In Focus: River Cruising

Emerald Waterways to introduce Emerald Luna in 2021

PHOTO: EMERALD WATERWAYS Emerald Sky in Koblenz.jpg
Emerald Luna will be built to the same specifications as the line’s other Rhine-Main-Danube ships, such as Emerald Sky, pictured here in Koblenz
As the 2021 river cruise season opens for bookings, Emerald Waterways announced a new Star-Ship, Emerald Luna.

When it debuts in spring 2021, Emerald Luna will become the line’s sixth Star-Ship to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and will bring the Emerald Waterways river fleet to nine.

Built to the same specifications as the line’s other Rhine-Main-Danube ships, Luna will feature Emerald Waterways’ signature indoor pool that converts to a cinema at night as well as all-weather indoor balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows.

‘The US has been seeing an increased demand for capacity on these popular rivers, and we look forward to being able to offer our unique brand of river cruising to a wider audience,’ said Lisa Norton, VP brand management for Emerald Waterways, North America.

New Holland itinerary

Also, Emerald Waterways will add a new itinerary to their 2021 season — a 10-day sailing through Holland and Belgium called ‘Springtime Delights.’ Sailing round-trip Amsterdam in April, the cruise will include stops in lesser-explored ports such as Maastricht, Holland’s oldest fortified city, and Haarlem, the heart of the Dutch flower-growing industry. And because April is the height of tulip season in Holland, the sailing will include a visit to the iconic Keukenhof Gardens where nearly 80 acres will be abloom with more than 7m multicolored flower bulbs.

Early booking offers

Travelers booking any 2021 European sailing between Jan. 21 and April 30 will receive up to free round-trip air and a drinks package depending on the length and cabin category. Those booking a cruise of 15 days or longer will receive free, round-trip air and a complimentary premium drinks package for booking in a Category C cabin and above, or $295 round-trip air and complimentary drinks package for Category D, E and F cabins.

Sailings of eight to 14 days offer free round-trip air for booking Category C cabins and above, and $295 round-trip air for Category D, E and F cabins. 

Emerald Waterways is part of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.