, spacious suites, and unlimited amenities, then Scenic Ikon is a ship worth knowing about.
Launching in 2028, Scenic Ikon is the newest ultra-luxury discovery yacht from Scenic, and it takes everything the line is known for and turns it up a notch. This is not a traditional cruise ship. It’s more like a floating boutique hotel that just happens to come with helicopters, a submersible, and the ability to sail from the Mediterranean to Antarctica.
If you’re new to Scenic Luxury Cruises, then there’s a show on Channel 5 (UK) you might like: Jane McDonald – Pole to Pole.
Scenic Ikon – Launching 2028 – Highly Anticipated Maiden Season
Scenic Ikon is set to make her debut from Venice in April 2028, and interest has been huge. The inaugural sailing is already close to selling out, with the following departures also proving very popular.
The maiden season runs through to March 2029 and it’s an impressive one. In total, the ship will visit 110 ports across 21 countries, including 26 brand-new destinations for Scenic. The itineraries cover everything from the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Egypt to the Cape Verde Islands and Dakar, before heading much further south to the jaw-dropping landscapes of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and the Chilean Fjords.
A Small Ship That Feels Seriously Luxe
Scenic Ikon is designed to carry just 270 guests, which immediately sets the tone. This is a low-crowd, high-service experience.
Every single suite has:
- A private balcony
- Plenty of space to spread out
- Butler service included as standard
Some of the larger suites are enormous by cruise standards, easily big enough to feel like a private apartment at sea. If you like space, privacy, and not feeling rushed or overwhelmed, this ship ticks all the right boxes.
Built for Proper Exploration
What really makes Scenic Ikon stand out is what she can do.
This ship is built to explore both warm and cold regions, including polar waters. Onboard, you’ll find:
- Two helicopters for sightseeing and remote access
- A submersible that takes guests below the surface of the ocean
- Zodiacs and luxury tenders for landings in places big ships simply cannot reach
Instead of just sailing past dramatic landscapes, Scenic Ikon is designed to get you right into them. It’s expedition cruising, but done in an incredibly polished, luxury way.
Itineraries That Go Well Beyond the Usual
Scenic Ikon’s first season covers a huge range of destinations, which is one of the most exciting things about the ship.
Think:
- The Mediterranean and Greek Islands
- Egypt and North Africa
- Remote Atlantic islands
- The Chilean Fjords
- Antarctica and the polar regions
It’s a mix of iconic places and genuinely off-the-beaten-path destinations, which makes it appealing whether you’re new to luxury cruising or already ticking off bucket-list trips.
Food That Feels Like a Destination in Itself
Dining is a big deal on Scenic Ikon, and it shows.
There are 15 different dining venues, all included, with a mix of:
- Fine dining
- Casual options
- International cuisines
- Plant-focused menus
This is the kind of ship where you can dress up and enjoy a long, elegant dinner one night, then grab something relaxed and informal the next. Premium drinks are included too, so there’s no second-guessing whether to order that extra glass of wine.
Spa Days, Sea Views, and Space to Switch Off
When you’re not out exploring, Scenic Ikon puts a big focus on slowing things down.
The onboard spa is spread across two decks and includes:
- Thermal experiences
- Saunas and relaxation areas
- A well-equipped gym and fitness studio
There are also plenty of quiet lounges and observation areas, perfect for watching the scenery roll by with a coffee or a glass of champagne.
Why Scenic Ikon Is Such a Big Deal
Scenic Ikon isn’t just about luxury for the sake of it. It’s about making hard-to-reach places feel accessible without losing comfort.
What really stands out is:
- Everything is all-inclusive
- Small guest numbers
- Proper expedition equipment
- High-end design and service throughout
It’s aimed at travellers who want more than just a relaxing cruise, but who also don’t want to rough it to get there.
What Do You Think?
If you love the idea of exploring the world in depth, but still want beautiful interiors, excellent food, and genuinely thoughtful service, Scenic Ikon looks like one of the most exciting new ships on the horizon.
It’s adventurous without being intimidating, luxurious without being stuffy, and designed for travellers who care just as much about the journey as the destination.
If you’re someone who reads about cruises now and thinks “maybe one day”, Scenic Ikon feels like the kind of ship that turns that into “okay, this is going on the list”.
What’s the difference between Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Ikon?
Scenic Eclipse was the ship that first put Scenic on the ultra-luxury discovery cruise map. It’s a stunning vessel with helicopters and submersibles, incredible food, and top-tier service.
Scenic Ikon takes that concept even further.
It’s bigger, has more exploration gear, more dining choices, and a wider range of itineraries. Ikon is built to go deeper into remote places, with a stronger focus on expedition cruising while keeping every bit of that luxury vibe Scenic is known for.
Think of Ikon as the next evolution. Same luxury spirit, but dialled up in size, capability, and experiences.
Is Scenic Ikon adults only?
Nope. Scenic Ikon isn’t an adults-only ship. It’s designed for discerning travellers of all ages.
That said, the style of cruising leans more towards serious exploration and relaxed luxury, so it naturally attracts an adult audience. You won’t find loud family-style entertainment or kids’ clubs, but multi-generational groups and curious travellers of all ages are absolutely welcome.
Is Scenic Ikon expensive?
Yes. Scenic Ikon sits firmly in the luxury segment, and pricing reflects that. What you’re paying for isn’t just a cabin with a view, but all-inclusive meals, drinks, excursions, and high-end experiences (like helicopters, submersibles, and expert-led discoveries) all wrapped up in one package.
It’s not the kind of cruise you book because it’s cheap. You book it because you want comfort, adventure, and zero compromise in some of the world’s most incredible places.
For travellers who value experiences and service as much as destinations, Ikon often feels worth it.
