Frequently asked questions
Find the answers to a range of commonly asked questions.
Hassle shouldn’t play a part in your holiday.
Here on our FAQs page, you’ll find the answers you’re looking for to plan, prepare, and pack for your luxury cruise without any stress.
From what’s included in the price of your luxury cruise to what you should pack for your vacation, you’ll find answers to the 10 most common questions we’re asked by our guests here. Need further help? Reach out to our team for assistance.
You may arrange for visitors to join you on board. To organize a visit, please speak to our team in Canada on 1 855 444 0161 who will arrange for the required paperwork to be completed.
Visitors will be required to pay for any food and drinks consumed on board.
Emerald Cruises are not responsible for passport, visa requirements, entry, health, or other requirements of the countries visited, or for any loss sustained by you for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders, or requirements of the countries we visit.
No, this will be your responsibility to organize. However, your travel agent can do this on your behalf. We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances which may arise, as defined in the respective proposal forms. It is a good idea to take your travel insurance documents with you.
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 our Star-Ships and luxury yachts.
If your question has not been fully answered, please reach out to us on our contact-us page.
Yes, you can discover what to expect before booking with Emerald Cruises by taking a virtual tour of the Star-Ships and luxury yachts in our fleet. You’ll have access to both the interiors and exteriors of our award-winning vessels.
To take a virtual tour, simply visit Our Star-Ships page or Our Yachts page , click the relevant vessel. and then select ‘Take a 360° Virtual Tour’.
View our fleet of Star-Ships
View our fleet of luxury yachts
Once you’ve found your perfect cruise, you can contact your professional travel advisor or call our dedicated Reservations team at 18554440161 and we will assist you with the booking process. Our experienced team will help tailor your cruise to your specific needs and requirements.
For more information, brochures
If you’d prefer to book online, you can explore our full collection online and follow the prompts.
You’ll enjoy a range of fantastic dishes on board to suit any palate. We typically serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner between the following times; however, timing are subject to change. Exact times are provided in the daily program.
Breakfast: 0700 - 0900
Lunch: 1200 – 1400
Dinner: 1900 - 2100
We recommend casual and comfortable clothing. For sightseeing and walking tours, you’ll need comfortable shoes. For the winter months, you may need warmer clothing.
Dinner is informal, but on certain evenings such as the Welcome and Farewell Dinners, you prefer to dress up.
We include transfers to and from your ship, on board meals, a selection of drinks with lunch and dinner, on board Wi-Fi, shore excursions, port charges, airport taxes, and on board tips. For full details of inclusions, please see our brochures here.
If you have a serious medical condition, we would recommend consulting your Doctor before booking with Emerald Cruises. If you have any mobility difficulties, you should inform us at the time of booking.
Our health & safety protocol will be updated from the Travel Advisory page of Canada. (https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories) Your Doctor will provide information regarding any and all vaccinations required to visit any of the destinations on our itineraries.
Know before you go with our prior-to-leaving FAQs. Whether you want to find out what our standard baggage allowance is, need help with your final documents, or have a question about accessibility; we’ll provide you with the answer you’re looking for.
Once your booking is confirmed, you'll need to enter your personal details on Trip Personaliser prior to traveling (details on Trip Personaliser will be sent to you).
Required information:
Personal details
Next of kin details
Passport details
Additional details
Please note, all guests must complete their Trip Personaliser form prior to traveling. Failure to complete the form may prevent guests sailing with Emerald Cruises.
Yes. As soon as you return from your first cruise with us, you’ll be enrolled in our EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty club. This entitles you to exclusive benefits, including savings on future cruises, advance notice of new itineraries, and much more. Earn points every time you sail with us to move between our loyalty tiers.
For more information, visit our EmeraldEXPLORER page.
Yes. When you’re a member of our EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty club, you can take advantage of our Refer a Friend scheme. Tell your friends about your Emerald Cruises experience and both you and your friend will receive a $100 booking discount if they decide to book. loyalty-club.
In the rare event of low or high water levels, certain itineraries may be affected by these conditions that are out of our control. However, we will do everything within our power to minimize the impact these conditions have on your holiday, making alternative arrangements for the duration of the itinerary.
Some shore excursions are conducted from coaches, so it’s important that guests can walk up and down the coach stairs.
Furthermore, some excursions include guided tours, which may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Guests with limited mobility should travel with responsible companion, due to the capacity of available crew members during excursions.
