Emerald Harmony is due for completion in July 2019 and will begin sailing the following month operating three itineraries.

The vessel will be Emerald’s 12th and its eighth Star Ship-class, the first of which launched in 2013.

Emerald described Harmony’s arrival on the Mekong as a chance to “shake up the lucrative Asia river cruise market”.

Emerald Harmony will bring “Asian-inspired luxury” to its onboard offering with features such as its Asian-themed Horizon Bar & Lounge, while the Reflections Restaurant will serve a menu showcasing native cuisine from the region.

Exclusive to Emerald Harmony will be the Lotus Lounge, situated at the aft of the ship, providing “the perfect place” for passengers to recount the day’s activities.

Emerald explained how accommodation onboard Harmony would be similar to its European Star Ships with four Emerald staterooms, 32 panorama balcony suites, four grand balcony suites and two owner’s suites, each boasting a wrap-around terrace featuring a hot tub.

The line said unlike a number of similar-sized Mekong river ships, Emerald Harmony would be built to allow the vessel to sail into the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, forgoing the need for guests to be coached in from outside the city.

Details of Harmony’s three itineraries feature in a new dedicated brochure, which hit agency racks this week.

They include a 15-day Majestic Mekong river cruise and tour, taking in Ho Chi Ming City and Siem Reap, and the 19-day Treasures & Temples of Vietnam & Cambodia cruise and tour from Hanoi to Siem Reap.

Guests can also choose the 23-day Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia cruise and tour with calls including Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue and Siem Reap.

Dawn Quinn, UK head of trade sales, said: “We are looking forward to working with our trade partners to promote the newest [ship], which will bring the innovative features and impressive inclusions the brand offers onboard European river cruises to the Mekong.”