What to Expect on Your First Cruise
Emerald Cruises specializes in deluxe river cruises—and even offers luxury yacht cruises for those craving ocean adventures. Their fleet of custom-built Star-Ships is designed specifically for navigating Europe’s rivers, combining sleek, contemporary style with thoughtful comfort. They’re perfect for travelers looking for a modern and stylish cruise experience without losing sight of value. Emerald Cruises offers a chic yet accessible way to travel in luxury. Here’s what you can expect on board an Emerald Cruises ship.
Ship Size and Layout
Decks
Emerald’s river ships, known as Star-Ships, are modern and spacious, designed with four main decks to maximize comfort and style. The Sun Deck offers open-air seating, a walking track, and a small putting green, perfect for relaxing while enjoying stunning views. Below, the Horizon Deck features a lounge, bar, and a unique indoor heated pool that transforms into a cinema at night, along with some staterooms. The Vista Deck houses additional staterooms and the Reflections Restaurant, where guests can enjoy delicious meals. Lastly, the Riviera Deck, the lowest level, includes staterooms with windows positioned just above the waterline, offering a cozy and contemporary space for relaxation.
Cabins and Suites
Cabins on Emerald Star-Ships are known for their clean, modern design with floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms. Emerald also offers “Panorama Balcony Suites,” which feature an indoor balcony with a drop-down window, giving you an open-air experience. Larger Owner’s Suites include additional space, a separate seating area, and premium amenities such as ESPA toiletries.
Dining Experience
Emerald’s dining experience combines variety and elegance, centered around the ship’s main dining venue, Reflections Restaurant. Here, guests enjoy a mix of buffet and à la carte options, with breakfast and lunch often served buffet-style, while dinners feature multi-course meals highlighting both regional and international cuisine. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and guests can opt for a premium drinks package for an all-inclusive experience. For a more casual setting, the Terrace on the Horizon Deck offers light breakfasts and lunches with stunning panoramic views. Emerald also caters to special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, with advance notice, ensuring every guest is well taken care of.
Onboard Amenities and Activities
Emerald’s Star-Ships combine luxury with practicality, offering a range of amenities that provide comfort without overwhelming guests with too many choices.
- Indoor Pool and Cinema: A standout feature of Emerald ships, the indoor pool area doubles as a cinema on select evenings. It’s a unique addition, perfect for relaxing with a swim or movie after a day of exploring.
- Fitness and Wellness: Emerald ships have a small gym with essential equipment and a wellness area offering massage services. Some itineraries include yoga classes and other wellness activities.
- Sun Deck and Putting Green: The spacious Sun Deck includes a putting green and walking track, ideal for leisurely activities and scenic relaxation.
- Bicycles and Active Excursions: Emerald includes guided bike tours and other active excursions, adding a bit of adventure for those looking to explore each destination in an active way.
- Evening Entertainment: In the evenings, guests can enjoy live music, local performers, and themed events in the Horizon Lounge. Entertainment is casual and culturally themed, adding a touch of local flavor to the onboard experience.
Overall Atmosphere
Emerald Cruises has a modern, laid-back vibe with a touch of sophistication. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the service is attentive but unobtrusive. Passengers can expect a social environment that caters to couples, solo travelers, and small groups alike, with an emphasis on enjoying the journey at a relaxed pace.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Emerald Cruises is all about making a positive impact with their Cherish the Planet initiative. It’s more than just being sustainable—it’s a commitment to real change, from reducing waste and cutting CO2 emissions to sourcing materials responsibly and building strong community partnerships. They’re serious about leaving the smallest footprint possible, and it shows. For starters, they’re 95% single-use plastic free, and you’ll get a complimentary refillable water bottle to use with their handy filtered water stations on board. It’s thoughtful touches like these that make it easy to travel responsibly while still enjoying all the perks of a modern, stylish cruise. With Emerald, you’re not just exploring the world—you’re helping to protect it for future generations.
Price and Value
Emerald Cruises makes it easy to enjoy a high-quality river cruise without the hefty price tag of a fully all-inclusive experience. Their semi-inclusive pricing covers your accommodations, meals, drinks with meals, onboard amenities, entertainment, and even tips and gratuities.
Plus, a variety of shore excursions are included, with the option to add extra adventures or premium drinks for a fee if you want to customize your trip.
Cruises start at around $2,400 per person. Positioned perfectly between luxury and premium cruise lines, Emerald is a fantastic choice for travelers who want comfort, style, and value all rolled into one.
Specialty Cruises
Emerald Cruises offers specialty cruises that cater to a variety of interests, making your river journey even more unforgettable. If you love the holiday season, their Christmas Market Cruises take you to Europe’s most enchanting holiday markets for a festive, magical experience. Foodies and wine enthusiasts will love the Wine and Gastronomy Cruises, featuring tastings, vineyard tours, and culinary experiences that immerse you in the local culture. For those who prefer a more active adventure, Emerald’s Active Cruises include guided bike tours, hikes, and wellness activities to explore destinations with a fresh perspective. They also offer Themed and Cultural Cruises focused on topics like history, art, and music, giving you a deeper dive into local traditions. There’s truly something for everyone!
