Travel buying preferences vary significantly among individuals. While some clients favor online shopping for trips, others thrive in face-to-face interactions. Recognizing this, Scenic and its sibling brand, Emerald Cruises, are engaging their audience of mature travelers through a series of in-person information sessions across Canada.
Currently, the company is hosting 22 free events nationwide, from Victoria to Hudson, Quebec. These 90-minute sessions, led by regional Business Development Managers (BDMs), showcase Scenic in the morning and its more economical counterpart, Emerald, in the afternoon. A critical aspect emphasized during the events is the collaboration with travel advisors to curate the perfect getaway for customers.
Engaging Travel Events Across Canada
The recent event in Etobicoke, Ontario, attracted an impressive turnout of approximately 100 attendees, including both consumers and travel advisors. “We don’t just sell holidays; we create unforgettable experiences,” noted Mary Lynne Villeneuve, Ontario BDM. “Our cruises are like five-star boutique hotels on water.”
Brand Heritage and Global Reach
Founded 38 years ago by Glen Moroney in Australia, Scenic initially offered motorcoach tours before branching out into cruising in 2008. Over the years, the company has expanded its operations to over 60 countries, employing around 60 staff members in Canada, including four BDMs.
Aussie-Inspired Amenities and Policies
Scenic’s Australian roots are reflected not only in the friendly voiceovers featured in their promotional materials but also in their unique “no tipping” policy, where gratuities are included even for shore excursions. Additionally, passengers are not required to provide a credit card imprint upon boarding, promoting a hassle-free experience from the start.
Casual Elegance and Added Comforts
The onboard dress code is relaxed; men are requested to wear long pants during evening meals, though formal attire like jackets and ties are unnecessary. A thoughtful inclusion is the provision of a laundry service per person for each cruise, allowing travelers to return home with a suitcase full of clean clothes, as Villeneuve aptly recommended.
Promising Trends and Exciting Itineraries
With a notable 10% increase in Canadian sales last year, Scenic Group Canada anticipates another successful year ahead in 2025. Their itineraries cater to clients looking for extensive travel options. A highlight for 2025 is the newly introduced 59-day Ultimate European Journey, which features a combination of river cruising, Mediterranean trips on the Scenic Eclipse discovery yacht, and a guided tour through Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
Luxury Redefined Through Personalization
For Scenic, luxury translates to a personalized approach rather than mere opulence. The cruise experience features attentive crews, health and wellness services, and top-shelf liquor, alongside diverse dining venues guaranteed to cater to every occasion.
Exclusive Enrichment Programs
One of Scenic’s standout offerings is its “enrichment” programs, which involve exclusive access to museums and concert halls, closed to the general public for unique events tailored specifically for their passengers. Additionally, the company is expanding its offerings to Southeast Asia, providing an array of cruise and land combinations.
Positive Feedback from Travel Agents
At the Etobicoke event, Barb Tudino, an independent consultant with Cruise Holidays and Luxury Travel Boutique in Mississauga, expressed her satisfaction: “Collaborating with Scenic and Emerald Cruises is a joy. Their all-inclusive pricing eliminates hidden fees, and the ability to easily arrange additional air and pre- or post-experience travel enhances convenience.”
Scenic currently offers early booking promotions until March 31, with brochures for 2026 already available for interested travelers looking to plan their next adventure.
