Emerald Star

We travelled the last 2 weeks of July as river levels were dropping, but Emerald were magnificent in ensuring we completed the trip, accommodating us on 3 different ships so we missed very little of the programme. Facilities and food were top class, the organization faultless, all worked tirelessly and at considerable trouble and expense. Our cruise read more Director Patricia and Activities Manager Sophie stayed with us throughout and worked so hard to look after us, and Tracey from Global Journeys kept in touch. We have never cruised in any form before and may never again, but we certainly won't forget it.

Highly recommend this 15 day cruise - great itinerary, a lovely ship and excellent food. A very boutique travelling experience and although some itinerary disruption due to low water levels the staff did their very best to minimise any negative impact. As a result I probably saw more Bavarian towns - which are lovely - than planned. Although disappointing read more not to get to Cologne we did see Munich and we stayed on the ship without being off loaded like done other cruise boats. The Slovakian home visit tour was lots of fun and a highlight. All up people need to remain flexible and not worry about unplanned changes as the alternatives are often just as good!

Rachel McSorley (who managed my sister’s and I’s Emerald river cruise booking and a Sicilian trip previously) is an excellent travel advisor. I can’t speak too highly of Rachel from when we first booked the cruise 18 months ago to when my sister had to cancel in June due to ill health. This is the second trip Rachel has managed for me and her professionalism is consistent and of the highest standard. She is pleasant to deal with, very responsive to emails , and a clear communicator, she was very supportive when my sister had to cancel and it was a relief knowing Rachel was handling things with Emerald. Usually I book my own trips but Rachel - and Global Journeys - add so much value it’s a no brainer to use them - it’s a great service for which I’m very appreciative.

We really enjoyed our river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with Emerald. The ship was spacious, as was our cabin, the swimming pool was to die for and very relaxing, plus the excursions and service by all of the friendly and welcoming staff made our holiday very relaxing and memorable. We travelled in June, which was a superb time of year to enjoy read more beautiful flowers, glorious new foliage on the trees and the daily temperature just right. We have booked a few holidays with Hannah C from Global Journeys and can highly recommend Global Journeys, plus Hannah for her service and advice.

Our cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in early November was above all our expectations. The Emerald Destiny and all its facilities were very good but the hospitality was outstanding. The attention and kindness of all staff members was amazing. The gourmet food was delicious and the food and wine reflected the area we were cruising through. The excursions read more were all interesting and very accessible. There were more active options for the fitter cruisers but also special guides for the slower among us. The onboard entertainment was also varied and delightful and we were lucky enough to find ourselves with a wonderful group of fellow travellers with which to share our journey. I would not hesitate to recommend Emerald Cruises.

Trip was really good, though wasn't aware that there was a pick up from train station if arrived at start city via train. As a result we had to stay a night at start city unnecessarily.

The Danube was flooded and the ship couldn't travel as planned but Emerald kept us well informed and provided excursions that were just as exciting as the cancelled ones. We had a great time, saw amazing things and met some lovely people. We did not feel we missed out on anything with the changes. Well done Emerald.

Overall a great trip with Emerald. Had good rapport with all staff and the chef catered for me being a Coeliac to the extent of a special cake for my birthday. Weather was great in July, needed a light jacket despite reports of heatwave in Europe. Group was a mixture mainly of Australians and Canadians with a few UK and USA travellers. All friendly. read more Overall apart from the long haul flight enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks Tracey for your help. The photo is of Durnstein. A lovely small town, try the apricot ice cream!

We had a fantastic trip from the initial contact with Global Journeys to the final day of the cruise. Nothing was too hard for Hannah and her communication with us was excellent. Emerald were great, the organisation of the cruise left nothing wanting, from pickup in Amsterdam to drop off at Budapest Airport. The cruise itself was very well planned, read more the ship is only three years old which was great. Wonderful and friendly staff and of course the food: what can be said about it , other than excellent. We would highly recommend this cruise. Our Cruise Director could not have been better, she was very knowledgeable of all areas of the rivers travelled. The shore tour guides supplied by Emerald, also, were very good and enthusiastic about the towns they were showing us.