Looking to book a dream vacation with exclusive experiences in some of the world’s most iconic destinations during peak season—but without the usual travel stress? Emerald Cruises makes it easy to visit the Netherlands when tulips are in full bloom, see the wine harvest along the Danube, and browse Europe’s famous Christmas markets. The cruise line designs these thoughtfully timed river and yacht cruises around the key moments travelers care about most, with everything arranged in advance.
Instead of worrying about airport transfers, keeping track of train timetables, or unpacking and repacking when changing hotels, guests settle into one spacious suite or stateroom and let the world come to them. One day, you might taste grüner veltliner in the Wachau Valley; the next, you can tour the Grand Market of Budapest. It’s all built around the best of each destination without the usual trade-offs.
Emerald Cruises is known for making travel seamless for its guests. It begins with airport transfers upon arrival and continues with a wealth of onboard amenities. Guests enjoy delicious meals that reflect the region you’re sailing through, select complimentary drinks during mealtimes, and fascinating excursions. The cruise line also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and covers all port charges and gratuities on board and onshore as standard. With the logistics handled, all travelers have to do is choose the season and destination that speaks to them most.
See tulips in the Netherlands
In the spring, the Netherlands puts on a show, and the Tulips & the Rhine itinerary from Emerald Cruises provides a front-row seat. Aboard an intimate Star-Ship, custom-built to navigate Europe’s rivers, guests sail during peak bloom season, enjoying panoramic views from the sun deck as the countryside bursts with color and canal-side towns come to life after a long winter.
The seven-night journey includes the exclusive EmeraldACTIVE program, facilitating experiences like a bike ride through the pastel-hued town of Breisach, a gateway to the famous Black Forest. Other included excursions include a stroll through the half-timbered neighborhoods of Strasbourg in Alsace, France. You’ll also tour Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral and the expansive Schwetzingen Palace. Then, you’ll float into the Netherlands for the grand finale—admire more than 7 million flowers of the Keukenhof tulip gardens before departing from Amsterdam.
Debuting in 2026, Emerald Astra will sail the iconic Rhine, Moselle, and Danube rivers, bringing even more comfort and innovation to these spring sailings as the newest Star-Ship to join Emerald’s river fleet. Expect a contemporary, grey-tinted glass exterior; open-air sun decks; a cinema that transforms from the pool; and a spa-like wellness center. Like all of Emerald’s Star-Ships, guests have access to a fitness center on every sailing and, on selected itineraries, the chance to join the wellness team for guided fitness classes.
Emerald Luna on a European river cruise
Courtesy of Emerald Cruises
Warm-weather travel to Greece, the Seychelles, or the Caribbean
When warm weather beckons, Emerald Cruises answers with a fleet of yachts made for life on the water. Certain places, like the island-speckled coasts of Greece, the white-sand coastlines of the Caribbean, and the coral reefs surrounding the Seychelles, seem made for this kind of slow travel with sailings that blend history, culture, and food with plenty of time for swimming and lounging.
One signature feature of these yachts is a retractable marina platform (available at select ports) that allows for effortless access to the water. You can paddleboard in a quiet bay or slip into the water straight off the back of the yacht.
The forthcoming Emerald Kaia, a new yacht arriving in 2026, will set a new standard for warm-weather cruising. The observation sun deck at the bow will feature sun beds, sun lounges, and a spa pool, while the redesigned sky deck will have cabanas and indoor and outdoor areas. Meanwhile, the expanded gym will allow for outdoor workouts that you can follow up with a refreshing dip in the sea.
Two sister ships—Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara—will arrive the following year to expand the line’s reach in the eastern Mediterranean, Seychelles, and the Caribbean. Both ships will accommodate up to 128 guests and feature the same sleek design as the Emerald Kaia, with bookings opening in June 2025.
Wander historic European towns and seasonal markets during harvest season
Emerald Cruise’s wine-themed cruises feature expert pairings at dinner.
Courtesy of Emerald Cruises
With the vineyards full of grapes ready for harvest and trees heaving with ripe apples and pears, late summer and autumn are perhaps the most flavorful times to cruise through Europe. Luckily, the cruise line perfectly times its wine-themed cruises along the continent’s most famous rivers for this time of year.
These sailings often include exclusive experiences like sommelier-led tastings at family-run estates or guided walks through historic towns where open-air markets overflow with seasonal produce. Onboard, the culinary team draws inspiration from this bounty of local ingredients—think dishes like paprika-spiced Hungarian dishes or a delicate apple strudel made with local fruit.
Guests will have all of these experiences aboard the Danube Explorer on an 8-day sailing from Budapest to Munich in August with sommelier Alejandro Ferris, whose expertise in pairing wines with cuisine and understanding of regional wine traditions make him a prominent figure in enology (the study and science of wine) and gastronomy.
An Emerald Star-Ship in Budapest.
Courtesy of Emerald Cruises
Excursions will feature vineyard stops in the Wachau Valley, a tasting in Vienna, and time to explore the historic Czech town of Ceský Krumlov on foot. In Budapest, guests will partake in a local tasting of regional products. Back on board, Ferris will lead a Wine 101 class, providing personalized recommendations and pairing tips. Of course, he’ll also offer expert wine pairings at dinner.
Winter with mulled wine in Europe or beach days in the Caribbean
Emerald Sakara in the Caribbean
Courtesy of Emerald Cruises
Come November, the Rhine and Danube rivers come alive with holiday cheer. Christmas market cruises make it easy to explore some of Europe’s finest cities during this festive time when stalls from local artisans pop up to sell handcrafted gifts, decorations, and a delightful variety of seasonal food and drinks, a tradition that dates to the Middle Ages.
The delightful aromas of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts will waft down the historic streets adorned with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and illuminated Nativity scenes. After a day spent browsing the stalls of the famous Christmas markets of Nuremberg, Vienna, or Cologne, you can return to your stateroom or suite for a quiet night or visit the onboard wellness center for a soothing, post-exploration massage.
There’s no better time than winter to visit Caribbean destinations like Antigua.
Courtesy of Emerald Cruises
But if you’re seeking an escape from the cold, Emerald Cruises offers a new take on the classic winter getaway. Its luxury yachts will give you a fresh perspective on popular destinations like Puerto Rico, St. Barth’s, and Barbados as if you’re on your own private yacht.
Cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia at any time of the year
Emerald Harmony cruising the Mekong River
Courtesy of Emerald Cruises
No matter what time of year you decide to travel, the beauty of Southeast Asia is yours to explore all year round on a Mekong River cruise that winds through Vietnam and Cambodia. On the 8-day Majestic Mekong Cruise aboard Emerald Harmony, you can experience so much in a single trip, like the scooter-filled streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the famous Buddhist temples of Phnom Penh, and traditional village life in the countryside. These sailings often include multiday land extensions, making visiting world-famous sites like Angkor Wat easy without managing your own logistics.
Even in far-flung destinations like these, the entire trip remains centered around spacious accommodations, small-group excursions, and attentive service, emphasizing connection over added complications. Because ultimately, it’s not just about seeing more of the world. It’s about feeling more present while you do.
