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August 6, 2023

While most Danube Cruises start or end in Budapest, Emerald goes all the way to Bucharest.

This remarkable 9-day itinerary was flawlessly executed by Emerald Cruises and the crew of Emerald Sun. From beginning to end, it was an extraordinary experience. Exploring countries that recently gained independence from Soviet dominance and witnessing the battle scars of their struggle for freedom created an unforgettable journey. The trip was enriched by stunning architecture, cultural interactions with locals, delightful regional cuisine aboard the ship, and the breathtaking scenery that makes the Danube the draw for river cruisers that it is.

Introduction to Emerald River Cruises

This writer had the pleasure of previously experiencing an Emerald Cruise in the South of France a few years ago. Emerald offered one of the rare Rhone/Soane River cruises that traveled up the Soane, and I became a fan on Day 1. Emerald Cruises, owned by the same company as Scenic Cruises, was founded by the brilliant Australian couple, Glen and Karen Moroney. Their company initially started with bus tours in Melbourne back in 1986. It has since expanded to a cruise company with 26 ships and counting. Karen, responsible for the decor on all their ships, prefers neutral color schemes that never detract from the outside scenery. Emerald attracts passengers from English-speaking countries worldwide. It was no surprise to find many Australian travelers on board. There were also passengers from the UK, Canada, the US, a couple from New Zealand and one from Cyprus. That brought the total number of Emerald Sun’s guests to 157.

First-rate accommodations on Emerald Sun

Our river ship, one of the eight Emerald Ships navigating Europe’s rivers, is part of a series of five identical ships launched between 2014 and 2017. Despite not being brand new, it was impeccably maintained, giving the impression of being launched much more recently. With a crew of 51, most from the region we sailed in, the ship measures 135 meters (442 feet) in length and can accommodate 180 passengers at full capacity. It offers 72 suites, all featuring an ‘all-weather’ balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows that electronically open to let in the refreshing breeze. The top-of-the-line Owner’s Suites, of which there are four, boast a separate living room and bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, complimentary minibar, and an exclusive invitation to dine with the captain. Even the regular cabins, called Staterooms, offer a flat-screen HDTV with an infotainment system, a stocked mini-bar, luxurious toiletries, and incredibly comfortable hotel-style beds. While the 19 Staterooms on Deck 1 lack wide-open views like the 76 suites, they provide the same amenities and are ideal for more budget-conscious travelers.

Second-to-none facilities on Emerald Sun

As you first step onto the ship’s Deck 2, you are greeted by a stunning three-tiered Atrium. This deck houses the Reflections Dining Room. On Deck 3, you’ll find the Horizon Bar and Grill, a bright and airy space that serves as the heart of the ship. It’s here that various activities ranging from Port Talks to Cocktail hours and Late Riser’s Breakfast all take place. Above the Horizon Bar, the Sun Deck offers a glorious setting to enjoy the breeze, dive into a good book, engage in friendly conversations, or relax under the canvas roofs for shade. However, the real surprise awaits at the back of Emerald Sun. There, you’ll discover an Indoor Swimming Pool with a retractable roof, lounges, a bar, and even a swimming machine for those who want to get their laps in. At night, the pool area magically transforms into an intimate movie theater. There’s also a Spa and Wellness Center, overseen by a Wellness Coach who conducts invigorating morning Stretch sessions that became increasingly popular throughout the trip.

The Dining experience aboard Emerald Sun

The ship’s Reflections Dining Room accommodates all passengers in a single seating. In the mornings, a remarkable buffet spread awaits, offering a wide variety of breakfast foods. At one end, there’s an omelet station with a lightning-fast chef. If you prefer table service, there is also a menu to order from. And if you happen to miss breakfast, the Horizon Bar is ready to serve you for an additional hour. Lunch consists of sensational salads, a daily pasta option, and delectable desserts. The Dessert section of the buffet, featuring gelato or ice cream, is truly unforgettable. Each evening, the Executive Chef is introduced right after the Port Talk. He presents the suggested menu for dinner. With the culinary staff predominantly hailing from the region, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore the culinary traditions of each destination on the itinerary. The Hungarian Goulash, for instance, surpassed any we tasted during our extended stay in Budapest at the end of the cruise. For less adventurous eaters, the regular menu offers plenty of familiar options. The kitchen also accommodates those on special diets or with food allergies.

Why choose this Danube Itinerary?

Initially, my travel companion was skeptical about visiting Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary. These destinations might not be at the top of everyone’s list. However, I urge you to reconsider. If you’ve experienced the Danube before, heading down the river will show you an entirely new perspective. Our itinerary began headed up the Danube from Bucharest, Romania, where we flew into from the US. After an overnight stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel and a comprehensive tour of Bucharest, we traveled to Giurgiu on the Danube and boarded the Emerald Sun. This captivating journey takes you through two former Soviet Bloc countries, two countries from the former Yugoslavia, and concludes in Hungary. It provides a unique opportunity to delve into the past, present, and glimpses of the future of these resilient nations, all of which have overcome both recent and ancient challenges. Each country we visited had its own distinct recollections, from a yearning for Tito in Serbia, the only non-EU member among the five, to the forward-looking perspectives of Croatia and Hungary. It’s not just a continuous history lesson; there is a wealth of remarkable architecture, interactions with ordinary locals, and visits to spectacular Churches. We even had the chance to explore a Bulgarian archaeological site dating back to 11,000 B.C. But it’s not all touring. It includes leisurely mornings and afternoons sailing along the river, simply enjoying the scenery from the Sun Deck.

Why choose Emerald?

This marvelous adventure aboard an exceptional ship was flawlessly executed. Every aspect lived up to its promises. The camaraderie among passengers and crew grew day by day. The Cruise Director and Ship’s Entertainer were constantly present, both on Emerald Sun and during the outstanding shore excursions. Our suite, with its beautiful and streamlined design, was kept spotless by our steward, who serviced it twice a day. The Reflections Dining Room consistently provided excellent breakfasts and lunches. Following the Chef’s recommended nightly menu allowed us to savor the cuisines of the countries we passed through. Desserts were always a delightful treat, and the selected house wines flowed generously during lunch and dinner. Lastly, a wonderful surprise awaited us as we sailed into Budapest: Emerald Sun timed our arrival perfectly to coincide with the sunset and the stunning nightly “light show” performed by Budapest’s monuments. It was a magical ending to an absolutely fantastic cruise.

For more information visit www.emeraldcruises.com

Don’t miss more updates, news and reviews of Emerald Cruises on Cruising Journal.

Monte Mathews

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