Emerald Cruises: the float out of Emerald Lumi
Emerald Cruises & Tours celebrated the ceremonial float out of Emerald Lumi, the new Star-Ship set to inaugurate a new era of river cruising on the Seine.
The ship touched the water for the first time at the shipyard in Romania, marking a symbolic and significant milestone on the journey towards her inaugural season in 2027, with itineraries departing from Paris along one of Europe’s most iconic rivers.
Emerald Lumi Float Out
Emerald Lumi Float Out
Designed to offer privileged access to the most iconic destinations along the Seine, Emerald Lumi has been specifically engineered to navigate this river, combining elegance, comfort, and functionality. Measuring 110 metres in length, the new Star-Ship will be able to reach the heart of Paris and continue onwards to Honfleur, a charming destination that remains inaccessible to many other river ships.
With a maximum capacity of 130 guests, Emerald Lumi will offer an intimate and refined experience, featuring contemporary interiors, spacious cabins, and suites equipped with innovative balconies that can be enjoyed in all weather conditions, allowing guests to admire the Seine’s landscapes throughout every season.
On board, guests will find spaces designed for relaxation and socialising, including the Reflections Restaurant, the Horizon Bar & Lounge, and a heated indoor pool that will transform into a cinema during the evening hours. A self-service laundry facility will also be available, providing a practical and appreciated feature already introduced on the latest Emerald Star-Ships.
According to Elisabeth Sadler, Vice President Product, River Cruises at Scenic Group, the float out of Emerald Lumi represents a significant step towards a new way of experiencing river cruising on the Seine. The new experience will combine longer stays in key ports, itineraries dedicated to discovering local history and gastronomy, as well as a selection of EmeraldACTIVE excursions, offering guests a more immersive and relaxed way to explore northern France compared with traditional river cruises.
Starting in March 2027, Emerald Lumi will operate the new eight-day itinerary “Sensations of the Seine & Normandy”, a journey departing from and returning to Paris that will take guests along the Seine to the picturesque town of Honfleur, offering a new perspective on discovering northern France.
Thanks to a programme designed to encourage a deeper exploration of the region, guests will enjoy extended stays in selected ports of call, including overnight stays on board and later departures from destinations such as Honfleur and La Roche-Guyon. Each stop will be enhanced by guided excursions designed to showcase the history, culture, and identity of the destinations visited, together with EmeraldACTIVE experiences including e-bike tours, walking excursions, and kayaking activities. A flexible offering will allow guests to choose between more relaxed discovery experiences and more active adventures.
Emerald Lumi Float Out
The journey will take history enthusiasts through some of the region’s most significant chapters, with included experiences such as the “In the Footsteps of Claude Monet” tour in Giverny and a full-day excursion dedicated to the D-Day landing sites in Normandy, including visits to beaches, memorials, and museums preserving the memory of one of the most important moments of the Second World War. The itinerary will also dedicate considerable attention to local flavours, with gastronomic experiences introducing guests to Normandy’s culinary traditions. Among these, a guided walk in Honfleur featuring a fresh oyster tasting will offer the opportunity to discover the connection between the town, the sea, and its renowned seafood cuisine.
The EmeraldPLUS experiences will further enhance the itinerary by highlighting the cultural heritage and traditions of the region, through activities such as an onboard lecture dedicated to the Second World War and an exclusive visit to a historic Normandy cider farm, including tastings of locally produced artisanal ciders and regional specialities.
As with other Emerald Cruises itineraries, this experience will be offered with a comprehensive package including airport transfers, all main meals on board, beverages during meals, guided excursions, EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, ensuring guests enjoy a complete and worry-free journey.
In 2027, the tradition of Scenic Group’s President’s Cruise will continue aboard the new Emerald Lumi, offering guests an exclusive experience along the Seine, enriched by special moments on board, private dinners, and excursions hosted by Ken Muskat, President of US & LATAM at Scenic Group. Considered one of the most prestigious events in Scenic Group’s annual calendar, the President’s Cruise was created to establish a direct connection between guests and the brand’s leadership through a carefully curated programme, exclusive activities, and shared experiences that make every journey unique and personal.
Emerald Lumi will welcome a select number of guests, including both first-time travellers with the brand and loyal Emerald Cruises guests, for an itinerary focused on elegance and discovery. The departure is scheduled for 14 August 2027 from Paris, offering a journey dedicated to the beauty of historic cities, charming villages, and the iconic landscapes that define the Seine.
Ken Muskat highlighted that the President’s Cruise represents one of the most meaningful ways to create an authentic relationship with Scenic Group guests. According to the President of US & LATAM, the initiative goes beyond discovering destinations, aiming instead to create a shared experience where participants feel engaged, connected, and truly part of the Scenic Group family. Muskat also expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the 2027 edition aboard the new Emerald Lumi.
Emerald Lumi Float Out
The construction of Emerald Lumi is part of Scenic Group’s broader development and investment programme, focused on the continuous expansion and evolution of its river and ocean fleets. The construction of the new Star-Ship is being managed by the group’s specialised team at MKM Yachts, confirming the brand’s commitment to innovation, build quality, and new travel experiences.
Alongside Emerald Lumi, the Emerald Cruises fleet continues its growth journey with the introduction of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra, which have recently begun their first operational seasons. The expansion plan will continue in the coming years with the arrival of the new superyachts Emerald Raiya, expected in 2027, and Emerald Xara, scheduled for 2028, further strengthening the brand’s offering in the luxury cruise segment.
At the same time, sister brand Scenic continues to expand within the ultra-luxury yacht sector through the growth of the Scenic Discovery Yachts fleet, which will welcome Scenic Ikon in 2028. Expansion will also continue in river cruising, with new ships dedicated to Asian markets, including a vessel for the Mekong in 2028 and a new ship for the Hooghly River in India in 2027, further increasing the group’s international presence.
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