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European river cruise operator, Emerald Waterways, has launched two new ships that bring the fleet to a total of four that they own and two others that are currently chartered from other lines. There is also a fifth ship being built, which will make her debut at the start of 2016. Known as Star Ships, these vessels aim to provide the most space per guest on Europe’s rivers and to offer unique facilities that you will not find elsewhere.

Sun And Dawn Are Stars

The latest additions were christened Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn on the 21st of August in the city of Budapest. They join Emerald Sky and Emerald Star and are built to the same specifications as their new fleet mates. Each ship can hold up to 182 guests and offers the chance to stay in one of the 72 suites or 20 staterooms. Solo river cruisers are catered for too, with two of the suites being purpose-built for those who are travelling alone.

Along with the specifications, the new vessels also feature the same public areas that guests who have sailed with Emerald Waterways in the past will know and love. The Reflections dining room is present, along with the outdoor Terrace restaurant, and there is also a fitness centre and massage room. One of the most unique spaces aboard any river ship has also made its way onto Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn; the dual pool and cinema space. Not only is the pool larger than most found on the world’s inland waterways, it can be effortlessly transformed into a movie theatre for an evening of excellent entertainment.

Bringing The Outside In

When it comes to enjoying the fantastic passing scenery, there are a few different ways in which the new ships allow you to do this. The staterooms and suites on the bottom deck all have small windows, whilst the highest graded suites offer a full balcony. However, it is those suites in the middle which provide perhaps the most innovative way to make the most of the views. With one simple click of a button, the top half of the floor-to-ceiling panoramic window slides down to effectively turn the whole space into a balcony.

At the double christening in Hungary, Kelly Bergin, Godmother of Emerald Dawn and president of Florida-based company OASIS, said “It is truly an exciting honour to be selected as the godmother of the new Emerald Dawn and to be part of the Emerald Waterways brand, which represents the best of what our industry has to offer.”

A river cruise with Emerald Waterways not only includes all meals on board, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and free use of a fleet of bicycles; it also includes gratuities.