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Emerald Cruises

Emerald Cruises

Emerald Cruises

Founded in 2013 as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specialising in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruising.

Our extensive fleet of Star-Ships are custom-built to sail Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rh?ne, and Douro rivers, as well as the majestic Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with each vessel 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 heated pool with retractable roof, which transforms into an evening cinema*.

Emerald Azzurra, our groundbreaking luxury yacht, and her twin sister, Emerald Sakara, have been designed to dock in the smaller ports of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic coast, the Caribbean, Central America, the Red Sea and Seychelles providing unique access to extraordinary destinations that other vessels simply cannot achieve.

With a maximum capacity of just 100 guests, every inch of our ocean-faring yachts has been designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind. Cruise in luxury, where state-of-the-art amenities and refined finishing touches elevate your experience of the world's oceans.

Unwind in our opulent dining and lounge spaces, relax in our stunning on board infinity-style Aqua Pool, and enjoy our unique Marina Platform, which provides simple and safe access to the sea.

Whether you’re travelling by river or ocean, your luxury vessel will dock in the heart of the amazing destinations we visit, be it the banks of the Danube with the backdrop of Budapest’s breathtaking Parliament Building, Ho Chi Minh City with its vibrant culture right on your doorstep, or in coastal cities such as Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Sorrento, Venice, and Istanbul.

And, wherever you travel, you’ll benefit from our promise of generous inclusions, entitling you to included excursions, handpicked by our journey planners, as well as our special EmeraldPLUS experiences and EmeraldACTIVE** guided bike tours^, hikes and activities.

Not only that, exquisite on board dining, complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner, transfers to and from your vessel, and all gratuities are taken care of, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself.

* 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

**EmeraldACTIVE not available on Southeast Asia river cruises

^ Emerald Radiance in Portugal and Emerald Harmony in Southeast Asia do not have on board bikes

More About Emerald Cruises

  • Members Club
  • Reasons to Book

We’re proud to provide you with the best luxury small cruise ship experience, sailing to exciting destinations such as Europe, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean & Central America, the Mediterranean & Adriatic Sea, the Red Sea & Middle East, and the Seychelles.

The continued support of our returning guests means a great deal to us, and as a thank you, we created the EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty club, allowing you to get the most out of every river or yacht cruise you take with Emerald Cruises.

Building up points couldn’t be any easier.

Upon returning from your first cruise, you’ll automatically become a member of our EmeraldEXPLORER ...

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Cruise Ships

Emerald Sakara

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.

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Emerald Sun

Emerald Dawn, Emerald Sun and Emerald Luna are just three of our six Star-Ships that cruise the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Docking in the heart of some of the most beautiful cities in the world, you’re free to explore them at your leisure.

Setting the standard in innovation, our vessels feature a wealth of contemporary design features on board. Over the past few years, 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.

Choose from our array of suite and stateroom categories, each boasting a wealth of amenities you would expect to find in any world-class hotel. Our suites include ingenious all-weather balcony systems from which you can enjoy views of the passing scenery, a flat screen HDTV and infotainment system, luxurious toiletries and a hotel-style bed.

At the top of Emerald Dawn, Emerald Sun and Emerald Luna, the Sun Deck acts as an excellent communal area where you can enjoy the river breeze, raise a toast with new friends and relax as you watch Europe’s stunning natural beauty pass by.

Our vessels feature more than ninety generously-sized suites and staterooms, four of which are our Emerald Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites, which include an outdoor private balcony, a separate living room and bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, a complimentary minibar and an invitation to dine in elegance at the Captain’s Table.

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Emerald Kaia

Meet Emerald Kaia

A new chapter in Emerald Cruises' journey begins with our next-generation superyacht, Emerald Kaia. Our third innovative luxury yacht builds on the spectacular success of the first two and retains the ethos of luxury small-ship cruising.

Starting in early 2026, she will welcome you on board to sail from the coastlines of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, to the Seychelles.

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Emerald Liberte

Specially commissioned to sail the Rhône and Saône as part of our Sensations of Southern France river cruise, Emerald Liberté is one of three Star-Ships added to the Emerald Cruises fleet in 2017.

Mirroring the effortless sophistication and beauty of the French countryside, this beautiful ship offers locally-sourced, authentic fine-dining to be paired with the perfect wine accompaniment by our on-board sommeliers, a level of service and attention-to-detail which is sewn into its very essence, providing an experience comparable to that of a world-class hotel.

With a capacity of 132 guests, and a series of cutting-edge amenities, Emerald Liberté represents the next generation of river cruising. The suites, staterooms and public spaces are set across four beautifully-appointed decks, providing endless scope for relaxation and enjoyment whilst cruising.

Travelling from Lyon to Avignon, the ship will explore culturally-rich and enigmatic cities before dissecting the wine regions and charming Mediterranean settlements of France. The Mediterranean climate provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the amenities of the Sun Deck, where you can sit back and relax or sink a few balls on the putting green. While the heated pool boasts a glass roof which is retractable to let in a cool breeze on a warm day. And, we’ve incorporated the hugely popular Horizon Bar & Lounge, offering the perfect setting for you to enjoy your favourite tipples.

