Emerald Cruises
Bright, contemporary Star-Ships with a clever heated pool that turns into a cinema after dark.
Modern river cruising, and now yachts too
Emerald Cruises is the deluxe river-and-yacht brand within Australia's Scenic Group. It launched in 2013 and first sailed in 2014 as Emerald Waterways, built to offer a fresh, contemporary style at a friendlier price than the ultra-luxury lines, without giving up the things that matter.
The river fleet numbers around ten purpose-built Star-Ships, most carrying up to 180 guests, with smaller vessels sized for the Douro in Portugal and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Since 2022 the brand has added a fleet of small luxury yachts, so the same name now covers both rivers and coastal seas.
The look is light and current rather than gilded, and the signature flourish is the indoor heated pool that slides back its roof by day and becomes a cinema by night. It appeals to travelers who want a modern ship and a strong value for money.
- Style
- Contemporary deluxe
- Fleet
- About 10 river Star-Ships
- Guests
- Up to 180
- Fares
- Highly inclusive
- Sails to
- Europe, Douro, Mekong
- Founded
- 2013 (Scenic Group)
“Emerald Cruises made modern river cruising feel accessible, then quietly took the same idea out to sea.”
Star-Ships with a pool that pulls double duty
The Star-Ships are bright and modern, with staterooms and suites that make the most of the light through the line signature balcony window system. On the Rhine and Danube the ships carry up to 180 guests, a comfortable size for choice without the crowds of a large vessel.
The best-known feature sits amidships. A heated indoor pool opens its roof to the sky in fine weather, then transforms into a cinema after dinner, one of the neatest uses of space on the rivers. Smaller ships serve the Douro and the Mekong, sized to their waterways.
Highly inclusive, without the fuss
Fares are highly inclusive, covering meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, a choice of guided excursions, wifi, gratuities and airport transfers on most European sailings. The idea is a modern, relaxed experience where the essentials are handled and the value is clear.
Dining leans regional and unfussy, with a relaxed daytime style and a more considered dinner. There is a wellness area and, on many ships, a small pool and gym, so active guests and those after a slower pace both find their rhythm.
European rivers, the Douro, the Mekong and beyond
In Europe, Emerald sails the Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and the Douro in Portugal, along with festive Christmas market sailings. The Douro vessel is purpose-sized for the river locks and pairs the cruise with the vineyards of the valley.
Beyond the rivers, the Mekong itinerary explores Vietnam and Cambodia, while the newer luxury yachts open up the Mediterranean, the Adriatic and warmer coastal cruising. We help you match the right ship, river or coast to the trip you have in mind.
Since Emerald Cruises reaches Porto and the Douro valley, it pairs well with a Portugal food and wine tour before or after you sail.
Why book through us
Exclusive Emerald value
Group amenities and onboard credit on Emerald Cruises sailings that you will not find booking direct.
Combinable offers
Our exclusive value can usually be layered with Emerald's current promotions, plus full loyalty credit.
River specialists
Advisors who know the Star-Ships and yachts alike and match the right ship, cabin and season to you.
Seamless land and sea
Because we run our own tours ashore, we make it easy to add a CDV land tour where your voyage begins or ends.
Cruise the Douro, then stay on in Portugal
Emerald Douro sailings trace the vineyards of northern Portugal from Porto. Add a Culture Discovery land tour and you turn a week on the river into a deeper immersion in the food, wine and villages of the country.
More river cruises we love
Scenic River Cruises
Emerald sister brand, taking the all-inclusive Space-Ships to the ultra-luxury end.
Explore Scenic River CruisesAmaWaterways
Inventive, food-forward river ships with twin balconies and complimentary bicycles.
Explore AmaWaterwaysAvalon Waterways
Suite Ships with beds that face the view, from the Globus family of brands.
Explore Avalon WaterwaysRiviera River Cruises
A British river line with a friendly, good-value take on Europe waterways.
Explore Riviera River CruisesFrequently asked questions
What is Emerald Cruises known for?
Who owns Emerald Cruises?
Is Emerald Cruises all-inclusive?
How many ships does Emerald Cruises have?
Does Emerald Cruises sail the Douro?
What is the difference between Emerald river ships and yachts?
What is the dress code on Emerald Cruises?
How much does an Emerald Cruises voyage cost?
Ready to sail with Emerald Cruises?
Complimentary quote, exclusive CDV value, and a specialist who plans it around you.