
Emerald Astra
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.
Good for
Heated pool, Complimentary excursions, Gourmet dining, Wellness treatments, Entertainment programs
What to expect from Emerald Astra
Overview
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.
Accommodation
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.
Grand Balcony Suite
Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivalled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer.
Wake up to the luxurious surrounds of your stylish bathroom, enjoying a revitalising shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Then, what could be better than having a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony? Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable, and your own in-suite Nespresso™ machine means you can sip a fresh coffee as you ponder your itinerary and what the day has to offer.
Select your preferred pillow from our extensive menu and enjoy an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, or simply relax as you watch a film on your suite’s flat screen TV and infotainment system, during some down time. Individual climate control enables your room to stay at the right temperature to suit you, whether you’re sailing in the warmer summer months, or the cooler winter.
And, stay in touch with family and friends using your in-suite telephone or make the most of complimentary Wi-Fi for contacting them by your preferred method.
Eight suites available on-board Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Four available on Emerald Liberté sailing through France.
Owners One-Bedroom Suite
Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.
Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.
A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event.
In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries.
You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.
Four suites available on-board Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Two available on Emerald Liberté sailing through France and Emerald Radiance sailing in Portugal.
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it.
When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.
Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship.
Emerald Stateroom
An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.
Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.
We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar.
If you wish to stay in contact with loved ones throughout your trip, you can do so using your in-suite telephone or our free Wi-Fi available throughout the ship.
Emerald Single Stateroom - Single Occupancy Only
Each ship offers two Emerald Single Staterooms featuring picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. With their deluxe single bed, they provide excellent value for money for single guests.
Decks
Sun Deck
- Sun deck with Deck Chairs
- Navigation Bridge
- Sky Barbecue
- Golf putting green
- Games area
- Retractable glass roof
- Walking Track
Horizon Deck
- Daytime Pool and Bar / Evening Cinema
- Grand Balcony Suite
- Owner's One-bedroom Suite
- Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
- Horizon Bar and Lounge
- The Terrace
- Lift
Vista Deck
- Fitness Area
- Wellness Area
- Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
- Reception
- Reflections Restaurant
- Lift
Riviera Deck
- Emerald Stateroom
- Emerald Single Stateroom
- Lift
Kids and Teens
Please note: Emerald Astra does not have any specific facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.
Gratuities
All gratuities on board and onshore are included as standard.
Entertainment
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.
Horizon Bar and Lounge
Welcome to the Horizon Bar, the main lounge area on-board. Here, in contemporary surrounds, you can relax, unwind and make new friends while enjoying a tipple or two from our comprehensive bar menu. You’ll also be able to enjoy unlimited access to our complimentary coffee machine.
Reception
Whether you want to buy a drinks package, learn about our optional excursions or simply talk with our friendly and attentive crew, the reception is the place to go for questions and enquiries during your time on-board.
Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema
One of the greatest innovations on-board is our daytime pool and bar, which transforms into an evening cinema on selected nights during your river cruise.
Sun Deck
Sit back and enjoy the inspiring views of Europe from the Sun Deck, an open-air space on the top deck that’s yours to enjoy throughout your cruise. Complete with deck chairs, games area and walking track, it’s a great place to relax and unwind.
Games Area and Golf Putting Green
Practice your putting technique or challenge new friends to a game of noughts and crosses in the dedicated games area. Located on the open-air Sun Deck, it’s the perfect way to spend your downtime on-board. Wellness classes and yoga/Pilates sessions can also be enjoyed on the Sun Deck.
Enrichment
Providing a comprehensive view of Europe, EmeraldDISCOVERY is our premier excursion programme, which includes near-daily tours and enlightening EmeraldPLUS, EmeraldACTIVE, and DiscoverMORE^ activities.
EmeraldPLUS
The life of a local
Join an array of excursions that showcase local life, from viticultural tours and wine tasting to home-hosted visits.
On board activities
Revel in a range of special on board shows, sessions, and workshops, that bring the highlights of your destination to you.
In-depth specialty tours
Delve deeper into a specialty-interest highlight, touring famed markets and sampling local treats and produce.
EmeraldACTIVE
An invigorating hike
Join your guide for a sight-seeing tour like no other, as you leave the beaten path to amble across hills and forestry.
