Emerald Cruises

Scenic Group launched Emerald Waterways in 2014 as a contemporary, good-value river line aimed at travelers who wanted modern ships and solid inclusions without the full luxury price. It added ocean yacht cruising in 2022 and now markets both under the name Emerald Cruises.

On the rivers, Emerald’s Star-Ships carry around 180 guests on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle, the Rhône and Saône and the Douro, and Emerald Harmony sails the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. A signature feature on the European Star-Ships is an indoor heated swimming pool with a retractable roof that converts into a cinema at night. At sea, Emerald’s yachts, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, carry around 100 guests each and have a marina platform at the stern for swimming and water sports.

River itineraries typically run 7 to 15 days, often combined with city stays, while the yachts focus on the Mediterranean and Adriatic in summer and warm-water regions such as the Caribbean, Central America or Southeast Asia in other seasons.

Emerald feels modern, relaxed and sociable. Guests are typically in their 40s to 70s, from North America, Australia and the UK, including first-time river cruisers. Clothing is casual, and most guests opt for smart casual at dinner; there are no formal nights. Ships have a contemporary look with lots of glass and light. Excursions are included in every port, with EmeraldDISCOVERY options ranging from guided city tours to more active or immersive experiences. The yachts feel like a private-yacht escape, with swimming off the marina and late evenings in small Mediterranean harbors. It’s less pampering than Scenic, with no butlers and fewer included drinks, but often noticeably cheaper.

River ships serve buffet breakfasts and lunches and multi-course dinners in the main restaurant, with regional specialties and international dishes. A lighter lounge option is available on many ships. Wine, beer and soft drinks are poured free with lunch and dinner. The yachts offer more choice, with an indoor restaurant and an alfresco venue on deck.

Evenings include local performers, lectures and quizzes, and on the Star-Ships, movie nights in the pool area that becomes a cinema. EmeraldDISCOVERY excursions and events ashore are the focus, along with occasional exclusive experiences on select itineraries. On the yachts, swimming and paddleboarding from the marina are daytime highlights.

Children can sail on some departures, but there are no kids programs and the atmosphere is adult-oriented.

Many river staterooms are Panorama Balcony Suites, where floor-to-ceiling windows slide down to create an open-air balcony. Larger suites add more space and perks. Yacht cabins all have balconies or terraces, with larger suites available. Cabins are modern and comfortable, though compact as on all river ships.

Lunch and dinner come with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks. Other drinks cost extra, though some promotions add a drinks package or onboard spending credit.

Onboard gratuities are included on many Emerald fares, particularly on river cruises, but policies and promotions vary by departure and market, so check what your fare covers.

Scenic & Emerald Rewards, launched in 2026, combines the former EmeraldEXPLORER and Scenic Club programs. Members earn status across Emerald and Scenic river, yacht and touring trips, with tiers of Gold, Diamond, Emerald and Chairman’s Club.