For further details, please refer to our River Cruise excursions & experiences page or our Yacht Cruise excursions & experiences page.
On our Star-Ships, elevators service three out of the four decks, with access to the Sun Deck only possible using stairs.
On board our luxury yachts, our elevators service all decks.
Guests with limited mobility will require help from a companion since the crew is limited.
On occasions, we may have to dock alongside other ships, which means accessing the shore via the Sun Deck. For further information, please contact one of our travel advisors.
Yes, we do, our information sessions are the perfect opportunity for anyone considering a luxury small ship cruise to hear about life on board our Star-Ships and yachts.
Upcoming information sessions will be promoted on the Emerald Cruises website.
Alternatively contact the team on 18554440161 to register your attendance.
If requested, we can confirm the name of the ship at the time of booking. Your booking confirmation will also show the name of the ship on which you’re sailing.
Most cruise companies do not allow mothers-to-be on-board past their 28th week of pregnancy. Pregnant women that do decide to sail may be asked to provide a doctor's certificate stating their fitness for travel.
Absolutely! Our warm and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for first-time and seasoned solo travellers alike, with included guided group excursions at each destination and evening dinners inviting conversation with like-minded guests.
Most of our Emerald Cruises Star-Ships have single occupancy staterooms.
A single-traveller supplement fee may apply if you choose to sail on a Star-Ship or luxury yacht with no single occupancy accommodation available.
Explore our solo traveller offers here.
We provide full email and telephone contact details for the ship in your final documents.
Call us on 18554440161 or send us a message here.
No, please wait until you have claimed your luggage at your destination airport. This will ensure airline companies will not remove this tag, as it is required to easily identify your luggage for transfer services and hotels.
Each guest is entitled to one piece of checked (hold) baggage, and the total sum of its length, width, and height must not exceed 160cm (62 inches) and the weight must not exceed 20kg (44lbs).
Additional baggage may be permitted but this will be at the cost of the guest.
Once you have boarded your Star-Ship or luxury yacht, the on board crew will conduct a safety briefing for all guests. This will detail the relevant safety procedures, and what you should do in the event of an emergency.
All of our Star-Ships and luxury yachts are equipped with safety equipment to ensure the safety of our guests, including sprinkler systems and life-saving equipment.
All guests are required to possess a passport valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip.
Please note, if your nationality (passport) differs from the country in which you reside, please take the time to check carefully with your local consulates concerning visa and passport requirements for your travels.
Holidays can be disrupted or altered altogether if the correct documents cannot be supplied at airports or borders, so check carefully that you have the required papers.
Yes, all our cruises are LGBT friendly. A selection of our destinations are famed for their LGBT-friendly atmosphere, including Amsterdam, Antwerp, Vienna, Cologne, Prague, and Budapest.
You can expect your travel documents to arrive 2-4 weeks prior to your departure date. When booking within two weeks of departure date, your travel documents will be emailed to you to print at home.
Our during-your-cruise FAQs can help you plan and prepare for a comfortable getaway. From Wi-Fi access to information on facilities, we’ve covered everything you need to know about life on board our luxury vessels.
In addition to your included excursions, EmeraldPLUS experiences, and EmeraldACTIVE activities, we offer a selection of optional DiscoverMORE excursions for both river and yacht, which are available at an additional cost and can be booked on board or through our reservations team.
Each of the Emerald Cruises Star-Ships and luxury yachts features a well-appointed Wellness Area; perfect for a relaxing pampering session.
A selection of drinks packages is available on board, with our most popular option being the Premium Drinks Package. Please contact us for more details.
Elevators are present on each of the Emerald Cruises Star-Ships and service three of the four decks. Only the top deck, which is the Sun Deck, is not serviced, meaning access to the Sun Deck is restricted to the stairs.
On our luxury yachts, our elevator service all seven decks, including the Sky Deck.
Guests on board our Star-Ships staying in the Owner's One-bedroom Suite and Riverview Suite can have up to four items laundered per day.
Emerald Grand Balcony Suite guests can have two items per day laundered.
Guests on board our luxury yachts staying in the Terrace Suites and Yacht Suites can have two items laundered per day.
Owner’s One-bedroom Suite guests can have up to four items laundered per day.
Guests in all other suites and cabins can request laundry services for an additional fee.
