emerald cruises survey

• Previous page

Frequently asked questions

Find the answers to commonly asked questions.

Quick and simple answers to our most frequently asked questions

Hassle shouldn’t play a part in your vacation. 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.

10 most commonly asked questions

From what’s included in the price of your luxury cruise to what you should pack for your holiday, 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.

Are visitors allowed on Emerald Cruises’ Star-Ships and luxury yachts?

You may arrange for visitors to join you on board. To organize a visit, please speak to our team in the US at 1(857) 444-4703  who will arrange for the required paperwork to be completed. Visitors will be required to pay for any food and drinks consumed on board.

Can Emerald Cruises arrange my passport and visas?

Emerald Cruises is 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.

Can Emerald Cruises organize my travel insurance?

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 do work with TripMate for guests to purchase their own insurance. Learn More >

Can I bring my own alcohol on board?

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 get in touch via our Contact Us page .

Can I take a virtual tour of the Emerald Cruises fleet?

Our virtual ship tours aren’t currently available, but you can discover what to expect before booking with Emerald Cruises by viewing our detailed collection of videos covering the Star-Ships and luxury yachts in our fleet. Please keep an eye out for virtual tours in the future. View our fleet of Star-Ships View our fleet of luxury yachts

How do I book an Emerald Cruises luxury small ship cruise?

Once you’ve found your perfect cruise, you can call our dedicated cruise experts on 1(857) 216-7413 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, please see our brochures here. If you’d prefer to book online, you can explore our full collection online and follow the prompts to book.

What are the on board dining times?

You’ll enjoy a range of fantastic dishes on board to suit any palate. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner between the following times:

• Breakfast: 07:00 – 09:00am
• Lunch: 12:00 – 2:00pm
• Dinner: 7:00 – 9:00pm

Full timings are provided in the daily program.

What clothes do I need to pack?

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 are welcome to dress up. read our guide on what to wear on a river cruise . Alternatively, if you’re heading on our luxury yachts, read  our guide on what to wear on a yacht cruise . -->

What’s included when I book a cruise?

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, and onboard gratuities. For full details of inclusions, please see our brochures here .

Will I require health checks and vaccinations?

If you have a serious medical condition, we would recommend consulting your GP before booking with Emerald Cruises. If you have any mobility difficulties, you should inform us at the time of booking. Your GP will provide information regarding any and all vaccinations required to visit any of the destinations on an Emerald Cruises itinerary.

Prior to travel

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 I've booked, what other information do you require?

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

• Contact number

Emergency contact details

• Relationship

Passport details

• Nationality
• City & country of birth
• Issue & expiry dates
• Passport number
• Country of issue

Additional details

• Frequent Flyer membership - if applicable
• VISA numbers - if applicable

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.

Do you have a loyalty club?

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 .

Do you have a Refer a Friend program?

Yes. When you’re a member of our EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty club, you can take advantage of our Refer a Friend program. 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. Find out more here .

Could changing water levels affect my cruise?

In the rare event of low or high water levels, certain river cruise 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 vacation, making alternative arrangements for the duration of the itinerary.

Do the excursions require a high level of mobility?

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 a 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 .

Do your Star-Ships and luxury yachts provide mobility/wheelchair access?

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 cruise experts.

How do I know which vessel I’m sailing on?

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.

Can I still cruise if I’m pregnant?

Most cruise companies do not allow mothers-to-be onboard 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.

Is River cruising suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely! Our warm and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for first-time and seasoned solo travelers 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 supplement fee may apply if you chose to sail on a Star-Ship or luxury yacht with no single occupancy accommodation available. Explore our solo traveler offers here.

Is there an emergency contact for the cruise?

We provide full email and telephone contact details for the ship in your final documents.

I have a question that doesn’t appear here. How can I contact you?

Call us on 1(857) 444-4703 or send us a message here .

What is the standard baggage allowance?

Each guest is entitled to one piece of checked baggage, and the total sum of its length, width, and height must not exceed 62 inches (160cm) and the weight must not exceed 44lbs (20kg). Additional baggage may be permitted but this will be at the cost of the guest.

What safety requirements should I be aware of?

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.

What validity do I need on my passport?

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. Vacations 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.

Are cruises LGBT friendly?

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.

When will we receive our final documents?

