EMERALD RIVER LUXURY CRUISES EXPERIENCE
Each day of your Emerald Starship cruise holds new adventures and experiences. Learn about the different cultures and traditions of the regions, take daily included shore excursions, escorted by local, English-speaking guides, and enjoy live performances by local musicians or dancers. Your lunch and dinner include all tips, port charges, and wine and beer. The carefully curated itineraries are filled with the must-see sights and hidden gems in each port of call. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to optional excursions, activities, experiences, and tours, our river cruises are packed with various planned guided tours and activities. Enjoy panoramic city and small group walking tours with local, English-speaking guides. Don’t miss a word as you listen on your personal headset while your guide provides local history and cultural insights and tells fascinating stories about each destination.
EmeraldPLUS Touring
Gain a deeper understanding of each destination you visit on authentic included excursions that seek to avoid tourist hotspots. From learning about culture from locals to an enchanting stroll through the multi-colored acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands, each EmeraldPLUS excursion is designed to educate and enhance your travel experience.
EmeraldACTIVE Touring
Our range of included outdoor activities suits the more active guests. If necessary, you’ll also find poles in your suite or stateroom to aid on walks. Embark on a guided bike* tour of the rolling vineyards of the Wachau Valley or a kayaking experience on Portugal’s Douro River. Enjoy daily yoga sessions, water aerobics in the pool, and walks on the open-air track, all coordinated by the onboard Activity Manager.
DiscoverMORE Touring
To immerse you further in local history and culture, take advantage of the optional DiscoverMORE special excursions (at an additional expense). These outings include classical concerts, special guided tours, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
On Board Experience
Culinary Experts
Your chefs are experts in their field, bringing you a delicious selection of dining options for breakfast and lunch, plus indulge in an evening à la carte menu. Enjoy freshly prepared seasonal cuisine inspired by the destinations you are traveling through and a selection of home favorites. Your restaurant and bar team are happy to ensure that any dietary requirements are met, and are trained to the highest level, offering a service that is second to none.
Cruise Director
As your personal encyclopedia, storyteller, and translator, your cruise director is always on hand to answer any questions and share their experiences, to make sure you make the most of your journey on Europe’s waterways. From the moment you step foot in Reflections Restaurant for breakfast, to the moment you lie down for a restful night’s sleep in your private haven, the hotel manager will ensure a smooth running of the day’s schedule onboard your Emerald StarShip.
Sun Deck
Located on the top deck of our Star-Ships, head to the Sun Deck for panoramic rooftop views of the surrounding landscape. Feel the breeze as we navigate through the heart of Europe’s most spectacular towns and cities, observing from the comfort of your deckchair or sun lounger. Stretch your legs on the walking track, challenge a fellow guest to some friendly competition in the games area*, and even enjoy a weekly BBQ prepared by our talented chefs
Experience
Let your onboard staff team take care of the details of your holiday. They will coordinate transfers to and from the airport to your hotel or river vessel and all shore excursions. While on holiday, check with the knowledgeable staff for suggestions on how to make the most of your free time in each port of call from your Emerald Starship.
Pool by day, Cinema by Night
Floor-to-ceiling windows welcome in the surrounding landscape, flooding this sanctuary of calm with light. The retractable roof opens to welcome the revitalizing fresh river air as you dip in the heated pool, enjoying ‘endless swims’ with the propulsive current. Relax on the lounge chairs on the decking area while you read a book. Then, on selected evenings, as the floor rises through the pool, the screen is lowered and the popcorn prepared for a selection of films and concerts to be enjoyed from the comfort of our plush chairs.
Captain & Crew
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, your Captain is on hand to ensure a safe and steady river cruise onboard our award-winning Emerald StarShip. From your first morning coffee to your nightcap at the end of each day’s exploration, our incredible team will ensure you wish for nothing during your time onboard. All you need to do is relax and let them care for you. The little things, like remembering your favorite after-dinner drink or how you like your breakfast omelette, make all the difference.
Drinks & Dining
Experience à la carte and fine dining on board our Star-Ships. Whether you’re sailing the Mekong in Southeast Asia or the rivers of Europe, you’ll find delectable meals on board inspired by the regions you’ll sail through.
With a selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner, there's always a delightful pairing for your meals.
Activity Manager
Overseeing the much-loved EmeraldACTIVE program, your activity manager and wellness coach will be there for all your wellness needs. Join them for a morning of yoga on the Sun Deck or take advantage of our indoor pool* with an aqua aerobics class. Venture out to explore during a guided hike and bike ride, before returning to your Star-Ship, where the team will host an evening of entertainment.
*On the Douro River, there is an outdoor pool.
Fitness & Wellness
Your overall wellness is our priority, and we want you to return home feeling rested and relaxed. Our onboard Wellness Area is home to a well-equipped gym, perfect for keeping up with existing exercise regimes. And what could be better than following a workout or a busy day ashore with an invigorating massage or facial in our spa?
What makes Emerald Cabins so Special?
En-Suite
Lavish in your en-suite bathroom with a shower, indulgent ESPA toiletries, hair dryer, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers to rejuvenate and refresh.
Staterooms
Spacious and chic, the second and third floor cabins boast an all-weather balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy the views, plus have all the amenities of a world-class hotel.
Amenities
Your private sanctuary offers you a spacious retreat with luscious linens, a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, a personal safe, and so much more
Emerald River Cruise Experience Videos
Emerald European Ship Deck Plan
Note that the ships on the Douro, Rhone, and Vietnam have a different layout and welcome fewer passengers.