River cruising has reached new heights of popularity among North American travelers. and award-winning Emerald Waterways is responding to the growing trend by launching three brand new ships in 2017, almost doubling their fleet.
The new ships will not only allow Emerald Waterways to serve more guests, but also to expand its European offerings to include France and Portugal. The new ships are: Emerald Destiny, which will begin sailing the Rhine and Danube rivers in April; Emerald Liberté, set to start sailing the Rhone and Saône rivers in France in April; and Emerald Radiance, which will sail the mighty Douro river in Portugal beginning in May.
The Emerald Destiny will feature the same specifications as its sister ships, Sun, Star, Dawn, and Sky, carrying 186 passengers and boasting the popular indoor balcony in most cabins, complete with decked area and an ingenious open-air system, and pool-turned-cinema on the ship’s aft.
The Emerald Liberté will host 138 guests and offers all the same amenities, including the swimming pool and cinema. The April launch of the Liberté will mark the first time Emerald Waterways will sail its own ship on the Saône & Rhône rivers, plying between Arles and Lyon, with optional extensions in Paris and Nice. The itinerary has been enhanced to include Emerald Active programs and an on board meal prepared by award-winning French chef, Fabien Morreale.
The Emerald Radiance, which carries only 112 passengers, will offer an intimate way to traverse Portugal’s Douro River. Riverview Suites, a new cabin category, are located on the Horizon Deck and clock in at a spacious 330-square feet. These suites feature panoramic vistas from Emerald’s unique drop-down windows and a separate bedroom and living area. With a deluxe walk-in wardrobe, larger bathroom, and complimentary mini-bar, these suites offer all the amenities of the Owner’s Suites.
As Emerald Waterways looks forward to launching exciting new itineraries, excursions, and on-board activities in 2018, they’re kicking off this year with free or reduced air on all 2017 European sailings. Guests booking a Balcony Suite, including Panorama Balcony Suite, Riverview Suite, Grand Balcony Suite and Owner’s One Bedroom Suite, on any 2017 Europe river cruise itinerary will get free round-trip airfare from major U.S. and Canadian gateways.
Guests booking a stateroom cabin category on a Europe itinerary will be eligible for a reduced airfare rate of $795 US/CAD per person. Guests wishing to book their own air will receive $1,000 US/CAD air credit in lieu of flights ($600 for guests booking staterooms). This offer is good on new bookings made between January 1 and March 31, 2017.
Emerald Waterways caters to the four-star-plus market by using deluxe ships and service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. The cruise fare includes some flights (depending on market and special offers); all transfers; all on board (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the ship; most shore excursions as well as all on board and excursion gratuities.
As part of the Scenic Group, Emerald Waterways is backed by the award-winning expertise of the world’s leading luxury river cruise operator. Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel agent; or on Emerald Waterways’ website, www.emeraldwaterways.com in the U.S. and www.emeraldwaterways.ca in Canada. Brochure orders may be placed on the website, or a digital downloadable version is available.
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