Emerald Astra will mark the next evolution of Emerald Cruises’ award-winning river fleet. Designed to mirror the sleek elegance of the line’s luxury superyachts, the ship features a modern, grey-tinted glass exterior and will welcome 180 guests. From ancient Greek and Latin origins, ‘Astra’ translates as ‘Star,’ and Emerald Astra promises to be a true shining star among our stylish Star-Ships – the seventh to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube.

The updated design focuses on both style and functionality, offering guests’ favourite amenities such as the pool/cinema combination, multiple dining options, and a sun deck dedicated to relaxation and panoramic views. All interiors have also been enhanced with a sleek, contemporary design, ensuring a sophisticated and spacious atmosphere for travellers on Europe’s rivers.

Emerald Astra will join the fleet in 2026 and will sail the iconic Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers. Our 2026 Europe river cruises will be on sale in the coming weeks.  

Don’t worry about tipping during your river cruise, because we’ve covered gratuities too. Our transparent approach means you can leave your wallet in your suite and make the most of your time on board.

Our suites and staterooms are chic, modern sanctuaries, something you would expect from that of a world-class hotel. Inspired by innovation and contemporary design, we have five suite and stateroom grades. In all suites, the traditional French balcony has been substituted for our ingenious all-weather system, transforming your balcony into the perfect place for you to enjoy the endless river views, regardless of the weather. Our staterooms offer a picture window, perfect for admiring the views.

All suites and staterooms boast a wealth of sumptuous features, from luxurious toiletries and a revitalising shower in your spacious en-suite bathroom, to a queen size* or twin hotel-style bed, draped with luxurious linens. Not forgetting, a flat screen HDTV and infotainment system, free Wi-Fi to keep you connected with loved ones, and a bottle of water, replenished daily. We also provide trekking poles to assist on guided walking tours and hikes.

Look forward to memorable dining moments from start to finish on-board our boutique Star-Ships. With elegant dining venues and an attentive service team, breakfast, lunch and dinner promise to be among the highlights of your journey as you travel the waters of Europe and Asia with us.

From your Welcome Buffet to the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, dining is a joy on-board our Star-Ships. You’ll savour chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, accompanied by a selection of complimentary beverages that make mealtimes extra special.

Every plate and every glass is inspired by the local region, so whether you’re cruising the waters of southern France or Southeast Asia, you can look forward to a taste of regional flavours throughout your river cruise, along with a selection of traditional favourites.

We believe food should reflect local flavours, which is why all our plates take inspiration from the regions we pass through. Our chefs source ingredients from local suppliers, creating menus that capture authentic regional cuisine whether you’re in Portugal, Germany, Vietnam or Cambodia.

And it isn’t just our food which provides a glimpse of local flavour; all our wines are handpicked to pair beautifully with our plates, sourced where possible from regional suppliers. What’s more, you can enjoy a glass or two on us during mealtimes, so whether you’re dining à la carte or grazing at the buffet, dining is always a culinary celebration.

Mealtime drinks

Drinks are on us when you dine on-board Emerald Astra. Choose from a selection of hot and cold drinks and wine and beer during lunch and dinner, or invest in an on-board drinks package to keep the liquid refreshments coming all day long.

From guided hikes and bike rides to guided tours of iconic cities, you’ll enjoy exciting excursions every day of your journey on-board. This includes EmeraldPLUS experiences and EmeraldACTIVE excursions, which are designed to help you enjoy all of the wonders of Europe – such as the opportunity to enjoy home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family. 

As the host on-board, our Cruise Directors strive to ensure there’s never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. With this in mind, a fantastic range of entertaining activities are available for you to enjoy.

Thanks to the unique design of our Star-Ships, we are able to host a unique event program throughout your cruise. In the Horizon Bar & Lounge, immerse yourself in ancient folklores, passed from one generation to another for hundreds of years, during an authentic show. Or, let the music of a nation sweep you off your feet as a local band takes to the floor in their traditional attire. Alternatively, catch that film you never got round to seeing during movie nights in the cinema.

Please note: Emerald Astra does not have any specific facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.