You can expect your travel documents to arrive 2-4 weeks prior to your departure date. When booking within two weeks of your 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.

Are additional tours available throughout the river and yacht cruises?

In addition to your included excursions, Emerald PLUS experiences, and Emerald ACTIVE activities, we offer a selection of optional Discover MORE excursions for both river and yacht, which are available at an additional cost and can be booked on board or through our reservations team.

Are any on board salon and spa services available?

Each of the Emerald Cruises Star-Ships and luxury yachts features a well-appointed Wellness Area; perfect for a relaxing pampering session.

Are drinks packages available on board?

A selection of drinks packages is available on our river cruises, with our most popular option being the Premium Drinks Package. A drinks package is included with our yacht cruises departing April 17, 2024 and thereafter.  Please contact us for more details .

Do our vessels have elevators?

Our Emerald Cruises Star-Ships have elevators that 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 elevators service all seven decks, including the Sky Deck.

Are laundry facilities provided?

Guests on board our Star-Ships staying in the Owner's One-bedroom Suite or 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.

Are tables for two available?

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.

Do I need to reserve my seat to watch a film in the cinema?

No, but the cinema can fill up quickly and operates on a first come, first serve basis.

Do we sail at night?

We do sail at night, but the exact amount of sailing that we will be doing depends on your itinerary.

Do you cater for vegans on board?

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.

How do I request the use of one of the complimentary bicycles?

When on board, please speak with your shore excursion manager or reception staff to book a bicycle. We have approximately 10 complimentary bicycles on board. A safety helmet and bike lock is provided with your bicycle. Please note, on board bikes are not available on Emerald Harmony sailing the Mekong River.

Is it possible to visit the wheelhouse or bridge on my cruise?

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.

Is smoking permitted on board the cruise?

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.

Is there an on board fitness room?

Each of the Emerald Cruises Star-Ships and luxury yachts boasts an on board fitness room, with high-grade equipment and gym apparatus.

Is there an on board shop?

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.

Is Wi-Fi provided on board the cruise?

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.

• Breakfast: 7:00 – 09:00am

What are the seating arrangements in the on board restaurants?

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.

What are the Sky Deck (luxury yacht) and Sun Deck (Star-Ship) opening times?

Our Sun Decks are open from 8:00am 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.

What language is spoken on board your Star-Ships and luxury yachts?

The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English, and all announcements and lectures will be made in English.

When can I use the pool?

The on board pool on our Star-ships is open from 6:00am until 6:00pm 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.

Where can I help myself to complimentary hot drinks?

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 speciality teas and coffees are available throughout the day and night.

Will the cruises dining venues cater for special dietary requirements?

We endeavor to cater for all dietary requirements. We ask that you inform us of any requirements at the time of booking.

Will there be a shore excursion manager on board?

Yes, an experienced shore excursion manager accompanies every journey. The cruise director is responsible for ensuring the entire cruise runs smoothly.

Accommodation

Our accommodation FAQs cover suite-specific information, including the different cabin options and guidance on what’s included in your room.

Are bathrobes and slippers provided?

Bathrobes and slippers are provided in all staterooms and suites across the Emerald Cruises fleet.

Are irons and ironing boards provided?

No, but all our Star-Ships and luxury yachts offer a comprehensive laundry service. Full details will be provided in your accommodation.

Are mini-bars provided?

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.

Are phones available in the room?

Yes, phones are available in each room. Additional charges apply to external calls; these rates are displayed in your cabin.

Will my accommodation be air-conditioned?

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.

Are there different cabin-grades and prices?

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 view  our brochures  to further details.

Are toiletries included?

We stock a wide range of luxury ESPA toiletries in your cabin including shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, shower gel, soap, body lotion, ear plugs, cotton balls, a shower cap, and even a mini sewing kit, all of which are complimentary.

Does my cabin include a hairdryer?

Yes, hairdryers are included.

Is there a safe in my room?

Yes, all cabins come with a safe for your valuables.

What directions do the beds face on the cruise?

All of our beds face the rear of the ship.

What bed setups are available?

Our beds can be set up as one double size or two indiviudal beds and are available in all suite and stateroom classes, with the exception of the Single Stateroom.

What size are the beds on board?

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.

What voltage and plug sockets are present in the cabins?

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.

Will there be coat hangers available?

Yes, coat hangers are included in wardrobes.

Currency & travel

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.

