Emerald Radiance
Emerald Radiance

The Emerald Radiance will explore Portugal’s Douro region, navigating the eponymous river Douro. Dissecting some of Europe’s most beautiful vineyards and wine-producing villages, the river Douro evocatively stretches through beautiful backdrops on either bank. Fittingly, the bespoke Emerald Radiance has been lovingly designed and built to complement the jaw-dropping scenery unfolding before the ship’s bow.

Dining Experiences, Complimentary Drinks, Entertainment Activities, Wellness Facilities, Excursions Included

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What to expect from Emerald Radiance

Overview

The Emerald Radiance will explore Portugal’s Douro region, navigating the eponymous river Douro. Dissecting some of Europe’s most beautiful vineyards and wine-producing villages, the river Douro evocatively stretches through beautiful backdrops on either bank. Fittingly, the bespoke Emerald Radiance has been lovingly designed and built to complement the jaw-dropping scenery unfolding before the ship’s bow.

The Emerald Radiance is our most intimate ship to date, with a capacity of just 112 guests. Paired with the crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3, this low capacity accommodates incredible levels of service.

However, the small scale of the Emerald Radiance does not mean it is missing the key amenities and features to make your holiday atop the Douro any less comfortable or enjoyable. Intelligent deck planning has allowed us to add all the favourite features of Emerald Cruises’ fleet to the Emerald Radiance, and there are even beautiful extra flourishes throughout. From the generously-proportioned suites and staterooms to the contemporary, chic Horizon Bar and Lounge, no aspect of the ship has been compromised by its moderate size.

Amongst the brand new additions featured aboard the Emerald Radiance are the Riverview Suites. Located at the rear of the ship on the Horizon Deck, and boasting floor-to-ceiling windows encasing our innovative balcony; the two Riverview Suites offer amazing, unspoiled panoramic vistas of the river as it flows on by.

Purpose built for Portugal’s warm climate, the comprehensive Sun Deck aboard the Emerald Radiance provides ample opportunity to sample the sun and gentle river breezes. The open-air aspect of the Emerald Radiance includes The Terrace, the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink or two with new friends. Or if you fancy a plunge, the Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck is the perfect place for a few lengths before breakfast, under the beautiful Iberian sky. 

Accommodation

Our suites and staterooms are chic, modern sanctuaries, something you would expect from that of a world-class hotel. Inspired by innovation and contemporary design, we have five suite and stateroom grades. In all suites, the traditional French balcony has been substituted for our ingenious all-weather system, transforming your balcony into the perfect place for you to enjoy the endless river views, regardless of the weather. Our staterooms offer a picture window, perfect for admiring the views.

All suites and staterooms boast a wealth of sumptuous features, from luxurious toiletries and a revitalising shower in your spacious en-suite bathroom, to a queen size* or twin hotel-style bed, draped with luxurious linens. Not forgetting, a flat screen HDTV and infotainment system, free Wi-Fi to keep you connected with loved ones, and a bottle of water, replenished daily. We also provide trekking poles to assist on guided walking tours and hikes.

Emerald Riverview Suite

A suite unique to our Emerald Radiance Star-Ship sailing Portugal’s Douro, our two exquisite Emerald Riverview Suites are thoughtfully positioned at the back of the ship. Floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto your own private balcony which, at the simple press of a button opens up to transform it into an open-air space. Relax in the morning with a freshly made cup of coffee from your Nespresso™ machine and, if you wish, have a continental breakfast brought to your suite to enjoy in private. You’ll have the luxury of space as your separate bedroom and lounge area creates the ideal home-away-from-home, as well as a walk-in wardrobe, so you can truly settle into your surrounds.

Enjoy an incredible night’s sleep in your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, wrapped up in luxurious bed linen, and select a pillow from our extensive menu. Lay back and watch a film in bed on your flat screen TV and infotainment system, or enjoy the space as you ponder an exciting day ahead.

Your luxurious bathroom features a shower complete with decadent toiletries, as well as comfortable bathrobes and slippers, the perfect attire for getting ready for an evening meal. And, the suite comes with an exclusive invite to dine at the Captain’s Table for an evening sure to become a highlight of your river cruise. Take advantage of having four laundered items a day and prepare that special suit or gown for a night such as this or for an occasion you may be celebrating. You can even have pre-dinner canapés delivered to your door and after-dinner sweet treats to enjoy with a drink from your complimentary minibar.

With so much to tell your loved ones back home, you can make calls from your in-suite telephone, utilise the ship-wide Wi-Fi and an iPad that’s available for your personal use throughout your journey.

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.

Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.

A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event.

In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries.

You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

Four suites available on-board Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Two available on Emerald Liberté sailing through France and Emerald Radiance sailing in Portugal. 

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it.

When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.

Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship. 

Emerald Stateroom

An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.

Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.

We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar.

