{"id":16522,"date":"2015-05-15T09:42:36","date_gmt":"2015-05-15T15:42:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/?page_id=16522"},"modified":"2018-07-28T13:44:07","modified_gmt":"2018-07-28T17:44:07","slug":"emerald-sky","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/cruise-companies\/emerald-waterways\/emerald-sky\/","title":{"rendered":"Emerald Sky"},"content":{"rendered":"
Emerald Sky in Budapest. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n
On the Danube. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n
Emerald Sky docked in Batina, Croatia. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n
Emerald Sky and Emerald Sun in Budapest. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n
Emerald Sky and Emerald Sun in Budapest. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n
Emerald Sky and Emerald Sun in Budapest. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n
Emerald Sky and Emerald Sun in Budapest. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n
Emerald Sky docked across from the Parliament building in Budapest. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
When I sailed on Emerald Sky in April of 2016, I found a lot of like. My immediate takeaways:<\/p>\n
Why didn’t I mention food and service?<\/strong>\u00a0Because 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.<\/p>\n Couldn’t I find something to gripe about?<\/strong> 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.\u00a0There 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.<\/p>\n Emerald Sun pool in Budapest. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Emerald Sun pool in Budapest. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n The open-air Terrace on Emerald Sky. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Emerald Sun pool in Budapest. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Emerald Sun pool in Budapest. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Pool with retractable roof converts to a cinema at night. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Pool with retractable roof converts to a cinema at night. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Pool with retractable roof converts to a cinema at night. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Bikes for complimentary use on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Putting green on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Tic, tac, toe on Emerald Sky sun deck. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n The gym on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Popcorn for tonight's movie. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Pool with retractable roof converts to a cinema at night, with popcorn free of charge. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n 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.\u00a0Most cabins on the ship are located in the center of the ship; and the outlying areas are used\u00a0for public gathering areas. Emerald Cruises has made good use of the outer areas of the ship on each deck; so regardless of where you\u2019re cabin is located, you\u2019ll have one or more of these public areas nearby.<\/p>\n Category B Balcony panorama suite, measuring 180 square feet. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Category B Balcony panorama suite, measuring 180 square feet. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Plenty of storage, six drawers, top and bottom, and a closet in the Category B Balcony panorama suite, measuring 180 square feet. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n The Balcony panorama suites include bottled water, replenished as needed, and a mini-bar with prices listed. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n The large flat-panel televsion features news channels and new release movies. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Closet in the category B Balcony panorama suite, measuring 180 square feet. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Bathroom in the category B Balcony panorama suite, measuring 180 square feet. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Storage behind the mirrors in the Category B Balcony panorama suite. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n With the touch of a button, the floor-to-ceiling window opens with the top half sliding down. \u00a9 2016 Ralph<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Emerald Sun pool in Budapest. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n All staterooms feature flat-panel televisions and infotainment centers, safes, wireless internet access, complimentary bathrobes and slippers, mini fridges, and oversize beds.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n On the\u00a0Emerald Sky<\/strong>, you’ll find public gathering areas on both ends of the ship on each deck.\u00a0For 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.<\/p>\n Mirko Hubert, executive chef on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Tables for two: Reflections Restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Dining room on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Relections Restaurant. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Reflections Restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Reflections Restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Reflections Restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Reflections Restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Lunch in Reflections Restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Lunch in Reflections Restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Relections Restaurant. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Amuse bouche in the Reflections restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Lunch in Reflections Restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Upfront seating in the Horizon Lounge for breakfast. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Light breakfast in the Horizon Lounge. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Horizon Bar & Lounge on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Pool bar on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Complimentary sparkling wine served to toast the beginning of our voyage. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Welcome reception on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Refreshing beverages were served each time we returned from excursions ashore. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n A healthy start to the day: breakfast on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Coffee machine on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Beverage packages available on Emerald Sky. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Wine collection on Emerald Sky. Wines are served free of charge during lunch and dinner. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n Sample menu for the Welcome Buffet in the Relections Restaurant on Emerald Sky. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n More specifically, the\u00a0Reflections Restaurant<\/strong>\u00a0is located Forward on the ship on the\u00a0Riviera Deck<\/strong>. This venue serves guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features open seating.<\/p>\n On the\u00a0Sun Deck<\/strong>, the\u00a0Sky Barbecue<\/strong>\u00a0provides another dining option with fast food selections in an informal, outdoor atmosphere.<\/p>\n A few other public gathering areas on the\u00a0Horizon Deck<\/strong>, include the\u00a0Club Swimming Pool, Bar and Evening Cinema<\/strong>\u00a0located in the rear of the ship and the\u00a0Horizon Bar<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0The Terrace<\/strong>\u00a0located on the opposite end at the bow.<\/p>\n On the Sun Deck, guests can enjoy a game or two on the\u00a0Golf Putting Green<\/strong>\u00a0or the\u00a0Giant Tic-Tac-Toe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Other public areas avaialable on the ship, include a\u00a0Hair Salon<\/strong>\u00a0on the\u00a0Riviera Deck<\/strong>\u00a0and a\u00a0Fitness Room<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Massage and Beauty Center<\/strong>\u00a0on the\u00a0Vista Deck<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Check out each segment of my full Enchantment of Eastern Europe voyage on Emerald Sky …<\/p>\n Read other articles about the\u00a0Emerald Sky<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Emerald Sky\u00a0Staterooms<\/h2>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Bathroom<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Riviera Deck (Deck 1)<\/h3>\n
\n
Vista Deck ( Deck 2)<\/h3>\n
\n
Horizon Deck ( Deck 3)<\/h3>\n
\n
Emerald Sky\u00a0Public Areas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
River Cruisers Should Know!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n