4 Important Topics to Know

• The new four-tier fare structure replaces the 2-for-1 model starting March 9, 2026, to provide greater transparency and flexibility for guests
• Every fare tier continues to include the hallmark luxury amenities and premium services associated with the Scenic and Emerald brands
• Early planners can access savings of up to 15 percent and additional airfare credits by choosing tiers that reward an earlier commitment
• The Preferred+ Fare provides the maximum available value and savings for guests who are comfortable with non-refundable terms and full payment at booking

Scenic Group has announced a visionary transition in its pricing strategy, moving toward a more transparent and flexible four-tier fare structure that officially debuts on March 9, 2026. This positive evolution replaces the traditional 2-for-1 model with a modern framework designed to enhance the guest experience and provide travel advisors with more effective tools. By focusing on clarity and dynamic pricing, Scenic Group continues to reinforce its commitment to luxury while allowing travelers to choose the specific level of flexibility and value that best aligns with their planning style.

The new structure features four distinct tiers: Full Fare, Select Fare, Preferred Fare, and Preferred+ Fare. Each of these options maintains the hallmark all-inclusive luxury that defines the Scenic and Emerald brands. The Full Fare tier offers maximum flexibility for spontaneous travelers, while the Select and Preferred tiers reward early planners with significant savings and airfare incentives. For those ready to make a full commitment, the Preferred+ tier offers the greatest possible value, including additional savings and curated enhancements.

This strategic shift allows the company to move away from complex promotional messaging and instead focus on the generous inclusions that make their river and yacht cruises so special. Travel advisors will benefit from clearer differentiation between the fares, making it easier to guide clients toward the right choice. As Ken Muskat, President of Scenic Group USA & LATAM, noted, this change represents an exciting new chapter that strengthens brand clarity while preserving the elevated experiences guests have come to expect. The result is a more intuitive booking process that empowers travelers to secure their dream vacations with confidence and ease.

Comparing the new Scenic Group fare structure with the established “all-inclusive” models of Viking and Crystal reveals a shift toward personalized luxury. While all three are premium lines, they differ significantly in what they include “out of the box” versus what they offer as optional upgrades.

Comparing Luxury Fare Models

Scenic Group (Scenic & Emerald) The new 2026 structure is designed to offer more choice while keeping the luxury core intact. Even with the new tiers, Scenic remains one of the most comprehensive lines for inclusions.

• The Difference: Unlike the older “2-for-1” model, the new tiers (Full, Select, Preferred, Preferred+) allow you to choose your level of commitment. The “Preferred+” fare offers the highest savings but requires full payment at booking.
• Core Inclusions: Regardless of the tier, Scenic still includes almost everything—butler service for every suite, all gratuities, unlimited beverages, and a variety of daily “Freechoice” excursions.
• Transfers: Scenic stands out by including private door-to-door transfers, often using luxury chauffeur services.

Viking Cruises Viking follows a “no nickel-and-diming” philosophy, but it is technically less inclusive than Scenic when you look at the fine print for U.S. travelers.

• The Difference: Viking focuses on “the essentials.” They include one shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, and beer or wine during lunch and dinner.
• What Costs Extra: Unlike Scenic, drinks outside of mealtimes require an extra “Silver Spirits” package. For U.S.-based guests, onboard gratuities are typically not included in the base fare and are added to your shipboard account daily.
• Pricing Strategy: Because they include fewer “top-shelf” extras like an open bar or private transfers, Viking’s base prices are often $1,000 to $1,200 lower than Scenic’s for a similar itinerary.

Crystal Cruises Crystal offers a traditional “ultra-luxury” experience that is closer to Scenic in its service level but closer to Viking in its flexibility.

• The Difference: Crystal includes almost all dining and a high level of personalized butler service for every room. However, unlike Scenic and Viking, they generally do not include shore excursions in their base fare.
• Core Inclusions: They offer an open bar and all gratuities are included in the price, so you won’t see daily service charges added to your bill.
• Pricing Strategy: Crystal is often positioned at the highest price point. They allow guests to “pay for what they use” regarding tours, which appeals to experienced travelers who may want to explore independently.

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4 Important Topics to Know

• The Inclusions Gap: Scenic remains the leader for “total” inclusions, as it is the only one of the three to include excursions, an open bar, and door-to-door transfers in its standard model.
• Drink Packages: If you enjoy a cocktail by the pool in the afternoon, Scenic and Crystal include it; on Viking, you will need to pay per drink or buy a daily package.
• Gratuities: Crystal and Scenic include all tips in the fare, whereas Viking typically expects U.S. guests to pay these separately at the end of the cruise.
• Flexibility vs. Value: The new Scenic “Preferred+” fare is perfect if you are certain of your dates, as it mirrors the “pay-in-full” savings models often seen at Crystal but adds the security of an all-inclusive excursion program.