Emerald Cruises & Tours has celebrated the ceremonial launch of Emerald Lumi, with the new Emerald Star-Ship entering water for the first time at the shipyard in Romania. The milestone signals a significant step towards her inaugural season on the Seine River from Paris in 2027.
Relaxed luxury along the Seine
Emerald Lumi has been designed specifically for the Seine River at 110 metres in length, allowing her to cruise into the heart of Paris and into Honfleur where few other river ships can reach.
With no more than 130 guests on board, the Emerald Lumi will feature an intimate, contemporary design with spacious staterooms, and suites with innovative all-weather balconies. Welcoming social spaces include Reflections Restaurant, Horizon Bar & Lounge and a heated indoor pool that transforms into an evening cinema. Emerald Lumi will also include a self-service laundry, a popular addition on the new Emerald Star-Ships.
“Emerald Lumi’s water launch is an exciting step in bringing a fresh style of river cruising to the Seine. By combining extended overnight stays in key ports with curated local history and culinary experiences, plus a choice of active EmeraldACTIVE excursions, this new itinerary offers a more immersive, unhurried way to explore northern France than many traditional river itineraries.” – Elisabeth Sadler, Vice President Product, River Cruises, Scenic Group.
Sensations of the Seine & Normandy highlights
From March 2027, Emerald Lumi will cruise the new eight-day Sensations of the Seine & Normandy itinerary, round-trip from Paris to Honfleur. Guests will spend extended time in port with overnight stays and later departures in destinations including Honfleur and La Roche-Guyon.
Each day includes a guided tour that showcases the character of each stop, and EmeraldACTIVE options such as guided e-bike rides, hikes or kayaking, offering guests the choice of relaxed sightseeing or more energetic exploration.
History lovers will relish included experiences “in the footsteps of Claude Monet” in Giverny, and a full-day guided tour of the Normandy D-Day landing sites, visiting beaches, memorials and museums that bring this pivotal chapter of World War II to life.
Food and wine enthusiasts will enjoy included experiences such as a walking tour of Honfleur with a fresh oyster tasting, showcasing the town’s maritime heritage and renowned seafood.
EmeraldPLUS experiences on this itinerary highlight the region’s rich culture and flavours, from an engaging World War II lecture on board to an exclusive visit to a traditional Normandy cider farm, complete with tastings of locally crafted ciders and regional delicacies.
Guests will also enjoy Emerald Cruises’ exceptional inclusions, with airport transfers, all meals, complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner, guided excursions, EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences, gratuities and WiFi included.
Scenic Group’s growing fleet
The construction of Emerald Lumi is being led by Scenic Group’s expert team at MKM Yachts and forms part of Scenic Group’s ongoing investment in its river and yacht fleets. Alongside Emerald Lumi on the Seine, the Emerald Cruises fleet continues to grow with Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra recently commencing their inaugural seasons, and new superyachts Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara set to follow in 2027 and 2028. Sister brand Scenic is also expanding its ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yachts fleet with Scenic Ikon in 2028, and new river ships in Asia on the Mekong in 2028 and India’s Hooghly River in 2027.
