Scenic Group Celebrates Ceremonial Launch of Emerald Astra, Ushering in a New Era of River Cruising Excellence

Pressemitteilung

Scenic Group marked a major milestone in the evolution of its award-winning river cruise fleet with the ceremonial launch of Emerald Astra, the newest Emerald Star-Ship, held on 30 September 2025, at the company’s shipyard in Turnu Severin, Romania. The moment the vessel first touched water, it symbolized the beginning of a new era for Emerald Cruises & Tours, known globally for its innovative design, elevated onboard experiences, and focus on modern luxury river travel.

Emerald Astra: A New Era of Luxury River Cruising

Set to officially debut in May 2026 along the Danube River, Emerald Astra represents the next generation of Emerald Star-Ships, blending sophisticated design with a renewed focus on guest comfort, sustainability, and style. With luxurious interiors and cutting-edge features now taking shape, the ship debuts a refreshed design narrative with art installations in partnership with leading European galleries and collaborations with luxury design houses such as Missoni and Freifrau. Guest suites and staterooms feature luxurious ESPA toiletries, premium linens, pillows (with an expanded pillow menu⁺), towels, mattresses, and toppers from top European brands, with select suites incorporating Missoni soft furnishings.

Emerald Astra will also introduce complimentary guest laundry facilities – a first for the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship fleet. Following Emerald Astra’s debut, Emerald Lumi will join the fleet on the River Seine in 2027, carrying forward this same design ethos.

Godmother of Emerald Astra Announced

In keeping with maritime tradition, Emerald Astra’s Godmother will be Toni Day, a respected first responder turned travel advisor whose remarkable service and leadership embody the values of the Scenic Group. Toni will officially christen the vessel during its naming ceremony in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in May 2026. We are deeply honoured to welcome her as Godmother of Emerald Astra and to celebrate her as part of the Scenic Group family.

Seasonal Fleetwide Enhancements

Scenic Group remains committed to ensuring every sailing feels fresh, modern, and aligned with evolving guest expectations. At the close of each season, both Emerald Cruises & Tours and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours fleets undergo strategic end-of-season enhancements designed to keep the on-board experience innovative and best-in-class. For Scenic Space-Ships, winter works enrichments include updated suite design elements, refreshed linens and bedding from premium European brands, and elevated top-deck furnishings that create inviting outdoor spaces. Across the Emerald Cruises river fleet, enhancements extend to pool areas, and the extension of design collaborations, ensuring the refined style pioneered aboard Emerald Astra resonates across all Emerald Star-Ships.

For more information, to view available sailings, or to secure space on an upcoming journey, visit www.emeraldcruises.eu or call +44 161 236 2537 or connect with a preferred travel advisor.

Text: PM Emerald Cruises/Scenic Group, Animation: Scenic Group