The company said the decision had been taken following increased agent demand for its river cruise sailings and interest in upcoming ocean-going ship Scenic Eclipse, due to launch in August.

The move follows Scenic introducing touring through agents, with the release of its first full brochure for Egypt and Jordan cruise-and-tour itineraries in September.

Scenic said that the product had “proved popular” with the trade – with agent sales accounting for 60% of those made so far.

Scenic’s touring range features six itineraries including Canada, the US, South America as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Guests will also have the opportunity to “further immerse themselves in their surroundings” with Scenic Enrich experiences such as helicopter flights over the Great Barrier Reef and meeting New Zealand’s indigenous Maori people at the giant Tane Mahuta tree in Waipoua Forest.

Angela Sloan, head of sales UK, said agents “continue to be passionate ambassadors”.

“We are very excited to be expanding into touring, first with Egypt and Jordan, and now adding Australia, New Zealand and the Americas to our growing portfolio.

I am sure these will prove popular for agents,” added Sloan.