Emerald Waterways Adds New Ship, Mekong Trip for 2016

emerald waterwaysEmerald Waterways has announced a slate of new additions to its 2016 river cruise program, including two new itineraries in Europe; a 16-day Southeast Asia sailing on the Mekong River; a new addition to the company’s fleet of award-wining Star Ships; and fare reductions of up to 21 percent off 2015 pricing.

The line will offer 10 itineraries in Europe in 2016, including the new Paris & Legends of Moselle, Rhine and Main and Enchanting Forest, Mountains & Rivers sailings — both of which offer the opportunity to extend the journey with land-based tours before and after the cruise. The 14-day Paris & Legends of Moselle, Rhine and Main itinerary begins in Paris and travels to Prague, giving guests two full days to explore each of the cities. The cruise portion of the trip, which sails from Trier to Nuremberg, winds through Southern Germany and explores small towns steeped in history. Pricing starts at $3,735 and includes the sailing as well as lodging in Paris and Prague. For those who wish to forgo the land portion of the trip, the eight-day cruise is being sold separately, with pricing starting at $2,395.

Guests will have the opportunity to travel from Munich to Budapest on the Enchanting Forests, Mountains & Rivers itinerary, also debuting in 2016. This 13-day trip spends two days on land in both Munich and Salzburg, while the cruise sails from Passau to Budapest on the Danube. The itinerary also includes an overnight in Vienna, allowing more time to explore the city. Pricing on this itinerary starts at $3,855 including the cruise and hotels. The eight-day cruise alone is being sold separately, with pricing starting at $2,445.

Emerald Waterways has always offered passengers the option to enjoy the use of one of their many bicycles as a way to explore any of the ports. In 2016, the bikes will also be used for guided tour excursions on several itineraries, including the two new sailings. The guided bike tours will be part of Emerald Waterways’ Discover More program.

2016 will also mark Emerald Waterways' first foray into Asia with a 16-day cruise along the Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia. Sights will range from the capitals of Ho Chi Min City and Phnom Penh to small villages like the floating Kampong Chhnang and majestic spots like the Angkor temples. The Mekong Navigator, a 230-foot vessel built to accommodate 68 guests, has a lounge, sun deck, spa, fitness room and library. Each suite offers a minibar, bottled water daily, flatscreen TV with on demand movies, Internet access, a safe and air conditioning. Many have panoramic floor to ceiling windows and either French or full balconies. Sailings along the Mekong are scheduled in early spring and fall, with pricing starting at $4,995.
 
In June 2016, Emerald Waterways will launch the Emerald Belle, the newest addition to its fleet of Star-Ships. All of Emerald’s Star-Ships carry 182 guests in 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two built for solo occupancy. Unique items include an onboard heated swimming pool with a retractable glass roof, which transforms into a movie theater in the evening; two restaurants: Reflections, the main dining room, and The Terrace for breakfast and lunch; and a new type of cabin design that replaces a French balcony with an indoor balcony with a decked area and an open-air system. With the push of a button, guests can lower the upper half of their floor-to-ceiling panoramic window to allow an open-air opportunity. Top suites separate the balcony from the cabin with glass folding doors. Ships also have an onboard hairdresser, massage therapy room and fitness area.

Early Booking Deal

Emerald Waterways has lowered fares on all their European itineraries, with savings up to 21 percent off 2015 prices. Solo travelers can save even more—up to 40 percent off 2015 pricing. The popular eight-day Danube Delights itinerary starts at $2,095 per person, double. 

The cruise line's 2016 brochure is now available by mail or online at www.emeraldwaterways.com/brochures.