In Emerald Cruises’ 10-year anniversary year, the company is in the midst of expanding its offering to guests with an upcoming launch of the line’s third luxury superyacht, a new river Star-Ship, and a comprehensive fleet upgrade. Angus Crichton shares more with Karryon Luxury.
As Emerald Cruises celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, keen ocean and river cruisers are looking forward to the arrival of superyacht Emerald Kaia and Star-Ship Emerald Astra in 2026. Meanwhile, the entire European fleet will be further enhanced in time for the 2025 season – so there’s a lot to catch up on.
“As part of Scenic Group alongside Scenic Cruises, Emerald Cruises started as Emerald Waterways a decade ago and has grown and evolved with the times and tastes of global travellers,” explains Angus Crichton, Director – Sales, Marketing & Product for Emerald Cruises Australia & New Zealand.
In March 2022, the 100-guest, 72-crew Emerald Azzurra set sail, a forerunner of the boutique luxury hotel yachts now emerging on the world’s cruise scene. Emerald Azzurra was followed a year later by her identical sister Emerald Sakara. Both superyachts cruise on the Adriatic, Aegean, Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas and in the Seychelles.
“Our Scenic Group Founder and Chairman, Glen Moroney, saw a gap in the market for true small-ship luxury leisure cruising with only a maximum of 100 guests,” Crichton says.
“Moroney recognised there was much more enjoyment to be had at ports and towns along the superyacht routes, by those who preferred their holidays to feel like adventures of discovery.”
Next-generation superyacht, Emerald Kaia
Building work began on Emerald Kaia in August and she is scheduled to make her debut in April 2026. She will be a tad larger than her sister ships – 120 metres rather than 110 metres long and accommodating 128 rather than 100 guests – and will boast larger, spacious areas and enhanced versions of popular features seen on Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakura.
These include a redesigned Sky Deck offering private cabanas and a new internal Sky Lounge; a new Marina Lounge plus a wider range of water sports activities for the Marina; a Spa Pool plus more sun lounges on the Observation Sun Deck; and new dining and spa options.
“A blend of discovery and luxury, our yachts offer a marina platform and toys for water sports adventures, and easy access to wonderful small ports without the crowds. Our luxury yachts were created for everybody to be able to ‘superyacht’,” said Crichton.
“The popularity and expansion of this portfolio, including the recent announcement of Emerald Kaia, speaks volumes about how well our yacht cruising program in the Mediterranean and Caribbean has been received by guests, travel advisors and charter partners.”
Emerald Kaia will feature a new Night Market Grill, an Asian-style grill concept that can accommodate up to eight guests (for an additional fee); and a larger terrace for al fresco dining at La Cucina restaurant.
The expanded Elements Spa will offer a full menu of treatments, while the Gym will have an outdoor platform with ocean views for indoor/outdoor activities.
New Star-Ship Emerald Astra and European fleet upgrades for 2025
Emerald describes Emerald Astra as the “next evolution” of Emerald Cruises’ award-winning river fleet. As reported earlier by Karryon, in 2026 she joins eight Star-Ships on Europe’s rivers (including Emerald Liberté which sails in France and Emerald Radiance which sails on Portugal’s Douro – Emerald Harmony cruises the Mekong).
Emerald Astra will cruise on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. The 180-guest ship is designed to mirror Emerald’s superyachts, showcasing a distinctive, grey-tinted glass exterior and updated looks for popular features such as the pool/cinema space, dining venues, bars and the sun deck.
“As we continue to expand the fleet and enhance the guest experience, our commitment remains steadfast: to provide unrivalled luxury and value in river cruising,” said Scenic Group’s Glen Moroney.
Emerald Cruises will also undertake comprehensive upgrades across its European river fleet, which includes vessels navigating the Rhine-Main-Danube and Moselle, the Rhône in France, and the Douro in Portugal.
“Our guests particularly love how they now have the ability to river cruise for a week through the south of France, then jump on a luxury yacht the next week and cruise down the Italian Riviera. It truly is the best of both worlds,” said Crichton.
For more information visit emeraldcruises.com.au
