Emerald Cruises is set to introduce a new 180-passenger "Star Ship" Emerald Astra, scheduled to debut on the Rhine, Moselle, and Danube rivers in 2026.
The riverboat, whose name derives from the ancient Greek and Latin word for 'star,' will be the 7th in Emerald's Star Ship series. With a grey-tinted glass exterior and a sleek, contemporary design, Emerald Astra will blend style with functionality. It will offer popular amenities from the existing fleet, including a combined pool and cinema area, multiple dining venues, and a sun deck.
Ahead of the 2025 season, the company also plans to introduce luxury yacht-inspired upgrades across its Europe-based river cruise fleet. Enhancements will include iPads in guest suites, Missoni textiles, and yacht-inspired artwork. Public areas such as the pool, cinema, Reflections Restaurant, and The Terrace will receive layout and furniture improvements to elevate guest comfort and dining experiences. Significant updates are also planned for back-of-house areas.
Additionally, Emerald Cruises will refresh the Horizon Bar & Lounge venues on all Star Ships sailing the Rhine-Main-Danube routes, incorporating new furniture, vibrant accent colors, and high-end textiles. Emerald Radiance and Emerald Liberte will also be refurbished to align with the fleet’s new aesthetic.
These investments, including the launch of Emerald Astra and fleetwide enhancements, follow a 32% increase in bookings from 2023 to 2024, reflecting strong demand for the company’s offerings.