Emerald Waterways is kicking off 2017 with the launch of three new ships, which will almost double the size of the line’s fleet and allow it to expand its river cruise offerings in Europe 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 Douro river in Portugal beginning in May.
The Emerald Destiny will have the same specifications as its sibling ships, Sun, Star, Dawn and Sky, carrying 186 passengers and having an indoor balcony in most cabins, complete with decked area and an 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 and Rhône rivers, plying between Arles and Lyon, with optional extensions in Paris and Nice. The itinerary also includes Emerald Active programs and an onboard meal prepared by award-winning French chef Fabien Morreale.
The Emerald Radiance, which carries 112 passengers, will traverse Portugal’s Douro River. Riverview Suites, a new cabin category, are located on the Horizon Deck and clock in at 330 square feet. These suites offer panoramic vistas from Emerald’s 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 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 fares include some flights (depending on market and special offers); all transfers; all onboard (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; and most shore excursions, as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities.
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