Emerald Sky Review

4.5 / 5.0
194 reviews
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Editor Rating
4.5
Very Good
Overall
Jeannine Williamson
Contributor

Emerald Sky is the first of a fleet of "Star Ships" ships launched by Emerald Waterways, a European river cruise line that made its debut as part of Australian-owned parent company Scenic Tours, which also boasts all-inclusive brand, Scenic Cruises.

It marks an exciting departure from existing vessels, with an exceptionally bright, modern look and a unique new-to-river feature: a swimming pool with a retractable roof that transforms into a cinema at night. The three airy passenger decks pack in plenty of other facilities, including a hair salon, gym, massage room and bikes that passengers can use to explore independently. Some initial issues with the ship -- such as an extremely steep staircase onboard -- were fixed in the months following its launch.

Between March and November, Sky sails on three Rhine-Main-Danube itineraries that range in duration from eight to 15 days.

This fresh-looking line has broken the traditional mold of river cruising and will appeal to people looking for moderately priced cruises, as well as younger cruisers and first-time passengers dipping a toe into this burgeoning sector of the cruise market.

About

Passengers: 182
Crew: 46
Passenger to Crew: 3.96:1
Launched: 2014
Shore Excursions: 150

Fellow Passengers

More than 50 percent of passengers are from Australia, where the line has its roots and is part of the well-established Scenic Tours brand. Expect the rest of the passengers to hail from the U.K., U.S. and Canada. While Emerald Waterways says it's not deliberately targeting a younger demographic, the line could well find a niche with cruisers in their 40s and 50s, which is below the average river cruise age group.

Emerald Sky Dress Code

The ship has a relaxed, easygoing vibe. There is no special dress code, and there are none of the formal nights you get on ocean cruises. For dinner, smart casual attire is recommended. Jeans can be worn in the restaurant in the evening, but shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate. Many passengers up the sartorial ante for the captain's welcome dinner and/or farewell dinner, albeit this still errs on the side of smart casual, rather than full-on cocktail dresses and suits.

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More about Emerald Sky

Where does Emerald Sky sail from?

Emerald Sky departs from Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Basel, Munich, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Istanbul

How much does it cost to go on Emerald Sky?

Cruises on Emerald Sky start from per person.
Emerald Sky Cruiser Reviews

Lots of Sick People

We had to swap ships from the Emerald Sky to the Emerald Dawn 1/2 way though the cruise because of low water in the river.Read More
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Bobblack

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 60s

Emerald and Scenic are a great choice

For the first time ever the company moved passengers from an Emerald ship to the higher class Scenic brand.Read More
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K from Canada

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 60s

What could improve

We received information regarding river cruises and the itinerary on the Emerald cruise Sky on the Danube caught our attention. Read the many previous cruisers reviews and it appealed to us.Read More
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Farmhouse2

few6-10 Cruises

Age 60s

Sky’s The Limit on Splendours Of Europe!

Now - the Emerald Sky… a wonderful experience every day! This is the perfect cruise for couples or adult families.Read More
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Cruisefairy69

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 40s

Emerald River Cruises Fleet
Emerald Star

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