Can I exchange currency on board?

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.

Can I order a gift to be placed in the cabin?

Yes, please contact our US call center at 1(857) 444-4703 and they will be able to assist you.

Can I order refreshments to my room?

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.

Can I use my cell phone on the cruise?

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.

How do I find my transfer information?

Transfer information will be provided in your pre-departure documents, which are usually dispatched 2-3 weeks prior to your cruise.

Is luggage porterage included?

Handling and porterage of your luggage (as per the luggage allowance) is included in your cruise.

What time is embarkation?

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.

What's the baggage policy?

Each guest is entitled to one piece of checked (hold) baggage, and its length, width and height must not exceed 62 inches(160cm) and the weight must not exceed 44lbs (20kg). Additional baggage may be permitted, but this will be at your expense. For more information, please ask when booking.

Which currency do I need to take?

• Austria: Euro
• Belgium: Euro
• Bulgaria: Bulgarian Lev
• Croatia: Euro
• France: Euro
• Germany: Euro
• Hungary: Hungarian Forint
• Netherlands: Euro
• Portugal: Euro
• Romania: Romanian Leu
• Serbia: Serbian Dinar
• Slovakia: Euro
• Cambodia: Cambodian Riel
• Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong
• Albania: Albanian Lek
• Croatia: Euro 
• Greece: Euro
• Italy: Euro
• Montenegro: Euro
• Morocco: Moroccan Dirham
• Spain: Euro
• Turkey: Turkish Lira
• Antigua & Barbuda: East Caribbean Dollar
• Aruba: Aruban Florin
• Barbados: Barbados Dollar
• Bonaire: US Dollar
• Colombia: Colombian Peso
• Costa Rica: Costa Rican Colón
• Guadeloupe: Euro
• Panama: Panamanian Balboa
• Saint Barthélemy: Euro
• Saint Kitts & Nevis: East Caribbean Dollar
• Saint Lucia: East Caribbean Dollar
• Saint Martin: Euro
• Saint Vincent & the Grenadines: East Caribbean Dollar

Booking online

Book your holiday yourself with just a few clicks and secure your place on board.

How do I book a cruise online?

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.

What information do I need to book my cruise online?

• Full name (as per your passport)
• Date of birth (as per your passport)
• Full address
• Email address

Is booking online secure?

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 .

What payment methods do you accept?

You can pay for your cruise using MasterCard and Visa. Please note, some promotions require specific payment methods. Please refer to the terms and conditions for each individual promotion.

How do I take advantage of a 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.

How do I find out more information about my flights or rail journey?

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.

What happens after I’ve completed my online booking?

Sit back, relax, and begin your cruise countdown! A member of the team will be in touch soon to discuss travel options with you.

How to book your cruise online

Online booking demonstration

ATOL and safety

We uphold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure you enjoy complete peace of mind.

Is Emerald Cruises protected by ATOL?

Yes: ATOL Number 9294.  

Why book with an ABTA member?

Emerald Cruises is a member of ABTA: ABTA Number Y6328. As ABTA members, we’re committed to delivering the highest standards for our customers by signing up to ABTA's Code of Conduct . This includes accurate advertising, fair terms of trading, changes to bookings, and managing customer complaints.

We welcome passengers with medical conditions or disabilities and can provide mobility provision when notified in writing prior to boarding. However, please be aware that there may be limitations on board and during excursions. In addition, standard suites and bathrooms have significant thresholds and cabin doors which limit access, meaning they may not be wide enough to allow access to many wheelchairs. Please speak to a member of our team about your requirements prior to booking.

Is it safe to travel to/in each of the countries?

If you have concerns about the safety of any destination on your cruise itinerary, we’d recommend making your own enquiries before you travel. The government’s foreign travel advice can be accessed here . This page offers up-to-date safety information on all the destinations listed on the Emerald Cruises website.

Full email and telephone contact details for your Star-Ship or luxury yacht can be found in your final documents.

What are the safety regulations on board an Emerald Cruises vessel?

After boarding, our crew will run through a brief safety demonstration, highlighting the relevant safety information, as well the emergency procedure. Our Star-Ships and luxury yachts are built to the highest specification to ensure complete guest safety, and feature a range of life-saving equipment, including sprinkler systems.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Stay up to date and be inspired.

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

Cookies help us improve your website experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.