Yes, tables for two are available on board but they cannot be reserved so we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your preferred table size every time you dine.
No, but the cinema can fill up quickly and operates on a first come, first serve basis.
We do sail at night, but the exact amount of sailing that we will be doing depends on your itinerary.
While we do not offer separate menus, every dish is clearly marked, with suitable options to suit requirements at every meal.
You can make dietary requests at the time of your booking, which are then reviewed. Personalized menus are also available.
Certified vegan wines are also available on board each of our cruises; one white and one red. If you like, you can request something special at the time of booking so that it can be sourced before your cruise.
When on board, please speak with your shore excursion manager or reception staff to organize a bicycle booking. We have approximately 10 complimentary pedal bicycles on board. A safety helmet and bike lock is provided with your bicycle.
Please note, on board bikes are not available on board Emerald Harmony sailing the Mekong River or the Emerald Radiance sailing the Douro River.
The wheelhouse is open for all guests to visit during a river cruise itinerary. If you have a particular interest in river navigation, the wheelhouse can provide a wonderful insight into the role of the captain and the intricacies of working through locks.
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or any indoor section of any vessel in the Emerald Cruises fleet.
There are areas on the external decks where smoking is permitted.
Each of the Emerald Cruises Star-Ships and luxury yachts boasts an on board fitness room, with high-grade equipment and gym apparatus.
Our Star-Ships do not include on board shops. However, our luxury yachts do include an on board boutique. Small emergency toiletry items such as toothpaste and deodorant can be purchased from reception.
Furthermore, each vessel also stocks a selection of gifts and souvenirs.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on board all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships and luxury yachts throughout the public spaces, cabins, and suites.
Please note, Wi-Fi connection strength and speed may change as the vessel moves.
You’ll enjoy a range of fantastic dishes on board to suit any palate. We typically serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner between the following times; however, timing are subject to change. Exact times are provided in the daily program.
Breakfast: 0700 - 0900
Lunch: 1200 – 1400
Dinner: 1900 - 2100
La Cucina Dining Restaurant (luxury yacht) and the Reflections Restaurant (Star-Ship) feature unreserved seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Simply arrive at the designated dining times and you’ll be seated at an available table of your choosing.
Our Sun Decks are open from 08:00 through to late evening.
Our Sky Deck is always open.
Please note: Sky Deck and Sun Deck operation hours may be limited when sailing under low bridges, for safety purposes, or due to other restrictions.
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English, and all announcements and lectures will be made in English.
The on board pool on our Star-ships is open from 06:00 until 18:00 every day. The on board pool on our yachts is always open. On selected evenings, the pool area is transformed into an evening cinema.
Please note, Emerald Radiance, sailing on the Douro River, has a Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck in lieu of a cinema.
You will find tea and coffee machines located in the Horizon Bar and Lounge, on our Star-Ships, and in the Amici Lounge & Bar on our luxury yachts.
A selection of specialty teas and coffees are available throughout the day and night.
We endeavor to cater for all dietary requirements. We ask that you inform us of any requirements at the time of booking.
Yes, an experienced shore excursion manager accompanies every journey. The cruise director is responsible for ensuring the entire cruise runs smoothly.
Our accommodation FAQs cover suite-specific information, including the different cabin options and guidance on what’s included in your room.
Bathrobes and slippers are provided in all staterooms and suites across the Emerald Cruises fleet.
No, but all our Star-Ships and luxury yachts offer a comprehensive laundry service. Full details will be provided in your accommodation.
A complimentary mini-bar is provided in the Owner’s One-bedroom Suites and Riverview Suites on board the Emerald Cruises fleet. These mini-bars are restocked daily with wine, beer, and soft drinks.
The Terrace Suite, Yacht Suite and Grand Balcony Suites also benefit from in-suite mini-bars, which are available for a small fee.
The Balcony Suites and Staterooms all boast a mini-fridge, but these are not stocked by Emerald Cruises.
Yes, phones are available in each room. Additional charges apply to external calls; these rates are displayed in your cabin.
Individual climate control systems are available in all suites and staterooms, so you can adjust the temperature to your preferred level. If you have any trouble operating the climate control systems, our crew can help.
Yes, you can choose from a range of suites and staterooms to suit your needs and budget. For those looking to join one of our river cruises, our Star-Ship fleet page will provide you with greater details. If you’re interested in a luxury yacht cruise, head to the Our Yachts fleet page for more information accommodation options.
