This month marks a milestone five years since Emerald Cruises launched its first collection of European river cruises aboard the original Star-Ships, Emerald Sun and Emerald Sky. Since then, the Australian river cruise brand has continued to grow, expanding its fleet of signature “Star-Ships” to eight, adding itineraries in Asia, Egypt, Portugal and along the coast of Croatia.

Emerald Star Docked on the Buda side of Budapest. Photo © 2014 Aaron Saunders

“We’re very proud of how far Emerald Cruises has come in just in just five short years,” said Lisa Norton, vice president of brand management for the US. “The recognition we’ve received in the industry paired with excellent feedback from guests continues to fuel our steady but thoughtful growth. We look forward to further expanding and honing our offerings as we head into our sixth year of service.

2019 will see more growth for Emerald Cruises, including the launch of a brand new Star-Ship, the Emerald Harmony, which will sail the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. With 84 guests in 42 staterooms and suites, Emerald Harmony will offer an intimate sailing experience on the Mekong, and its design allows the ship to access the center of Ho Chi Minh City, meaning guests will disembark in the middle of the city rather than needing to be coached in from outside the city. New itineraries launching in 2019 include yacht sailings along the stunning Dalmatian Coast of Croatia and cruise and land tours of the Nile river in Egypt and Jordan.

Check out our newly updated Emerald Cruises reviews.