The Scenic Group will be inviting agents onboard two new yachts being launched in 2023 to showcase the vessels’ luxury and exploration cruise offerings.

Its second ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht – called Scenic Eclipse II – will launch in two months’ time. Four months later, Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Sakara will make its debut.

Andrea Stafford, trade sales director, said: “Stepping up our trade activity in recent months is definitely translating into bookings.

“Innovative luxury products always catch people’s attention, and we’ve got two amazing launches to shout about.

“We’ve already got plans in place to have trade partners with us at the christening ceremonies, and it is our intention invite agents on board the yachts to see how they raise the game in the luxury and exploration markets.

“Scenic Eclipse II will be making UK calls in September and we will be showcasing the yacht to the trade, which is already creating excitement.”

Stafford said bookings through the trade for the Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands were running ahead of expectations, with agents reporting strong business from repeat customers and those in search of an “elevated” cruise experience.

“Both new yachts offer that ‘wow factor’ for consumers,” she said.

“We’re doubling our capacity, bringing new itineraries to the market and helping to raise awareness of luxury exploration as a sector in its own right.”

Scenic Eclipse II – sister yacht to Scenic Eclipse – launches in April with a 12-night sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona before embarking on a summer season exploring the Mediterranean, Iceland and Scotland.

Emerald Sakara – sister yacht to Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Azzurra – will debut with an eight-day Ionian Sea Adventure sailing from Athens to Rome, departing August 5.

It will operate a summer season in the Mediterranean and Adriatic, before heading across the Atlantic in November for a winter of Caribbean and South American itineraries.