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Emerald Liberte

Specially commissioned to sail the Rhône and Saône as part of our Sensations of Southern France river cruise, Emerald Liberté is one of three Star-Ships added to the Emerald Cruises fleet in 2017.

Mirroring the effortless sophistication and beauty of the French countryside, this beautiful ship offers locally-sourced, authentic fine-dining to be paired with the perfect wine accompaniment by our on-board sommeliers, a level of service and attention-to-detail which is sewn into its very essence, providing an experience comparable to that of a world-class hotel.

With a capacity of 132 guests, and a series of cutting-edge amenities, Emerald Liberté represents the next generation of river cruising. The suites, staterooms and public spaces are set across four beautifully-appointed decks, providing endless scope for relaxation and enjoyment whilst cruising.

Travelling from Lyon to Avignon, the ship will explore culturally-rich and enigmatic cities before dissecting the wine regions and charming Mediterranean settlements of France. The Mediterranean climate provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the amenities of the Sun Deck, where you can sit back and relax or sink a few balls on the putting green. While the heated pool boasts a glass roof which is retractable to let in a cool breeze on a warm day. And, we’ve incorporated the hugely popular Horizon Bar & Lounge, offering the perfect setting for you to enjoy your favourite tipples.

During days on the water, you can indulge in a little ‘me’ time aboard the Emerald Liberté, with a skilled hairdresser on the Riviera Deck, spa facilities and a well-equipped gym in the wellness and fitness area. Find your centre and feel thoroughly relaxed from start to finish.

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Accomodation Types

Our suites and staterooms are chic, modern sanctuaries, something you would expect from that of a world-class hotel. Inspired by innovation and contemporary design, we have five suite and stateroom grades. In all suites, the traditional French balcony has been substituted for our ingenious all-weather system, transforming your balcony into the perfect place for you to enjoy the endless river views, regardless of the weather. Our staterooms offer a picture window, perfect for admiring the views.

All suites and staterooms boast a wealth of sumptuous features, from luxurious toiletries and a revitalising shower in your spacious en-suite bathroom, to a queen size* or twin hotel-style bed, draped with luxurious linens. Not forgetting, a flat screen HDTV and infotainment system, free Wi-Fi to keep you connected with loved ones, and a bottle of water, replenished daily. We also provide trekking poles to assist on guided walking tours and hikes.

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

Grand Balcony Suite

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Emerald Stateroom

Emerald Single Stateroom

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Deck Plans

Our suites and staterooms are chic, modern sanctuaries, something you would expect from that of a world-class hotel. Inspired by innovation and contemporary design, we have five suite and stateroom grades. In all suites, the traditional French balcony has been substituted for our ingenious all-weather system, transforming your balcony into the perfect place for you to enjoy the endless river views, regardless of the weather. Our staterooms offer a picture window, perfect for admiring the views.

All suites and staterooms boast a wealth of sumptuous features, from luxurious toiletries and a revitalising shower in your spacious en-suite bathroom, to a queen size* or twin hotel-style bed, draped with luxurious linens. Not forgetting, a flat screen HDTV and infotainment system, free Wi-Fi to keep you connected with loved ones, and a bottle of water, replenished daily. We also provide trekking poles to assist on guided walking tours and hikes.

Sun Deck

Horizon Deck

Vista Deck

Riviera Deck

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Dining

Look forward to memorable dining moments from start to finish on-board our boutique Star-Ships. With elegant dining venues and an attentive service team, breakfast, lunch and dinner promise to be among the highlights of your journey as you travel the waters of Europe and Asia with us.

From your Welcome Buffet to the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, dining is a joy on-board our Star-Ships. You’ll savour chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, accompanied by a selection of complimentary beverages that make mealtimes extra special.

Every plate and every glass is inspired by the local region, so whether you’re cruising the waters of southern France or Southeast Asia, you can look forward to a taste of regional flavours throughout your river cruise, along with a selection of traditional favourites.

