
Emerald Waterways offers eight branded Star-Ships to cruise Europe's rivers. It also offers riverboat cruising in Asia and has two super yachts for ocean cruising.
Emerald Cruises' award-winning history is long and its reputation for exceptional value is also well known. Their Star-Ships can hold up to 180 passengers so it never feels crowded on board and they have an excellent range of activities for guests of all ages.
In many cases, the itinerary allows you to experience a new destination almost every day. The cabins are spacious and come with a lively entertainment program. Expert-led tours will allow you find out about the unique treasures of each location. All fares include transfers to and from the ship on the day of arrival and departure, all meals, unlimited tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions, and daily restocked water in the cabins.
The ship offers a wide range of activities and excursions, including cycling, hiking and exercise classes. They also provide complimentary bikes to guests in ports. There are a variety of dining options on board, ranging from a buffet to a restaurant with full service.

Emerald Cruises gives you the flexibility to customize your itinerary. This allows you to visit as much of your desired region or as little as you wish. The cost of optional tours and other activities is a little extra.
Emerald Explorer offers discounts and rewards for booking tours through the company. Emerald Explorer Magazine, a two-year publication that contains travel news and latest itineraries is also included.
Emerald's cruise ships are larger than Viking river cruises. This means that there is more room to move. Each of five decks has a stateroom, including Explorer Suites. These are 603-square-foot suites that include a full tub and wraparound veranda.
They are perfect for independent travelers that don't like to travel in large groups. Plus, they are a lot more affordable than ocean cruising for the same itinerary.
There is no dedicated shop like on other river cruises, but you are able to buy items if you wish. On their European longships, I saw a few display cases with a limited selection of items. However, it was nothing like the abundance of souvenirs and jewelry you can find on ocean cruise ships.

Itineraries on Emerald are always very comprehensive, with plenty of included shore excursions and a free airport transfer. Each day includes a guided sightseeing tour with an expert who will tell you everything you need to know about your next stop.
Emerald Cruises enjoys a good reputation as a value cruise line and has been named the Best River Cruise Line for five consecutive years by the Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards. Their deluxe voyages are an excellent way to see Europe and Russia while enjoying the luxury of smaller riverboats. They offer a relaxing and intimate experience. Expert-led excursions help you make the most of your time aboard.
FAQ
Which type of cabin should I choose?
Think about the space you need when choosing a cabin. Is it okay to share a bathroom with someone else? Or would you prefer to use your own bathroom? Is noise important to you? Are you more likely to be in the dining area than in your stateroom? You should also consider whether you prefer an interior view or a balcony. Balconies are a bit more spacious, but can sometimes be loud. Interior views are generally quieter that balconies.
Is a cruise boat all-inclusive or not?
The cruise ships do not offer all-inclusive meals as they do not provide any food for those with dietary restrictions. They also do not provide room service, laundry services, or other amenities such as pools, gyms, spas, etc.
However, some cruise lines offer "all-inclusive" packages which cover everything except alcohol. These packages usually include airfare, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and beverages.
How much does a cruise vacation run?
Cruise vacations cost $1,000 per person plus tax and fees. The average price for a family of four is $4,200. This includes meals, beverages, entertainment, activities and gratuities as well as all meals.
What is a cruise vacation like?
An all-inclusive vacation on a cruise ship is the best description. You are taken care of at all times. All amenities are available, including entertainment, dining options, spas, and excursions. It's not only a place to rest and eat, but also a chance to have fun and relax. All you have to bring is your senses of adventure.
Is there anything else I should know before going on a cruise?
Before you go on your first cruise, there are many things that you should know. Remember that you'll be traveling with others. Don't be critical of other people as you don't know their feelings about anything. Remember that you'll be sharing meals and drinks with strangers. Dress appropriately. Do not wear shorts or tank tops on deck. Wear comfortable clothes that won't get dirty. Keep yourself ready for extreme temperatures. Be sure to pack lots of sunscreens. If you plan to spend some time outdoors, be sure to pack a hat with sunglasses and a light jacket. Last but not least, be responsible for your actions. Don't drink and drive!
Statistics
- The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle. (travel.usnews.com)
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (travel.usnews.com)
- You can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip. (travel.usnews.com)
- In addition, 10 to 15 percent gratuity is typically added to bar bills — for alcohol and soft drinks — and gratuities are applied to spa treatments. (cruiseline.com)
External Links
How To
How to keep safe while on a cruiseship
Before embarking on your cruise ship journey, there are many important things you should know. To avoid getting into trouble, you must know how to behave onboard. Here are some safety tips that will help you enjoy your trip.
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Always be aware of what is happening around you. On cruise ships, people often congregate, especially at mealtimes. You're often surrounded by people who are eager to talk and eat. It can be easy to get distracted. This shouldn't distract you from the work you are supposed to do. If you witness someone smoking or drinking alcohol, please tell them politely that they must stop.
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When you board the ship, keep your room key close by and give it to the person checking in. If you get lost or need to be found, this will help you to locate your shipmates. Your passport is also important.
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Keep valuables out-of-reach Many cabins have drawers underneath the bed. This is a great place for valuables like passports, credit cards, or money. Be sure to keep nothing valuable out of plain sight. Your bags should be kept in the closet, so that no one can see them.
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Hydrate. Although cruise ships offer plenty of water, it can be difficult to remember to drink enough. Take advantage of the free bottled water available throughout the ship. Try to avoid getting dehydrated. Dehydration can make you tired and cranky, which can lead to fights or other accidents.
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Pay attention to the announcements. Announcements can be found everywhere including on television screens and on public address systems. They contain safety procedures, emergency exits, weather reports, and more. These announcements are important. They could save your life.
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Never leave your cabin unlocked. Never leave your cabin unlocked, no matter how friendly a crew member seems. Thieves can often get in through unlocked doors. You should ask the crew for permission before you use the restroom.
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Avoid going overboard alone. The crew will need to wait for you to be rescued if you do fall overboard. Your body could be attracted by sharks or other sea animals. The best thing to do is wait until help arrives.
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Never smoke inside the elevator. These elevators are pressurized and smoke can build up quickly. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, get off immediately. Even though the air outside is fresh, it doesn't mean breathing is safe.
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The evacuation procedure. Each year thousands of people are killed by being stuck in elevators. If an emergency occurs, follow the instructions on the screen.
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You should be familiar with fire drills. Fire drills take place regularly, almost every day. During a drill, everyone on deck has to evacuate. Follow the crew members' directions. After the drill is completed, return to your cabin and lock it.
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Ask questions before you accept food or drink. Cruisers are often concerned about food poisoning. People don't know that certain foods are not safe to be eaten while aboard a ship. For example, raw oysters are forbidden aboard most cruise ships. If you're not sure whether the food being served is safe, you can politely decline it and opt for another meal.
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Be careful when using the pool. There have been many cases of passengers falling into the pools accidentally. This is a common occurrence. It's also possible to slip and fall on deck at any time. Make sure you have the right footwear and pay attention around you.