VANCOUVER — Emerald Waterways and Emerald Yacht Cruises have officially merged under a single global brand: Emerald Cruises.

Effective immediately, the new brand will feature river and yacht cruising via its new website, www.emeraldcruises.ca, a singular site where viewers can show based on their preferences for destination or cruise type, compare vessels, check availability and book their river or yacht cruise.

“We are excited to announce the move to our new single brand, Emerald Cruises, at the same time as launching new websites around the world,” said David Winterton, Global Director of Brand & Marketing, Emerald Cruises. “We believe moving to a single brand will support our long-term growth ambitions as a leading, small ship cruise company.”

Winterton also noted that in recent weeks, the company has seen a surge in popularity for its portfolio of river and yacht cruises. 

Emerald Cruises, which boasts one of the youngest fleets on the river today, has seen steady growth since its launch nearly seven years ago. In 2013 Australia-based Scenic Group announced that it would be launching a new, premium river cruise line aimed at younger travellers. A year later, in April 2014, with the launch of two new ships – Emerald Sky and Emerald Star – Emerald Waterways was born. Today, the line sails eight branded ‘Star-Ships’ across 15 countries and two continents, with its ninth – Emerald Luna- set to launch later this year.

In early 2020, the line announced that it would be adding yacht cruising to its portfolio with the 100-guest, five-star luxury superyacht, Emerald Azzurra. Scheduled to debut in January 2022, the superyacht will sail the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red and Aegean Seas, with the Black Sea being added to the sailing scheduled in 2023. Unlike other yachts in this class, 88% of the cabins onboard the Emerald Azzurra feature balconies, plus guests will find onboard a marina platform from which they can take part in paddle boarding and snorkelling as well as three tenders and two zodiacs for shore landings. 

All Emerald Cruises fares include transfers to and from the vessel on day of arrival and departure (regardless of whether guests purchase air with Emerald Cruises), all onboard meals, unlimited tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions, daily restocked water in cabins, Wi-Fi, and all gratuities and port charges. Plus, guests enjoy a wide range of curated EmeraldACTIVE excursions that include biking tours in beloved cities like Vienna and Hoorn, hiking trips around the vineyards of Tournon, France, and a trek to Castle Hill in Budapest.

For more information or to view digital brochures go to www.emeraldcruises.ca.