Scenic ends a massive month on a high with the christening of Scenic Jasper, dubbed the “Royalty on European rivers”.
Scenic have commenced the annual European river cruising season with a trifecta of wins under its belt launching a new ship, new brand, and even a new company name.
“The brand change isn’t about what we want to be or change to be, it’s about what we already do,” Scenic founder and chairman, Glen Moroney told Travel Weekly.
Some 120 Australian and New Zealand travel agents, company staff and media were invited to the christening in Vienna of Scenic Jasper, the latest addition to the Scenic Spaceship fleet.
The Australian-owned Scenic will operate 16 ships in Europe (inclusive of its Emerald brand of ships) by the end of the year, Moroney has already earmarked expansion in this market and worldwide, telling Travel Weekly “a whole range of different projects” were already underway, including a third new-built ship to cater to Asian waterways.
With regards to future plans, Moroney told Travel Weekly the company wanted to “double the fleet in many other rivers” hoping to bank on the success of the river cruising experience of “sitting and watching the world go by” but said sailings along the USA’s Mississippi River in the near future would be out of the question.
The new Scenic Jasper accommodates 169 guests and 43 cabin crew throughout the 2.5 decks and sun deck, but according to Moroney has been built with not just its Australian guests in mind but one fitted for the “every traveller” manifesto.
“We want to develop and deliver a different product to the market,” Moroney said.
Moroney was present at the formal proceedings along with the ship’s Godmother, Australian author Kathy Lette.
Check out some snaps straight from the christening itself, with Travel Weekly attending the new ship’s big party.
