Emerald Luna – the latest Star Ship in the Emerald Cruises fleet – has set sail from Amsterdam on an eight-day Holland and Belgium in Bloom river cruise.

The 180-guest ship will be officially welcomed to the fleet at a christening ceremony in Amsterdam on 21 July by its godmother, US travel industry advocate and educator Vanessa McGovern of Gifted Travel Network.

The launch comes as Emerald Cruises celebrates its eighth year of operations and the restart of its 2022 Europe river cruises.

Emerald global director of brand & marketing David Winterton said: “Emerald Luna marks a new, exciting addition to our growing fleet – following closely from last month’s launch of our first-ever ocean-going superyacht, Emerald Azzurra.

“With bookings remaining strong for this spring and summer and with Europe continuing to be a popular destination for both new to cruise and loyal guests, the launch of Emerald Luna allows more of our guests than ever before to experience Europe’s rivers in our signature Emerald Cruises style.”

Emerald Cruises growing the fleet

Emerald Luna features a three-tier atrium and heated swimming pool that transforms into a cinema.

It will join sister Star Ships Emerald Sun, Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Dawn and Emerald Destiny sailing the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers in Europe.

Emerald’s river fleet also includes the 132-guest Emerald Liberté sailing the Rhône and Saône, the 112-guest Emerald Radiance sailing the Douro, and 84-guest Emerald Harmony operating on the Mekong.

Emerald Cruises recently launched its first superyacht, Emerald Azzurra.

The 100-passenger ship, which sailed in March, will be joined by sister vessel Emerald Sakara in February 2023.