Emerald

Emerald Cruises is a modern, boutique-style cruise line offering both river and yacht cruises, designed for travelers who want a comfortable, high-quality cruising experience without the scale of a mega-ship. Their fleet includes European river “Star-Ships,” Southeast Asia river cruises (e.g., Mekong), and luxury yachts that sail coastal or ocean itineraries. The brand emphasizes small-ship cruising expertise: by limiting guest numbers per ship, they provide a more intimate, personalized, and tranquil travel experience, allowing passengers to dock in the heart of towns or historic cities rather than distant ports.

What’s Included

Comfortable accommodations: Suites or staterooms on their modern river- or yacht-class ships, often with scenic river or ocean views.

All-onboard meals: from casual to fine dining depending on itinerary and ship type, with complimentary beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks) during meals.

Social and leisure facilities: on river ships, “Star-Ships” include amenities such as heated indoor pools (which on some ships convert into movie-theatre evenings), sun decks, lounges, and communal spaces.

Onboard and onshore port charges, gratuities & basic services: Wi-Fi is included, giving guests peace of mind and fewer “hidden” costs.

Excursions & guided tours: as part of their “EmeraldDISCOVERY” program, most cruises include at least one included excursion per port, with additional optional tours (active, cultural, deeper-dive) available for those who want more.

Best For

Couples: People who want a more intimate, personalized, and tranquil travel experience. 

Solo Travelers: Some cruises may offer “no single supplement” or solo-friendly staterooms, but check availability and terms. Emerald is often considered a good choice for independent or solo cruisers because of its flexible accommodation and value.

Travelers who enjoy immersive, relaxed exploration: Because Emerald Cruises uses smaller ships, you get more personalized service and often dock right in city centers, meaning easier access to local culture, historic sites, and walkable old towns.