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June 8, 2021

With the surging demand for River Cruising, Emerald Waterways had a particular group of passengers in mind: a more budget-conscious traveler who appreciates a fully inclusive cruise experience at a value price. Emerald has more than succeeded. For five years in a row, Emerald has been voted Best River Cruise Line for Value by Cruise Critic. Emphasizing port calls and excursions, Emerald gives its guests a look at the culture, history and local life of the places it visits. Now the line has gone even further.

In 2022 Emerald will launch its Special Interest Collection. Aboard three of its most popular European River intineraries—the Rhine, the Danube and the Moselle—Emerald will focus on each region’s most iconic offerings: Arts, Spas, Culture and Wine Making. Customized tours will be pared with onboard events to make the whole experience even more memorable.

Aboard Emerald’s “Star Ships” passengers are treated to first class hospitality on sparkling vessels. Carrying just 138 passengers, Emerald’s ships include the bells and whistles of far more expensive River Cruises. These include an infinity swimming pool and the stern of the ship that turns into a movie theater at night.  Guests are treated to staterooms that are masterpieces of spatial design, feeling far more spacious than they really are. These 170 square foot havens feature a new balcony concept. The room’s floor-to-ceiling window descend about halfway down, opening the room to the river breezes.

Meanwhile, in the ship’s galley, talented chefs preside over breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.  These feature familiar Comfort Food appreciated by her large complement of British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealander passengers.  Americans will feel right at home too when served favorites like Chateaubriand, John Dory—even Surf and Turf. Complementary beer and wines served at lunch and dinner reflect every voyage’s route.  The ships’ cellars consistently provide excellent vintages at every meal.  Here’s a look at all three Themed Cruises to choose from. 

The Danube Spa, Arts and Culture Cruise begins before the Emerald Star Ship even leaves Budapest. Before setting out on July 21, 2022 for cruise between the Hungarian capital and Passau, Germany, Emerald guests will explore the local arts and crafts scene in Szentendre, Hungary.  This is followed by a traditional spa experience.  Daily life in Bratislava, Slovakia comes into play was guests are welcomed into the home of a local family for an afternoon of coffee, cake and conversation. Then it’s on to the third Capital city of the cruise, beautiful Vienna.  There a tour dedicated to Art culminates in a visit to the Kunsthistoriches Museum. With the largest Bruegel collection in the world, it’s considered to be one of the world’s most eminent museums of Art.

For a change of pace, a hike through the Wachau Valley will feature the regions famous wines for tasting and a chance to taste local specialties. Then it’s on to Linz and a guided photography tour that culminates in a tasting of the city’s famous Linzer Torte. Arriving in Passau, a stunning town at the conjunction of three rivers, the final cultural immersion of the tour awaits. A visit to a local farm features a traditional and delicious Bavarian lunch.  The 8-day Danube Spa, Arts and Culture Cruise fares start from $2945 per person.

The 8-day Wines of the Moselle Cruise departs August 21, 2022.  Beloved for its storybook landscapes and towns, Germany’s Moselle Valley boasts a rich, wine-making history to explore. It’s Rieslings are considered among the best in the world.  Timed to sail just before harvest, this voyage will give guests access to the prime growing season without the crowds. Every day has been planned to take in the history of winemaking, exploration of its local wines through talks, daily tastings and tours of its most noteworthy wine estates.

Sailing between Mainz and Bernkastel, a whole program of guided tours and tastings will take in Schloss Vollrads estate in Weisbaden and Eberbach Abbey in Rüdesheim. In Koblenz, a walk through a family-owned wine estate brings guests face-to-face with local vintners. Even more tastings round out the itinerary.  Fares for The Wines of Moselle sailing start from $3295 per person, double occupancy.

The Rhine Spa, Arts and Culture Cruise rounds out Emerald’s Special Interest Collection.

The famed “Castles on the Rhine” are must the beginning of what’s on offer on this 8-day adventure from Mainz to Basel, Switzerland. Departing on June 22, 2020, it features the cultural highlights of Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Mannheim, Rastatt, Strasbourg and Breisach.  There is something for everyone from a romantic philosopher’s walk in Heidelberg to a visit to that city’s lauded University Library.

In Germany’s famous spa town of Baden-Baden, passengers can unwind or a relaxing spa day. In Rüdesheim, the medieval Eberbach Monastery introduces Emerald’s guests to the region’s wine heritage.  In Strasbourg, a photography tour takes in this picture perfect town. Finally, in charming Colmar France, there’s a food tour followed by a cooking demonstration on how to make Flammenkuchen, the pizza of Alsace. Prices for the Rhine Spa, Arts and Culture Cruise start at $3245 per person.

Emerald Waterways Cruises are truly all-inclusive.

Guests booking their 2022 Special Interest Cruise by August 31, 2021 will receive a reduced, round trip air fare of $395 per person, or $650 per person off the cost of booking. Those paying in full 12 months in advance of sailing will receive an additional 10% off the fare. For guests traveling solo—or those who prefer their own cabin—Emerald Cruises river ships offer single cabins that do not carry a supplement. And as with all Emerald Cruises sailings, daily excursions, meals, gratuities, port charges, ship transfers and wine and beer with dinner and lunch, plus all gratuities are included in the price of the sailing.

In addition, all bookings come with the line’s flexible booking policy that allows guests to defer travel plans and transfer to an alternate departure date or itinerary up to 60 days prior to departure with no Emerald Cruises fees. charges, ship transfers and wine and beer with dinner and lunch, plus all gratuities are included in the price of the sailing. In addition, all bookings come with the line’s flexible booking policy that allows guests to defer travel plans and transfer to an alternate departure date or itinerary up to 60 days prior to departure with no Emerald Cruises fees.

For more information and to book, go to www.emeraldcruises.com.

Don’t miss opinions, suggestions and Reviews of Emerald Waterways  on Cruising Journal.

Monte Mathews

 

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