Emerald: the return to Egypt, new ships, and more!

Emerald Waterways hosted an information session for travel agents and consumers in Vancouver yesterday.

Launched in 2014, Emerald is the sister company of luxury river line Scenic.

“Emerald was built for travellers who are adventurers, who are more independent,” said John Lovell, business development manager and group sales Canada, Emerald Waterways. 

The cruise line offers a variety of cruise packages and itineraries to Europe, Egypt, and Southeast Asia that range anywhere from eight to twenty-three days, as well as a choice of included sightseeing, active excursions, and optional extended tours.

Stars on the rivers

Emerald’s six “Star-Ships” in Europe carry no more than 180 guests. Each vessel offers a variety of suite categories, an elevator, and a heated swimming pool with a retractable roof, which coverts into an outdoor movie theatre at night.

In addition, the Douro river is served by a smaller, 112-guest vessel, and the Russia program is operated onboard a 142-guest chartered vessel.

Emerald is returning to Egypt this year with a ten-day program round-trip from Cairo, and a 15-day tour that includes Jordan. Each itinerary features a four-night Nile River cruise onboard a 142-guest chartered ship.

New this year is a luxury yacht program on the Dalmatian Coast onboard a 36-guest luxury yacht. The eight-day sailing between Split and Dubrovnik is perfect for adventurists, with a half-board program and included excursions.

Launching this August in Southeast Asia is the Star-Ship Emerald Harmony, carrying just 84 guests along the Mekong River between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap.

Added-value from Emerald

Gourmet dining, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, a choice of excursions at every port, wifi, complimentary bicycles, and port taxes are standard inclusions. 

However, Emerald also provides complimentary airport to ship transfers regardless of whether the air was booked through Emerald, as well as all gratuities to shipboard and shoreside staff. These items are generally at an extra charge onboard other non-luxury river brands.

Emerald Waterways currently offers savings and incentives on all 2019 itineraries:

• Europe 2019: Until March 31, save $1,000 per person on 15+ day cruises, and $750 per person on eight-14 day cruises plus receive unlimited free drinks, or €200 shipboard credit.
• Southeast Asia: Free air on 12+ day cruises, or savings up to $500 per person on shorter sailings.
• Dalmatian Coast: $295 air add-on on 11- & 16-day cruises, or $795 on 8-day cruises.
• Egypt: Free air on 15-day tours, or fly for $295 on 10-day tours.

2020 Europe sailings are on sale now at 2019 prices.

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