Founded in 2013 as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specializing in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruising. Their fleet of Star-Ships has been custom-built to sail Europe’s Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Douro, and Volga rivers, as well as the Mekong in Southeast Asia, with each one home to a range of stylish innovations.
Whether you’re traveling by river or ocean, Emerald Cruises will always dock in the heart of the destination visited. And, wherever you travel, you’ll benefit from included handpicked excursions and activities. Not only that, exquisite onboard dining, complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner, transfers to and from the vessel, and tips have been taken care of so all you have to do is enjoy the journey of a lifetime.
Are additional tours available throughout the river cruise?
In addition to your included excursions, EmeraldPLUS, and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities, we offer a selection of DiscoverMORE optional excursions which are bookable on-board or through our reservations team.
Are any onboard salon and spa services available?
Each of the Emerald Cruises Star-Ships features a hairdresser and a well-appointed wellness area – helping you pamper yourself whilst cruising the beautiful waterways of Europe and Asia.
Are drinks packages available onboard?
A selection of drinks packages is available onboard, our most popular being our Premium Drinks Package. Please contact us for more details.
Are elevators present on the ship?
Elevators are present on each of the Emerald Cruises Star-Ships – servicing three of the four decks. Only the top deck, the Sun Deck, is not serviced by an elevator. Access to the Sun Deck is restricted to stairs.
Are laundry facilities provided on the ships?
Guests staying in the Owner’s One-bedroom Suite and Riverview Suite can have four pieces of clothing laundered, free of charge, per day. And guests staying in the Grand Balcony Suites are permitted two complimentary laundry items per day.
For guests in all other suites and cabins, laundry services are available on river cruise ships at an additional charge. There is no dry cleaning on river cruise ships.
Are tables for two available?
Yes, tables for two are available onboard but they cannot be reserved so we will not be able to guarantee that you will get your preferred table size every time you dine.
Do I need to reserve my seat to watch a film in the cinema?
No, but the cinema can fill up quickly and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis — so it is best to head down early.
Do we sail at night?
We do sail at night, but the exact amount of sailing that we will be doing depends on your itinerary.
Do you cater for vegans onboard?
While we do not offer a separate vegan menu, all of our vegetarian dishes are clearly marked and there will be a vegetarian option available with every meal.
We do offer all of our guests the opportunity to make dietary requests at the time of booking. These are then reviewed and special arrangements can be made. Personalized menus are also available.
Certified vegan wines are also available onboard each of our cruises, one white and one red. If you would like, then you can request something special at the time of booking so that it can be sourced for you before your cruise.
How do I request the use of one of the complimentary bicycles?
When onboard, please speak with your Cruise Director or reception staff to organize a booking for your bicycles. We have approximately 20 complimentary pedal bicycles on board. A safety helmet and bike lock are provided with your bicycle.
Is it possible to visit the wheelhouse on my ship?
The wheelhouse is open for all guests to visit during a cruise itinerary. If you have a particular interest in river navigation, the wheelhouse can provide a wonderful insight into the role of the captain and the intricacies of working through locks.
Is it possible to visit the wheelhouse on my ship?
The wheelhouse is open for all guests to visit during a cruise itinerary. If you have a particular interest in river navigation, the wheelhouse can provide a wonderful insight into the role of the captain and the intricacies of working through locks.
Is smoking permitted on-board the ship?
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or any indoor parts of any of the ships in the Emerald Cruises fleet.
There are areas on the ships’ external decks where smoking is permitted
Is there an onboard fitness room?
Each of the Emerald Cruises ships boasts an onboard fitness room, with high-quality equipment and gym apparatus.
Is there an onboard shop?
Our Star-Ships do not include on-board shops, however small emergency toiletry items such as toothpaste and deodorant may be purchased from the ship’s reception.
Furthermore, each ship also stocks a small selection of gifts and souvenirs.
Is Wi-Fi provided on-board the ship?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on-board all the Emerald Cruises ships throughout the public spaces, cabins, and suites.
Please note: Wi-Fi connection strength and speed may change as the vessel moves.
What are the onboard Dining times?
Typical timings:
Breakfast: 0700 - 0900
Lunch: 1200 – 1400
Dinner: 1900 - 2100
Full timings are provided in the daily program
What are the Sun Deck opening times?
The Sun Deck is open from 0800 through to late evening.
Please note: Sun Deck operation hours may be limited when traveling under low bridges, for safety purposes, or due to other local authority restrictions.
What is the language of the Star-Ships?
The language on-board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English and all announcements and lectures will be made in English.
When can I use the pool?
The onboard pool is open from 06:00 until 18:00 every day. On selected evenings, the pool area is transformed into our evening cinema. Please note: the Emerald Radiance, sailing on the Douro River, has a Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck, and therefore does not have a cinema or Riverview Lounge.
Where can I help myself to complimentary hot drinks?
You will find tea and coffee machines located in the Horizon Bar and Lounge. A selection of specialty teas and coffees are available throughout the day and night.
Will the ship's dining venues cater to special dietary requirements?
Emerald Cruises endeavors to cater to all dietary requirements and requests. We ask that you inform us of any requirements or requests at the time of booking. This will give us chance to meet your requirements.
Will there be a Cruise Director on my cruise?
Yes, an experienced Cruise Director accompanies every journey. The Cruise Director is responsible for ensuring the entire river cruise runs smoothly.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
1 hour ago
Answered our questions
Michael Schneck
1 day ago
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