You can also speak with our cruise experts or peruse our brochures to further details.
We stock a wide range of luxury ESPA toiletries in your cabin including shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, shower gel, soap, body lotion, ear plugs, cotton wool, a shower cap, and even a mini sewing kit, all of which are complimentary.
Twin rooms are available in all suite and stateroom classes, with the exception of the Single Stateroom.
Yes, hairdryers are included.
Yes, all cabins come with a safe for your valuables.
All of our beds face the rear of the ship.
The exact size of your bed depends on your accommodation-grade. Our Staterooms, Balcony Suites and Grand Balcony Suites all feature double beds with luscious linens, while our Owner’s Suites feature queen-size beds.
European plug sockets providing a voltage of 220V are provided throughout all our Star-Ships sailing Europe.
Universal plug sockets providing a voltage of 220V are provided on our Southeast Asia river cruise cabins, and our luxury yachts.
We do not provide adaptors, so any electrical equipment brought on board will need the requisite adaptor.
Yes, coat hangers are included in wardrobes.
We want to make sure your cruise runs smoothly on and off the ship, so our travel FAQs provide useful information on things such as local currencies, transfers, and baggage policies.
We have no problem with guests purchasing alcohol for consumption in their rooms. However, ask that personal drinks are not consumed in communal areas.
The ship’s reception stocks a small amount of exchangeable local currency for each country you’ll visit.
If you’re sailing in Europe, it’s widely accepted that most European destinations we visit will accept Euros (€), even if the local currency differs.
Yes, please contact our Canada call center on the number provided and they will be able to assist you.
For guests in our Owner’s One-bedroom Suite and our Grand Balcony Suite, continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapes, and after-dinner sweet treats are served in your suite.
Yes, but please be aware that signal may be limited as your cruise passes through rural areas. It’s also worth checking with your network provider for additional charges, dependent on the destination you’re visiting.
Transfer information will be provided in your pre-departure documents, which are usually dispatched 2-3 weeks prior to your cruise.
Handling and porterage of your luggage (as per the luggage allowance) is included in your cruise.
Embarkation times differ with every itinerary, but you’ll be informed of the time you’re expected to arrive at your vessel in your pre-departure documents.
Furthermore, any flights* and transfers arranged by Emerald Cruises will ensure you arrive in time for embarkation.
Each guest is entitled to one piece of checked (hold) baggage, and its length, width and height must not exceed 160cm (62 inches) and the weight must not exceed 20kg (44lbs).
Additional baggage may be permitted, but this will be at your expense. For more information, please ask upon booking.
The on board currency on our Emerald Cruises Star-Ships and luxury yachts sailing through Europe is the Euro.
Emerald Harmony in Cambodia and Vietnam primarily accepts US Dollar.
The on board currency on our Emerald Cruises luxury yachts is US Dollar.
A small amount of exchangeable currency for each destination is kept on board.
Below is a list of currencies used in the countries we visit on our Europe river cruises:
Book your vacation yourself with just a few clicks and secure your place on board.
Booking online is easy. Simply browse the itinerary you’re interested in, and select ‘View Cabins’ for the date you wish to book under the ‘Pricing & Availability’ section. Then, click ‘View’ next to the suite you wish to book. A pop-up will appear giving you more details on the suite alongside a ‘Book Now’ button, which will then take you to our online booking system.
To complete our online booking process, you’ll need the following information for each guest:
Booking online with Emerald Cruises couldn’t be safer as shown by the padlock visible alongside our URL in the website address bar. All data is sent via RSA encryption and securely stored with us, as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
You can pay for your cruise using MasterCard, Maestro, and Visa.
Please note, some promotions require specific payment methods. Please refer to the terms and conditions for each individual promotion.
Prices shown during the online booking system exclude any additional promotions you may have seen during your visit to our site until a promotion or discount is applied
To take advantage of these offers, you can apply them during ‘Confirm & Pay’ stage by selecting ‘Apply Promotion’ below the offer listed.
During step 2 of the online booking process, after completing the guest information section, you’ll be asked if you require flights arranging. This is included in the price of your cruise if paid in full, and a member of the team will be in touch with you using the contact details provided to arrange the best option for you.
Sit back, relax, and begin your cruise countdown! A member of the team will be in touch soon to discuss travel options with you.
Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.