Emerald Yacht Cruises vs Viking Cruises
+ Global JourneysCompare the ships, onboard inclusions, pricing, shore excursions and popularity of cruising with Emerald Yacht Cruises and Viking Cruises, to see which is the better fit for your next journey.
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.
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Onboard currencyThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional costs include optional DiscoverMORE excursions, selected premium wines, spa treatments and selected premium dining experiences such as Emerald Kaia's Night Market Grill.
Yes. Gratuities onboard and onshore are included in your cruise fare.
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.
Yes. Complimentary onboard WiFi is included, subject to availability and connectivity.
Yes. EmeraldEXPLORER rewards repeat guests with points and tier-based benefits across Emerald Cruises.
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.
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.
No.
Yes. Spa treatments, optional DiscoverMORE experiences and selected premium dining experiences such as Emerald Kaia's Night Market Grill incur additional charges.
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.
No.
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.
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.
No.
Yes. Room service breakfast is included.
Yes. Elements Spa offers massages and other wellness treatments for an additional charge.
Yes. Each luxury yacht has a modern, well-equipped fitness centre.
Yes. Wellness and fitness activities are offered onboard and through EmeraldACTIVE, with exact programs varying by yacht and sailing.
No.
Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry facilities are available onboard.
Yes, self service and complimentary.
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.
Total No. CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of ShipsAll-Inclusive levelOnboard currencyThe 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.
Retired and semi-retired world travellers.
Adults only cruising, Scandinavian design, destination-focused experiences and no casinos.
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.
Premium beverages and selected shore excursions, plus some onboard experiences such as The Kitchen Table, cost extra.
Yes, but only for Australian and New Zealand passengers.
Yes. One courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port on classic cruises; expedition cruises include at least one shore excursion per landing day.
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is available.
No. The Viking Explorer Society offers credit and referral rewards to past Viking passengers only.
No. Children under 18 are not accepted.
Enrichment lectures, film screenings, presentations, daily expedition briefings, scientific programs in The Laboratory, complimentary dining, evening entertainment and free WiFi.
No.
Some experiences, such as The Kitchen Table, incur additional charges. Specialised fitness classes may also cost extra.
Yes. Viking offers seven complimentary restaurants on its mid-sized ships.
No.
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.
Complimentary house wines and beers are served with lunch and dinner.
Yes. For premium cocktails or wines and spirits, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package.
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.
Yes. Spa access is complimentary and spa and salon services are available for a charge.
Yes.
Yes. Classes may include yoga, Zumba, TRX and Body Conditioning; specialised classes may attract a charge.
Yes and charges apply. Not available on expedition ships.
Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry.
Yes. Charges apply.
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