Emerald Cruises on Europe’s rivers: seventh ship coming in 2026; fleet-wide enhancements planned
Emerald Cruises is adding a new Star-Ship, Emerald Astra in 2026, and planning extensive upgrades to its river fleet across Europe.
The developments aim to enhance guest experiences, blending Emerald Cruises’ hallmark features with luxury yacht-inspired design elements. The investments follow a marked increase in demand for river cruises, as Emerald Cruises reports a 32% increase in river trade bookings from 2023 to 2024 (year to date).
Emerald Astra to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube
Emerald Astra features a modern, grey-tinted glass exterior and will carry 180 guests. From ancient Greek and Latin origins, ‘Astra’ translates as ‘Star,’ and Emerald Astra becomes the seventh Star-Ship to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube in 2026.
The updated design focuses on both style and functionality, offering guests’ favourite amenities such as the pool/cinema combination, multiple dining options, and a sun deck with panoramic views. All interiors have also been enhanced with a sleek, contemporary design, ensuring a spacious atmosphere for travellers on Europe’s rivers.
Fleet-wide enhancements
Comprehensive upgrades across its Europe river fleet, which includes vessels navigating the Rhine-Main-Danube, Rhône in France, and the Douro in Portugal, will be completed for next season.
Horizon Bar & lounge redesigns
Star-Ships on the Rhine-Main-Danube route will receive new lounge furniture, with elevated design, bright accent colours and luxurious textiles. Similarly, Emerald Radiance on the Douro and Emerald Liberte on the Rhone will see updates to align the new aesthetic across the fleet.
Dining space revamp
Pool and cinema spaces, along with Reflections Restaurant and The Terrace, will be revamped with new furniture and updated layouts to improve guest comfort and dining experiences. Back-of-house areas will also receive significant upgrades.
Missoni textiles and yacht-inspired art
The addition of Missoni textiles and art installations, inspired by Emerald Cruises’ luxury yachts, will bring a refined, modern ambiance to each ship.
In-suite technology
Each guest cabin will feature iPads to enhance guest interaction with onboard amenities and each journey’s itinerary providing an easy access, digital resource for guests.
'As we continue to expand our fleet and enhance the guest experience, our commitment remains steadfast: to provide unrivalled luxury and value in river cruising,’ said Glen Moroney, founder and Chairman of Scenic Group.
10th anniversary
Emerald Cruises is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, with nine river cruise ships sailing across Europe and the Mekong, and two ocean yachts, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara. A third yacht, Emerald Kaia, is under construction at Halong Shipbuilding and will be delivered in 2026.
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