Emerald Yacht Cruises vs Silversea

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 Silversea?

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

A luxurious cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort. Our intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet.

Enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service read more for every suite and of course all gratuities. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.

What destinations are Silversea exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise line. Its classic All-Inclusive fare includes butler-serviced suites, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi, while shore excursions are typically optional. You can upgrade to their All-Inclusive Plus fare which includes a generous shore excursion credit if you're looking at getting everything paid up before you leave. We’ve had amazing feedback from our past clients, so if you’re looking for some pampering while exploring the world aboard a small luxury or expedition ship, we think Silversea is very hard to go past.

Who cruises with Silversea?

World travellers seeking to explore remote locations with most passengers from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

What are Silversea known for?

Luxury cruises and expeditions, over 1,000 destinations, and overnight and late port departures.

Are Silversea's fares all-inclusive?

Positioned as all-inclusive, although shore excursions and some specialty restaurants incur charges.

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

Shore excursions, selected specialty restaurants, some premium champagne, wines and spirits, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and upgraded WiFi packages incur additional charges.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

Excursions are not included and cost extra. Expedition-cruise Zodiac, sea and shore excursions are included, with optional excursions available for purchase.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is provided for one device at a time in every suite and two devices at a time in premium suites; upgraded premium access packages are available for purchase.

Does Silversea have a loyalty program?

No. Venetian Club only.

Is Silversea a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises or ships. Children under five cannot participate in expedition excursions or embarkations requiring a Zodiac, and an adult family member must remain onboard during Zodiac excursions.

Are any onboard activities included?

Small ship cruises offer production shows, classical soloists, cultural entertainment and feature films. Expedition cruises offer expert lectures and films.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes, but not on Silversea's expedtion ships.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

No.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Silversea's ships?

Yes. La Dame, Seishin Restaurant and Kaiseki Restaurant attract a charge; most other dining is complimentary.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium wines and spirits are included, although some premium champagne, wine and spirit selections cost extra.

Do Silversea sell any beverage packages?

No.

Do Silversea offer room service?

Yes. 24-hour in-suite dining is available, with butler service for every suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available at an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Silversea's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Silversea's ships?

Yes. Circuit training is complimentary, while Pilates and yoga may incur charges. Services vary between classic and expedition ships.

Do Silversea offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes.

Do Silversea offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.