Written By: Lisa Norton, VP, Brand Management, Emerald Waterways North America
Exceptional Emerald Value
You will enjoy the Emerald Waterways difference. Our innovative river cruise ships offer panoramic views of the stunning scenery, and feature contemporary styling, deluxe in-suite comfort, fine dining options and exceptional service, all included in the price.
Emerald Waterways’ sleek and modern Star-Ships are not like other river cruise ships. As one of Europe’s newest fleets, every detail and contemporary feature has been designed to enhance the experience of our guests. With their striking minimalistic design and statement centerpieces, an Emerald Waterways Star-Ship is comparable to a boutique hotel, only this hotel travels with you as you explore the rivers of Europe and enjoy a different view every day.
Emerald Waterways’ river cruises are deluxe, all-inclusive vacations. Pricing covers airport transfers to and from the ship; complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; a shore excursion in every port; bicycles on board for personal use; all tips for included tour guides, bus drivers and onboard staff; complimentary Wi-Fi; and complimentary tea and coffee available 24 hours a day.
The two most innovative aspects of our ships are the dual-purpose area at the aft of the ship that transforms from an indoor heated swimming pool with retractable roof during the day, to a cinema at night (not available on the Emerald Radiance on the Douro River), and our revolutionary open-air system found in all staterooms on the Horizon and Vista Decks. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the cabin’s floor-to-ceiling window drops down to create a balcony within your suite.
Building a brand new fleet allowed us to tailor the design of our staterooms and suites. They offer a great value to our guests since they are larger than most other operators. All accommodations include complimentary bathrobes and slippers, bottled water, Wi-Fi, electronic safes, flat-screen TV with infotainment systems, a mini-fridge, umbrellas and a hair dryer.
Award-winning River Cruises
After three years of serving guests and sailing the rivers of Europe, we are delighted to have earned the Cruise Critic Editor’s Pick, ‘Best River Line for Value’ for the second year in a row. Our ships, itineraries and inclusions have been praised for their innovative highlights and modern approach to river cruising; something that really sets us apart.
Take a dip in the pool
Unlike any others on Europe’s rivers, our deluxe ships have a heated swimming pool complete with retractable roof and bar – the perfect place for you to relax whatever the weather. On select evenings, the pool area inventively transforms into a cinema showing a collection of films. This is also a fantastic area for small groups to enjoy a private reception or to host a meeting.
Expect Delicious Cuisine
Emerald Waterways offers the very best in fine dining. Reflections is our ships’ main restaurant, offering a casual setting for you to enjoy our delightful cuisine. To accompany lunch and dinner, we’ve carefully chosen a selection of European red and white wine, local beers and soft drinks for you to enjoy. When the weather’s fine you can enjoy a light breakfast and cafe style lunch alfresco on The Terrace. Our breakfast buffet is sure to have something to please everyone, from fresh made egg dishes to fresh baked goods, yogurts, granola and fresh fruit. From our welcome dinner to farewell dinner, you will have the opportunity to meet with other guests and share memories that will last a lifetime.
Contemporary Cabins Built for Comfort
What makes our cabins really stand out is that they’re an incredible value for your money. On average, they are larger than most other cruise lines, but we don’t charge you for the extra space. We offer a range of cabins to choose from and no matter which you opt for, you’ll enjoy your own en-suite bathroom, comfortable hotel-style bed, flat screen TV and infotainment system, deluxe toiletries and hair dryer, individual climate control, personal fridge with bottled water restocked daily and plenty of space and ample storage.
