Scenic & Emerald unveil extended 2026 Europe season at 2025 rates

Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours have announced their 2026 European river cruise season on the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Douro rivers – now available for booking.

With an extended sailing schedule on the Rhine and Danube, guests can book a 2026 cruise at the same price and Best Available and Flexi Fare promos as a 2025 river cruise, the brands say.

With their Best Available Offer, guests can enjoy free airfare on 15+ day cruises with savings of up to $3,000 per couple, or savings of up to $5,600 per couple on 5-11-day cruises.

2026 extended sailing season & new itineraries

Emerald’s 2026 season will span from February through December, offering travellers more choice.

Highlights include:

Early season sailings: Experience the beauty of Europe earlier in the year with February and early March departures on the Rhine and Danube.

Spring Blooms: Enjoy Europe in bloom with new spring sailings that highlight tulips, windmills, and springtime delights along the Dutch and Belgian waterways and the Rhine river from Amsterdam to Basel.

Holiday Magic: Celebrate the festive season with Emerald’s Christmas Markets cruises in November and December.

New Rhine & Moselle Journey: Explore the villages and valleys of the Rhine and Moselle in the summer and fall seasons, roundtrip from Mainz, Germany.

Travellers can explore renowned routes like Splendours of Europe and Jewels of the Rhine, enjoying the 2026 journeys at 2025 fares for a limited time.

The timing is ideal for groups and charters looking to secure their preferred dates and suites in advance of peak booking season.

Scenic 2026 European river season

For travellers seeking ultra-luxury within the Scenic family of brands, Scenic also presents its 2026 Ultra-Luxury European River Cruise Season.

Scenic’s all-inclusive Space-Ships will introduce several exciting new offerings:

• Winter Departures: Discover Europe without the crowds in February and March.
• New 7-Day Voyages: Shorter luxury trips, including the return of the Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle itinerary.
• New Land Extensions: Bavaria, London, and Porto as part of Scenic’s new land extension options.
• Ultimate Journeys: Scenic’s extended cruises range from 54 to 85 nights, offering an immersive experience on their Space-Ships and Discovery Yachts.
• Christmas Market Sailings: With 18 Christmas market sailings and extension options in Paris, Prague, and Switzerland, guests can connect with Europe’s festive season.
• Spring Highlights: Six new departures along the Rhine promise a delightful journey through Europe’s vibrant spring landscapes, including tulip fields and iconic windmills.

View and download the new Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours 2026 Europe River Cruising Early Access Brochure available here. 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.