We believe food should reflect local flavours, which is why all our plates take inspiration from the regions we pass through. Our chefs source ingredients from local suppliers, creating menus that capture authentic regional cuisine whether you’re in Portugal, Germany, Vietnam or Cambodia.

And it isn’t just our food which provides a glimpse of local flavour; all our wines are handpicked to pair beautifully with our plates, sourced where possible from regional suppliers. What’s more, you can enjoy a glass or two on us during mealtimes, so whether you’re dining à la carte or grazing at the buffet, dining is always a culinary celebration.

Mealtime drinks

Drinks are on us when you dine on-board Emerald Liberté. Choose from a selection of hot and cold drinks and wine and beer during lunch and dinner, or invest in an on-board drinks package to keep the liquid refreshments coming all day long.

Reflections Restaurant

The Terrace

Sky Barbecue

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Entertainment

As the host on-board, our Cruise Directors strive to ensure there’s never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. With this in mind, a fantastic range of entertaining activities are available for you to enjoy.

Thanks to the unique design of our Star-Ships, we are able to host a unique event program throughout your cruise. In the Horizon Bar & Lounge, immerse yourself in ancient folklores, passed from one generation to another for hundreds of years, during an authentic show. Or, let the music of a nation sweep you off your feet as a local band takes to the floor in their traditional attire. Alternatively, catch that film you never got round to seeing during movie nights in the cinema.

Reception

Horizon Bar & Lounge

Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema

Sun Deck

Games Area and Golf Putting Green

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Enrichment

From guided hikes and bike rides to guided tours of iconic cities, you’ll enjoy exciting excursions every day of your journey on-board Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn. This includes EmeraldPLUS experiences and EmeraldACTIVE excursions, which are designed to help you enjoy all of the wonders of Europe – such as the opportunity to enjoy home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family. 

DiscoverMORE

To immerse you further in local history and culture, we also offer optional DiscoverMORE special excursions (at an additional cost). Look out for details on each itinerary. These can either be booked before you go or once on-board.

Head into France’s storied past, or the region’s glitzy cities with a DiscoverMORE excursion along the Rhône.

With DiscoverMORE, you’re free to revel in the awe-inspiring wonder of Pont du Gard, the highest of all Roman-built aqueducts. A striking example of Roman engineering, the Pont du Gard stretches powerfully across the Gardon River. Built in the 1st century, the structure remains solid to this day, a testament to the precision and skill of Roman engineers, despite the simplicity of the technology they used. 

EmeraldACTIVE

Showcasing the very best that Europe has to offer, our exceptional river cruises introduce the highlights of the continent – from the splendour of the Rhine Gorge to the elegant boulevards of Vienna. In between memorable sightseeing and cultural encounters, you can enjoy an exciting collection of EmeraldACTIVE excursions, special events that let you stretch your legs and keep active amid the inspiring backdrops of Europe’s iconic waterways.

Hike the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône

Beyond the limits of medieval Tournon lies the terraced vine slopes of the Côtes du Rhône, one of France’s most esteemed wine-making appellations. It’s here, within sight of the weaving passage of the river, that you can enjoy an EmeraldACTIVE vineyard hike – taking in the fragrant grape rows, inspiring scenery and warm, Mediterranean climate. Climb from the river’s edge to the summit of the valley through these celebrated wine lands promises, and enjoy a post-walk tasting session.

EmeraldPLUS

The EmeraldPLUS experience takes you to the heart of local culture, helping you enjoy authentic customs and traditions while learning what day-to-day life is like for local people. These enriching events seek to avoid typical tourist hotspots, so you can be sure that your experience goes beyond that of the ordinary traveller. 

From the culinary capital of Europe, Lyon, to the balmy climes of the Mediterranean Coast, the Rhône explores a truly beautiful stretch of France.

