Emerald Cruises
Fodor’s Expert Review
Emerald Cruises is a relatively young cruise line with a modern fleet, consisting of nine river ships dubbed “Star-Ships” and two yachts—and growing. Since 2013, Emerald has offered small-ship cruising at an inclusive price point; first, with river cruises and then with the addition of 100-passenger yachts in 2022, beginning with Emerald Azzurra and followed in 2023 with Emerald Sakara. Under Scenic Group, an Australian company, this cruise line geared toward British and North American travelers has become known for steady growth and value for money. Beyond the popular rivers and waterways of Europe, Emerald offers itineraries on the Nile in Egypt; the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; or ocean cruising in the Red Sea or Mediterranean aboard one of its yachts. Understated elegance, friendly service, and engaging shore excursion offerings are just some of the hallmarks of the brand.
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What to Expect on Board
Meals are served—on both river and yacht ships—in a main dining room where all guests eat.
On the rivers, this is typically called the Reflections Restaurant, while on the yachts it is La Cucina. Breakfast and lunch are gorgeously set buffets, with hot and cold items, including an omelet station, fresh berries, and more. On Emerald yachts, items like pancakes can also be ordered a la carte at breakfast. Dinner is served a la carte each evening across the brand, and options never seem to repeat. A menu of soups, salads, entrees, and desserts typically draws upon European influence, but is tailored to the itinerary. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
Complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks are offered in the lounges onboard, which also feature a bar serving drinks for purchase. On the yachts, the Observation Lounge is a gem of a place to read and unwind with spectacular views, coffee and tea, snacks, and filtered (or fizzy) water. Most river ships feature a casual rooftop eatery called Sky Barbecue, open weather depending. On Azzurra and Sakara, the Aqua Pool Café serves as the casual dining option out on the pool terrace. It stocks incredible pastries in the morning and an impressive variety of flatbread pizzas in the afternoon, with snacks available throughout the day as well as espresso drinks.
It helps to be content with a glass of wine after a long day in port, because there isn’t a much variety when it comes to entertainment.
An onboard musician tickles the ivories each evening in the lounge, and depending on the itinerary, there might be a guest performance from a local entertainer. On the yachts, the Amici Lounge is the place to be: Dance parties are encouraged, and quizzes become competitive. The Sky Bar is an alternate venue on the top deck, and you might find a cocktail demonstration or a gorgeous sunset from the Jacuzzi.
Other demonstrations take place throughout an Emerald sailing and are part of what adds to the experience; a chef demo of a local recipe or a workshop in Portugal to make your own tiles, for example. Check the daily program to make sure not to miss these immersive events.
Emerald river ships feature a pool, fitness classes such as yoga in the morning, a fitness facility with equipment, a sun deck with a putting course, and a small spa onboard.
The pool on Star-Ships is a heated indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and a retractable roof that becomes a cinema in the evening. On Emerald Harmony in Asia it is an open-air pool and in Portugal it is a small “serenity-style” pool on the sun deck. Bicycles are offered on select ships for use.
Yachts also feature fitness classes, an outdoor pool, and a larger spa and fitness center tucked downstairs near the restaurant, with a sauna. In addition, Emerald’s yachts carry electric bikes and a marina platform that in good weather can accommodate a small fleet of water toys from kayaks and paddle boards to an inflatable dock. EmeraldACTIVE excursions are the real deal, offering strenuous but rewarding hikes, cycling trips, or kayak opportunities in port.
Key cruising tips
Your Shipmates
Fellow Emerald guests are typically well-traveled couples in their 40s to 60s, hailing from the UK as well as well as other English-speaking nations like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Multigenerational groups including adult children aren’t uncommon, though youngsters are less frequently seen onboard.
Dress Code
The dress code onboard an Emerald ship is relaxed, but fellow guests typically dress up a touch for dinner. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring port, especially over the uneven surfaces of ancient Greek ruins, for example. Dress for the weather, which includes a warm coat, hat, and gloves for Christmas market cruises. Don’t forget a swimsuit, especially during the hot summer months on a Douro River sailing.
A welcome and farewell gala dinner bookend the cruise, so consider packing two dressier outfits for these special evenings onboard.
Junior Cruisers
With the exception of select Christmas market cruises, guests under the age of 12 are ineligible to participate in any Emerald tours. There are no facilities or childcare services available for kids onboard either Emerald river ships or yachts. Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and are required to share accommodations with an adult.
Service
The crew makes an effort to get to know you onboard an Emerald river ship or yacht, which makes the experience more intimate. Crew members are typically an international contingency, but most times there will be staff onboard from the ports and destinations you are sailing, which lends an additional layer of expertise. Emerald river ships average one crew member for every three guests (1:3). Yachts staff 72 crew members per 100 guests at full capacity (1:1.4).
Tipping
All gratuities, including tips on drinks, are included in the price of your vacation with Emerald Cruises. A tip to your spa therapist or hairdresser after a treatment is additional and at the guest’s discretion.
Past Passengers
The EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty club has silver, gold, and diamond tiers. Points are awarded after each sailing and vary by cabin category and destination. Passengers automatically become silver members after one sailing, which includes a complimentary silver-level backpack before every cruise; a $200 future cruise credit; and exclusive notice on new promotions and itineraries. Loyalty members also receive invitations to special events onboard. The branded luggage is upgraded at each tier; at diamond level, the future cruise credit is increased to $250.