Emerald Cruises: the back story

About Emerald Cruises: the back story

By the ULTIMATE the world’s cruise lines Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Emerald Waterways was founded in 2013 by the Scenic Group, which began with coach tours in Australia. Its Star-Ships brought a lighter, more contemporary look to Europe’s rivers, and since 2022 the line has added small luxury yachts.

A fresh start in 2013

Emerald Waterways was founded in 2013 by the Scenic Group, a travel family whose story began with coach tours in Australia. The aim was a fresh, modern approach to luxury river travel, and the first Star-Ship, Emerald Sky, was christened in Amsterdam in April 2014 with the style icon Twiggy as her godmother.

The Star-Ships

Emerald Star followed in August 2014, Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn in a double christening in August 2015, and three more in April 2017, when the line added the Rhône, the Saône and the Douro. Today there are ten Star-Ships in Europe, each for up to 180 guests. Their party piece is the indoor pool, which on selected evenings becomes a cinema; on the Douro’s Emerald Radiance an open-air Serenity Pool takes its place. Many suites have an all-weather balcony: a floor-to-ceiling window that drops at the touch of a button, turning the room into an indoor terrace.

Your enjoyment always comes first.

East to the Mekong

In September 2019 Emerald introduced its first self-built ship, Emerald Harmony, designed for the Mekong and able to dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The Asian-inspired Lotus Lounge, the Reflections Restaurant and a sun and pool deck make her a relaxed base for Vietnam and Cambodia.

To sea by yacht

In March 2022 the line went to sea. Emerald Azzurra, for up to 100 guests, has an infinity-style pool, an Observation Lounge, an infrared sauna and a Marina Platform for swim stops; her near-identical sister Emerald Sakara launched in August 2023. Emerald Kaia, launched in April 2026, raises the number to 128 guests and adds a Wellness Deck, the Night Market Grill and the Soléa Bar & Bistro. Emerald Raiya follows in 2027, and Emerald Xara takes the yachts to Asia, Australia and the South Pacific in 2028.

New on the rivers

Two new river ships arrive as well: Emerald Astra, for 180 guests, with a grey-tinted glass exterior inspired by the yachts and the fleet’s first complimentary guest laundry, joins the Rhine, Main and Danube in 2026; Emerald Lumi follows on the Seine in 2027, built to reach Honfleur in Normandy.

Our advice:

Our advice: Emerald is one of the best-value ways to try a river cruise without giving up comfort, and the solo cabins make it a sensible choice for travellers on their own. Pay for a Panorama Balcony Suite to enjoy the all-weather balcony, and if you are tempted by the sea, the yachts bring the same relaxed style to smaller Mediterranean and Caribbean harbours.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Emerald Cruises: the back story before you go.