New River Ship for Emerald Cruises, Plus Fleet Enhancements

Emerald Cruises will welcome a new river ship, Emerald Astra, to its fleet in 2026. From ancient Greek and Latin origins, “Astra” translates as “Star.”

Emerald Astra will feature the sleek design of the line’s upscale superyachts and will accommodate 180 guests while it sails the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. While the ship will feature the line’s update look, it will feature Emerald signatures including the pool/cinema combination, multiple dining options, and a sun deck.

Bookings for Emerald Astra’s maiden season are open. Advisors can find out more with the line’s 2026 Luxury Europe River Cruise Planner.

Fleetwide enhancements

Emerald also is embarking on a fleetwide upgrade program that will see all its river ships mirror the design first rolled out on its superyachts. Guests will be able to enjoy these enhancements during the 2025 season.

Key upgrades include:

Horizon Bar & Lounge redesigns: Ships on the Rhine-Main-Danube route will receive new lounge furniture with an elevated design and bright accent colors. Similarly, the Emerald Radiance on the Douro and the Emerald Liberte on the Rhone will see updates to align with the line’s new aesthetic.

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-the-house areas will also receive significant upgrades.

In-Suite technology: Each guest cabin will feature iPads to enhance guest interaction with onboard amenities and each journey’s itinerary.

“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. “These enhancements are designed with our guests in mind—creating refined spaces that encourage relaxation, connection, and discovery…”