Emerald River Cruises vs Uniworld 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 Uniworld?

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

Once you step onboard the world’s finest and most awarded river cruise line for the first time, we are quite sure the refined luxury onboard our fleet will sweep you off your feet.

We draw our inspiration for the design philosophy of every one of the 17 ships in our fleet directly from the destination in which they sail. The craftsmanship, the attention to detail, the art onboard, the handcrafted furniture and intricacy of the fabrics are lovingly assembled to be a masterpiece in and of itself. Stepping onboard is to step into a world of beautiful read more colours and one-of-a-kind details that truly bring your destination to life.

Crafting experiences you can’t find anywhere else, means continuing to elevate Uniworld to new heights year after year. From the addition of four new Super Ships in Egypt, Vietnam, Portugal and Italy, to the award winning service that comes from the heart, we’re putting even more emphasis on what’s onboard to enhancing several itineraries to accommodate guest’s diverse tastes for the future. We truly look forward to welcoming our Australian guests onboard.

What rivers do Uniworld explore?

Our thoughts...

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

If you are looking for 5-star luxury with 6-star service then Uniworld river cruises should be at the top of your wishlist. Uniworld's ships are one-of-a-kind, exquisitely appointed, boutique floating hotels - all with their own unique style. Uniworld ships are slightly smaller than average with about 130 guests, and are constantly being refurbished in their distinctive style. Half of the team at Global Journeys have embarked on a voyage with Uniworld and some us a few times! Uniworld pricing is now dynamic so can vary day by day, and while the cruises aren't the cheapest, their all-inclusive so you wont need to dip into your wallet once your read more cruise begins. Further savings are available if you're a past passenger on have travelled with any of Uniworld's sister brands including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, AAT Kings and Costsaver.

Who are we likely to meet on a Uniworld river cruise?

Culturally curious travellers seeking a luxurious, highly inclusive river cruise with immersive destination experiences, fine dining and personalised service.

Do Uniworld river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers are welcome, and Uniworld regularly waives single supplements on selected departures and stateroom categories.

How inclusive are Uniworld's river cruises?

Highly inclusive, Uniworld's fares include luxury accommodation, all onboard meals, unlimited premium wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, scheduled shore excursions, WiFi, onboard gratuities, fitness classes and the use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks. Inclusions can vary in Egypt, India, Southeast Asia and Peru.

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

Spa treatments.

Do Uniworld include shore excursions?

Yes. A comprehensive program of hosted shore excursions is included, led by English-speaking local experts.

What types of excusions are available?

Depending on the itinerary, guests can choose from traditional sightseeing, active 'Let's Go' excursions, locally immersive 'Do as the Locals Do' experiences and 'Village Day' programs. Bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are also available on selected ships.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Included activities can include live local entertainment, cultural enrichment, signature lectures, daily fitness and wellness classes, yoga and TRX training. Ships also feature lounges, fitness centres, spas and pools on selected ships.

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

All accommodation is river-facing, ranging from elegantly appointed staterooms to spacious suites. Many European ships feature handcrafted Savoir beds, luxury linens and individually designed interiors, with butler service available in selected suite categories.