Emerald Yacht Cruises vs Scenic Discovery Cruises

Why should we cruise with Emerald?

We asked Emerald why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Experience relaxed luxury and authentic adventures with Emerald Cruises. Enjoy exceptional inclusions along Europe’s iconic rivers and the Mekong on our river ships and cruise by luxury yacht through the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean, Central America, Seychelles, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

From the enticing rivers of Europe and Southeast Asia, to the vibrant coastlines of the Caribbean and Mediterranean, and inspiring landscapes of Canada and Japan, each journey is designed to connect you meaningfully with your destination. On shore, read more enjoy cultural encounters and interactive experiences, guided walks, bike tours and more - always with your comfort and curiosity in mind.

What destinations are Emerald exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Emerald from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Emerald Cruises offer, part of the Scenic Group, offer a premium alternative to its luxury sister brand. Emerald is to Scenic what Travelmarvel is to APT, with fewer inclusions and a lower price point than their luxury counterparts. The Emerald fleet operates river ships along the waterways of Europe and Asia and in 2022 they launched their first of five luxury small ships that cruise the oceans aroudn the world.

With Emerald can expect generous inclusions like meals, airport transfers, gratuities and a selection of excursions so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey, knowing everything you need is taken care of.

Who cruises with Emerald?

Travellers seeking an intimate, contemporary luxury yacht experience with an emphasis on smaller ports, relaxed onboard living, destination immersion and included shore experiences. Solo travellers are also actively catered for.

What are Emerald known for?

Luxury yacht cruising aboard boutique vessels carrying around 100 to 128 guests, with access to smaller ports and harbours, included shore excursions, extensive dining and drinks, Marina Platform watersports and a strong emphasis on wellness. Warm-water cruising through the Med, Caribbean, Red Sea, Seychelles, the Kimberley and SE Asia regions.

Are Emerald's fares all-inclusive?

Fares are highly inclusive and include accommodation, all onboard meals, a broad selection of wine, beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, daily-restocked minibar, WiFi, included shore excursions, EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences, transfers, port charges and gratuities onboard and onshore.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include optional DiscoverMORE excursions, selected premium wines, spa treatments and selected premium dining experiences such as Emerald Kaia's Night Market Grill.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Gratuities onboard and onshore are included in your cruise fare.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. A selection of guided shore excursions are included, together with EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences and EmeraldACTIVE activities. Optional DiscoverMORE excursions are available for an additional charge.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary onboard WiFi is included, subject to availability and connectivity.

Does Emerald have a loyalty program?

Yes. EmeraldEXPLORER rewards repeat guests with points and tier-based benefits across Emerald Cruises.

Is Emerald a family friendly cruise-line?

Families can travel with Emerald Yacht Cruises, and selected suites on Emerald Kaia can be interconnected for families. The yachts are primarily designed as a luxury adult-oriented experience rather than a dedicated family cruise line.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included facilities and activities such as swimming pools, the Marina Platform with watersports equipment, snorkeling equipment, electric bicycles, a gym, wellness spaces, lounges and outdoor deck areas.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Spa treatments, optional DiscoverMORE experiences and selected premium dining experiences such as Emerald Kaia's Night Market Grill incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Emerald's ships?

Yes. Yacht dining includes venues such as La Cucina Dining & Terrace and Aqua Pool Café, with additional dining venues aboard the newer yachts. Most dining is included, although selected premium experiences such as Night Market Grill on Emerald Kaia cost extra.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, water, tea, coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages are included, and the minibar in every suite and stateroom is complimentary and restocked daily.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. A broad selection of wines, beers, spirits and cocktails is included throughout the day. Selected premium wines, including those from the Chairman's Wine List, cost extra.

Do Emerald sell any beverage packages?

No.

Do Emerald offer room service?

Yes. Room service breakfast is included.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Elements Spa offers massages and other wellness treatments for an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Emerald's ships?

Yes. Each luxury yacht has a modern, well-equipped fitness centre.

Are fitness classes available onboard Emerald's ships?

Yes. Wellness and fitness activities are offered onboard and through EmeraldACTIVE, with exact programs varying by yacht and sailing.

Do Emerald offer personal training?

No.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry facilities are available onboard.

Do Emerald offer a laundry service?

Yes, self service and complimentary.

Why should we cruise with Scenic?

We asked Scenic why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
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The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.

What destinations are Scenic exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Scenic from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select.

Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!

Who cruises with Scenic?

Well-travelled couples and solo travellers seeking ultra-luxury small-ship cruising and destination-focused exploration. Guests are international, with a strong Australian, New Zealand, North American and British mix.

What are Scenic known for?

Ultra-luxury small-ship cruising aboard Scenic Eclipse, Eclipse II and Ikon, all-verandah suites, butler service for every guest, close to 1:1 crew-to-guest service, expedition cruising and onboard helicopters and submersibles.

Are Scenic's fares all-inclusive?

All-inclusive fares with all dining, premium beverages throughout the day, in-suite minibar, gratuities, WiFi, butler service and Scenic Freechoice or Discovery excursions.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include helicopter and submersible experiences, spa and salon treatments, a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines and spirits and laundry outside applicable suite inclusions.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Tipping and gratuities onboard and onshore are included.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. Scenic Freechoice and Discovery excursions are included. Expedition and Discovery voyages can include Zodiac cruising, guided landings, kayaking and paddleboarding, while helicopters and submersible experiences cost extra.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included throughout the ship.

Does Scenic have a loyalty program?

Yes. Scenic and Emerald loyalty programs are combined into Scenic & Emerald Rewards, allowing members to earn status across Scenic's and Emerald's ocean, river and land journeys.

Is Scenic a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are permitted but Scenic Eclipse is primarily designed for adults rather than families.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include live music, theatre performances, cabaret, trivia, dance classes, lectures, Discovery Team presentations, gym use, yoga and Pilates, pools and spa relaxation facilities.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Helicopter and submersible experiences and spa treatments cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Scenic's ships?

Yes. Scenic Eclipse offers up to 10 included culinary experiences, ranging from casual venues to fine dining and degustation restaurants. Reservations are required for some venues, but there is no dining surcharge.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining experiences are included.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are included, along with a complimentary in-suite minibar.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium wines, Champagne, spirits and other alcoholic drinks are included throughout the day, except for a small selection of rare, fine and vintage labels.

Do Scenic sell any beverage packages?

No. A beverage package is unnecessary because premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are already included.

Do Scenic offer room service?

Yes. In-suite dining and beverage service are included, with personalised butler service for every suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Scenic Eclipse has an expansive Senses Spa with thermal and relaxation facilities. Salt therapy lounges, dry and wet saunas, cold plunge pool and mineralised spa facilities are included. Selected spa therapy and salon treatments cost extra.

Are there gyms onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Scenic's Discovery Yachts have fully equipped gyms included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Complimentary yoga, Pilates, stretching and other group wellness activities are offered, with programmes varying by voyage.

Do Scenic offer personal training?

Yes

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes

Do Scenic offer a laundry service?

Yes, self-service laundry service is available and included. Complimentary laundry is included with selected higher suite categories and loyalty benefits.