Emerald Liberte

The 2017-built MS Emerald Liberte cruise ship is a newbuild riverboat designed for Southern France river cruise shipping operations. Itineraries are along Rhone and Saone rivers, with departures from homeports Lyon and Avignon. The standards of service, knowledge of wine and food quality you’d expect in France are sewn into the very essence of the boat.

The company's fleet expansion in 2017 also included the launches of Emerald Destiny and Emerald Radiance.

Emerald Waterways is a new river cruise shipping company (2014-established) and brand owned by Scenic Tours (shipowner). Like the new longships of Viking River Cruises, the innovations implemented on Emerald Waterways ships make these vessels an alternative to the ocean "small-ship cruising". Emerald Waterways adds more cruise tour itinerary choices and sailing dates for the aficionados of the all-inclusive European luxury riverboat travel vacations.

Most Emerald Liberte staterooms are Suites with a balcony (in-room/step-out veranda). Excepting Riviera Deck rooms, all other cabins are outfitted with drop-down windows that transform the lounge area into an open-air balcony space (indoor veranda).

The ship has a total of 70 staterooms in 8 categories for 170 guests served by 43 staff/crew. Except for the single-occupancy category ES (Emerald Single Stateroom), all cabins are with double occupancy (max capacity 2 passengers per cabin).

Shipboard facilities

With a capacity of 138 passengers and cutting-edge amenities, Emerald Liberte represents river cruising's next generation. The Mediterranean climate provides the best opportunity to enjoy the open-air amenities of ship's Sun Deck. The top deck of Emerald Liberte features a large area to relax, enjoy a barbecue or sink balls on the putting green. A retractable glass roof covers the indoor swimming pool that in the evenings transforms into Cinema / Night Theatre Lounge.

The popular Horizon Bar & Lounge has been added to Emerald Liberte, providing an after-dinner retreat. A comprehensive selection of spa facilities and gym equipment are available in the wellness and fitness areas.

Note: You can see CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

Like most new European river cruise ships, Emerald Liberte has a telescopic wheelhouse which can be lowered into the below deck to clear low lying bridges. Ship's wheelhouse is open for passengers to visit on a regular basis.

Scenic Tours (Emerald Waterways) cruise deals are inclusive of wines, beers and soft drinks (at meals), as well as gratuities, transfers and shore excursions within the cost to the overall river cruise tour fare. Flights from London (England) or other regional UK airports are also complimentary.