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Emerald Sky

6 reviews
 All photos (58)58
Full view
Traveller (42)
Common Areas (50)
Dining and Bars (3)
Itineraries for this ship
Itinerary
7 Night Cruise to Europe
Departure date
Tuesday, 01/04/25
Route
Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Belgium, Nijmegen, Amsterdam, Amsterdam
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Overview

About
Passengers: 182   |   Crew: 47
Passengers to crew: 3.87:1
Launched: 2014   

Cabins

Balcony
Cabin size: 180 - 180 sq. ft.
Connected rooms: 0
Accessible rooms: 0
Maximum passengers: 2
Number of cabins: 60

Activities & entertainment

Activities (10)
  • Cooking Demonstrations
  • Enrichment Lectures
  • Fitness Area
  • Games Area
  • Golf Putting Green
  • Hairdresser*
  • Indoor Pool
  • Nighly Breifings
  • The Terrace
  • Wellness Area*
Entertainment (3)
  • Local Entertainers
  • Nightly Music
  • Pool / Evening Cinema
Dining (3)
  • Sky Barbecue - Casual
  • Reflections Restaurant - International
  • Horizon Bar & Lounge - Panoramic Lounge*
* May require additional fees

Reviews
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Nigel W wrote a review Sept 2024
Odense, Denmark726 contributions362 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I just completed an 8-night river cruise on Emerald Sky from Budapest to Bucharest (actually 7 nights on board and the final night in a hotel in Bucharest as part of the itinerary). We have done many river cruises (both in Europe and in other countries) – in fact, this was the last stretch of 'river-cruisable' water in Europe that we hadn't sailed on before. We have also sailed on numerous occasions with both Scenic and Emerald. The content of this cruise was excellent – probably because of the recent history and hard times (understatement) of the countries we passed through. The guides – particularly Milos in Belgrade and Peter in Bucharest – were probably the best we have ever experienced with Scenic/Emerald. Also, this stretch of the Danube is arguably more beautiful than the Budapest-to-Germany stretch – some stunning nature and landscapes, and fewer interruptions by industry. As usual, the staff on the whole were great – a special mention must go to a young Serbian barman/waiter by the name of Peter – humorous, always cheerful and 105% professional. Also, the two folklore shows (Hungarian and Croation) were excellent! So, why only a score of 3? 1. The food was the worst we have ever been served on an Emerald or Scenic ship. Tasteless. Steak you couldn't cut through. Visible recycling of leftovers. There was just one dinner – the farewell dinner – where the chef went the extra mile and produced something that looked good and actually tasted of something. (I just don't get some of our fellow travellers, who were praising the food to the hilt – where have they been?!) 2. We paid a small fortune to upgrade to the fancy beverage package. The first shock was that champagne by the glass wasn't included – only an indifferent German sparkling wine or b••••y prosecco! My recollection is that champagne used to be included in the upgraded drinks package. Also, when it came to other drinks, unless you asked for more, you got a micro 'company policy' measure of spirit in your cocktail. My husband, for example, ordered a Campari and orange juice – the drink wasn't even red!! So mean, so boring that you have to stress a double measure each time. 3. Though most of the staff were cheerful most of the time – despite being worked off their feet – there were some really moody members. A sigh or a raised eyebrow when you ordered something, or "That's not my responsibility" when asking where lunch would be served on a particular day when most travellers were on an excursion and only a few were on the ship. Hence the score of 3. Basically it's a case of 'could do better'.
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Dave W wrote a review Jun 2024
Manhattan Beach, California25 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Wes, Niall, Sara, Tristan, Milan (both), Emrah, Dejan, Petr (in Prague), and all the rest were phenomenal. Although our last day was cut short due to historic rain, they rolled with it and made sure our trip was fantastic. We went from Budapest to Prague. If I were to do it again, I would go down stream. But, other than that, I wouldn't do anything different. We are so glad we didn't go on the "V word" boat. Out boat was so much more fun. Niall entertained us and the dancing was a blast. We are quite active. So, we made sure to do every hike, etc. We bought the discount to do another cruise within the next 3 years. We cannot wait!
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Francis B wrote a review Jun 2023
Chatham, Massachusetts4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
First impression was poor as the 'balcony room' did not have a balcony, I missed the small print explaining the half height window dropped vertically leaving half the window to the external air. This arrangement actually worked ok however it is not a balcony. Moving on, the trip was a real treat. The food breakfast, lunch and dinner was first class with a great selection at each. The rooms were impeccably kept and well designed to use every inch of space. The daily/afternoon and evening events were very well managed catering for all ranges of active capabilities. A downside is the uncomfortable chairs within the rooms and on the top deck which appeared to be underused considering the amazing scenery both in the cities and the forested valleys. The staff without exception were very attentive, professional and friendly, a real bonus. The star attraction was the cruise director Igor who provided a first service in providing excellent communication of all activities in an enthusiastic, informed, helpful and pleasant manner
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Dan C wrote a review May 2023
Everett, Washington615 contributions216 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I sailed from Bucharest to Budapest on the Emerald Sky with a group of friends. It was an outstanding trip! After spending a few days in Vienna, we flew into Bucharest, which was a very pleasant surprise! Beautiful city with an excellent food scene (try Caju). The low point if the trip was Emerald’s choice of hotel in Bucharest: Radisson Blu. Horribly unorganized, in need of updating. Once on board, we were extremely impressed with Emerald’s operations. Staff are top notch. Food, especially sit down dinners, are outstanding! Rooms are very comfortable, and quite well thought out. Drawers were deep enough for my suitcase, and my wife’s fit below the bed. No tripping over luggage. Shore activities were generally quite good. Greatly appreciated the “Emerald Active” outings where we could get some exercise. The only stop that was so/so was Belgrade. Big city, lots of traffic, and Tito’s museum not terribly interesting for us. Fellow passengers were extremely well traveled, and we enjoyed socializing with the predominantly Australian and British travelers. We will definitely book future trips with Emerald!
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badbeartony wrote a review Nov 2019
Sydney, Australia16 contributions42 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Well, it was our 50th Anniversary and chose to do a river cruise, we traveled from Budapest to Amsterdam,14 days of luxury. The whole crew was fantastic from cruise director to cabin attendant we could not praise them enough. The people all 178 of them were very friendly and mixed well, I had my 72 birthday on board and sat with 8 people whose company we enjoyed we also had our 50th Anniversary on board
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Upcoming itineraries

Itinerary
7 Night Cruise to Europe
Departure date
Tuesday, 01/04/25
The map for this itinerary is not available at this time.
Itinerary
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