Emerald Cruises’ Fleet Expansion Gives Your Clients an Abundance of Choice

Emerald Cruises’ fleet of nine river ships and two superyachts will increase by nearly 50 percent over the next two years with the addition of three new superyachts and two river ships. This growth will not only add more than 600 berths’ worth of capacity but also expands Emerald’s destination footprint with its first-ever ship dedicated to the Seine River.

Three new superyachts by 2027

Emerald Kaia will join its fellow superyachts in 2026, deploying to the Caribbean to join Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra for winter 2026/2027. The 128-passenger Emerald Raiya is set to debut winter 2026/2027 in the Seychelles, while Emerald Xara will launch in summer 2027 in the Mediterranean. By winter 2027/2028, Emerald Cruises’ will have four yachts based in the Caribbean, offering a warm-weather escape in all-suite accommodations.

Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara, the next generation of superyachts, will reflect the same sleek design as their sister ship, Emerald Kaia, including wellness-focused amenities and itineraries of immersive coastal explorations. Guests can expect spacious, all-suite accommodations; an expansive Sky Deck with private cabanas featuring panoramic views; and a swim-up marina platform. Further enhancements to the superyachts have been made based on guest feedback.

Emerald Lumi will sail from Paris

Emerald Astra is a 180-passenger river ship joining service in 2026 on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Emerald Lumi, the cruise line’s first purpose-built ship for the Seine, will sail round trip from Paris beginning in 2027.

With increased demand in Emerald Cruises’ charter and group bookings, this luxe new hardware — including two next-gen superyachts — supports selling your clients on the ultimate boutique yacht and river experience like never before. Read on to find out more about group bookings and MICE charters through the Scenic Group.

Group Travel Program

Depending on the destination, just 10 people can be considered a group, though Scenic and Emerald Cruises can handle up to 90 guests in a group booking. The Group Benefit Program offers enhanced amenities as well as the help of Sales representatives and a dedicated Groups team to help you reach your potential on group sales. Advisors can also find marketing materials to promote their specific group, as well as educational support with programs like the Agent Academy, which offers short and flexible courses. Scenic and Emerald Cruises’ dedicated sales teams are available to assist with Cruise Nights, webinars and more.

Whether it’s a college reunion, a family celebrating a milestone or an Escorted Group Departure offering a specialized experience, group bookings typically gather like-minded individuals looking to travel. This is especially helpful even for solo travelers seeking a sense of community. Clients can save up to $200 per person, depending on the booking, with Emerald Cruises’ “Explore Together” benefits. Advisors can also choose from a range of amenities like onboard credit, additional savings and bonus commission.

Charters

The superyachts and river ships of Scenic and Emerald Cruises are very conducive to the meetings, incentives, charters and events (MICE) crowd. From gorgeous lounges and open sun decks to the intimate atmosphere and top-notch service, Scenic and Emerald Cruises are growing their presence as highly coveted ships to charter. Added exclusivity, inclusive fares and the option for corporate branding throughout the ship (from flags to menus), makes these vessels a sensible location for a meeting or event. Sunny destinations and a range of exciting excursions perfect for team building makes a river or yacht cruise even more desirable for all in attendance.

Yacht charters are an especially lucrative category for travel advisors to sell. With just 100 to 128 passengers, the superyachts in the Emerald Cruises’ fleet are the perfect size for full-ship charters. From the never-tiring cities of Europe to the sunny shores of the Caribbean and the exotic reaches of the Seychelles, the offerings in the Emerald portfolio alone span enviable destinations ripe for bundling with airfare, transportation and other add-ons for your client’s convenience. With Emerald Cruises as the premium gateway to river and yacht cruising, there is also a path to upsell to the ultra-luxury river and yacht sailings of Scenic.

Select voyages across the expanded Emerald Yacht Cruises program will be open for booking beginning in June 2025 — with early access and planning support provided to key partners and travel advisors.

From the Sponsor

Scenic and Emerald Cruises are leaders in luxury and intimate-ship cruising, offering award-winning river and ocean journeys to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Scenic delivers truly all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experiences, while Emerald Cruises offers contemporary luxury yacht and river cruises. Together, our brands are united by a shared commitment to innovation, personalized service, and unforgettable travel experiences across Europe, the Caribbean, Antarctica, and beyond.

With exciting new yachts and a beautiful river ship debuting soon, we’re expanding our offerings while staying true to what matters most: supporting our valued travel advisor partners.

This May, we’re proud to honor that commitment during Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, with exclusive incentives just for you. Enjoy perks like bonus commissions, client savings, and even a chance to win a free river cruise for two.

Stay connected and be the first to hear about these limited-time offers by signing up for our Trade Newsletter and following our Partners in Travel – Advisors Facebook group.

At Scenic and Emerald Cruises, you’re not just part of the journey — you’re at the heart of it.