Regional wine tasting in Tournon

The South of France has winemaking pedigree that is hard to match, anywhere in the world. As your Star-Ship journeys through Tournon, you’ll be given chance to sample some of the region’s best-loved and most celebrated wines. Hosted on-board the ship, with the stunning backdrop of southern France passing you by, you’re free to try these delightful vintages.

Enjoy this EmeraldPLUS experience as part of our Sensations of Lyon & Provence river cruise.

Provencal dinners hosted by renowned local chef

As well as a rich winemaking heritage, Provence is also home to some of the world’s favourite dishes and most respected chefs. During our river cruises through this amazing part of the world – a popular local chef will join you on-board and host an amazing dinner filled with delicacies and Provencal favourites.

Take part in this EmeraldPLUS experience during our Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice river cruise.

Inspiring day ashore

With a different port call almost every day of your cruise; Emerald Cruises have organised a series of inspiring days ashore – taking you to the very heart of the beautiful towns and cities we visit. Exploring authentic local cultures, Emerald Cruises excursions are led by experienced, knowledgeable guides – introducing you to a wealth of knowledge.

Featuring as many as 16 destinations across up to five different countries, an Emerald Cruises cruise provides the perfect platform to absorb a huge array of cultures and traditions in one fell swoop. Every Emerald Cruises cruise itinerary is carefully planned to ensure the ship visits only the most fascinating, rewarding port towns and cities – affording you the opportunity to derive maximum reward and pleasure.

Whether exploring a new town on foot or navigating the streets of an ancient city by coach, English-speaking guides will be on hand to bring your destination to life through educational and enlightening commentary. And to ensure you don’t miss a second of the tour, we will provide all of our guests with a personal headset.

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Health & Fitness

Pool

Fitness and Wellness area

Walking Track

Wellness Area

Hairdressers

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Kids & Teens

Please note: There are no children's facilities onboard the Emerald Liberte.

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Useful Information

Disabled Facilities

We welcome all guests with mobility issues but please be aware that limitations could exist on-board and during shore excursions. Our lifts service three out of the four decks, with access to the Sun Deck only possible using stairs. Under appropriate circumstances, guests are allowed to use a collapsible wheelchair on-board.

You must be able to climb up and down the stairs on coaches and some shore excursions may require movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs. Guests with limited mobility will require the services of a reasonable companion, since the crew is limited. On occasions, we may be required to dock alongside other ships, which means accessing the shore via the Sun Deck. For further information, please contact one of our travel advisors.

A number of the shore excursions are conducted from coaches, so it is important that guests are capable of walking up and down the coach stairs. Furthermore, some of the shore excursions include walks through towns and cities – which may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Guests with limited mobility will require the services of a responsible companion, due to the, sometimes, limited availability of crew members during shore excursions.

Dress Code

The River Cruise Dress Code

If you are packing for an upcoming river cruise and struggling to determine the clothes which will make the suitcase cut, and which should be left in the bedroom cupboard, worry no more. Here, we have compiled everything you need to know about dressing for a river cruise, and even sought the help of two of our favourite cruise bloggers to offer their advice on how to dress to impress (and for comfort) during a wonderful journey atop the beautiful rivers of Europe.

Advised Dress Code on a River Cruise Holiday

Emerald Cruises operates a smart-casual dress code for evening meals and entertainment. A choice of open-neck shirts with slacks or dresses are appropriate for the elegant surroundings on-board the Emerald Waterways ships. These should be paired with smart shoes. Guests are welcome to wear jackets and ties but these are not compulsory.

On-Board Dress Code

Daywear on-board the Emerald Cruises ships is casual, but not too casual. This is, perhaps, best explained by actress and contributing editor of Cruise International magazine, Julie Peasgood: “The good news about dress codes on river cruises is that there generally isn’t one. ‘Formal’ certainly isn’t the name of the game on any river cruise - and many people find the more relaxed dress code a welcome relief. Smart casual is usually all that’s required, both in the day and the evening – the emphasis is definitely on feeling comfortable.

