Emerald Cruises UK Reviews

Absolutely wonderful holiday with Emerald Waterways on the Emerald Liberte on the Rhone / Saone. All the crew were lovely with a special mention to Drazen, the events manager, and Jana, the cruise director, who both went the extra mile to make our holiday. The food was excellent, cabins lovely, sundeck great and it was really good to have the indoor pool that doubled up for yoga in the mornings. Would not hesitate to recommend this cruise

What can I say? From booking to travelling all went smoothly. We were on the Sensations of Lyon & Provence cruise and were able to fly from our local airport with a change in Amsterdam which was great. The food on board was to die for, nothing was too much trouble for the staff, the Cruise Director was very helpful and knowledgeable about each place we stopped, the beds were comfortable & everywhere was spotless. This was our first river cruise and I was a bit apprehensive because I have problems walking long distances or standing for long periods of time. I needn’t have worried because each excursion was split into three groups depending on your fitness levels. We took the “gentle” group each time and the local guides took it slowly and avoided steps etc where possible. We saw what the other groups did but at a more leisurely pace and with no pressure to keep up with people who were more able bodied. My husband, who has no mobility problems, enjoyed the tours as well. The evening entertainment was a little bit hit and miss but we were the first cruise of the season and this is the first year they’ve tried having an Entertainments Director. I’m sure it will settle down as they work out what does and doesn’t go down well with passengers. They just have to remember that not everyone wants to join in and so what happens should not be so noisy that it drives other people out of the lounge. All in all we loved it and would book again.

Having completed one Emerald cruise on the Danube, and been impressed, we decided a second on the Rhone should follow. We were not disappointed! It was the first of this season but the boat, the crew and all hotel staff were bonded as a very competent, friendly and professional team who constantly demonstrated a desire to please. Accommodation, bar and drinks, onboard entertainment, pool/cinema area and especially the food and accompanying wines were all consistently very good. And of course last but not least, the guided land tours and scenery were in excess of expectations. We had a drinks package and struggled thereafter to spend money on board! My wife regrettably made up for it whilst on shore and we came home with marvellous cheeses, mustards, wines and chocolates! Jana the cruise Director and DD the cruise Entertainment director were superb and got to know all 130 passengers personally and treated them as both individuals and as members of the Team Emerald. A glowing review I know but well deserved.