Whilst attending the 2022 CLIA Riverview Conference in Budapest we were fortunate enough to take a tour of the Emerald Sun. Taking an unbiased view here is what we thought.

One enters Emerald Sun into the lobby on Vista Deck which is very light, airy and contemporary. Reflections restaurant is forward of the lobby and is the centre of your on board dining experience giving you fabulous views of the river whilst dining. The menu is first-class and designed for you to enjoy numerous seasonal and regional flavours.

Accommodations on the Emerald Sun are of a very high standard and are some of the most stylish available on any of the rivers of Europe. All come equipped with  plush toiletries and a flat screen TV. To the rear (aft) on Vista deck are Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites categories B (18) & C (19). All measure a generous 180 square feet (16.7 sq.mt) and have a good size bathroom with shower and come complete with toiletries. Each of these suites boasts an all-weather indoor balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden decking. The top half of the window drops down at the touch of a bottom to allow the river breeze into the room. To the very aft of this deck can be found the wellness and fitness areas.

One deck below is the Riviera deck. On this deck there are 17 Emerald Staterooms and 2 Emerald Single Staterooms. These staterooms are smaller than the Balcony suites (twin-162 square feet, single 117 square feet) and have a picture window.

The Horizon Deck sits above the Vista deck and is the highest of the 3 stateroom decks. All accommodations on this deck are equipped with a complimentary coffee machine. There is a further 23 Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites all of which are category A and are the same size as those on Vista deck. Forward of these on the port side are 8 Grand Balcony Suites (Cat S) which measure 210 square feet (19.5 sq.mt). These generously appointed suites are a delight. On the starboard side are 4 Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites. These 4 sumptuous suites are the largest available on Emerald Sun measuring 315 square feet (29.3 sq.mt). As well as a walk-in wardrobe each one has a separate lounge area and an outdoor private balcony. In addition guests are treated to a daily four-item laundry service, complimentary re-stocked mini-bar, personal I-pad and an invitation to dinner at the Captain’s Table.

Forward on Horizon deck is the Horizon Bar & Lounge area. This is the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy a drink (hot or cold) or relax in the plush surroundings whilst watching the passing scenery. Outside the Horizon Bar is an outside space called The Terrace where, weather permitting, breakfast and/or lunch can be taken though space is limited. To the rear (aft) on Horizon deck is where the Daytime Pool (with retractable roof) and Bar are situated. This area becomes the evening cinema later on.

Reflections Restaurant, on Vista Deck, is the centre point of your on-board dining experience with a continuously changing menu that captures both seasonal and regional flavours to complement your days ashore. Guests start the day with breakfast from the buffet which has an excellent choice of hot and cold foods. Lunch is served from around 12:30 until 14:30. Here you will find a superb choice of many classic dishes. Dinner is top notch when you can enjoy an enticing buffet or á la carte menu, and perhaps discover new friends whilst you indulge in a choice of sumptuous dishes in the most charming of settings. Included with every lunch and dinner served on board is a choice of wine, beer and soft drinks. The wonderfully attentive team will always be on-hand to help you choose a drink to complement your chosen meal.

The sun deck, like all river cruise ships, is on the top deck. There are numerous sun loungers and deck chairs here where one can relax with a book or simply watch the fabulous scenery as it passes by. The Sky Barbecue and outside bar area is forward next to the Navigation Bridge. There is a games area in the middle of the deck and, for those with energy to spare, a walking track around the decks perimeter. Towards the rear (aft) is a small Golf Putting Green.  

All-in-all we found the Emerald Princess to be an impressive river cruise ship with lots of style and quality backed up by excellent cuisine and first class service.

Highlights

Life onboard

Deck Plan