Two travel pros are godmothers for Emerald Waterways' dual christeningTwo travel pros are godmothers for Emerald Waterways' dual christening

Bergin, with more than 25 years' experience in the travel business, recently became president of OASIS, a national affiliation of independent travel consultants and one of the largest Internet-based travel companies in the US.

Kendrick who, started her career as counter sales staff at Co-operative Travel more than 25 years ago, is head of commercial and marketing at Midcounties Co-operative Travel, the UK’s largest independent Co-operative.

Each Star Ship carries 182 passengers in 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two designed for solo occupancy. A heated swimming pool with a retractable roof transforms into a movie theater in the evening, and there are two restaurants, a fitness area, a massage therapy room and a hairdresser.

A new type of cabin design features an indoor balcony with decked area; with the push of a button, the upper half of the floor-to-ceiling window drops down. Top suites separate the balcony from the cabin with sliding doors.

Included in the fare are transfers to and from the ships, all on-board (and some on-shore) meals; wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; Wi-Fi on board, most shore excursions and all gratuities.