Emerald Sky

The 2014-built MS Emerald Sky cruise ship is the second riverboat in the Emerald Waterways fleet, with sisterships Emerald Star, Emerald Sun, Emerald Dawn, Emerald Destiny, and Emerald Luna.

With similar Star-Ship designs are the 2017-launched fleetmates Emerald Radiance (Portugal) and Emerald Liberté (France).

Emerald Waterways is a new river cruise brand (established in 2014) owned by Scenic Tours. Similar to the new Longships of Viking River Cruises, Emerald Waterways ships introduce innovations that make them a strong alternative to small-ship ocean cruising. The brand offers more itinerary choices and sailing dates for travelers seeking all-inclusive luxury European river cruising.

Cabins

Emerald Sky has 91 staterooms in 8 categories, accommodating 180 guests and served by 51 crew members.

All cabins, except the single-occupancy category ES (Emerald Single Stateroom), are designed for double occupancy (maximum 2 passengers).

75% of all cabins are Suites with a balcony (indoor or step-out veranda).

Standard complimentary amenities include queen-size beds (or convertible twins, except in Single cabins), bedside tables, mirrored panels, private en-suite bathroom (WC, small sink, shower cubicle, mirrored cupboards, mirror over the basin, clothesline, luxury bath products – shampoo, liquid soap, conditioner, body lotion), walk-in closet (large wardrobe with hangers), personal safe, direct-dial phone, flat HDTV (satellite channels, infotainment system, movies on demand, “View From the Bridge” real-time webcam), mini-bar (stocked with beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks at extra charge, complimentary in Owner’s Suites), individual climate control, 220V power outlets, umbrella, shoe cleaner, and two sets of earplugs.

Shipboard Facilities

MS Emerald Sky has 4 passenger decks (3 with cabins), Horizon Bar Lounge with outdoor terrace seating (Deck 3 forward), Reflections Restaurant (Main Dining Room, Deck 2 forward), and an aft Deck 3 indoor swimming pool/night cinema (covered with a sliding roof). Additional facilities include a Gym, Spa and Beauty Salon, massage room, and Sun Deck with Wheelhouse, games area (giant Tic-Tac-Toe), 3-hole Mini-Golf Putting Green, Walking Track, Sky Barbecue Bar, shaded seating, and passenger-use bicycles.

A passenger elevator connects all three cabin decks.

The ship offers two restaurants (Reflections/MDR and The Terrace/alfresco) and two bars: the Sky Bar (on the Sun Deck) and the Horizon Bar & Lounge. The Horizon Lounge also serves casual lunches with hot entrées, cold cuts, soups, salads, and snacks.

The Reflections Restaurant is the Main Dining Room with open seating and table service. A buffet station is available at dinner, and an omelet station is offered at breakfast.

The Terrace provides alfresco dining in an informal setting for breakfast and lunch.

Weather permitting, special lunch and dinner buffets are occasionally held on the open deck.

The ship’s most innovative feature is the dual-purpose aft lounge area, which transforms from a heated indoor pool with retractable roof by day into a movie theater at night, screening both classic films and recent releases.

The ship was christened by world-renowned supermodel Twiggy at a naming ceremony held in Amsterdam, Holland, on April 9, 2014.

Like most modern European river cruise ships, Emerald Sky features a telescopic wheelhouse that can be lowered below deck to pass under low bridges. The wheelhouse is regularly open for passenger visits.

Scenic Tours (Emerald Waterways) cruise fares include wines, beers, and soft drinks with meals, along with gratuities, transfers, and shore excursions. Complimentary flights from London or other regional UK airports are also part of the package.