Emerald Nova

The 2027-built MS Emerald Nova cruise ship is Emerald Waterways' second riverboat deployed year-round in Portugal for voyages in the Douro Valley. Douro River itineraries are cruisetours (combining cruising with land touring) leaving roundtrip from homeport Oporto.

Emerald Nova's sister ship is the fleetmate Emerald Radiance (2017).

Emerald Waterways (2014-established) is a river cruise line company and travel brand owned by Scenic Tours. Similar to the new longships of Viking River Cruises, Emerald Waterways vessels incorporate modern innovations, offering an alternative to ocean small-ship cruising. The brand provides more itinerary choices and sailing dates for travelers seeking all-inclusive European luxury river cruising.

The vessel will be Portugal-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Lisbon. Emerald Nova was built by WestSEA shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

Decks and Cabins

Most Emerald Nova staterooms are Suites with French Balconies (indoor/step-out verandas). Except for Riviera Deck cabins (with picture windows/fixed), all other staterooms feature drop-down windows that transform the lounge area into an open-air balcony space (indoor veranda).

There are 56 staterooms (in 10 categories) accommodating 112 guests served by 37 crew and staff.

All cabins are designed for double occupancy (maximum two passengers per room).

The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 have cabins.

Shipboard facilities

Emerald Nova represents a new generation of river cruise ship design and provides premium hotel amenities.

One lift/elevator serves the three cabin decks (1-2-3/Riviera-Vista-Horizon).

RIVIERA DECK (1st floor) houses the staff and crew cabins and facilities, the wellness room, the Guest Laundry (a room with self-service laundromats) and a retail shopping space.

The Beauty Parlor/Spa Room provides professional hairdresser and barber services, along with massages, facial treatments, manicure/pedicure. Reservations must be made in advance at the Reception. Opposite the wellness room is the Laundry (self-service laundromats).

The small, shop-like retail area has cabinets displaying jewellery, sunglasses, special occasion gifts, and accessories available for purchase via the Reception (Deck 3).

VISTA DECK (2nd floor) houses the Dining Room (Reflections Restaurant) and the aft Fitness Room - a small Gym equipped with an exercise bike, a rowing machine, a bench, and free weights.

Reflections Restaurant is the open-seating Dining Room for waiter-served Breakfast (7-9 am), Lunch buffets (12:30 - 2 pm), and a la carte Dinner (at 7 pm). Table capacity is 2, 4, and 6 seats, but can be put together to accommodate large groups. The restaurant serves Breakfast (hot dishes, cheeses, cold meats, also cereals, pastries, omelette-station, healthy food /fruits, yoghurts, smoothies, hot drinks, and juices are served), Lunch (daily soup, salads, hot dishes, daily cooked special dish /incl pasta, desserts, cheese) and Dinner (2 appetizers, 2 soups, 3 main courses /including 1 vegetarian, 2 desserts, cheese plate). At dinner, you can order steaks, chicken, salmon. Beer, wine and soft beverages are complimentary (served at lunch and dinner). Also, at Dinner, there is an extensive list with premium wines (prices are by the bottle).

Forward, adjacent to the Restaurant is the Galley (kitchen and storage rooms for provisions).

HORIZON DECK (3rd floor) houses the Lobby Hall (Reception), the Bar Lounge and the Alfresco Terrace.

Alfresco Terrace/Bow Terrace is an outdoor seating area furnished with tables and chairs, footstools, and reclining seats. This is also an alternative dining venue served by the Horizon Bar's staff with al-fresco breakfast and lunch (including BBQ lunch).

Horizon Lounge & Bar is an indoor relaxation lounge with large floor-to-ceiling windows, a grand piano, comfortable seating (stools, chairs, sofas), complimentary tea/coffee station (biscuits, pastries, water). The lounge also doubles as a self-service eatery for early Breakfast (6:30 am or earlier/on shore excursion days) with plenty of healthy food choices (fruits, muesli, pastries). The Horizon Bar serves light lunch food (sandwiches, salads, soup, hot dishes), including on the Al Fresco Terrace (outdoor seating area). The Horizon Lounge's evening entertainment program offers resident pianist performances and sing-alongs, guest entertainer acts (usually by local musicians and dancers), talent shows (performances by crew members), and night dancing parties. The Lounge also serves Emerald Waterways' enrichment program by hosting daily lectures, media presentations, and port talks (by the ship's Cruise Director) related to the Douro cruise itinerary ports and excursions offered ashore.

Reception is the Guest Services Desk providing 24-hour assistance, cashier services, information on daily scheduled tour itineraries, and onboard activities. Reception Desk also serves the Emerald Waterways excursions/tours and cruise booking program.

From the Lobby Hall are also accessed both ship entrances (portside and starboard).

SUN DECK (4th floor) houses the Wheelhouse and several outdoor facilities.

The Sun Deck is accessible only by stairs (located aft and forward). The sundeck has an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, 3 retractable awnings (shaded seating zones with deckchairs for relaxation), a midship Deck Games area (with a Tic-Tac-Toe/giant version of the game).

The Navigation Bridge (called “Wheelhouse” on riverboats) is passenger-accessible and hydraulic (can be lowered for passing under low bridges).

The pool deck area has 1 rectangular swimming pool (with heated water) and a sunbathing area furnished with padded loungers and deckchairs. In the evenings, the pool deck transforms into a Cinema/outdoor movie theatre. After dinner, the pool's base rises to create a floor. All sunloungers are rearranged to face a large screen. During movie time, guests also enjoy complimentary popcorn. The Evening Cinema is free of charge (on a first-come, first-served basis).

The pool area also has its own Pool Bar (serving drinks at an extra cost) and a complimentary tea/coffee station.

Sky Barbecue serves the sundeck with light food.

Aft is the Golf Putting Green (a 3-hole mini-golf course), directly accessible via a small staircase from Deck 3.

The riverboat also has a bike station (adjacent to the Wheelhouse) for bicycles used complimentary by its guests on shore excursions and individual land tours.

Another feature is the Walking Track (to be used between 8 am and 10 pm).

Itineraries

Emerald Nova's Douro cruisetour itinerary is the 7-night/8-day "Secrets of the Douro Cruise" leaving roundtrip from Oporto.

The voyage starts with an overnight hotel stay in Oporto and visits to Pinhao (DAY 2-3/overnight, bus travel to Quinta do Tedo and back to Pinhao), Vega de Terron (DAY 3-4/overnight, bus travel to Salamanca and back to Vega de Terron), Pocinho (DAY 5, bus travel to Castelo Rodrigo and back to Pocinho), Regua (DAY 5-6/overnight, bus travel to Lamego and Quinta da Pacheca, and back to Regua), and follows the return to Oporto (DAY 7-8/overnight).

Scenic Tours (Emerald Waterways) cruise fares are all-inclusive, covering wines, beers, and soft drinks with meals, gratuities, transfers, and shore excursions. Complimentary flights from London (England) or other regional UK airports are also included.