Emerald Cruises
Founded in 2013, Emerald Cruises is one of the newer luxury river cruise lines on the market, and as such has several brand-new ships with modern accommodations. This includes the notable and innovative heated pool with retractable roof, which turns into a cinema room in the evening. Emerald Cruises sails to destinations throughout Europe and Asia, and consistently evaluates its itineraries and excursions to make sure they are offering guests the best experience possible.
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Emerald Cruises Overview
Emerald Cruises sails to a range of exciting destinations throughout Europe and Asia, and thanks to the small size of its ships, is able to sail right up to the heart of each city it visits. Itineraries feature up to 16 destinations in up to five countries, with one free shore excursion included in every port. Wake up in a new city almost every day, and enjoy spacious cruise accommodations and lively entertainment as you sail to new destinations. Emerald Cruises' all-inclusive experience means your drinks, meals, and entertainment are covered once you step onboard. Complimentary bicycles are available to rent in port too, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available on board.
Emerald Cruises Ships
Emerald Cruises has a fleet of eight river cruise ships, all of which were built in 2014 or later. All of the ships have been designed with superb attention to detail, ensuring guests feel comfortable and welcomed throughout all public areas and cabins. The modern decor will make you feel like you're in a sleek, upscale hotel, and the line's highly-trained crew will attend to your every need while sailing with Emerald Cruises. Each ship boasts spacious cabins, an indoor heated pool, a sun deck with seating and a walking track, a putting green, fitness center, wellness area, and al fresco dining and BBQ area.
Emerald Cruises Destinations
Emerald Cruises sails to destinations throughout Europe, venturing down the Danube, Rhine, Douro and Rhone rivers. Emerald river cruises range from 8 to 17 days, giving guests plenty of time to explore the many storied cities, towns, and villages of countries like France, Portugal, Amsterdam, and Germany. Emerald Cruises also offers river cruises in Southeast Asia, sailing down the Mekong River to cities like Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap, and Hanoi.
Emerald Cruises Accommodations
There are five types of cabin to choose from on an Emerald Cruises cruise. The Emerald Staterooms are the most modest cabins, measuring between 162 and 170 square feet and featuring picture windows. Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites are slightly more spacious at between 161 and 180 square feet, and include weather-resistant French balconies. For even more space, stay in a Grand Balcony suite or an Owner's suite. In these suites, you can choose to have breakfast served right in your room if you wish. Pre- and post-dinner treats will be sent to your suite each night, too. Suites include Nespresso machines, and the Owner's suite comes with an iPad to use for the duration of the cruise. Regardless of which accommodation you choose, enjoy a queen or twin hotel-style bed, luscious linens, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, complimentary water bottles restocked daily, and a safe to store your valuables in.
Emerald Cruises Dining
All meals onboard Emerald Cruises ships are included in the price of your trip, as are wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. There are two main places to enjoy your meals - at the Reflections Restaurant or out on The Terrace. Reflections is the main restaurant, with tables that fit two to eight guests and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning river views. Menus change based on the season and where the ship is visiting. On warm days, The Terrace allows for al fresco dining for breakfast or lunch. You can also grab a light breakfast or lunch in the Horizon Lounge, or order room service. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is a four-course menu served to you by Emerald's attentive wait staff.
Emerald Cruises Kids & Teens
There is no children's programming onboard Emerald Cruises' river cruises. Children can travel on Emerald cruises as long as they are accompanied with an adult over the age of 21, though kids under 12 are not allowed to participate on tours. Some exceptions are made on Christmas tours or cruises, though the decision is up to the cruise line. Family travel is not particularly common onboard this line.
Emerald Cruises Onboard Activities & Entertainment
Emerald Cruises' ships have plenty of public spaces to relax and unwind in. The Sun Deck serves as the main gathering space, especially during the summer months. It includes a dining area, putting green, and plenty of lounge chairs on which to sit back and watch the sights go by. Each ship also has a spa and fitness facilities, restaurants and bars, a pool, and several entertainment spaces. In the evening, enjoy the popular crew show, bar quizzes, musical performances, and dancing. Innovative technology turns the indoor heated pool into a cinema room at night, where classic and contemporary films are shown. And at the Horizon Bar and Lounge, a fully-stocked bar is managed by attentive bartenders, and includes a self-service coffee and tea selection. If you're interested in learning about upcoming ports, you can head to the Lounge before dinner for an informal talk with the Cruise Director about where the ship is headed next.
Emerald Cruises Past Guests
Emerald Cruises rewards loyal travelers by way of the Emerald Explorer program, which guests are automatically entered into after completing their first cruise. Emerald Explorers get 100 euros off each subsequent river cruise, and are eligible for special exclusive discounts and special offers. Explorers also receive the twice-yearly Emerald Explorer Magazine delivered to their home, and are the first to hear about new brochures, new destinations, and updates to the ships. Emerald Explorer club members are invited to brochure launch events, celebrations, and information sessions held in the UK throughout the year.
Emerald Cruises Accessibility
Emerald Cruises welcomes disabled guests on board, though like many river cruises, the ships aren't fully equipped to handle guests throughout the entire vessel. The elevators onboard service three of four decks; all passenger decks can be reached, but the sun deck is only accessible via stairs. Guests can use collapsible wheelchairs onboard if need be. Shore excursions may present difficulties too, as many are conducted from motor coaches, which require steps to board, and may include travel over cobblestone roads and/or stairs. Contact a Cruise Specialist with any questions or concerns regarding accessibility prior to booking.
