All of the services were world class, housekeeping, tour director, bar and restaurant staff. Cabin was very clean and well appointed, but small, and the sliding door to the bathroom was awkward. We used the bicycles on several days, which was a great way to see more of the cities, however the bikes themselves were heavy and difficult to handle, with drag (pedal backward) brakes and a weird frame geometry. One suggestion for Emerald would be to provide a few higher end, lighter bikes for those passengers who are experienced city riders.

The food was great, but a little much of a muchness after several days, and we found ourselves craving hot spicy Indian food on one of the evenings, so we went ashore to satisfy that need! We were reprimanded for bringing our own bottle to the table on one of the evenings, which is understandable, but suggest that Emerald introduce an optional corkage fee, for those special occasions when you want to bring something very nice to the table. Laundry iron-burned one of my shirts. No big deal, but don't give them anything delicate or precious to you to wash.