Inside the Sapphire: A First Look at the New Emerald Astra Luxury River Cruise Ship
Emerald Cruises is set to unveil its latest luxury river cruise ship, Emerald Astra, in May 2026. This vessel, the tenth in the luxury cruise line’s fleet, features a stunning design inspired by their luxury yachts, incorporating art installations sourced from renowned European galleries and collaborations with famous design houses like Missoni and Freifrau.
Notable amenities on Emerald Astra include complimentary guest laundry services and a revamped sun deck outfitted with modern furniture. The ship can accommodate 180 guests and will be christened by Toni Day, the founder of Toni Tours, during a ceremony in Amsterdam. Day has a notable history as a first responder at Ground Zero during the 9/11 attacks.
The ship’s inaugural voyage will depart Budapest on May 3, 2026, embarking on a nine-day cruise called “Enchantment of Eastern Europe,” which will visit countries like Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Prices for this cruise start at £3,164 per person. Following its debut, Emerald Astra will be featured on various itineraries, including “Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards,” “Jewels of the Rhine,” “Splendours of Europe,” and “The Majestic Rhine.”
Dominic Keely, Head of Marketing at Emerald Cruises, emphasized that Emerald Astra marks a transformative step in river cruising, merging the charm of Europe’s waterways with luxury yacht design, ensuring an elevated experience for all onboard. Current promotions for 2026 cruises offer significant savings for passengers booking balcony suites, including round-trip flights, all onboard meals, gratuities, and airport transfers.
For further details on upcoming cruises, visit Emerald Cruises.
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Editorial Team
At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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