Emerald Cruises Announces Three New Ships For 2027

With the 2026 launch of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra on the horizon, luxury cruise line Emerald Cruises – part of the acclaimed Scenic Group portfolio - have this week announced their plans for 2027 and beyond.  Their extensive proposal includes a major multi-ship expansion with two new superyachts and a brand-new river ship joining the fleet, as well as an innovative deployment programme, and a long-awaited Parisian debut. 

With an ethos hewn from inspiring destinations, forward-thinking design, and unparalleled guest experience, these developments herald an exciting new chapter for Emerald Cruises as they glide into their second decade. 

 “This is a transformational moment for Emerald Cruises,” said Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder of Scenic Group. “From our first yachts to today’s growing fleet, our vision remains clear: to deliver curated experiences in some of the world’s most captivating destinations—both by ocean and river.”

Taking To The Seas

Following the debut of Emerald Kaia in 2026, Emerald Cruises will introduce two additional next-generation superyachts in 2027, as part of their tireless campaign for boutique cruising supremacy. The new vessels—Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara—will uphold the same elegant design and elevated guest experience as their sister ship, with past guest feedback supplying the foundations for the latest enhancements. Each will boast spacious all-suite accommodation, a swim-up marina platform complete with paddleboards and SeaBobs for guest use, and a sweeping Sky Deck with private cabanas and breathtaking views, as well as the Elements Spa, open-air fitness centre, and variety of dining venues, each serving locally inspired cuisine. 

Each yacht will accommodate 128 guests and will be optimally designed for harmonious open-air living, imparting the brand’s hallmark medley of wellness, adventure, and subtle superyacht charm.

À​ la mode

Not content with simply conquering the oceans, the Emerald River Cruises portfolio is also ascending to dizzying new heights in 2027. After ten years of breaking new ground in the world of river cruising, Emerald Cruises are kicking off the next decade of European waterway sailing with an all-new custom-designed river ship, marking the brand’s long-anticipated debut on the Seine River.

The announcement follows the 2026 debut of Emerald Astra, the 10th Emerald Star-Ship in the brand’s European river fleet. Cutting a sleek figure and boasting a range of captivating itineraries, Emerald Astra provides a taster for what’s to come: a new generation of river ships tailor made with optimum onboard comfort and extensive destination access for a new generation of river cruisers, as well as European waterway aficionados.

In 2027, Emerald Cruises will make their debut appearance on the iconic River Seine with Emerald Lumi, a purpose-built ship created specifically with this elegantly romantic waterway in mind. Seamlessly fusing the classic with the contemporary, Emerald Lumi will feature sumptuous suites, modern interiors, and diverse onboard amenities, providing guests with a stylish home-away-from-home from which to explore the history, art and architecture of noted ports such as Hornfleur and Rouen. Emerald Lumi offers carefully curated cultural and gastronomic experiences from Paris through Normandy and beyond, opening up the boutique allure of French river cruising to an entirely new audience. 

“The Seine is a natural evolution for Emerald Cruises,” said Glen Moroney. “It’s a river rich in romance, history, and culinary heritage—everything our guests love. We’re excited to bring our distinctive Emerald Cruises experience to France with this beautifully designed ship.”

Watch This Space...

With increasing demand from the private charter and group market, Emerald Cruises is also previewing its 2027/28 deployment schedule early, with bookings for select voyages opening in June 2025.

"There’s rising demand for private charters, celebrations, and curated group journeys—especially on our yachts," said Jonathan Davies, Head of Sales, UK. "By releasing deployment details early, we’re helping our partners secure the best product for their most discerning clients."

As their first successful decade of cruising draws to a close, Emerald Cruises is showing no signs of slowing down as it sails into its second, standing firm in its promise to connect likeminded travellers to the heart of incredible destinations all over the world, through immersive itineraries and luxurious, design-focused accommodation. 

With the strategic vision and global might of Scenic Group at their back, Emerald Cruises is charting a course that is only going up, and we can’t wait to see what their future holds.