Emerald River Cruises vs Viking 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 Viking?

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

A Viking river cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Egypt, Asia, Europe or the Mississippi, 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 ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include read more 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 has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.

What rivers do Viking explore?

Our thoughts...

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

Cruising along the rivers of Europe, you’re almost certain to pass a Viking Longship along the way. Viking boasts the world’s largest fleet of river ships, 99 and counting, and while their core market has traditionally been the US and Canada, an increasing number of travellers from Australia and New Zealand are also choosing Viking to explore the waterways of Europe, Asia and even the Mississippi.

Viking has created a style of ship and river cruising that simply works, and has replicated it consistently across its fleet and destinations. That means you can expect a familiar level of service, ship design and cruise inclusions, no matter where you're exploring.

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

Curious, culturally focused adult travellers seeking destination-rich river cruising, with an emphasis on history, art, food and local culture. Viking cruises are exclusively for guests aged 18 and over.

Do Viking river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers can book Viking river cruises, and reduced single supplements are regularly offered on selected voyages and stateroom categories.

How inclusive are Viking's river cruises?

Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, one shore excursion in every port, WiFi, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffee, tea and bottled water, port charges and enrichment activities. Onboard gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand bookings, but not for North American bookings.

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

Additional costs can include optional shore excursions, alcoholic drinks outside meal times, premium beverages, laundry and gratuities for local guides and drivers.

Do Viking include shore excursions?

Yes. One complimentary shore excursion is included in every port of call.

What types of excusions are available?

Each port includes a complimentary guided excursion, with hundreds of optional excursions available across Viking's itineraries for travellers wanting additional cultural, culinary and active experiences.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Onboard activities can include destination lectures, port talks, cultural performances, live regional and classical music, craft and cooking demonstrations, films and a curated library. Many ships also have a walking track and other recreational spaces on the Sun Deck.

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

All staterooms are outside-facing with river views. Accommodation includes Standard Staterooms, French Balcony Staterooms, Veranda Staterooms and spacious Veranda and Explorer Suites, with suites generally offering separate living areas and private verandas.