This month marks five years since Emerald Waterways launched its first collection of European river cruises aboard their original Star-Ships, Emerald Sun and Emerald Sky. Since then, the Australian river cruise brand has continued to grow, expanding its fleet of signature “Star-Ships” to eight, adding itineraries in Asia, Egypt, Portugal and along the coast of Croatia, and adding active excursions and unique onboard enrichment activities.
In the five years since its launch, Emerald Waterways has received several industry accolades for its products. In 2014, its first year on the rivers in Europe, Emerald was awarded “Best New River Ships” in Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick Awards for their Emerald Star and Emerald Sky Star-Ships. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, the line was again commended by Cruise Critic, winning “Best River Line for Value” for a record three years in a row. 2017 also saw Emerald Waterways take home Silver Travel Weekly Magellan awards for Best Overall Contemporary Ship and for Contemporary Pool Design.
2019 will see more growth for Emerald Waterways, including the launch of a new Star-Ship, the Emerald Harmony, which will sail the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. With 84 guests in 42 staterooms and suites, Emerald Harmony will offer an intimate sailing experience on the Mekong, and its design allows the ship to access the center of Ho Chi Minh City, meaning guests will disembark in the middle of the city rather than needing to be coached in from outside the city like other cruise lines.
New itineraries launching in 2019 include yacht sailings along the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia and cruise and land tours of the Nile river in Egypt and Jordan.
Emerald Waterways’ fares include all transfers; all port charges; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited specialty tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the ship; most shore excursions; and all onboard and excursion gratuities. On touring days, hotel accommodations, internal flights and transfers are also included.
Part of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Waterways' eight branded Star-Ships offer river sailings in Europe and on the Mekong, as well as the MS Rossia along the Volga River in Russia; the Adriatic Princess II yacht in Croatia; and the MS Hamees on the Nile.
For more information, visit www.emeraldwaterways.com.
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