“You can, however, don your finery at the welcome dinner on-board, or at the Captain’s reception if you wish to. It’s always special to bring out your bling if that’s your style, but on river cruises that’s going to be cocktail frocks rather than full-length gowns. Swimwear isn’t ever encouraged in the dining room by the way, with sleeveless vests and restaurants never a comfortable pairing.”

On-Shore Dress Suggestions

With city visits and cultural excursions at the heart of the Emerald Cruises experience, we want our guests to make the very most of these opportunities, and that includes dressing for the occasion. Whilst exploring enchanting cities and regions of outstanding beauty, comfort is key so picking the right clothing is important.

A comfortable pair of walking shoes is an absolute must, whether you’re undertaking an EmeraldACTIVE hike or enjoying a relaxing tour around the canals of Amsterdam. Appropriate clothing for the destinations visited is recommended, and our on-board team can keep you updated with the weather expected for upcoming port calls. Waterproofs are highly recommended, so a potential downpour does not spoil any excursion or city visit.

Our good friend, Telegraph contributor and cruise writer extraordinaire, Jane Archer, echoes these sentiments: “By day, the important thing is to be comfortable. High heels are a bad idea for walking ashore as cobbled streets are ubiquitous in Europe’s towns and cities. Summers get hot so be prepared with shorts, light dresses and t-shirts, conversely autumn and winter are chilly so a warm coat, hat and gloves are a must.”

Additionally, our river cruise itineraries visit some of the most wonderful shopping destinations on the continent. Explore the delightful Mariahilfer Straße in Vienna, taking in the exciting boutiques hidden by the bigger department stores, or the famous Váci Street in Budapest, home to designer flagships galore.

Difference Between River and Ocean Cruise Dress Codes

Ocean cruise lines often follow the maxim that ‘bigger is better’, from the size of the vessels to the eye-watering buffet options available throughout the day. And this continues through to the dress codes, with many lines imposing strict rules about what their guests should and should not wear. Particularly on Captain’s Dinner and other formal nights, tuxedos and cocktail dresses are often the order of the day. Admittedly, some ocean cruisers are ditching the dress code altogether in a bid to bring more families on board, with shorts and vests becoming a regular sight at the dinner table.

River cruise dress codes tend to be placed comfortably in the middle of these two extremes, with the smart-casual suggestion pairing sophistication with comfort.

Age Restrictions

Travellers who are less than 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by and share a cabin/room with an adult aged 18 or over. Children under the age of 12 years are not encouraged and are accepted or rejected at our sole discretion.

Wifi & Internet Access

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on-board all the Emerald Cruises ships throughout the public spaces, cabins and suites.

Please note: Wi-Fi connection strength and speed may change as the vessel moves.

Special Dietary Requirements

Emerald Cruises endeavour to cater for all dietary requirements and requests. We ask that you inform us of any requirements or requests at the time of booking. This will give us chance to meet your requirements.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

While we do not offer a separate vegan menu, all of our vegetarian dishes are clearly marked and there will be a vegetarian option available with every meal.

We do offer all of our guests the opportunity to make dietary requests at the time of booking. These are then reviewed and special arrangements can be made. Personalised menus are also available.

Certified vegan wines are also available on board each of our cruises, one white and one red. If you would like, then you can request something special at the time of booking so that it can be sourced for you before your cruise.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or any indoor parts of any of the ships in the Emerald Cruises fleet.

There are areas on the ships’ external decks where smoking is permitted.

What to Pack for a River Cruise

Essentials

With clothing and footwear wrapped up neatly in your suitcase, it’s time to consider those easy-to-forget essentials that you may or may not need during your river journey. Below, we recommend a list of personal items and electronics which you should pop in your case for a comfortable and hassle-free trip.

Personal Items

Medication
From prescribed medications (clearly labelled) to painkillers, allergy relief tablets and travel sickness pills, you shouldn’t leave home without packing those all-important medicines.

