We did not want an ocean cruise on a big ship which is why we chose a river cruise Amsterdam to Basel. The ship was only a year old and everything was immaculate and new. The food was plentiful and freshly prepared with a good choice and as we had a drinks package cocktails, spirits, beer, wine etc were free all day long. The staff were superb. Service in the restaurant was prompt and efficient and delivered by a friendly, happy and very helpful restaurant crew. . Every member of the crew were approachable, amenable and nothing was too much trouble. The resident pianist was a bubbly enthusiastic chap who kept the party going. The cruise director was knowledgable and we used to look forward to his 'dear ladies and gentlemen' greeting. I cannot speak highly enough of this cruise although some scenery passed was industrial it did not spoil the relaxed feeling and enjoyment of gliding down the River Rhine. The shore excursions were on the whole very good with knowledgable local guides.

I would definitely booked with Emerald again the whole experience was wonderful and the crew from the Captain down helped make it. We also met lots of lovely people from Australia, Canada and England even if the weather let us down a bit.

The only thing which marred it was the journey home instead of a two hour direct flight to Edinburgh which would have got us home at 12 noon we had a marathon going from Basel to Frankfurt then home to Edinburgh and eventually got home at 5:30 pm. The annoying thing was another couple travelling to Edinburgh were booked on the direct flight.