More news on this day
Scenic Group has added a new highlight to its Europe program with a 2027 President’s Cruise along the Seine River hosted by Ken Muskat, giving loyal guests and new cruisers a themed way to experience France’s storied waterway.
Get the latest news straight to your inbox!

Inside Scenic’s 2027 President’s Cruise on the Seine
The 2027 President’s Cruise will take place on France’s Seine River, one of Scenic’s core European destinations and a focus of the company’s long-term river strategy. Publicly available information indicates that the voyage will be part of Scenic’s wider 2026 to 2027 themed and specialty sailings program, which highlights immersive experiences and hosted departures across Europe.
The sailing is expected to operate roundtrip from Paris, reflecting the structure of Scenic’s existing Seine itineraries that pair time in the French capital with scenic river cruising through Normandy. The Seine program typically includes calls at river ports that give access to medieval towns, chateaux and the Normandy coastline, positioning the President’s Cruise as a mix of classic sightseeing and hosted events on board.
While full day‑by‑day details have not yet been widely published, the voyage will be marketed as part of Scenic’s ultra‑inclusive river portfolio. That generally covers dining, beverages, selected excursions and gratuities in the cruise fare, aligning the President’s Cruise with the brand’s existing positioning in the premium and luxury river segment.
The 2027 season itself is notable for Scenic. The company opened European river bookings for 2027 earlier than in previous years and has been expanding capacity and updating ship designs across its river fleet, including vessels operating in France. The Seine‑based President’s Cruise fits into that broader push to anchor the brand more firmly in the long‑haul planning cycle for North American and international travelers.
Ken Muskat’s Role and What “President’s Cruise” Means
Ken Muskat, who serves as president of Scenic Group for the United States and Latin America, has become a central figure in the company’s hosted sailings and themed voyages. In recent seasons he has fronted President’s Voyages in the Mediterranean and has been closely associated with Scenic’s efforts to deepen ties with travel advisors and repeat guests through branded events at sea.
On President’s Cruises, Muskat’s role typically goes beyond a ceremonial title. Previously announced hosted sailings have included welcome cocktail gatherings, hosted dinners with senior members of the cruise team, and informal presentations about product developments and deployment plans. Travelers can expect similar engagement on the Seine, positioning the cruise as a chance to interact with a senior executive while also enjoying a standard river itinerary.
The hosted format often appeals to loyal Scenic guests who are familiar with the line’s ships and inclusions but want an added layer of access and recognition. For new guests, the presence of a high‑profile host can underscore the company’s commitment to the voyage and elevate it within the broader calendar of European river departures.
For travel sellers, a President’s Cruise typically becomes a focal point for marketing campaigns and group allocations. The hosted nature of the sailing can support higher demand on specific dates, particularly among guests who prefer to book further in advance and seek an event‑style atmosphere on board.
Why Scenic Is Betting Big on the Seine in 2027
Scenic’s decision to spotlight the Seine with a President’s Cruise coincides with a wider expansion of river capacity and product refinement in France. In recent updates, the group has confirmed new ships and design enhancements across its European river fleet, with particular attention to itineraries on the Seine, Rhône and other French rivers for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Industry coverage shows that Scenic and sister brand Emerald Cruises have opened bookings for 2027 river programs earlier than usual, pointing to strong forward demand and a growing trend toward longer lead times for Europe itineraries. Early‑release seasons allow travelers to secure preferred stateroom categories on popular rivers and give travel advisors more time to organize groups and back‑to‑back journeys.
The Seine has been a consistent performer for river cruise lines because it combines marquee city access with countryside and coastal touring. Guests can typically explore Paris on both arrival and departure days, then cruise through landscapes linked to Impressionist art, medieval history and the events of the Second World War in Normandy. By positioning a President’s Cruise here, Scenic is aligning an event sailing with one of its most recognizable and marketable river routes.
The focus on France also reflects a broader shift toward experiential and themed programming. Scenic Group has recently promoted specialty voyages that feature culinary, cultural and entertainment partners, and the Seine sailing sits comfortably within that framework, emphasizing enrichment and hosted interaction in addition to the line’s core inclusive offering.
What Travelers Can Expect On Board and Ashore
Scenic’s river ships on the Seine are designed to deliver an upscale, all‑suite experience, with a high proportion of cabins featuring step‑out or “Sun Lounge” style balconies. On a President’s Cruise, travelers can expect the full range of these accommodations to be available, from standard balcony suites to larger premium and top‑tier categories that often sell out first during early booking windows.
On board, Scenic’s standard inclusions typically encompass multiple dining venues, complimentary beverages throughout the day, and a program of enrichment talks and entertainment. For a hosted President’s sailing, this base offering is likely to be supplemented with special events such as hosted cocktail receptions, branded gifts and, potentially, dedicated shore excursion options or group departures on popular tours.
Ashore, Seine itineraries usually include guided touring in Paris and visits to towns and sites along the river that may feature historic cathedrals, chateaux and war memorials. Guests can expect a choice of Scenic’s included tour options, often branded as flexible touring that lets travelers select among different activity levels and interests on the same day. The 2027 President’s Cruise is likely to mirror this pattern, with options that range from relaxed walking tours to more in‑depth cultural or culinary experiences.
Because 2027 voyages are already being promoted well ahead of their departure dates, travelers with specific interests such as World War II history, art, or food and wine will have time to compare departure dates, cabin categories and extension options. Many guests pair Seine cruises with time on land in Paris or link them with other European river routes in the same trip, a trend Scenic has highlighted in its broader river strategy.
Pricing, Booking Trends and Who This Cruise Suits
Scenic has recently updated its pricing model for the United States market, introducing a tiered fare structure designed to reward early bookings and provide clearer choices for guests. While detailed pricing for the 2027 President’s Cruise along the Seine has not yet been broadly detailed in public coverage, the sailing will be governed by this framework, meaning that travelers booking early are likely to see the widest choice of categories and promotional options.
Reports on 2026 and 2027 river bookings indicate that guests are increasingly planning several years in advance, driven by a desire for preferred staterooms and specific hosted or themed departures. The President’s Cruise, as a one‑off or limited‑date event within the season, is expected to follow this pattern and may encourage repeat Scenic guests to commit earlier than they might for a standard sailing.
The cruise is likely to appeal most strongly to travelers who value an inclusive, small‑ship atmosphere and who are interested in French culture, history and cuisine. Guests who enjoy additional recognition, hosted functions and insight into how a cruise brand shapes its product may find the President’s Cruise particularly attractive compared with a non‑hosted itinerary on the same route.
Travel advisors and prospective guests monitoring Scenic’s 2027 program can look at existing Seine itineraries and previously announced President’s Voyages as a guide to what this new sailing will offer. As more specific details about dates, ship assignment and package options are made public, the 2027 President’s Cruise is expected to become one of the flagship river departures in Scenic’s European portfolio for that year.