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Emerald Cruises

From: European Cruise Guide

ABOVE:  Emerald Star in Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. (See our Emerald cruise review.)

Emerald Cruises (a.k.a. Emerald Waterways) is a river-cruise line from the Scenic Group that caters to both experienced cruisers and what the company describes as a "younger demographic."

Emerald's luxury vessels incorporate unique design features that should appeal to passengers who have cruised on oceangoing ships:

• A swimming pool with a retractable roof that transforms into a movie theatre after dark.

• Suites and cabins with"panorama balconies" that can be turned into recessed outdoor balconies at the touch of a button.

Other features include a terrace behind the bow where passengers can enjoy lunch or breakfast, a bar-lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, a bar and gelato station by the pool, and a "Sky Bar" that occasionally pops up (weather permitting) on the large sun deck.

For 2024, Emerald Cruises offers itineraries on half a dozen European rivers. The line also operates small-ship cruises in Europe, featuring modern yachts with swim platforms.

Emerald's competitive fares include drinks at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, bicycles for independent touring, and all tips (both on board and on shore excursions).

For a personal report, including a day-by-day photo diary, click our "Cruise review" link below.

Cruise line's Web site:

Emerald Cruises

Cruise review:

Emerald Star, Nuremberg to Trier