In this edition
1. Chairman’s Club Member Insights from Mark Jurgens & Rosa Ferranda
2. Your Exclusive Invitation – Second Departure Now Available
3. 2024 Scenic Group Impact Report
4. East Antarctica with the Experts – Join our Webinar
5. Must-see French Masterpieces
6. Scenic Club Loyalty Hub
7. Follow Us on Social Media
For Mark Jurgens and Rosa Ferranda, travel is a lifelong story unfolding, one Scenic journey at a time. With almost 500 days spent exploring the world through river cruises, ocean voyages, and land journeys, they’ve come to see each trip not just as an escape, but as a deeply personal experience.
Narrowing down favourites is no easy feat for two people who’ve seen the world many times over, but a few places hold a special kind of magic for this adventurous duo.
Antarctica stands in a league of its own - a raw, majestic landscape alive with wildlife, constantly changing with the light and angle. “It’s otherworldly,” Rosa says. “You need to go to understand just how powerful it is.” Egypt, too, stunned them. “You see the temples in books,” Mark explains, “but you can’t grasp the scale and beauty until you’re standing there.
To think they were built 4,500 years ago - it’s mind-blowing.”
The Douro Valley left a more delicate imprint - rich food, gentle countryside, and immersive excursions. And then there’s the Northwest Passage: over 50 polar bears, stark Arctic beauty, and the chance to learn from Inuit communities who live in rhythm with this challenging environment. “It’s different from Antarctica,” Rosa notes, “but just as unforgettable.”

Mark and Rosa have experienced every style of travel Scenic offers — ocean voyages, river cruises, immersive land journeys, and combinations of all three. Their total days onboard now number close to 500, yet no day is ever the same.
“Each style offers something distinct,” Mark explains. “With ocean and river cruises, you unpack once and settle in. It becomes your home — and every day you step out into a new part of the world.” Land tours, on the other hand, offer depth. “You explore places no ship could reach.
There’s something grounding about walking through a city or landscape, feeling its texture underfoot.” Neither Mark nor Rosa has one preference. “It’s about the place,” Rosa says. “We choose the mode based on where we want to go and the method just follows.”

Their calendar is always alive with plans. Each new itinerary is a promise — something to look forward to, and something carefully chosen. Soon they’ll board Scenic Eclipse II from Darwin to Fremantle. In December, they will return to Antarctica — this time, following in Mawson’s footsteps on the lesser explored Eastern side. Then comes Jordan, followed by Emerald Kaia from Athens to Venice, and a voyage from Bergen to Iceland on Scenic Eclipse I.
In 2027, they plan to explore Patagonia, visit Antarctica once again — their fifth time — take in the majesty of Iguazu Falls, and sail from Iceland through to Churchill to see the polar bears, eventually arriving in New York. “We like to plan well ahead,” Rosa explains. “It means we can secure our favourite suites, and ensures we make the most of the time we have.”
Their philosophy is simple: take on the physically demanding trips now, while they still can. “We want to see it all,” Mark says. “And we’re making it happen.”

Planning a Scenic journey starts with one question: where to next? For Mark and Rosa, the destination always drives the decision. These days, they lean into the adventurous — the voyages with Zodiacs and uneven terrain, the ones that demand a little more.
“Mobility gets harder with age,” Rosa admits. “So we’re front-loading the active trips now. The leisurely ones can come later.” But there’s another layer too - the thrill of discovery. “It’s about that feeling,” Mark adds. “Of seeing something you’ve only imagined — and finding that it’s even better in real life.”
Scenic journeys are filled with extraordinary moments. For Rosa and Mark, these aren’t just highlights - they’re memories etched into the heart. There’s the leopard they spotted in Kruger National Park, sun rising behind the stone towers of Angkor Wat, polar bear cubs belly-flopping into the water to chase their mother. In South Georgia, they found themselves surrounded by tens of thousands of King penguins, seals lounging on the sand, skuas circling overhead.
Then there’s the Emperor penguins — a moment so surreal it still brings goosebumps. “It was our first Antarctica trip on Scenic Eclipse I,” Mark says. “We were anchored beside sea ice in the Weddell Sea when four Emperor penguins appeared. They slid and waddled among us. Even the crew were stunned.” It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t expected. “That’s the beauty of Scenic,” Rosa smiles. “You’re prepared for everything - except the magic.”

Across continents and cruises, Mark and Rosa have collected friendships like souvenirs - not only with fellow guests, but with the crew, hotel managers, and tour directors who shape each journey.
“You really do get to know the people,” Rosa says. “There’s a warmth that keeps you coming back.” The consistency of service, the professionalism, the way Scenic makes every destination feel intimate - these are the things they value most. “It’s not just about what you see,” Mark says. “It’s about how you experience it - and who helps you get there.”
That loyalty hasn’t gone unnoticed. When Mark and Rosa were invited into the exclusive Chairman’s Club by Glen, Karen, and Mia Moroney, they really appreciated the gesture. “They’re generous, thoughtful, and they make Scenic what it is,” Mark says. “We’re honoured to be part of it. But really, continuing to travel with Scenic isn’t hard when the standard is always so high.”

For this adventurous twosome, travel isn’t just about movement - it’s about meaning. Each journey adds to a larger picture, piece by piece. “We love the people, the food, the culture,” Rosa reflects. “But more than that, we love the learning — about history, about humanity, about how vast and varied this planet is.” Long flights and time zones are a small price to pay for the richness that travel brings.
Every time Mark and Rosa return home, they feel the puzzle coming together a little more. “We don’t know if it’s a 1,000-piece or 2,000-piece puzzle,” Mark laughs. “But each trip fills in another section - and we’re not done yet.”
Their advice to first-time Scenic guests simple but profound: come open. “Open eyes, open ears, open heart,” Rosa says. “Not everything will go perfectly. That’s the nature of travel. But let Scenic do what they do best - and let yourself be changed.”







JOIN THE WAITLIST
Scenic Club River Cruise with Switzerland - Second Departure Now Available
You’ll enjoy bespoke experiences and handpicked excursions designed for our loyalty members throughout your journey, including an exclusive dinner hosted by our Chairman & Founder, Glen Moroney, along with Scenic Group executives in Lucerne.
Places are strictly limited, speak with your Travel Advisor or contact the Scenic Reservations team to secure your place on this unforgettable Scenic Club experience.


We’re pleased to share our 2024 Impact Report - an insight into Scenic Group’s ongoing journey to embed sustainability across our operations and guest experience. This year’s report highlights measurable progress across our Cherish the Planet initiatives, from reducing on board plastic waste and water usage, to empowering local communities and advancing responsible sourcing practices.


Fall in love with France through its most captivating masterpieces. From Monet’s dreamy water lilies to the grandeur of Versailles, discover the iconic art, architecture and hidden gems that define French culture. Learn more in our latest blog article.
> READ NOW


STAY CONNECTED
Follow Us


Stay up to date and be inspired
Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates and event invites.