Ship · Emerald Cruises

Emerald Star

Contemporary Elegance on the Blue Danube

Emerald Star offers a fresh take on river cruising, blending contemporary design, thoughtful amenities, and relaxed luxury for a more immersive way to explore Europe’s waterways.

Guests
182
92 rooms + suites
Crew
47
Passenger to Crew: 3.87:1
Class
Star-Ship
One of ten
Built
2014
Refreshed regularly
  • 5-star accommodation
  • All-Inclusive
  • Family-Friendly
  • ABC Trips Fave

As one member of the coveted Emerald Star-Ships, the Emerald Star represents a new era of river cruising, where sleek, modern design meets the classic charm of the European waterways. From the moment you step into the sun-drenched three-tier atrium, you are surrounded by a sense of light and space. The ship’s signature innovation is its dual-purpose area at the stern: a heated indoor pool with a retractable roof that transforms into a cozy cinema by night. Whether you are watching the Wachau Valley slide by from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Horizon Bar or enjoying the breeze on the teak-lined Sun Deck, the Emerald Star is a floating boutique hotel designed for total immersion.

Each suite and stateroom is a sanctuary of contemporary comfort, featuring the ingenious “indoor balcony” system that allows you to transform your living space into an open-air veranda at the touch of a button. Culinary excellence is at the heart of the experience, with the Reflections Restaurant serving menus inspired by the very regions you are sailing through, paired with local wines. With a fitness center, spa, and a fleet of on-board bicycles for active exploration, the Emerald Star ensures that your journey along the Danube is as revitalizing as it is culturally enriching.

On board + on site

What makes Emerald Star the ship

Reflections Restaurant on Emerald Star-Ships

Reflections Restaurant

Savor delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavors and a few favorites you may recognize from home.

Horizon Bar + Lounge on Emerald Star-Ships

Horizon Bar + Lounge

Fitted with comfortable seating, a well-stocked bar, a dance floor and entertainment space, this is the premier spot to relax, unwind, or dance the night away.

Emerald River Star-Ships indoor/outdoor pool

Indoor/Outdoor Pool

By day, this a relaxing space to take a leisurely dip while you enjoy the revitalizing river breeze from the retractable roof.

Two men play mini golf on the deck of a river cruise ship

Sun Deck

Enjoy the best views of the river from this spacious vantage point. Bask in the sunshine as you enjoy a drink, or challenge a fellow guest to some putting.

Two guests dine together on an al fresco patio

The Terrace

Enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink in this partly indoor and outdoor space that serves as a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery.

Gym

Each European Star-Ship features a compact gym with modern equipment, making it easy to keep up a fitness routine while cruising Europe’s rivers.

A man gets a massage from a woman in a spa

Onboard Spa

Take some time out for yourself and indulge in a relaxing massage or pampering session courtesy of the on board wellness team.

Onboard cinema on a river cruise ship

Evening Cinema

On select evenings, enjoy the cleverly transformed evening cinema, complete with popcorn. The space also becomes the Riverside Lounge to enjoy the river views in the ambiance of calming music and soft lighting.

Note: not available on Emerald Radiance

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Cabins + suites

Where you'll sleep.

Emerald Star-Ships: Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

285-315 ft²

A limited number of Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites are available on each Star-Ship, making them our most exclusive suites. A separate living room and bedroom area offers a greater amount of space, and a walk-in closet provides ample storage room.

Emerald Star-Ships: Grand Balcony Suite

Grand Balcony Suite

207-210 ft²

Grand Balcony Suites come with an outdoor private balcony area, complete with an open-air system. A pillow menu ensures you have the best night’s sleep possible, and a continental breakfast can be delivered to your room on request.

Emerald Star-Ships: Emerald Riverview Suite

Emerald Riverview Suite

300 ft²

Exclusive to Emerald Radiance - our Star-Ship sailing the Douro River - the Riverview Suite is a spacious suite option that has floor-to-ceiling windows and our innovative balcony system.

Emerald Star-Ships: Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

160-180 ft²

These chic suites are perfect for viewing the scenery passing by. Our innovative all-weather balcony system allows the floor-to-ceiling window to drop down electronically, and an indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory.

Emerald Star-Ships: Emerald Stateroom

Emerald Stateroom

153-170 ft²

Staterooms boast a spacious layout when it comes to European small-ship river cruising. A picture window provides plenty of natural light, and your en-suite bathroom will be fully stocked with luxurious ESPA toiletries.

Emerald Star-Ships: Emerald Single Stateroom

Emerald Single Stateroom

105-117 ft²

Select Star-Ships on the Danube, Moselle, Rhine, and Rhône rivers come with tastefully appointed cabins specially built for solo travelers, with excellent levels of comfort to guarantee the perfect accommodation for one.

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Our walkthrough

Emerald Star on film

On Board the European Star-Ships

Discover more: https://bit.ly/33OJ3Aw Navigating the rivers Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle, our innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ships will guide you through some of Europe's most magical rivers, letting you explore the many enchanting cities which line their banks. Cruise to Budapest and experience the beauty of Eastern Europe.

Episode notes + more films

Gallery

Signature itineraries

Trips that stay here.

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From the Savvy Traveler

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