Passau and Danube Scenic Cruising aboard Emerald Star
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Today, guests aboard Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Star had three distinct and fantastic ways to spend their day: an optional, full day excursion to Salzburg, Austria; an optional, full-day journey to the storybook village of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic; or the option to stay onboard to enjoy a morning of scenic cruising along the Danube, followed by a visit and guided walking tour in Passau, Germany.
Now, that’s a heck of a tough choice. I’ve been to Cesky Krumlov before, and absolutely fell in love with the town that has remained largely untouched for hundreds of years. Conversely, I’ve never been to Salzburg, and have always wanted to go there. However, both of those options are full-day excursions that would eliminate the option of touring Passau – and I love Passau. The chance to spend a relaxing morning onboard Emerald Star as she makes her way up the Danube followed by an afternoon in Passau was an opportunity that was too good to pass up.
Today’s Daily Program of activities:
- 07:30 – 08:15: Ship stops shortly in Aschach to disembark guests going to Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg, then sails further.
- 06:30 – 10:00: Light Breakfast, Horizon Lounge
- 07:00 – 09:00: Breakfast, Reflections Restaurant.
- 08:00: Departure to Salzburg – Bus 1. Bus returns at 18:00 in Passau.
- 08:45: Departure to Cesky Krumlov – Bus 2. Bus returns at 17:30 in Passau.
- 12:00 – 13:30: Lunch for guests staying onboard. Reflections Restaurant.
- 14:30: Ship arrives in Passau, Germany.
- 14:30 – 15:30: Guided walking tour of Passau for guests staying onboard, with four local guides. Guide Four is for Gentle Walkers.
- 16:00 – 16:30: Tea Time. Horizon Lounge.
- 18:00: All Aboard! Ship sails to Regensburg, Germany.
- 18:45 – 19:00: Port Talk with Daniela. Horizon Lounge.
- 19:00: Captain’s Farewell Cocktail. Horizon Lounge.
- 19:15: Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Reflections Restaurant.
- 21:15: Movie Night, “The Counsellor.” Please sign up at Reception. Pool Area.
- 21:15: Disco Night (put on your dancing shoes…). Horizon Lounge.
- 22:30 – 23:00: Late Night Snack
- *Due to safety reasons (low bridges), the Sun Deck will be closed starting tonight at 22:00. Thank you for your understanding.
Of course, a morning of scenic cruising allows us to answer some reader questions that have been emailed in the last few days – and both of them concern Scenic Tours, Emerald Cruises’ big sister. Both Emerald and Scenic were founded by Australian entrepreneur Glen Moroney, and two readers – who have never sailed either line – wanted to know what the basic differences between the two were.
Scenic offers guests a few more ‘bells-and-whistles’ aboard their ships, which are known as “Space Ships.” They include some luxe features like butler service, all beverages complimentary at any time of the day, and all tours included gratis. Their touring options ashore are also more extensive – and possibly extravagant. On a given day, you may have two or even three options, whereas on Emerald you may only have one or two options. Scenic even offers a unique feature known as Scenic Tailormade; a GPS-enabled commentary device that works both onboard ship and ashore in cities like Vienna. If you like the idea of a ‘do-it-yourself’ tour, Tailormade is as good as gold.
Scenic, however, comes at a higher price point. Emerald Cruises has been designed to offer a similar level of personal service, but with a few more extra-cost options and a bit less choice. However, in exchange, the initial cost of sailing with Emerald is lower, and more on-par with offerings from lines like Viking River Cruises.
Where Emerald really excels, in my opinion, is in offering river cruisers more than they can get for the price on other lines. Gratuities are included on Emerald, but additional on many competing lines. Transfers between the ship and the airport are also included on Emerald, but not necessarily with other lines in the same price category. Are those costs deal-breakers? Of course not. But it is relaxing to know that you don’t have to worry about purchasing add-on transfer services, or paying gratuities at the end of your voyage.
I also think it’s worth mentioning that from time to time, I have to remind myself that Emerald Cruises has only been operational for two months, and the Emerald Star for a little over a month. That the product is this polished right out of the gate speaks highly to the skill of the crew onboard, many of whom have come over from Scenic.
Our Live Voyage Report onboard Emerald Cruises Emerald Star continues tomorrow as we sail through Germany on the last full day of our ‘Danube Delights’ river cruise. Be sure to follow along on twitter by following the hashtag #LiveVoyageReport.
