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This value-focused, Australian-owned line burst onto the European river cruise scene in 2014, making waves with its contemporary, 182-passenger "Star-Ships" with such unusual features as a glass-enclosed swimming pool that converts into a movie theater at night.
Cutting-Edge Design: Belly up to the lighted, club-style ebony bar in the lounge for a martini, push a button in your stateroom to create a French balcony, take a swim in the heated pool with retractable roof, borrow an iPad to surf the Web. If you want contemporary features on a river ship, you'll find them here.
There Is Nightlife: With party-loving Australians on board, there is a late-night disco scene. Folks hit the dance floor to a nostalgic playlist that includes the Village People's "YMCA" and Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." After 10 pm, the crew even serves snacks to keep everyone energized.
Value: Emerald's whole premise is affordability. Included in the cruise fare are excursions that go beyond a quick city tour and all gratuities. You also get the standard river cruise perks: wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, unlimited coffee drinks, and free — though not always fast — Wi-Fi.
Older Travelers: The value pricing is attracting more Brits than anyone else, and older English travelers can be quiet. On many sailings, a few dozen or more Australians liven the scene. Americans and Canadians will find themselves in the minority, as will anyone under age 55.
The Food Is Just Okay: Each evening during cocktail hour in the lounge, the chef proudly presents his featured dish of the day: a plate of, say, venison, passed around for everyone to see and smell. Otherwise, the food is not memorable, and vegetarians may be disappointed by the daily veggie entrée.
