Emerald Sun Review
Amazing luxury, superb service and fantastic value for money
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise because it was on a small ship and on a river - the Danube - which we have never visited before and which looked varied and interesting. The facilities looked luxurious and the package looked good value for money. Everything lived up to our expectations and more. Emerald Sun is new for 2016 and a remarkable piece of naval engineering: much of the top deck structures raised and lowered to accommodate bridge heights and water levels. Our cabin was splendid - large bed, plenty of storage and hanging space, spacious en suite shower room and a miraculous balcony with a glass panel we could lower to be in the open air. We appreciated the Nespresso machine, too.
Public areas of the ship are spacious and comfortable. I particularly liked the swimming pool which is small but has an infinity wave machine so you can swim against resistance as far as you like, but remain in the same spot - bit weird looking out at the river. Food is plentiful and varied with buffet arrangements for breakfast and lunch. Eggs and omelettes are cooked to order at breakfast and there's an endless supply of anything else you might want to eat. Lunch and dinner are both four courses and wine, beer and soft drinks are included with both. Tea and coffee are available all the time in the Horizon Lounge. I was a bit disappointed with the 'vegetarian' offerings but then I always am, believing that there are few chefs who can cater for veggies. I do eat fish, however, and there was always a fish dish.
Perhaps the best thing about the whole trip were the shore excursions, with at least one each day included in the price. They are thoughtfully organised so you are back in time for lunch: this meant we spent hardly anything during the holiday. Entertainment was varied, if a bit predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Cabin Review
Tastefully appointed, very comfortable, huge bed, luxury toiletries and everything we needed.
Port Reviews
Regensburg
Charming town, interesting information from the guide, nothing challenging for walking.
Durnstein (Krems)
Another charming town with plenty to see.
Melk
Not to be missed. We had a coach transfer to Melk Abbey which takes minutes but saves the walk up a steep hill. It's very extensive and beautifully kept. Emerald keeps groups small by employing several tour guides and include a receiver with an earpiece so you can always hear the guide. Our walk round the Abbey was very interesting and the Library with displays of ancient, handmade books is stunning. The Abbey church was ornate and beautiful. I should have liked to have seen the gardens but there wasn't time, but we enjoyed a short ramble back down the hill, through the little town and back to the river. Lovely.
Vienna
We found ourselves a bit disappointed with Vienna: it's very, very busy with traffic and hold ups everywhere. Some of the buildings are very beautiful - the Opera House for example. Emerald organises coach transfers to and from the ship to the city centre after lunch so it's possible to go back and take a longer look. Sadly, it was pouring with rain so we didn't bother.
Bratislava
I loved Bratislava! It's interesting, not too big, lovely buildings, beautifully kept. It feels friendly and cosmopolitan: people watching in the café we visited was rewarding. We participated in the organised tour and then went back for a longer walk on our own - very worthwhile.
Budapest
The ship docked bang opposite the instantly recognisable parliament building - fantastic. We were taken by coach up to the view point where we could see Budapest and the Danube spread out below. There's lots of traffic and it is a large city but it felt friendly and accessible, unlike Vienna. Having toured round in the bus, we were dropped off in the castle area and went up to the cathedral which is richly decorated inside and amazingly beautiful. Superb experience, seeing Budapest and I want to return. After dinner the captain sailed the ship the length of the Danube in the city so we could see all the wonderful buildings floodlit - magical - though it was cold on deck but not raining, fortunately. The crew served us Blue Danube cocktails, too - lovely!