Emerald River Cruises vs Scenic River 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 rivers do Emerald explore?

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 are we likely to meet on a Emerald river cruise?

Experienced travellers seeking a relaxed, premium river cruise with included sightseeing, local experiences and a contemporary onboard style.

Do Emerald river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Emerald actively caters for solo travellers with dedicated single staterooms on selected European ships and reduced or waived single supplements on selected departures.

How inclusive are Emerald's river cruises?

Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, WiFi, almost-daily shore excursions, EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences, transfers, port charges and gratuities both onboard and onshore.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Additional costs include optional DiscoverMORE excursions, alcoholic and premium beverages outside the included lunch and dinner selection, upgraded drinks packages and spa treatments.

Do Emerald include shore excursions?

Yes. Guided excursions are included almost every day, together with EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences and EmeraldACTIVE activities. Optional DiscoverMORE excursions cost extra.

What types of excusions are available?

Guests can choose from included guided sightseeing, EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences and more active EmeraldACTIVE options such as hiking and cycling. Additional DiscoverMORE excursions are available for purchase.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Facilities and activities include lounges, live entertainment, fitness areas, wellness activities, a Sun Deck and depending on the ship, an indoor heated pool that converts into a cinema. Complimentary bicycles are also available on most European ships for exploration ashore.

What are the cabins like on Emerald's river ships?

Accommodation ranges from river-view staterooms to panorama balcony suites and larger Owner's Suites. Many suites feature Emerald's all-weather balcony system, while selected European Star-Ships also have dedicated single staterooms.

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 rivers do Scenic explore?

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 are we likely to meet on a Scenic river cruise?

Mostly Australians and New Zealanders with international guests only introduced to Scenic over the last few years. Generally aged 50 and over, guests are predominantly couples, with solo travellers also well catered for.

Do Scenic river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Scenic welcomes solo travellers and offers special solo fares on selected river cruise departures, with open-seating dining and sociable shared spaces making it easy to meet other guests.

How inclusive are Scenic's river cruises?

All-inclusive fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, premium beverages throughout the day, butler service, WiFi, Scenic Enrich experiences, Scenic Freechoice excursions, gratuities and airport transfers on arrival and departure days.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Extra costs include a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spiritsand spa and wellness treatments.

Do Scenic include shore excursions?

Yes. Scenic Freechoice excursions and Scenic Enrich experiences are included in the cruise fare.

What types of excusions are available?

Scenic Freechoice offers multiple excursions in many ports, often categorised as Active, Moderate or Relaxed, so guests can select options that suit their interests and mobility.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Activities can include live music, game nights, lectures, cultural entertainment, stretching classes, wellness activities, gym use, e-bikes in Europe and relaxation in ship-specific facilities such as Vitality Pools and Salt Therapy Lounges.

What are the cabins like on Scenic's river ships?

Scenic river ships offer a range of suites, from lower-deck accommodation to Balcony, Junior, Royal and Panorama-style suites depending on the ship. Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites feature Scenic's convertible Sun Lounge, and butler service is included for every suite.