When I sailed Eastern Europe on Emerald Sky in April of 2016, I found a lot of like (in addition to a wonderful itinerary). My immediate takeaways about Emerald Sky:
- I liked Emerald Sky’s modern design. Emerald Cruises’ execs, as well as travel agents who I have spoken with, say the modern design attracts a younger clientele. Yes, average cruisers on board are in their sixties , but you’ll also find many in their 40s, and even in their 30s. Travel agents tell me that their younger clients are attracted to the ship’s décor. Guess what? At age 58, I am too. Emerald Sky is bright, contemporary and inviting.
- I appreciated the roomy cabins with lots of storage. I was in a Category B Panorama Balcony Suite. Okay, nitpickers would say it is not a suite, and in fact, it’s not. It’s only one room, after all. But it’s a large room by river cruise standards, measuring 180 square feet. And it’s not only size that matters here. The room was thoughtfully designed to include lots of storage. In addition to six ultra-large pull-out drawers, there is a spacious closet with hangers and a shelf. I also liked the large television with new release movies, and the comfy bed with white-on-white linens.
- The pool is a plus. The aft indoor pool serves several functions. First of all, it is a great space to get in a morning or afternoon swim. There’s a resistance lane for those who want to get a workout, and I saw people swimming each morning of my cruise when I went for coffee (there’s a great little self-service specialty coffee machine at the pool bar). Second, the pool area is also a nice place to relax. There is a retractable roof as well as windows all around, and comfortable pool furniture. Sit back and enjoy a beverage and a book or simply watch the landscape pass by you. Third, the pool converts into a cinema every other evening. The pool itself is covered, and a big screen is situated aft for new release movies, with popcorn and comfortable seating.
- Complimentary use of bicycles. Emerald Cruises isn’t the only cruise company to provide bicycles for complimentary use, but it’s always a plus in my book when bikes are available. There’s also a gym with a stationary bike and other exercise equipment.
- One of the best self-service coffee machines on the rivers. Yes, it makes a difference to the cruise experience, especially if you love coffee.
- Gratuities included. It’s nice not to have to think about gratuities and who should get what at the end of the cruise.
Why didn’t I mention food and service? Because nearly every river cruise company has great food and service, so it’s hard to single out one cruise company that does it better than the others. That said, both food and service were excellent on Emerald Sky, and I particularly enjoyed the location of the dining room, on deck 2, with (near) floor-to-ceiling windows that framed beautiful views of the river.
Couldn’t I find something to gripe about? Yes. The space between my stateroom bed and the bathroom was a bit tight, and the bathroom sink is tiny (think IKEA tiny). The design of the sink has changed on the newer ships. There is storage behind the bathroom mirrors. The shower was great and the bathroom was of sufficient size. It’s only that the sink was small.
Read my full review of Emerald Sky and see our extensive photo gallery of staterooms and public areas.
Also check out my daily reports …
- Enchantment Of Eastern Europe, Exploring Bucharest, Chasing Dracula & Boarding Emerald Sky
- Enchantment Of Eastern Europe, Touring Bulgaria For Two Days On Emerald Sky
- Enchantment Of Eastern Europe, Through The ‘Iron Gates’ & Into Serbia On Emerald Sky
- Enchantment Of Eastern Europe, From Croatia To Budapest & A Special Night Cruise On Emerald Sky
ASTOR KINNEY says
My wife and I will be traveling on Emerald Waterways for the fourth straight year in July. We too have
taken the cruise from Bucharest to Budapest. While the trip was pleasant and smooth, the sights and
excursions were not up to par with our other journeys on the Danube north or the Rhine. Being our fourth trip with Emerald this year it is apparent they have become our favorite cruise company. We are treated very well, their ships are some of the finest on the rivers, and their all-inclusive packages are just that–all inclusive. Once we leave home, if we so desire, we never have to open our billfolds. Also, they booked our flights from our home airport – Greensboro Triad Airport (GSO).