If you wish to stay in contact with loved ones throughout your trip, you can do so using your in-suite telephone or our free Wi-Fi available throughout the ship. 

Decks

Sun Deck

  • Sun Deck with Deck Chairs
  • Navigation Bridge
  • Sky Barbeque
  • Walking Track
  • Serenity Pool

Horizon Deck

  • The Terrace
  • Horizon bar and Lounge
  • Reception
  • Emerald Riverview Suite
  • Owner's One Bedroom Suite
  • Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
  • Lift

Vista Deck

  • Reception
  • Reflections Restaurant
  • Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites
  • Lift

Riviera Deck

  • Wellness Area
  • Fitness Area
  • Emerald Staterooms
  • Lift

Kids and Teens

Please note: there will be no children's facilities onboard the Emerald Radiance.

Gratuities

Don’t worry about tipping during your river cruise, because we’ve covered gratuities too. Our transparent approach means you can leave your wallet in your suite and make the most of your time on board.

Entertainment

As the host on-board, our Cruise Directors strive to ensure there’s never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. With this in mind, a fantastic range of entertaining activities are available for you to enjoy.

Thanks to the unique design of our Star-Ships, we are able to host a unique event program throughout your cruise. In the Horizon Bar & Lounge, immerse yourself in ancient folklores, passed from one generation to another for hundreds of years, during an authentic show. Or, let the music of a nation sweep you off your feet as a local band takes to the floor in their traditional attire. Alternatively, catch that film you never got round to seeing during movie nights in the cinema.

Reception

Located in the centre of the Star-Ship, the Emerald Radiance reception area is where you will find our friendly crew who are available 24/7 to help with anything you should need, while the reception also doubles as a meeting point for the day’s excursions.

Horizon Bar and Lounge

Introducing the Horizon Bar & Lounge, a spacious and airy hub for drinking and relaxing. Meet new friends, catch-up about the day’s excursions and enjoy a cocktail or two after nightfall. It’s here you will find our state-of-the-art coffee machines, offering a selection of complimentary hot beverages day or night.

Serenity Pool

Unlike our Star-Ships sailing the Rhine, Danube and Rhône rivers, the pool on-board Emerald Radiance can be found on the Sun Deck. Custom-built for Portugal’s warmer climate, cool off and enjoy a rejuvenating dip whenever you fancy in the spa-style Serenity Pool. With the sun on your face and the inspiring landscapes of the Douro all around, there’s no better way to unwind after a memorable morning of sightseeing.

Sun Deck

Take in the inspiring vistas of the Douro from the panoramic Sun Deck, your space for sun-worshipping and sightseeing on-board Emerald Radiance. With sun loungers and deck chairs aplenty, this is the perfect place for working on your tan or enjoying the scenery as you travel through Portugal.

Enrichment

From guided hikes and bike rides to guided tours of iconic cities, you’ll enjoy exciting excursions every day of your journey on-board Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn. This includes EmeraldPLUS experiences and EmeraldACTIVE excursions, which are designed to help you enjoy all of the wonders of Europe – such as the opportunity to enjoy home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family. 

DiscoverMORE

To immerse you further in local history and culture, we also offer optional DiscoverMORE special excursions (at an additional cost). Look out for details on each itinerary. These can either be booked before you go or once on-board.

Life seems to exist at a slower pace on the banks of the Douro, making it the perfect place for a little extra cultural exploration.

Discover the Baroque Masterpiece of Mateus Palace

Nestled in landscaped grounds amid the spectacular Douro Valley World Heritage Site is Mateus Palace, a wonderful country retreat which stands as one of the finest examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. DiscoverMORE invites you to explore Casa de Mateus inside and out, from its intricately carved 18th-century wooden ceilings to its collection of artworks, silverware and ceramics. Amongst the highlights of this wonderful excursion are the palace’s beautiful gardens, which offer the perfect place for a relaxing stroll beneath the warm Portuguese sun.

Explore Mateus Palace with a DiscoverMORE excursion on our Secrets of the Douro River Cruise.

Head into Portugal’s Sintra Mountains

Just west of Lisbon is the popular resort town of Sintra, sitting in the foothills of the mountain range of the same name. Boasting amazing views over the flatlands of Portugal and a selection of grand 19th-century buildings, Sintra provides a romantic marriage of natural beauty and whimsical architecture.

EmeraldACTIVE

Our range of outdoor activities suit the more active guest, so if you love to explore during bicycle rides and walking excursions, look out for them on your chosen itinerary.

Running through the Douro Valley in beautiful Portugal, the Douro can be explored on foot, bicycle, or even by canoe.

Canoeing experience with expert guides

If you long to get a little closer to the waters when exploring the Douro, EmeraldACTIVE gives you the chance to venture out on a canoe. With an expert guide teaching you the ropes and leading the way, you’ll soon be navigating these amazing waters in invigorating style.

