Debuting in 2014, Emerald Waterways offers a four-star product to active travelers. The EmeraldActive programming provides guests the option to engage in athletic pursuits such as guided bike tours, invigorating hikes, and canoeing trips on every itinerary.
Emerald Waterways operates 10 riverboats and one ocean yacht, according to the 2020 European River Cruise Market Report by Cruise Industry News. Seven of the riverboats were designed and built by the company, and two – the Rossia on the Volga and the Hames on the Nile – are charters. Emerald Waterways also charters two vessels along the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia to offer 36-passenger intimate yacht sailings.
The line’s newest ship, the Emerald Harmony, launches in autumn, 2019. It’s specifically designed to sail the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam. Unlike most similar-sized Mekong river ships, the Emerald Harmony will be built to allow access to the center of Ho Chi Minh City, meaning guests will disembark in the center of the action rather than needing to be coached in from outside the city.
Another unique offering are the indoor/outdoor heated swimming pools with a resistance function so guests can swim or participate in water aerobics classes.
The company’s newbuilds were designed and built by Glen Moroney, company founder and founder of parent company Scenic Group, which also operates Scenic Waterways, said Jayne O’Brien, Managing Director, Scenic North America
“We talk about the pricing structure on Emerald Waterways as ‘mostly inclusive’ because it’s entirely possible not to spend a dime once onboard,” O’Brien said. “Cruise fares include transfers to and from the ships on the day of arrival and departure, all onboard meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, WiFi, at least one shore excursion almost every cruise day and, of course, all gratuities and port charges.”
Guests can purchase additional excursions, called DiscoverMore tours, which are designed to expose them to interesting ports and attractions outside the ports of call where the ships docks, as well as drinks from the bar throughout the day.
“The U.S. market is growing quickly for both brands, and is an important component in our global sales and marketing strategy,” O’Brien said. “We think our products are a great fit for North American guests, and are extremely pleased with the positive feedback we get from this market.
“The itineraries that continue to be popular with all our guests are those on the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
“Guests tend to try the Rhine first as it offers just about everything they’re looking for in a river cruise – spectacular views, multiple countries, perfectly preserved medieval towns mixed with more modern cities, and, of course, sailing through the magnificent Rhine Gorge with its 50 plus castles dotting the hillsides,” she said.
About the 2020 European Cruise River Market Report
The new European Cruise Market Report provides a comprehensive look at the river cruise business with capacity metrics by river and brand, company profiles and much more. 100+ pages of insights. Learn more.