During days on the water, you can indulge in a little ‘me’ time aboard the Emerald Liberté, with a skilled hairdresser on the Riviera Deck, spa facilities and a well-equipped gym in the wellness and fitness area. Find your centre and feel thoroughly relaxed from start to finish.

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Emerald Luna

Transporting you on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers, this elegant river ship lets you see the highlights of the continent in complete style and comfort.

Joining our growing fleet of Star-Ships on the great rivers of Europe, Emerald Luna is a brand-new river ship with all the hallmark luxury facilities our guests have come to expect from Emerald Cruises. Contemporary, elegant and packed with innovative features that bring your river journey to life – it’s your floating hotel and a front-row seat to the wonders of Europe.

From the three-tier atrium to the heated swimming pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema, Emerald Luna is more than just a river ship. Every inch has been meticulously designed to maximise space and guarantee your comfort, ensuring that the journey is as memorable as the destination.

Spacious suites and staterooms, contemporary dining spaces and designated wellness and entertainment zones – these are a handful of the advantages of travelling on board Emerald Luna. Features such as our all-weather balcony system in our suites and open-air Sun Deck ensure you never miss an inspiring view, while Reflections Restaurant and The Terrace promise culinary discoveries in luxurious surroundings. Not forgetting, we have 20 Levit E-Bikes on board meaning you can explore further and off the beaten track independently or as part of our exciting EmeraldACTIVE excursions.

To learn more about our new Star-Ship, including an interactive Deck Plan which lets you explore the features and highlights of the ship, or to explore its feature and upcoming itineraries, discover our in-depth guide to Emerald Luna below.

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Emerald Radiance

The Emerald Radiance will explore Portugal’s Douro region, navigating the eponymous river Douro. Dissecting some of Europe’s most beautiful vineyards and wine-producing villages, the river Douro evocatively stretches through beautiful backdrops on either bank. Fittingly, the bespoke Emerald Radiance has been lovingly designed and built to complement the jaw-dropping scenery unfolding before the ship’s bow.

The Emerald Radiance is our most intimate ship to date, with a capacity of just 112 guests. Paired with the crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3, this low capacity accommodates incredible levels of service.

However, the small scale of the Emerald Radiance does not mean it is missing the key amenities and features to make your holiday atop the Douro any less comfortable or enjoyable. Intelligent deck planning has allowed us to add all the favourite features of Emerald Cruises’ fleet to the Emerald Radiance, and there are even beautiful extra flourishes throughout. From the generously-proportioned suites and staterooms to the contemporary, chic Horizon Bar and Lounge, no aspect of the ship has been compromised by its moderate size.

Amongst the brand new additions featured aboard the Emerald Radiance are the Riverview Suites. Located at the rear of the ship on the Horizon Deck, and boasting floor-to-ceiling windows encasing our innovative balcony; the two Riverview Suites offer amazing, unspoiled panoramic vistas of the river as it flows on by.

Purpose built for Portugal’s warm climate, the comprehensive Sun Deck aboard the Emerald Radiance provides ample opportunity to sample the sun and gentle river breezes. The open-air aspect of the Emerald Radiance includes The Terrace, the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink or two with new friends. Or if you fancy a plunge, the Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck is the perfect place for a few lengths before breakfast, under the beautiful Iberian sky. 

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Emerald Sky

Journey down some of Europe’s magical stretches of water as you explore many of the most enchanting cities on the continent from the comfort of Emerald Sky and Emerald Star, while our onshore excursions encourage you to delve into secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

Expertly navigating the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers, our contemporary Star-Ships have been specially designed to mirror the beauty of these majestic waterways. This can be seen reflected in the décor on board each vessel and within the iconic features like our three-tiered atriums.

The Horizon Bar & Lounge is the social heartbeat of the Emerald Sky and Emerald Star, with a comprehensively-stocked bar and skilled bartenders who will make every day one of complete relaxation. Our Reflections Restaurant is a place where you can enjoy delectable meals that have been specially prepared by our chefs, who take inspiration from the countries that we pass through and make the most of the regional ingredients that surround us.

At the back of the Horizon Deck you can enjoy the peaceful surrounds of our on-board heated pool, where you will have ample opportunity to go for a dip during the day. On selected evenings, this space seamlessly transforms into a cinema where we will play the latest blockbusters and timeless classics for you to enjoy.

Both of these vessels benefit from ninety-two generously-proportioned suites and staterooms, from which you can admire the views that we sail past in complete comfort, with luscious toiletries, a queen-size or twin hotel-style bed and a TV and infotainment system. Four Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites are also available, each of which contains a complimentary minibar, walk-in wardrobe and an invitation to dine at the Captain’s Table.

