Emerald Cruises: Deluxe River and Luxury Yacht Experiences
Founded in 2013 as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specializing in deluxe river cruises and luxury ocean voyages. The company is known for its modern, design-led fleet, value-focused, and mostly-inclusive experience.
River Cruising: The Star-Ships
Emerald Cruises' extensive fleet of river "Star-Ships" is custom-built to sail iconic waterways in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Destinations:
Europe: Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, and Douro rivers.
Southeast Asia: The majestic Mekong River.
Onboard Features: Vessels are designed with stylish innovations, including contemporary suites and staterooms, elegant dining venues, a spacious Sun Deck, and an indoor heated pool with a retractable roof that often transforms into an evening cinema. These ships dock in the heart of cities, such as Budapest and Ho Chi Minh City.
Luxury Yacht Cruising
The company's luxury ocean division operates superyachts, the Emerald Azzurra and her twin sister, the Emerald Sakara. Designed to dock in smaller ports, they offer unique access to extraordinary destinations.
Capacity and Comfort: With a maximum capacity of just 100 guests, the yachts prioritize comfort with state-of-the-art amenities and refined finishing touches.
Destinations: Mediterranean, the Adriatic coast, the Caribbean, Central America, the Red Sea, and Seychelles.
Onboard Features: Highlights include opulent dining and lounge spaces, an onboard infinity-style Aqua Pool, and a unique Marina Platform for simple and safe access to the sea.
Generous Inclusions
Whether traveling by river or ocean, guests benefit from Emerald Cruises’ generous promise of inclusions, which ensure a relaxing, all-inclusive journey.
Excursions: Included excursions handpicked by journey planners, as well as special EmeraldPLUS experiences.
Activities: EmeraldACTIVE guided bike tours, hikes, and activities on many itineraries.
Dining and Drinks: Exquisite onboard dining and complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner.
Travel and Service: Transfers to and from the vessel, and all gratuities, are included.
Emerald Astra
Emerald Astra
Emerald Radiance
Emerald Radiance
Emerald Destiny
Emerald Destiny
Emerald Azzurra
Emerald Azzurra
Emerald Sakara
Emerald Sakara
Emerald Sun
Emerald Sun
Emerald Harmony
Emerald Harmony
Emerald Raiya
Emerald Raiya
Emerald Dawn
Emerald Dawn
Emerald Xara
Emerald Xara
Emerald Star
Emerald Star
Emerald Luna
Emerald Luna
Emerald Lumi
Emerald Lumi
Emerald Liberte
Emerald Liberte
Emerald Sky
Emerald Sky
Emerald Kaia
Emerald Kaia
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 180 guests. From ancient Greek and Latin origins, ‘Astra’ translates as ‘Star,’ and Emerald Astra promises to be a true shining star among our stylish Star-Ships – the seventh to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube.
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 dedicated to relaxation and panoramic views. All interiors have also 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 and will sail the iconic Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers. Our 2026 Europe river cruises will be on sale in the coming weeks.
Our innovative Star-Ships feature a wealth of contemporary design features. We’ve pushed the boundaries of European river cruising, carefully designing our three-tiered atrium and heated pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema on selected evenings.
Our innovative Star-Ships feature a wealth of contemporary design features. We’ve pushed the boundaries of European river cruising, carefully designing our three-tiered atrium and heated pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema on selected evenings.
Enjoy the perfect small cruise ship experience on board our groundbreaking luxury yacht, Emerald Azzurra. You’ll want for nothing as you relish in the lavish lifestyle, sailing to stunning ports of call while our attentive staff caters to your every need.
The sister yacht to the award-winning Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Sakara mirrors the luxury surrounds of her sister to perfection. Relax on board as our crew provides an unparalleled service, and explore the wealth of world-class amenities on board.
Our innovative Star-Ships feature a wealth of contemporary design features. We’ve pushed the boundaries of European river cruising, carefully designing our three-tiered atrium and heated pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema on selected evenings.
Specially designed to cruise the Mekong River and dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, our superb Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony, features several on board innovations, including a stylish Sun & Pool Deck, Wellness Area and Asian-inspired dining.
Emerald Harmony exceeds expectations as she introduces you to the majesty of the Mekong. Unlike other similar sized ships, she is specifically designed to sail into the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, allowing us to dock in the heart of this fantastic city.
Reaching 239ft (73m) in length, 42 cabins accommodate 84 guests and 40 crew members, enabling us to provide spacious suites and public areas, as well as an excellent staff-to-guest ratio. Every minute you spend on board will be one of complete relaxation. Unwind in the serene surroundings of the Lotus Lounge, rejuvenate by the pool on the Pool Deck, or enjoy a locally flavoured cocktail in the Asian-themed Horizon Bar & Lounge.
Following the debut of Emerald Kaia in 2026, we are introducing two new next generation superyachts – Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara.
Accommodating up to 128 guests, both ships will reflect the same sleek design and elevated guest experience as Emerald Kaia, offering seamless open-air living, wellness-focused amenities, and immersive coastal exploration.
Emerald Raiya will make her debut in the Seychelles from December 2026, before making her way to the East Mediterranean in April 2027 for an unforgettable summer in Greece and Turkey.
Our innovative Star-Ships feature a wealth of contemporary design features. We’ve pushed the boundaries of European river cruising, carefully designing our three-tiered atrium and heated pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema on selected evenings.