
Emerald Cruises’ newest river cruise ship, Emerald Luna, was christened on 21JUL during a ceremony in Amsterdam. In attendance for Scenic Group, parent company of Emerald Cruises, were Rob Voss, COO - Scenic Group; David Winterton, Global Director of Brand & Marketing; Maggie Carbonell, VP Marketing - Scenic Group USA; and Ann Chamberlin, VP Sales – Scenic Group USA; as well as Monic van der Heyden, Commercial Director, Cruise Port Amsterdam, Johan Kaasjager, Managing Director of the Den Breejen Shipyard, embarking guests, and local dignitaries. U.S. travel industry advocate and educator Vanessa McGovern took the honors as godmother during the official ceremony.
“It’s a true honor and a privilege to be named godmother to this magnificent river ship,” said McGovern. “I’ve long admired Emerald Cruises’ commitment to working with travel advisors, and it’s with great pleasure that I welcome Emerald Luna to the fleet and wish her a safe passage.”
According to Emerald, the christening of Emerald Luna comes at a time of growth for the small ship cruise line – in MAY, Emerald Cruises welcomed its first ocean-going luxury yacht, Emerald Azzurra, to its fleet with a christening in Venice. A second luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, is scheduled to debut in 2023.
“Emerald Cruises has seen significant growth in the past two years—to its fleet as well as to the scope of products the brand has to offer,” said Juna Ueda, General Manager Scenic Group – Canada Sales.
The 180-guest Emerald Luna features the line’s new balcony design in most cabins, complete with decked area and an open-air system, as well as an indoor swimming pool with retractable roof and cinema on the ship’s aft. The ninth Star-Ship in the line’s fleet, Emerald Luna joins sister ships Emerald Sun, Sky, Star, Dawn and Destiny sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in Europe. Emerald Cruises’ river fleet also includes the 132-guest Emerald Liberté sailing the Rhône and Saône Rivers in France, 112-guest Emerald Radiance sailing the Douro River in Portugal, and 84-guest Emerald Harmony sailing the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.
For more information on Emerald Cruises, visit its web site.