A backpack, satchel or travel bag

Remember to bring the charging lead for your phone, camera and other electronic items, as well as a travel adapter. All Emerald Cruises Star-Ships feature two-pin standard European sockets, so you’ll need an adapter plug.

Insect repellent

Depending on the time of year you travel, you may want to pack insect repellent to divert the attention of Europe’s creepy crawlies, including mosquitoes and midges.

Toiletries and cosmetics
While we provide a selection of complimentary toiletries, we understand there are some things you can’t live without – so don’t forget your washbag.

Travel documents

An obvious one, but easy to neglect; make sure to pack your passport, tickets, boarding passes and any other documents related to your trip.

Tech and handheld devices

A smartphone or tablet
While a river cruise is a chance to escape the realities of everyday life, a smartphone or tablet is useful for helping to plan and research the day’s activities, or help you navigate one of the continent’s bustling cities.

Device chargers and travel adapters

Remember to bring the charging lead for your phone, camera and other electronic items, as well as a travel adapter. All Emerald Cruises Star-Ships feature two-pin standard European sockets, so you’ll need an adapter plug.

A camera

From the Rhine Gorge to Buda Hill, the rivers of Europe boast some truly beautiful vistas, so pack a camera to document those special moments.

Headphones

Whether listening to music by the pool or tuning into coach tour commentary, a pair of headphones is a useful addition to your suitcase.

Extra memory cards

From the moment you set out, you’ll feel the impulse to capture your surroundings, so pack additional memory cards for your camera or smartphone to ensure you never miss a beat.

E-reader

There’s something wonderful about reading a book as the great spectacle of Europe floats by, so if you’re an avid reader, save space in your case with an E-reader.

“Take lots of guide books. You'll want to read more.” – Sarah Lucas

Alan Fairfax was kind enough to provide a handy checklist, compiling some little extras to make your first-time river cruise even more enjoyable.

• Don’t forget a lightweight plastic hooded rain mac for those unexpected showers.
• A small rucksack for your camera, binoculars, rain macs and other items when out on excursions is essential.
• Research the countries you’ll visit. Check their currency, especially if travelling the Danube. If you’re using cash, get it before you leave. If you choose to use a credit card, ensure there are no transaction charges. Emerald Cruises Star-Ships do hold a small amount of currency – please refer to the FAQ page for more information.
• Don’t forget your electrical plug adapters. All sockets on the ships are the two-pin variety.
• A phrase book is always handy, especially in the smaller, more provincial towns and villages.
• Check your mobile network provider for any overseas charges, and don’t forget chargers and cables.

What not to pack

We understand it’s the small touches and finer details which make your travel experience that much more special and care-free. That’s why our Star-Ships are kitted out with a range of carefully-considered amenities and inclusions, taking the stress out of packing for your upcoming Emerald Cruises river cruise.

Below, we list all the things you won’t need to pack for your European river journey.

• A hair dryer
• Towels
• Toiletries (we provide a selection of toiletries, but you may prefer to use your own)
• Hiking poles and umbrellas
• Bottled water for excursion days
• A travel iron (all ships offer a comprehensive laundry service, for a fee)
• Coat hangers
• Bathrobe and slippers

Alcohol Policy

We have no problem with guests purchasing alcohol for consumption in their rooms. However, we do ask that personal drinks are not consumed in the communal areas of the ships.

Laundry Facilities

Guests staying in the Owner’s One-bedroom Suite and Riverview Suite can have four pieces of clothing laundered, free of charge, per day. And guests staying in the Grand Balcony Suites are permitted two complimentary laundry items per day.

For guests in all other suites and cabins, laundry services are available on river cruise ships at an additional charge. There is no dry cleaning on river cruise ships.

Drinks Packages

A selection of drinks packages is available on board, our most popular being our Premium Drinks Package. Please contact us for more details.