I'd always promised myself a river cruise as a retirement present to myself - after I booked this trip I got married as well as retiring, so it turned into a honeymoon cruise. The pre-organisation, information and documentation were all first class and my initial good impressions of Emerald were fulfilled upon joining. The crew were all welcoming, the cabin was spotless and very comfortable and the whole atmosphere on board was one of real eagerness to please and determination to ensure our comfort.
Like on a previous ocean cruise, we soon found out that the food and wine were compulsory! The choices at all meals were wide and I was very impressed by both the the quality and the presentation. The dining room was spacious, light and airy and the table service was beyond reproach. We particularly enjoyed the 'Chef's preview' chat before dinner where the head chef told us what speciality he'd prepared for that evening. A cheery feature was the birthday and other special occasion cakes which turned up at dinner throughout the trip, accompanied by singing waiters and sparklers to arrive at unsuspecting tables.
The daily excursions were all well thought out and the guides on the walking tours were without exception knowledgable and effective. We loved the concert in Vienna which was particularly well organised. The on-board cinema was a good idea and we liked the choice of films available there and also via the cabin TV. Only the on-board musician was a bit of let-down for us - his ability to play in proper tempo was not of the best.
Clean, spacious, well equipped, with brilliant and attentive service from our dedicated attendant