Get Set For Emerald 
13.02.2014
Get Set For Emerald
As we get closer and closer to the mega 'Launch Season' for European river-cruising (with 27 new vessels coming online in little more than four months, from March 17), we'll be taking an in-depth look at what's in store with this amazing outpouring of new options.
And possibly the most intriguing prospect is Emerald Waterways, the new company being created under the umbrella of Scenic Tours and launching two new riverboats this year, the Emerald Star in Amsterdam in April and then the Emerald Sky in June.
Both will carry 182 passengers and sail the Rhine and Danube, offering 8-15-day voyages through some of the prettiest and most culturally rich parts of Europe. And, while Emerald will be a slightly more modest version of the full 6-star Scenic style, they will still feature some fabulous onoard options.
Uniquely, both 443ft-long vessels will feature a proper heated swimming pool with a retractable roof at the aft end that converts into a cinema at night, which should help appeal to a slightly younger demographic than is usual with most river-cruise lines.
There are five cabin categories, from 2 single rooms (at 130sq ft), 18 standard staterooms (162sq ft), 60 Panorama Balcony Suites (180sq ft), eight Grand Balcony Suites (210sq ft) and four grand Owner's Suites (at a whopping 315sq ft; below), each with a separate bedroom, lounge area and balcony big enough for a table and chairs, plus a walk-in wardrobe, coffee machine and a complimentary mini-bar restocked with wine, beer and soft drinks. Each one is also fitted with an iPad.
The Reflections Restaurant is the main dining room, with an alfresco dining area at the bow, The Terrace, for a more informal breakfast and lunch. Like with most river-cruisers, dinners at Reflections are open seating with table service, but there is also a buffet on offer each evening as well as breakfast omelette station. The Horizon Bar and Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows and leads on to The Terrace, while there is also a pop-up Sky Bar on the top deck.
Other facilities include a hairdressing salon, a small massage therapy room and the standard separate gym at the aft of the ship. Like most lines, Emerald will also include soft drinks, beer and wine at meals, shore excursions, transfers and tips, as well as flights from London and regional British airports.
More info: call 0808 102 01176 or visit www.emeraldwaterways.co.uk.