Emerald Cruises Unveils New Ship and Fleet Enhancements

Emerald Cruises has exciting news for river cruise enthusiasts! The company has announced the addition of a new ship, Emerald Astra, to its fleet of Star-ships, along with extensive updates across its entire European river fleet. These developments aim to elevate guest experiences by blending Emerald Cruises’ hallmark features with luxury yacht-inspired design elements.

Introducing Emerald Astra

Emerald Astra represents the next evolution in Emerald Cruises’ award-winning river fleet. Designed to reflect the sleek elegance of the line’s luxury superyachts, this new ship features a modern, grey-tinted glass exterior and will accommodate 180 guests.

The name ‘Astra,’ derived from ancient Greek and Latin, means ‘Star,’ Emerald Astra is set to shine brightly among the fleet, becoming the seventh Star-Ship to sail the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.

The ship’s design focuses on both style and functionality, offering popular amenities such as a pool/cinema combination, multiple dining options, and a sun deck dedicated to relaxation and panoramic views. The interiors have been enhanced with a sleek, contemporary design, ensuring a sophisticated and spacious atmosphere for travellers on Europe’s rivers. Emerald Astra will join the fleet in 2026, sailing the iconic Rhine, Moselle, and Danube rivers.

Fleet-Wide Enhancements

Emerald Cruises has also announced comprehensive upgrades across its European river fleet, which includes vessels navigating the Rhine-Main-Danube, Rhône in France, and the Douro in Portugal. These enhancements will be available to guests during the 2025 season and include:

• Horizon Bar & Lounge Redesigns: New lounge furniture with elevated design, bright accent colours, and luxurious textiles will be introduced on Star-Ships on the Rhine-Main-Danube route. Similar updates will be made to the Emerald Radiance on the Douro and the Emerald Liberte on the Rhône.

• Pool/Cinema and Dining Space Enhancements: 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 give each ship a refined, modern ambiance.

• In-Suite Technology: Each guest cabin will feature iPads to enhance interaction with onboard amenities and each journey’s itinerary, providing guests with an easy-access, digital resource.

All upgrades will be completed for the 2025 season, ensuring a new level of comfort and luxury on Europe’s beloved rivers.

A Commitment to Luxury and Innovation

“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. “The introduction of Emerald Astra, alongside the fleet-wide upgrades, exemplifies our dedication to leading innovation in the industry. By seamlessly blending the finest elements of river and yacht cruising, we ensure that every journey is extraordinary. These enhancements are designed with our guests in mind—creating refined spaces that encourage relaxation, connection, and discovery—upholding our promise to elevate the standards of luxury river cruising continually.”

Emerald Cruises’ 2026 river cruise season is now available for booking via Expressbook for Travel Advisors. A new 2026 Luxury Europe River Cruise Planner is also available for download at emeraldcruises.com/brochures.