A cycling sojourn
Take advantage of our free-to-use on board bikes as your guide provides a cycling tour past picturesque scenery.
Take to the waterways
A guided canoeing or kayaking experience along the river opens up a new pathway for adventure and excitement.
EmeraldPLUS
The life of a local
Join an array of excursions that showcase local life, from viticultural tours and wine tasting to home-hosted visits.
On board activities
Revel in a range of special on board shows, sessions, and workshops, that bring the highlights of your destination to you.
In-depth specialty tours
Delve deeper into a specialty-interest highlight, touring famed markets and sampling local treats and produce.
Included Excursions
Explore your surroundings
Take to the charming streets of your chosen destination for a guided tour of various villages, towns, and cities.
A relaxing coach tour
Sit back and relax, as your guide highlights a range of wonders from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach
See the sights close up
Enjoy guided tours of historical landmarks, from Benedictine abbeys to ancient Roman structures.
Special Dining Experiences
French cookery demonstration and tasting
Cruising the Rhône from Lyon to Arles, you’ll pass through a region steeped in gastronomic heritage. As part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, discover the depth and complexity of Provençal cuisine with an authentic on board dinner, hosted by revered French chef, Fabien Morreale.
Food and drink with a local family in Slovakia
Sharing a table with local people is the best way to experience regional food. In Bratislava, EmeraldPLUS gives you the chance to visit the home of a local Slovakian family, who will welcome you with great conversation and, of course, tasty, sweet treats and coffee.
Dining experience at Quinta de Pacheca wine estate
Savour a rural dinner at the beautiful Quinta da Pacheca, a historic farm and winery in the foothills of the famous Douro Valley. With wonderful food and port wine on offer, it’s a chance to get to grips with the traditional cuisine of northern Portugal.
Dining
Nothing beats sipping on your favourite drink at the Terrace as you watch the stunning scenery pass you by. Setting the benchmark in on board dining, the Reflections Restaurant is an elegant space to enjoy exquisite culinary experiences, imbued with continental flavours.
Explore the unique flavours of the regions you sail through
We believe that food should reflect local flavours, which is why our menus take inspiration from the regions we sail in. Our chefs source local ingredients, creating meals that capture authentic cuisine no matter where your journey takes you.
Reflections Restaurant
Our premiere on board dining spot
With open seating and elegant design, our Reflections Restaurant sets the benchmark in on board dining across our fleet of boutique Star-Ships throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. Here, savour delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavours and a few favourites you may recognise from home.
The Terrace
Dine alfresco
A beautifully decked area in the forward of our European Star-Ships, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a drink as the wonders of the landscape pass by.
Sky Barbecue
The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.
Healthy Options
The freshest ingredients
Dine on delectable meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce.
Lunch with a view
Enjoy healthy meals while soaking in the stunning views and fresh air.
A range of dietary options
Sample amazing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options^. ^Please inform your crew of any dietary requirements.
Health and Fitness
If you want to feed your body and mind during your cruise, we’ve got you covered with EmeraldACTIVE. During your Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Danube, or Douro cruise, our activity managers will be on hand to help you stay active during your voyage.
Pool
One of the greatest innovations on-board is our daytime pool and bar, which transforms into an evening cinema on selected nights during your river cruise.
Fitness Area
There’s no excuse for not sticking to your fitness regime on-board. The ship features a well-equipped gym with state-of-the-art workout equipment, so you can work up a sweat and get your heart pumping whenever you like.
Walking Track
Take a stroll, stretch those legs and drink in the views on our dedicated walking track. Spanning the perimeter of the ship, it’s there to help you stay active on-board.
Wellness Area
Kick back and relax in our dedicated wellness area where our specialist on-board beauty therapist can provide a range of beauty and wellness treatments to suit your needs.
Hairdressers
In need of a quick trim during your travels? On-board the Emerald Astra, you can treat yourself at any point during your cruise with our dedicated hairdressers – perfect if you’re looking to get spruced up for a special evening.
Other Cruise Information
ClassCruise Type: river
Class:
Ship Size: small
Style: luxury
Operator Reference: emerald-waterways
Nursery: none
Child Facilities: none
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