Emerald Sky

Ralph Grizzle
May 15, 2015

Overview

When I sailed on Emerald Sky in April of 2016, I found a lot of like. My immediate takeaways:

I liked Emerald Sky’s modern design. Emerald Cruises’ execs, as well as travel agents who I have spoken with, say the modern design attracts a younger clientele. Yes, average cruisers on board are in their sixties , but you’ll also find many in their 40s, and even in their 30s. Travel agents tell me that their younger clients are attracted to the ship’s décor. Guess what? At age 58, I am too. Emerald Sky is bright, contemporary and inviting.
I appreciated the roomy cabins with lots of storage. I was in a Category B Panorama Balcony Suite. Okay, nitpickers would say it is not a suite, and in fact, it’s not. It’s only one room, after all. But it’s a large room by river cruise standards, measuring 180 square feet. And it’s not only size that matters here. The room was thoughtfully designed to include lots of storage. In addition to six ultra-large pull-out drawers, there is a spacious closet with hangers and a shelf. I also liked the large television with new release movies, and the comfy bed with white-on-white linens.
The pool is a plus. The aft indoor pool serves several functions. First of all, it is a great space to get in a morning or afternoon swim. There’s a resistance lane for those who want to get a workout, and I saw people swimming each morning of my cruise when I went for coffee (there’s a great little self-service specialty coffee machine at the pool bar). Second, the pool area is also a nice place to relax. There is a retractable roof as well as windows all around, and comfortable pool furniture. Sit back and enjoy a beverage and a book or simply watch the landscape pass by you. Third, the pool converts into a cinema every other evening. The pool itself is covered, and a big screen is situated aft for new release movies, with popcorn and comfortable seating.
Complimentary use of bicycles. Emerald Cruises isn’t the only cruise company to provide bicycles for complimentary use, but it’s always a plus in my book when bikes are available. There’s also a gym with a stationary bike and other exercise equipment.
One of the best self-service coffee machines on the rivers. Yes, it makes a difference to the cruise experience, especially if you love coffee.
Gratuities included. It’s nice not to have to think about gratuities and who should get what at the end of the cruise.

Why didn’t I mention food and service? Because nearly every river cruise company has great food and service, so it’s hard to single out one cruise company that does it better than the others. That said, both food and service were excellent on Emerald Sky, and I particularly enjoyed the location of the dining room, on deck 2, with (near) floor-to-ceiling windows that framed beautiful views of the river.

Couldn’t I find something to gripe about? Yes. The space between my stateroom bed and the bathroom was a bit tight, and the bathroom sink is tiny (think IKEA tiny). The design of the sink has changed on the newer ships. There is storage behind the bathroom mirrors. The shower was great and the bathroom was of sufficient size. It’s only that the sink was small.

Emerald Sky Staterooms

The 443-foot vessel has 20 staterooms located on the first deck and 72 suites located on decks 2 and 3. It carries up to 182 passengers and 47 crew members. Most cabins on the ship are located in the center of the ship; and the outlying areas are used for public gathering areas. Emerald Cruises has made good use of the outer areas of the ship on each deck; so regardless of where you’re cabin is located, you’ll have one or more of these public areas nearby.

Bathroom

There are 8 different stateroom categories aboard the Emerald Sky. Categories are further differentiated by their relative positions on the ship and their square footage.

Riviera Deck (Deck 1)

Category E is an Emerald (Standard) Stateroom. There are 10 staterooms available located Midship. This category features a large picture window that does not open. Stateroom size is 162 square feet.
Category D is an Emerald (Standard) Stateroom. There are 8 staterooms available located Midship to Forward on the ship. This category features a large picture window that does not open. Stateroom size is 162 square feet.
Category ES is a Single Stateroom. There are 2 staterooms (#100 and #101) available located Forward on the ship. This category features a large picture window that does not open. Stateroom size is 130 square feet.

Vista Deck ( Deck 2)

Category C is a Balcony Suite. There are 19 suites available located Aft. Stateroom size is 180 square feet.
Category B is a Balcony Suite. There are 18 suites available located Aft to Midship. Stateroom size is 180 square feet.

Horizon Deck ( Deck 3)

Category A is a Balcony Suite. There are 23 suites available located Midship. Stateroom size is 180 square feet.
Category S is a Grand Balcony Suite. There are 8 suites available located Midship to Forward. Stateroom size is 210 square feet.
Category SA is an Owner’s Suite. There are 4 suites available (#301, #303, #305 and #307) located Midship to Forward. Stateroom size is 315 square feet.

All staterooms feature flat-panel televisions and infotainment centers, safes, wireless internet access, complimentary bathrobes and slippers, mini fridges, and oversize beds.

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites for categories C, B, and A feature an indoor balcony design with an open-air system. The deck area includes a table and chairs. And with the touch of a button, a floor-to-ceiling window opens your stateroom to the outside air.

Emerald Sky Public Areas

On the Emerald Sky, you’ll find public gathering areas on both ends of the ship on each deck. For instance, the Golf Putting Green, pool, fitness and massage and beauty center are located in the rear or aft part of the ship; while the Reflections Restaurant, The Terrace, Horizon Bar and Sky Barbecue are located in the front, forward or bow of the ship. And a walking track circles the entire ship on the Sun Deck.

More specifically, the Reflections Restaurant is located Forward on the ship on the Riviera Deck. This venue serves guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features open seating.

On the Sun Deck, the Sky Barbecue provides another dining option with fast food selections in an informal, outdoor atmosphere.

A few other public gathering areas on the Horizon Deck, include the Club Swimming Pool, Bar and Evening Cinema located in the rear of the ship and the Horizon Bar and The Terrace located on the opposite end at the bow.

On the Sun Deck, guests can enjoy a game or two on the Golf Putting Green or the Giant Tic-Tac-Toe.

Other public areas avaialable on the ship, include a Hair Salon on the Riviera Deck and a Fitness Room and Massage and Beauty Center on the Vista Deck.

River Cruisers Should Know!

All staterooms and suites have a river view.
Onboard bicycles can be reserved for individual shore excursions.
An elevator for passenger use is available.
Airport transfer fees, port charges and gratuities are included on all Emerald Cruises’ Cruises.
Onboard stateroom power is 220 volts; North American cruisers will require a power adapter.

Check out each segment of my full Enchantment of Eastern Europe voyage on Emerald Sky …

Read other articles about the Emerald Sky.

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