When we released our luxury travel trends report earlier this year, we were thrilled to find that luxury cruising – of both the expedition and inland variety – had soared to number one in what OutThere travellers are most interested in doing on holiday for 2020 and beyond (having never featured in our top 10 before). And the cruise industry is booming, with new, space-aged ships and innovative, experiential concepts popping up all over the globe, from the centre, to the very ends of the world, each looking to redefine the segment.
This is why the news of Emerald Waterways making a new addition to its Star-Ship fleet had us rather excited, for we’ve been all about river cruises lately, just not yet had the opportunity to take to Europe’s iconic waterways, something we’re set on correcting this year. The Emerald Luna will sail the winding streams of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands in early 2021, sending a total of 180 passengers around the bend – and we mean that in the best way possible.
The 10-day Springtime Delights itinerary tempts with a guided tour of the ‘diamond city’, Antwerp, as well as a stop at Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Gardens just in time to see its famous Dutch tulips in full bloom. In the mood for UNESCO-protected castle ruins and viticultural escapades? Meet us aboard the 8-day Legendary Rhine and Moselle cruise instead, where we’ll be exploring some of Germany’s lesser-known gems, from one of Europe’s oldest spa towns, Wiesbaden, to the former Roman military post of Koblenz, home to the ‘German corner’, where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers coalesce under the watchful eye of an equestrian statue of William I.
Since no good cruise is complete without a day ‘at sea’, we suggest you spend at least one day taking in the Luna’s very own sights. The vessel features hotel-like amenities in its suites and staterooms; think an extensive pillow menu to walk-in wardrobes and a signature indoor heated pool that transforms into a cinema at night – whatever floats your boat, right? Or you could just meet us on the panorama sun deck for a glass of Riesling.
Photography courtesy of Emerald Waterways
