Sister brand to Scenic, targeting younger, design-conscious travelers with contemporary interiors, an infinity pool that transforms into a cinema, and exceptional value on European and Southeast Asian rivers.
Emerald Waterways was launched in 2013 by Glen Moroney, the founder of Scenic, as a more contemporary and affordable alternative to the traditional river cruise experience. The brand targets younger, design-conscious travelers who want a stylish, modern experience without the formality and price tag of luxury lines. The ships feature contemporary interiors with clean lines, bold colors, and a focus on open spaces. The "Star-Ships" are designed with a modern aesthetic — Scandinavian-inspired furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a neutral palette with pops of color. The overall vibe is relaxed, social, and youthful — not the hushed formality of traditional luxury cruising. The average Emerald passenger is in their 50s, younger than the typical river cruise demographic. The brand is particularly popular with Australian and British travelers, though it is expanding in North America.
Emerald's signature feature is the infinity pool on the sun deck, which transforms into a cinema at night. The pool has a retractable roof, and at sunset, the deck is converted into an outdoor movie theater with a giant screen, popcorn, and cocktails. This is a unique feature that no other river cruise line offers. The pool is also a heated infinity pool during the day, with a swim-up bar and panoramic views. The sun deck also features a walking track, a giant chess set, and plenty of loungers. The design of the pool and cinema reflects the brand's philosophy: fun, social, and memorable. The pool is a highlight of every cruise and is a major reason why passengers choose Emerald over other lines.
Emerald Waterways offers exceptional value for the quality of the experience. The fares are lower than Scenic, Uniworld, and Crystal, but the inclusions are generous — most shore excursions, all meals, wine and beer at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. The only extras are some premium excursions, spa treatments, and boutique purchases. The cabins are well-designed and comfortable, with the "Panorama Balcony Suites" featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create a Juliet balcony. The "Grand Balcony Suites" feature a step-out balcony with a table and chairs. The "Owner's One-Bedroom Suites" are the most spacious, with a separate living room and bedroom. The ships carry 180 passengers, making them larger than some luxury lines but still intimate compared to ocean cruise ships. The larger size allows for more public spaces, including a lounge, a restaurant, a café, a fitness center, and a spa. The overall experience is one of quality and value — not cheap, but not overpriced. Emerald is the best choice for travelers who want a stylish, modern river cruise experience without the premium price tag.
Emerald operates on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhône, Saône, Douro, and Mekong. The European routes are the most popular, with the "Danube Explorer" (Budapest to Nuremberg) and "Rhine Castles" (Amsterdam to Basel) being the classics. The Mekong route (Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap) is a popular choice for Southeast Asia. The ships are designed for the specific rivers they navigate — the European ships are larger, the Mekong ships are smaller and more intimate. The culinary program features a mix of regional and international cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The main restaurant offers a multi-course menu with wine pairings, while the "Horizon Bar" offers casual dining and light meals. The "Al Fresco" dining area on the sun deck offers outdoor dining in warm weather. The "EmeraldACTIVE" program includes guided bike tours, hiking, and kayaking. The "EmeraldPLUS" program includes exclusive experiences — wine tastings, cooking classes, and cultural performances. The overall experience is one of active, social, and contemporary cruising — perfect for travelers who want to see the world, meet new people, and have fun.
Budapest-Nuremberg
Amsterdam-Basel
Lyon-Arles
Ho Chi Minh-Siem Reap
Porto Roundtrip
Nuremberg-Budapest
"Emerald is the perfect blend of style, value, and fun on the rivers."— Cruise Critic Review