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Emerald Star

Journey down some of Europe’s magical stretches of water as you explore many of the most enchanting cities on the continent from the comfort of Emerald Sky and Emerald Star, while our onshore excursions encourage you to delve into secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

Expertly navigating the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers, our contemporary Star-Ships have been specially designed to mirror the beauty of these majestic waterways. This can be seen reflected in the décor on board each vessel and within the iconic features like our three-tiered atriums.

The Horizon Bar & Lounge is the social heartbeat of the Emerald Sky and Emerald Star, with a comprehensively-stocked bar and skilled bartenders who will make every day one of complete relaxation. Our Reflections Restaurant is a place where you can enjoy delectable meals that have been specially prepared by our chefs, who take inspiration from the countries that we pass through and make the most of the regional ingredients that surround us.

At the back of the Horizon Deck you can enjoy the peaceful surrounds of our on-board heated pool, where you will have ample opportunity to go for a dip during the day. On selected evenings, this space seamlessly transforms into a cinema where we will play the latest blockbusters and timeless classics for you to enjoy.

Both of these vessels benefit from ninety-two generously-proportioned suites and staterooms, from which you can admire the views that we sail past in complete comfort, with luscious toiletries, a queen-size or twin hotel-style bed and a TV and infotainment system. Four Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites are also available, each of which contains a complimentary minibar, walk-in wardrobe and an invitation to dine at the Captain’s Table.

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Emerald Azzurra

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.

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Emerald Dawn

Emerald Dawn, Emerald Sun and Emerald Luna are just three of our six Star-Ships that cruise the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Docking in the heart of some of the most beautiful cities in the world, you’re free to explore them at your leisure.

Setting the standard in innovation, our vessels feature a wealth of contemporary design features on board. Over the past few years, 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.

Choose from our array of suite and stateroom categories, each boasting a wealth of amenities you would expect to find in any world-class hotel. Our suites include ingenious all-weather balcony systems from which you can enjoy views of the passing scenery, a flat screen HDTV and infotainment system, luxurious toiletries and a hotel-style bed.

At the top of Emerald Dawn, Emerald Sun and Emerald Luna, the Sun Deck acts as an excellent communal area where you can enjoy the river breeze, raise a toast with new friends and relax as you watch Europe’s stunning natural beauty pass by.

Our vessels feature more than ninety generously-sized suites and staterooms, four of which are our Emerald Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites, which include an outdoor private balcony, a separate living room and bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, a complimentary minibar and an invitation to dine in elegance at the Captain’s Table.

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Emerald Destiny

Emerald Destiny is one of six of our Emerald Cruises Star-Ships specially designed to traverse the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers in style. With tasteful and modern décor visible throughout the ship, including in the form of our three-tiered atrium that allows natural light to pour in and illuminate the interior.

At the back of the Horizon Deck, you can find our daytime pool and evening cinema. This is a feature on all of the Star-Ships that sail along the Rhine, Maine, Danube and Moselle. With a retractable roof, floor-to-ceiling windows and picture perfect views; this is the ideal spot for a gentle swim. On selected evenings, the pool seamlessly transforms into a cinema, where you can watch a number of blockbusters and classic films.

Our Reflections Restaurant on the Vista Deck is the centre point of our dining experience on board, where sizeable windows offer excellent views of the surrounding landscapes and you can enjoy regional and seasonal flavours. For a more intimate experience, you can head to the contemporary Horizon Bar & Lounge, where authentic entertainment will be available on selected evenings.

Boasting more than ninety suites and staterooms, the Emerald Destiny has a lot to offer when it comes to comfort, with features that would be aligned with those of a world-class hotel. You can spend your time on this vessel relaxing as picturesque views pass by, watching them from your private balcony as we sail past.

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Emerald Harmony

Our spectacular Emerald Harmony Star-Ship will exceed all your expectations, as it introduces you to the majesty of the Mekong. 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. Unlike other similar sized ships, we have specifically designed the Emerald Harmony to sail into the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, allowing us to dock in the heart of this fantastic city.

Every one of our suites and staterooms are chic, modern sanctuaries fusing authentic Asian style with contemporary design. With all the amenities you’d expect from a world-class hotel, you’ll enjoy a restful sleep in your queen or twin-size bed, as well as an en-suite bathroom, luxury toiletries and bath robes. And once back from your included excursion unwind by watching films on your HD flat-screen television and keep up with loved ones, using free Wi-Fi.

Savour delicious cuisine every day in the Reflections Restaurant, including Asian-inspired dishes and home favourites. Breakfasts and lunches are included, as well as decadent five-course à la carte dining in the evenings, Reflections Restaurant is a great place to meet up with your fellow guests and recall the highlights of the day’s onshore exploration. 

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Emerald Astra

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.  

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All Emerald Cruises Destinations

  • Danube
  • Mediterranean
  • Middle East
  • Mekong
  • Rhone
  • Dutch Waterways
  • Rhine
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Douro
  • Western Europe
  • Indian Ocean
  • Caribbean
  • Northern Europe
  • Black Sea

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