Due to strong demand for river cruising, Emerald Cruises is experiencing significant increased demand for its luxury European river cruises and is proud to announce the investment in a new ship, Emerald Astra, to join its fleet of eight European Star-Ships. Scenic Group is also committing to an extensive program of enhancements to the entire Emerald Cruises river fleet across Europe. These two developments are focused on enhancing guest experiences, blending Emerald Cruises’ hallmark features with luxury yacht-inspired design elements.
Emerald Astra: An Evolution in River Cruising
Emerald Astra will mark the next evolution of Emerald Cruises’ award-winning river fleet. Designed to mirror the sleek elegance of the line’s luxury superyachts, the ship features a modern, grey-tinted glass exterior and will welcome up to 180 guests. From ancient Greek and Latin origins, ‘Astra’ translates as ‘Star,’ and Emerald Astra promises to be a true shining star – the seventh Star-Ship to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube.
The updated design focuses on both style and functionality, offering guests’ favorite amenities such as the pool/cinema combination, multiple dining options, and a sun deck dedicated to relaxation and panoramic views. All interiors have also been enhanced with a sleek, contemporary design, ensuring a sophisticated and spacious atmosphere for travelers on Europe’s rivers.
“As we continue to expand the 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 continually elevate the standards of luxury river cruising.”
Emerald Astra will join the fleet in 2026 and will sail the iconic Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers. Emerald Cruises’ 2026 river cruise season is now available, with the launch of its first-ever Luxury Europe River Cruise Planner. This 46 page electronic planner is available for download at emeraldcruises.com.au/brochures.
Fleet-Wide Enhancements
Emerald Cruises also announced comprehensive upgrades across its European river fleet, which includes vessels navigating the Rhine-Main-Danube and Moselle, the Rhône in France, and the Douro in Portugal. Guests will be able to enjoy these enhancements during the 2025 season.
Key upgrades include:
- Horizon Bar & Lounge Redesigns: Star-Ships on the Rhine-Main-Danube route will receive new lounge furniture, with elevated design, bright accent colors and luxurious textiles. Similarly, the Emerald Radiance on the Douro and the Emerald Liberté on the Rhône will see updates to align the new aesthetic across the fleet.
- 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 enhance guest comfort and dining experiences. Back-of-house areas will also receive significant upgrades.
- Missoni Textiles and 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.
All upgrades will be completed for the 2025 season, ensuring a new level of comfort and luxury on Europe’s beloved and enchanting rivers.
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