Beginning in April, Emerald Waterways will launch three new riverboats in 2017 to expand its capacity and reach with the emergence of the Emerald Destiny, Emerald Liberté and Emerald Radiance. The new vessels will bring the fleet total from four to seven.

The Emerald Destiny Star-Ship will set sail in April along the Rhine and Danube rivers, the Emerald Liberté along the Rhone and Saône rivers in France, also in April, and the Emerald Radiance along the Douro river in Portugal in May.

READ MORE: Emerald Waterways Announces New Ships, Itineraries and Fares

Of the three new riverboats, the Destiny will follow the design of its Sun, Star, Dawn and Sky predecessors, with a capacity of 186 guests. It will continue to showcase an indoor balcony in most accommodations and a pool that can be converted into a cinema at the stern.

By comparison, the Emerald Liberté will be smaller accommodating 138 passengers but will feature the same amenities as the first five riverboats. The Liberté will sail between Arles and Lyon with available extensions in Paris and Nice. Itineraries will also include Emerald Active programming and a meal crafted by award-winning French chef, Fabien Morreale onboard.

READ MORE: Emerald Waterways Christens Two New 'Star Ships'

Meanwhile, the Emerald Radiance will be a bit smaller yet with 112 guests aboard, navigating Portugal’s Douro River. The reconfigured vessel will also sport a new category of Riverview Suites on the Horizon Deck encompassing 330 square feet with panoramic views from the line’s signature drop-down windows, plus a separate bedroom and living area. They will also offer the same walk-in closet, spacious bathroom and complimentary mini-bar familiar to Owner’s Suite guests.

As announced previously, Portuguese and Spanish itineraries on the Duoro will visit Porto, Regua and Vega de Terron. Highlights will include the Roman ruins of Lamego and the Roman city of Salamanca. And Rhone and Saône sailings will traverse between Lyon and Arles to Chalon-Sur-Saône, Tournon and Avignon. The ruins of Hospices de Beaune and Arles’s Roman Amphitheatre will also be on the agenda.

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