Emerald Waterways, Europe’s newest deluxe river cruise company, has announced exciting additions to their 2016 River Cruising program, including two new itineraries in Europe; a 16-day Southeast Asia sailing on the Mekong River; a new addition to the company’s fleet of award-wining Star Ships; and fare reductions of up to 21% off 2015 pricing. All detailed in new 2016 brochures.
For US travelers interested in experiencing the growing trend of riving cruising, there’s never been a better time to book: Emerald Waterways has lowered fares on all their European itineraries, with savings up to 21% off 2015 prices. Solo travelers can save even more—up to 40% off 2015 pricing. The popular eight-day Danube Delights itinerary starts at just $2,095 per person, double, making river cruising not just one of the most relaxing ways to see Europe, but also one of the most affordable.
Emerald Waterways’ 2016 European itineraries now number 10, including the brand new “Paris & Legends of Moselle, Rhine and Main” and “Enchanting Forest, Mountains & Rivers” sailings—both of which offer the opportunity to extend the journey with land-based tours before and after the cruise. The 14-day “Paris & Legends of Moselle, Rhine and Main” itinerary begins in Paris and travels to Prague, giving guests two full days to explore each of these iconic European cities. The cruise portion of the trip, which sails from Trier to Nuremberg, winds through Southern Germany and explores charming, small towns steeped in history. Pricing starts at $3,735 and includes the sailing as well as lodging in Paris and Prague. For those who wish to forgo the land portion of the trip, the eight-day cruise is being sold separately, with pricing starting at $2,395.
Guests will have the opportunity to travel from Munich to Budapest on the “Enchanting Forests, Mountains & Rivers” itinerary, also debuting in 2016. This 13-day trip encompasses three countries and one mighty river: the Danube. Two days on land in both Munich and Budapest reveal vibrant cities worth exploring, while the cruise, which sails from Passau to Budapest, travels the most picturesque sections of the Danube. The itinerary also includes an overnight in Vienna, allowing more time to explore this vibrant city. Pricing on this itinerary starts at $3,855 including the cruise and hotels. The eight-day cruise alone is being sold separately, with pricing starting at $2,445.
Emerald Waterways has always offered passengers the option to enjoy the use of one of their many bicycles as a way to explore any of the ports. In 2016, the bikes will also be used for guided tour excursions on several itineraries, including the two new sailings. The guided bike tours will be part of Emerald Waterways’ Discover More program, which introduces a variety of ways to more fully explore specific attractions, delve deeper into cultural themes and actively participate in popular activities.
2016 marks Emerald Waterway’s first foray into Asia with a 16-day cruise along the iconic Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia. From the bustling capitals of Ho Chi Min City and Phnom Penh to small villages like the floating Kampong Chhnang and majestic must-see spots like the Angkor temples, guests will experience firsthand the history and culture of this fascinating region. The deluxe Mekong Navigator, a 230-foot vessel built to accommodate only 68 guests, features a lounge, sun deck, spa, fitness room and library as well as spacious oversized suites to create a genuinely indulgent journey. Each suite offers included luxuries: minibar, bottled water daily, flat screen TV with on demand movies, internet access, a safe and air conditioning. Many have panoramic floor to ceiling windows and either French or full balconies. Sailings along the Mekong are scheduled in early spring and fall, with pricing starting at $4,995.
Having been awarded “Best New River Ships” by Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2014, Emerald Waterways will launch the Emerald Belle in June, 2016 as the newest addition to its fleet of sleek contemporary Star-Ships, praised for their innovative highlights and modern approach to river cruising. All of Emerald’s Star-Ships carry 182 guests in 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two built for solo occupancy. Unique items include an onboard heated swimming pool with a retractable glass roof, which transforms into a movie theater in the evening; two restaurants: Reflections, the main dining room, and The Terrace for breakfast and lunch; and a new type of cabin design that replaces the run-of-the-mill French balcony, common to most ships, with an indoor balcony featuring a decked area and an ingenious open-air system. With a push of a button, guests can lower the upper half of their floor-to-ceiling panoramic window to allow an open-air opportunity; top suites separate the balcony from the cabin with glass folding doors. Ships also feature an onboard hairdresser, massage therapy room and fitness area.
Launched in 2014, Emerald Waterways caters to the four-star-plus market by using five-star ships and service and a nearly all-inclusive pricing plan. The company’s approach is to minimize guests’ concerns about daily budgets or mounting costs. The cruise fare includes all transfers; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited tea and coffee; wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; WiFi onboard the ship, most shore excursions; bicycles to use for independent touring, and more – as well as all gratuities, a savings of up to $675 per couple on 15-day cruises.
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
