Emerald Yacht Cruises vs Viking 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 Viking?

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

A Viking ocean cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Scandinavia, Asia, the Mediterranean or the Americas, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.

Our state-of-the-art small ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any casinos or kids on board. Plus, our fares read more include just about everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.

Viking is the world’s leading small-ship cruise line, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.

What destinations are Viking exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Purpose built and newly launched in 2017, Viking now boasts 16 mid-sized ships each accommodating between 930-998 guests, as well as 2 expedition ships (max 378 guests) that explore the world's most remote destinations. Already award winning, their itineraries are varied from worldwide journeys to smaller explorations of the Nordic region, Indian ocean, Asia, Oceania, Caribbean and the Med. Viking position these cruises as 'The Thinking Person’s Cruise', with included and optional shore excursions covering each destinations cultural and historic highlights. So if you are looking for water-slides, children's facilities and casino's, then perhaps read more another cruise company is more suited.

Who cruises with Viking?

Retired and semi-retired world travellers.

What are Viking known for?

Adults only cruising, Scandinavian design, destination-focused experiences and no casinos.

Are Viking's fares all-inclusive?

No. Premium beverages and some excursions cost extra. House beers and wine are included with meals and a courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port.

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

Premium beverages and selected shore excursions, plus some onboard experiences such as The Kitchen Table, cost extra.

Are gratuities included?

Yes, but only for Australian and New Zealand passengers.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. One courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port on classic cruises; expedition cruises include at least one shore excursion per landing day.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is available.

Does Viking have a loyalty program?

No. The Viking Explorer Society offers credit and referral rewards to past Viking passengers only.

Is Viking a family friendly cruise-line?

No. Children under 18 are not accepted.

Are any onboard activities included?

Enrichment lectures, film screenings, presentations, daily expedition briefings, scientific programs in The Laboratory, complimentary dining, evening entertainment and free WiFi.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Some experiences, such as The Kitchen Table, incur additional charges. Specialised fitness classes may also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Viking's ships?

Yes. Viking offers seven complimentary restaurants on its mid-sized ships.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Purified water is provided in all staterooms; soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and specialty coffees and assorted hot teas are available 24 hours a day.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Complimentary house wines and beers are served with lunch and dinner.

Do Viking sell any beverage packages?

Yes. For premium cocktails or wines and spirits, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package.

Do Viking offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa access is complimentary and spa and salon services are available for a charge.

Are there gyms onboard Viking's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Viking's ships?

Yes. Classes may include yoga, Zumba, TRX and Body Conditioning; specialised classes may attract a charge.

Do Viking offer personal training?

Yes and charges apply. Not available on expedition ships.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry.

Do Viking offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.