It’s Amazing What’s Included
- Innovative onboard features like a heated pool with retractable roof and cinema†
- Boutique hotel-style accommodation with spacious cabins and our refreshing open-air balcony system in all our suites
- All on board meals and a collection of highlight dinners at Reflections Restaurant
- A refined selection of wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch and dinner
- The option to enjoy a light breakfast or lunch al-fresco on The Terrace
- Specialty coffees & teas available at all times
- Bottled water restocked daily in your cabin
- Included excursions at almost every port
- Extra special excursions included courtesy of EmeraldPLUS
- Guided biking and hiking tours with our EmeraldACTIVE programs
- Visits to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Emerald’s Concierge Service* – continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés
- and after dinner treats served right to your suite
- Excellent service from an English-speaking crew
- Knowledgeable local guides at each destination
- Complimentary bicycles on board for daily use†
- Complimentary WiFi on board
- All airport transfers to and from your ship
- Port charges included in pricing
- All gratuities are taken care of by us
Emerald Radiance: Pool is located on the Sun Deck with no cinema. Complimentary bicycles not available onboard this ship.
*Owner’s One-bedroom, Riverview and Grand Balcony Suites only.
Our ‘Star-Ships’
Currently our fleet consists of four ships. Emerald Star and Emerald Sky entered service in 2014, followed by Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn in 2015.
The first four ‘Star-Ships’ are 442 feet long with 182-passenger capacity and 92 staterooms, including two single staterooms. On board we have international officers and crew and sail eight to fifteen-day cruises on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers.
What’s New for 2017
We’re excited to announce three new ships for 2017 – the Emerald Liberté will cruise from Burgundy to Provence on the Saône and Rhône rivers and the Emerald Destiny will sail the Rhine, Maine and Danube Rivers, both beginning in April. Emerald Radiance, will cruise the Douro River in Portugal beginning in May. These sleek Star-Ships are built to the same exacting standards as the rest of the fleet, to offer you the highest quality experience, unparalleled on these rivers.
Emerald Liberté will be 361 feet long with 138-passenger capacity and 70 staterooms. While Emerald Radiance will carry 112-passengers and will be 292 feet long.
France
We’re excited to sail our own Star-Ship on the Rhône and Saône Rivers this year. With the success of our Emerald Star-Ships on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, we knew wanted to launch a brand new ship in the amazing culinary, cultural and historic destination of France. Explore Lyon, France’s 2nd largest city known as the gastronomic capital. Dock in the heart of the beautiful towns of Mâcon, Chalon– Sur–Saône and Tournon, then taste the world renowned wines of Beaujolais and Burgundy. Marvel at the sheer size of the Palais du Pape in Avignon, surely one of the most historic and picture postcard towns in Europe, then step back in time at the Arles Colosseum.
The night in Avignon we will have a local chef, Fabien Moreale, come aboard and create an authentic Provençal dinner for our guests. As our guest chef, Fabien has had a passion for cooking since he was 15 years old. He is excited for guests to enjoy the local dishes of Southern France, but with new and original presentations, made with products typical of the Valley of Baux de Provence.
Portugal
The most exciting addition to our 2017 season is our new ship & itinerary on the Douro River in Portugal. Portugal is really having a moment and we are excited to be part of it. The Douro winds its way from Spain into Northern Portugal, an area almost lost in time, scattered with quaint villages, working family farms and countless vineyards producing the specialties of the region.
Visit the lively city of Porto, famous for its riverside cafés and extensive wine cellars in the area of Vila Nova de Gaia. Traditional villages of Pinhão, Pocinho and Regua have occupied the shores of the river for many centuries. Salamanca lies just over the border in Spain. You’ll enjoy a full day exploring this lively student town known as the home of the Spanish language.
Throughout this itinerary our complimentary EmeraldPLUS excursions really give you an insight to the Portuguese culture. We include a highlight dinner at a local wine estate, a lesson in mosaic tile painting, a cooking demonstration and cocktail lesson using white port.
Emerald Specialist Program
To learn more about Emerald Waterways, sign up for our online travel agent course, EmeraldSpecialist.com. With this course you will learn about our Star-Ships, their unique features and our itineraries. Upon completion you will receive preferred notifications of specials, have opportunities for Emerald Waterways educational trips and guide your clients to a truly outstanding river cruise experience. Complete the course today at EmeraldSpecialist.com.