Emerald Luna

The 2021-built MS Emerald Luna cruise ship is a newbuild riverboat constructed in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Holland. Luna is Emerald Waterways’ 9th Star-Ship, with sisterships Emerald Star, Emerald Sky, Emerald Sun, Emerald Dawn, Emerald Destiny, and Emerald Astra.

Emerald Luna’s namesakes include the cruise ships AIDAluna and Norwegian Luna, the Luna Seaways ferry, and the riverboat Arosa Luna.

In 2022, the vessel (ENI number 2338885) changed its flag state and registry from Switzerland (MMSI 269057777) to Portugal (MMSI 255803840).

Emerald Waterways, established in 2014, is a river cruise brand owned by Scenic Tours. Similar to Viking River Cruises’ longships, Emerald’s innovative designs provide a modern alternative to ocean small-ship cruising, offering more itineraries and sailing dates for travelers seeking all-inclusive European river cruises.

The Maiden Voyage (8-day “Holland and Belgium in Bloom” itinerary) departed on April 8, 2022, from Amsterdam. Emerald Luna’s christening ceremony was held on July 21, 2022, in Amsterdam (Netherlands). Attendees included Rob Voss (Scenic Group COO), David Winterton (Global Brand & Marketing Director), Maggie Carbonell (VP Marketing USA), Ann Chamberlin (VP Sales USA), Monic van der Heyden (Cruise Port Amsterdam Commercial Director), Johan Kaasjager (Den Breejen Shipyard Managing Director), embarking passengers, and local dignitaries.

The ship’s godmother is Vanessa McGovern, co-founder and CSO of Gifted Travel Network. She is recognized as a leading travel industry sales and marketing professional, award-winning educator, ASTA Executive Committee member, speaker, and entrepreneur.

Cabins

Most Emerald Luna staterooms are designed with drop-down windows that convert the seating area into an indoor balcony space.

The ship has 91 staterooms in 8 categories, accommodating 180 guests, and is served by 51 crew members. Except for the single-occupancy ES (Emerald Single Stateroom), all cabins are double-occupancy (maximum 2 passengers). Around 75% of rooms are Suites with step-out balconies.

All staterooms include as standard: queen bed (convertible to twins, except ES Single cabins), bedside tables, mirrored panels, en-suite bathroom (WC, sink, shower cubicle, mirrored cupboards, clothesline, luxury bath products), walk-in closet, personal safe, direct-dial phone, flat HDTV (satellite channels, infotainment system, movies on demand, “View From the Bridge” webcam views), minibar (extra charge, complimentary in Owner’s Suites), individual climate control, 220V outlets, umbrella, shoe cleaner, and two sets of earplugs.

Shipboard facilities

MS Emerald Luna has 4 passenger decks (3 with cabins). Facilities include the Horizon Bar & Lounge with outdoor terrace (Deck 3 forward), Reflections Restaurant (Deck 2 forward), an aft indoor swimming pool/night cinema (with retractable roof), wellness center (Gym, Spa, Beauty Salon, massage room), and Sun Deck with Wheelhouse, games area (giant Tic-Tac-Toe, 3-hole Mini-Golf Putting Green, Walking Track), Sky Barbecue, shaded seating, and passenger-use bicycles.

One passenger elevator connects all cabin decks.

The ship has two restaurants – Reflections (Main Dining Room, open seating with table service, buffet station at dinner, omelet station at breakfast) and The Terrace (alfresco dining for breakfast and lunch). Horizon Lounge, with floor-to-ceiling windows, also doubles as a casual lunch venue. Weather permitting, special buffet lunches and dinners are hosted on the open deck.

One of Emerald Luna’s most innovative features is her aft dual-purpose area – a heated indoor pool with retractable roof by day, which transforms into a movie theater at night, showing both classics and recent releases.