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Emerald Cruises

River cruise line · 9 ships · sailing 1 regions — Modern, high-value river cruising with a pool that turns into a cinema.

River Modern, high-value river cruising with a pool that turns into a cinema

Contemporary, strong-value premium river line and the sister brand of ultra-luxury Scenic within the Scenic Group (launched 2014). Emerald pairs modern, design-led Star-Ships with included active and cultural experiences at a lower price point than Scenic, with slightly less bundled into the fare.

Tier River
Fleet 9 ships
Price $$–$$$ · Affordable–Upscale
Voyages 7–14 nights
Sails 1 regions

Who Emerald Cruises is for

Value-minded travellers who want a stylish, modern ship and included active and cultural experiences without ultra-luxury prices. It suits active guests through EmeraldACTIVE cycling, hiking and canoeing, and those happy to pay extra for premium drinks and some excursions; it is mainly an adult experience.

couplesfemale solo traveleradult groupmulti-gen

The fleet

A fleet of about 180-guest Star-Ships (roughly 91 cabins, ~52 crew, four decks) on Europe's rivers, including Emerald Sky, Star, Sun, Dawn, Destiny, Radiance and the newest, Emerald Luna (2022); Emerald Liberte sails the Rhone and Saone in France. All share a contemporary, minimalist look and the line's signature indoor pool.

Emerald Star-Ship (Sky / Star / Sun / Dawn)Emerald Star-Ship (Sky / Star / Sun / Dawn / Destiny / Luna)Emerald Star-Ship (Star / Sun / Destiny / Luna)Emerald RadianceEmerald LiberteEmerald LumiEmerald Star-Ship (Sky / Sun / Destiny / Star)Emerald Star-Ship (Luna / Sun)Emerald Star-Ship (Sky / Star / Sun / Destiny)

Signature ships

The standout vessels in the fleet — and the amenities that set them apart.

Emerald Star-Ships (representative class)180 guests

class shared across Emerald Sky, Star, Sun, Dawn, Destiny, Radiance, Luna and sisters; about 180 guests, 91 cabins, ~52 crew, four decks

  • Indoor heated pool with a retractable glass roof that converts to a cinema at night
  • Expansive Sun Deck for panoramic viewing
  • Contemporary, minimalist design with floor-to-ceiling windows and balcony cabins
  • Onboard bikes for EmeraldACTIVE excursions
  • Spa, gym and beauty salon
Emerald Luna2022 · 180 guests

the newest Star-Ship on Europe's rivers

  • Newest (ninth) European Star-Ship
  • Signature pool-to-cinema with retractable roof
  • Sleek, mirrored modern interiors and floor-to-ceiling views in most cabins

The onboard experience

Dining

A main restaurant with regional and international menus plus lighter, casual bistro-style dining, with beer and wine included at lunch and dinner while cocktails and premium spirits cost extra.

Entertainment & activities

EmeraldPLUS cultural events, local performances and workshops, plus the signature indoor pool that transforms into a cinema at night under its retractable roof.

Families & kids

Predominantly an adult experience with no dedicated children's program, though the value pricing and active options can appeal to older, active travellers.

What's included

Value-inclusive rather than all-inclusive: EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and Wi-Fi are included, while premium drinks, some optional excursions and certain gratuities can cost extra, the main step down from sister brand Scenic.

Where Emerald Cruises sails

Regions in Noura's Cruise Navigator, most sailings first. Tap a region for its ports and season.

Sails from
AmsterdamBudapestPortoLyonParisFrankfurtNuremberg

Sample itineraries

15-Day Splendours of Europe14 nights

Emerald Star-Ship (Sky / Sun / Destiny / Star) · from Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands → Cologne, Germany → Rüdesheim, Germany → Miltenberg, Germany → Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany → Würzburg, Germany → Bamberg, Germany → Nuremberg, Germany

9-Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe8 nights

Emerald Star-Ship (Luna / Sun) · from Budapest

Budapest, Hungary → Budapest, Hungary → Hvar, Croatia → Belgrade, Serbia → Iron Gates & Lepenski Vir (scenic sailing), Serbia/Romania → Vidin, Bulgaria → Scenic cruising, Lower Danube → Bucharest, Romania

8-Day Legendary Rhine & Moselle7 nights

Emerald Star-Ship (Sky / Star / Sun / Dawn) · from Frankfurt

Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany → Rüdesheim, Germany → Koblenz, Germany → Cochem, Germany → Bernkastel-Kues, Germany → Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany → Mainz, Germany → Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany

8-Day Christmas Markets on the Rhine7 nights

Emerald Star-Ship (Sky / Star / Sun / Dawn) · from Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands → Cologne, Germany → Koblenz, Germany → Rüdesheim, Germany → Speyer, Germany → Strasbourg, France → Breisach, Germany (Black Forest) → Basel, Switzerland

Best known for

Indoor heated pool that becomes a cinema at nightStrong-value premium river cruisingEmeraldACTIVE and EmeraldPLUS included experiencesContemporary, modern ship designSister brand to ultra-luxury Scenic (Scenic Group)

Ready to plan your Emerald cruise?

Noura turns this intelligence into a real itinerary — flights, hotels with perks, and timing dialled in — at no planning cost to you.

More river cruise lines

Compare Emerald Cruises with other river lines — or read how the tiers differ.