Introducing Emerald Astra
Welcome to a new era of luxury river cruising on board Emerald Cruises' newest ship, Emerald Astra.
Meet Emerald Astra
Emerald Astra will mark the next evolution of Emerald Cruises’ award-winning river fleet. Designed to mirror the sleek elegance of the line’s luxury superyachts, the ship features a modern, grey-tinted glass exterior and will welcome 180 guests. The updated design focuses on both style and functionality, offering guests’ favorite amenities such as the pool/cinema combination, multiple dining options, and a sun deck dedicated to relaxation and panoramic views. All interiors have also been enhanced with a sleek, contemporary design, ensuring a sophisticated and spacious atmosphere for travelers on Europe’s rivers.
Be among the very first to step aboard Emerald Astra, the latest luxury state of the art river ship by Emerald Cruises, as she makes her highly anticipated maiden voyage.
Departing on May 3, 2026 from Budapest, Hungary, this unforgettable journey will take you on an elegant 9‑day sailing through the furthest reaches of Eastern Europe, taking you through the stunning riverscapes of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and concluding in Romania's vibrant capital city of Bucharest.
| Itinerary Name | Tour Code | Days | From | To | Departure Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enchantment of Eastern Europe › | EWBB | 8 | Budapest | Bucharest | 5/3/26, 5/10/26* |
| Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards › | EMBA | 11 | Amsterdam | Basel | 5/13/26, 6/10/26*, 8/15/26, 9/22/26* |
| Jewels of the Rhine › | EWAB | 8 | Amsterdam | Basel | 6/20/26, 6/27/26*, 7/4/26, 7/25/26*, 8/1/26 |
| Splendours of Europe › | EWCR | 8 | Budapest | Amsterdam | 5/17/26, 10/2/26* |
| The Majestic Rhine › | EWFB | 8 | Basel | Frankfurt | 8/25/26, 9/15/26* |
*Itinerary in Reverse
Scenic Group proudly announces that respected first responder and standout travel advisor Toni Day has been named Godmother of Emerald Astra, the newest Emerald Star-Ship in the Emerald Cruises fleet. The christening ceremony will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands in May 2026, marking a milestone moment for Scenic Group as it continues to expand and elevate both its Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours brands.
Before launching a successful career in travel, Toni dedicated more than 25 years to public service with the New York City Fire Department, where she rose to the rank of EMS Deputy Chief. From 1980 to 2006, she served as a Paramedic, ultimately leading teams through some of the most challenging moments in the city’s history. She was stationed at Ground Zero during the Rescue and Recovery phase following the September 11th attacks – an experience that has shaped her life and inspired her commitment to community, resilience, and compassion.
In 2004, Toni founded Toni Tours, Inc., a boutique agency specializing in luxury ocean and river cruises. Over four decades in travel, she has become one of Scenic Group’s top global sellers, curating her signature “Adventures with Toni Tours” journeys and personally visiting more than 120 countries across all seven continents. She continues to champion the travel community as a Special Event Coordinator for the North Florida ASTA Chapter and has been recognized with prestigious honors, including ASTA’s Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award and Nexion’s Circle of Excellence for three consecutive years.
“Toni embodies the passion, dedication, and resilience that define the very best of the travel industry,” said Ken Muskat, President, Scenic Group USA/LATAM. “Her service as a first responder and her leadership as a travel advisor have touched countless lives. We are deeply honored to welcome her as Godmother of Emerald Astra and to celebrate her as part of the Scenic Group family.”
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