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Discover the world with Emerald Cruises
Whether you’re travelling to unspoilt islands or bustling metropolises, our fleet of river-cruising Star-Ships and ocean-going luxury yachts guarantee an unparalleled voyage. Enjoy modern exploration, pairing authentic adventures with inimitable luxury.
The Emerald Cruises' Story
Founded in 2013, and first setting sail as Emerald Waterways in 2014, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specialising in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruises. Just one year layer, in 2014, the first Star-Ship, Emerald Sky, set sail.
Our extensive fleet of Star-Ships are custom-built to sail Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, Saône and Douro rivers, as well as the majestic Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with each ship hosting a range of stylish innovations.
Unwind in your contemporary suite or stateroom, sample the finest cuisine in our elegant dining venues, relax on our spacious Sun Deck, and enjoy the river breeze from our indoor pool with retractable roof that transforms into an evening cinema*.
In March 2022, our groundbreaking luxury yacht Emerald Azzurra welcomed her first guests, followed by her twin sister Emerald Sakara a year later. The yatchs have been specially designed to provide unique access to the fascinating ports and harbours that only small yachts can reach. The yachts feature an open-air infinity pool, a wellness deck with a spa and gym, and a marina platform with a variety of water toys.
* Emerald Radiance in Portugal features a spa-style serenity pool and Emerald Harmony in Southeast Asia has an outdoor pool in lieu of an evening cinema
Our extensive fleet of Star-Ships are custom-built to sail Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, Saône and Douro rivers, as well as the majestic Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with each ship hosting a range of stylish innovations.
Unwind in your contemporary suite or stateroom, sample the finest cuisine in our elegant dining venues, relax on our spacious Sun Deck, and enjoy the river breeze from our indoor pool with retractable roof that transforms into an evening cinema*.
In March 2022, our groundbreaking luxury yacht Emerald Azzurra welcomed her first guests, followed by her twin sister Emerald Sakara a year later. The yatchs have been specially designed to provide unique access to the fascinating ports and harbours that only small yachts can reach. The yachts feature an open-air infinity pool, a wellness deck with a spa and gym, and a marina platform with a variety of water toys.
Whether you’re travelling by river or sea, your luxury vessel will dock in the heart of amazing destinations.
This year, we celebrate 10 incredible years of Emerald Cruises by introducing the next generation of superyachts: Emerald Kaia.
* Emerald Radiance in Portugal features a spa-style serenity pool and Emerald Harmony in Southeast Asia has an outdoor pool in lieu of an evening cinema
2014 - 2015
April 2014 - Our first Star-Ship, Emerald Sky, is christened in Amsterdam. Global style icon, Twiggy, is announced as her Godmother.
August 2014 - Emerald Star joins the fleet, expertly designed to navigate the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle Rivers.
August 2015 - One year later, we celebrate a double christening as Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn join our Europe fleet.
2017 - 2019
April 2017 - Our growth continues as we introduce our fifth, sixth and seventh Star-Ships to the fleet. We also announce two new destinations sailing along the Rhone, Saone and Douro.
April 2019 - We become the first river cruise line to introduce Activity Managers on board our European Star-Ships.
September 2019 - We introduce our first self-built Star-Ship Emerald Harmony, sailing along the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia.
2020 - 2023
January 2020 - We announce the commencement of building our ninth Star-Ship, Emerald Luna.
March 2022 - Emerald Azzurra, the first of the ground-breaking luxury yachts, welcomes her first guests on board.
August 2023 - We launch the second luxury yacht Emerald Sakara, nearly identical to her sister yacht. The twin yachts will sail the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean, Seychelles & Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
April 2024
In 2024, we celebrate 10 years of Emerald Cruises by introducing the next generation of superyachts: Emerald Kaia, launching in early 2026. Our journey began with the Emerald Sky christening in Amsterdam. We have now grown to eight Star-Ships sailing the waterways of Europe, one Star-Ship sailing the mighty Mekong River, and three luxury yachts sailing the world's ocean.
2026 - 2028
From 2026, the Emerald Cruises fleet continues to expand as we welcome three new luxury yachts, Emerald Kaia, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara and two new luxury river cruises, Emerald Astra and Emerald Lumi. These exciting additions mark a new chapter for Emerald Cruises as we bring you more destinations, more experiences, with the same exceptional service throughout.
Cherish the Planet
Emerald Cruises' Cherish the Planet initiative is more than sustainability. It's a commitment to creating positive change, from sustainability practices to rich community partnerships. We aim to leave as small a footprint as possible.
Learn how Scenic Group is approaching sustainability within the fleet and how we travel with our latest 2024 Impact Report.
Learn how Scenic Group is approaching sustainability within the fleet and how we travel with our latest 2024 Impact Report.
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River destinations
Relax on an award-winning Europe river cruise or explore the delights of the Mekong River.
Yacht destinations
Unwind on an award-winning luxury yacht as you sail the world’s oceans in style.
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