Enjoy this EmeraldACTIVE excursion on our Secrets of the Douro river cruise.

Guided Walking Tour of Porto

Where the Douro meets the sea, Porto’s rich history and heritage opens up in all its splendour. A delightful mix of modern and ancient architecture, Porto provides a stunning setting for a walking tour. With an expert guide on hand, you’re bound to learn plenty about Portugal’s second city.

EmeraldPLUS

Immerse yourself further with EmeraldPLUS

EmeraldPLUS are our collection of extra-special excursions and events designed for you to see the destinations we visit in a different light, giving you memorable experiences that go beyond that of the ordinary traveller.

EmeraldPLUS is about seeking out rare insights, giving you the chance to uncover hidden gems you may not have discovered without the guidance of a local expert, as well as beloved tourist hotspots that cannot be missed. We believe it’s these special touches that make a holiday with Emerald Cruises truly unforgettable, offering moments of joy, wonder and discovery that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Inspiring Day Ashore

With a different port call almost every day of your cruise; Emerald Cruises have organised a series of inspiring days ashore – taking you to the very heart of the beautiful towns and cities we visit. Exploring authentic local cultures, Emerald Cruises excursions are led by experienced, knowledgeable guides – introducing you to a wealth of knowledge.

Featuring as many as 16 destinations across up to five different countries, an Emerald Cruises cruise provides the perfect platform to absorb a huge array of cultures and traditions in one fell swoop. Every Emerald Cruises cruise itinerary is carefully planned to ensure the ship visits only the most fascinating, rewarding port towns and cities – affording you the opportunity to derive maximum reward and pleasure.

Whether exploring a new town on foot or navigating the streets of an ancient city by coach, English-speaking guides will be on hand to bring your destination to life through educational and enlightening commentary. And to ensure you don’t miss a second of the tour, we will provide all of our guests with a personal headset.

Dining

Look forward to memorable dining moments from start to finish on-board our boutique Star-Ships. With elegant dining venues and an attentive service team, breakfast, lunch and dinner promise to be among the highlights of your journey as you travel the waters of Europe and Asia with us.

From your Welcome Buffet to the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, dining is a joy on-board our Star-Ships. You’ll savour chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, accompanied by a selection of complimentary beverages that make mealtimes extra special.

Every plate and every glass is inspired by the local region, so whether you’re cruising the waters of southern France or Southeast Asia, you can look forward to a taste of regional flavours throughout your river cruise, along with a selection of traditional favourites.

We believe food should reflect local flavours, which is why all our plates take inspiration from the regions we pass through. Our chefs source ingredients from local suppliers, creating menus that capture authentic regional cuisine whether you’re in Portugal, Germany, Vietnam or Cambodia.

And it isn’t just our food which provides a glimpse of local flavour; all our wines are handpicked to pair beautifully with our plates, sourced where possible from regional suppliers. What’s more, you can enjoy a glass or two on us during mealtimes, so whether you’re dining à la carte or grazing at the buffet, dining is always a culinary celebration.

Free drinks with meals

What’s a delicious meal without the perfect drink to accompany it? As part of our EmeraldVALUE promise, we provide complimentary drinks at mealtimes, so you can enjoy a hot beverage or juice with breakfast or selection of wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.

Reflections Restaurant

With open seating and elegant design, Reflections Restaurant sets the benchmark in on board dining across our luxury yacht and fleet of boutique Star-Ships. Here, savour delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavours and a few favourites you may recognise from home.

The Terrace

A beautifully decked area at the front of our Yacht and Star-Ships, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a glass of local wine or beer with your loved ones or new-found companions as the wonders of Europe and Asia pass you by – what could be better.

Sky Barbecue

The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.

Health and Fitness

A comprehensive selection of gym equipment and spa facilities are available to all guests in the wellness and fitness areas – keeping you treated and toned throughout the cruise.

Fitness Area

Travelling on-board our Star-Ships means there’s no need to forego your daily workout routine. The Emerald Radiance is complete with a well-equipped gym, so you can break a sweat and get ready for another exciting day on the river.

Walking Track

Stretch your legs and take in the sights as you enjoy a stroll on our purpose-built walking track. Taking you around the outside of the Sun Deck, it’s a great addition for those who like to stay active on their travels.

Wellness Area

Stop by the dedicated Wellness Area anytime to take advantage of a collection of luxurious services, from massages to facials, our trained beauty therapist can provide a range of treatments to help you relax and unwind.

Hairdressers

We thought of everything when designing Emerald Radiance, including a hair salon. Spruce up and feel your best whenever you fancy, and indulge in a range of treatments and services.

Other Cruise Information

ClassCruise Type: river

Class:

Ship Size: boutique

Style: luxury

Operator Reference: emerald-waterways

Nursery: none

Child Facilities: none

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