Emerald Waterways - Emerald Sun - Exterior

Emerald Sun

Emerald Cruises

Ship Overview

Emerald Sun is a standout in our innovative Star-Ships lineup, launched in 2015 and designed to push the boundaries of European river cruising. At 3,544 gross tons, 135 meters long and 11 meters wide, this four-deck vessel carries up to 180 guests in 91 comfortable cabins, supported by a crew of 51. Its design emphasizes light, space, and sociability, anchored by a striking three-tiered atrium that serves as the ship’s living room for socializing, concerts, and daily enrichment. The onboard experience centers around a heated pool that can seamlessly transform into a cinema on selected evenings, pairing water, light, and film for unique entertainment without leaving the ship. Guests will appreciate refined public spaces, from panoramic lounges to sun decks, and the ease of a relaxed itinerary that balances immersive ports with onboard relaxation. Power on board is EU 2-pin 220V, and adapters are not provided, so travelers should plan accordingly. With a cruising speed of around 13 km/h, Emerald Sun offers intimate, country-by-country exploration along Europe’s famed waterways while maintaining a high standard of service and contemporary amenities.

Ship Specifications

Ship ClassStar-Ship
Ship TypeRiver
Launch Year2015
Gross Tonnage3,544 GT
Length135 m
Width11 m
Max Speed13 knots
Passenger Capacity180
Crew Members51
Decks4
Total Cabins91
Emerald Sun - DiscoverMORE

DiscoverMORE

Class & culture

Enjoy a world beyond the ordinary, attending classical concerts in grand halls and revelling in exclusive art tours.

Workshop masterclasses and tasting sessions

Let the experts guide you through the process of making local treats before you sample the fruits of your labour.

Journey further

Exciting cruise excursions take you to cities further afield from the riverbanks, where even more adventures await you.

Emerald Sun - EmeraldACTIVE

EmeraldACTIVE

An invigorating hike

Join your guide for a sight-seeing tour like no other, as you leave the beaten path to amble across hills and forestry.

A cycling sojourn

Take advantage of our free-to-use on board bikes as your guide provides a cycling tour past picturesque scenery.

Take to the waterways

A guided canoeing or kayaking experience along the river opens up a new pathway for adventure and excitement.

Emerald Sun - EmeraldPLUS

EmeraldPLUS

The life of a local

Join an array of excursions that showcase local life, from viticultural tours and wine tasting to home-hosted visits.

On board activities

Revel in a range of special on board shows, sessions, and workshops, that bring the highlights of your destination to you.

In-depth specialty tours

Delve deeper into a specialty-interest highlight, touring famed markets and sampling local treats and produce.

Emerald Sun - Included Excursions

Included Excursions

Explore your surroundings

Take to the charming streets of your chosen destination for a guided tour of various villages, towns, and cities.

A relaxing coach tour

Sit back and relax, as your guide highlights a range of wonders from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach

See the sights close up

Enjoy guided tours of historical landmarks, from Benedictine abbeys to ancient Roman structures.

Emerald Sun - Special Dining Experiences

Special Dining Experiences

French cookery demonstration and tasting

Cruising the Rhône from Lyon to Arles, you’ll pass through a region steeped in gastronomic heritage. As part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, discover the depth and complexity of Provençal cuisine with an authentic on board dinner, hosted by revered French chef, Fabien Morreale.

Food and drink with a local family in Slovakia

Sharing a table with local people is the best way to experience regional food. In Bratislava, EmeraldPLUS gives you the chance to visit the home of a local Slovakian family, who will welcome you with great conversation and, of course, tasty, sweet treats and coffee.

Dining experience at Quinta de Pacheca wine estate

Savour a rural dinner at the beautiful Quinta da Pacheca, a historic farm and winery in the foothills of the famous Douro Valley. With wonderful food and port wine on offer, it’s a chance to get to grips with the traditional cuisine of northern Portugal.

Emerald Sun - Reflections Restaurant

Reflections Restaurant

Our premiere on board dining spot

With open seating and elegant design, our Reflections Restaurant sets the benchmark in on board dining across our fleet of boutique Star-Ships throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. Here, savour delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavours and a few favourites you may recognise from home.

Emerald Sun - The Terrace

The Terrace

Dine alfresco

A beautifully decked area in the forward of our European Star-Ships, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a drink as the wonders of the landscape pass by.

Emerald Sun - Sky Barbecue

Sky Barbecue

The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.
Emerald Sun - Healthy Dining

Healthy Dining

The freshest ingredients
Dine on delectable meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce.

Lunch with a view
Enjoy healthy meals while soaking in the stunning views and fresh air.

A range of dietary options
Sample amazing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options^. ^Please inform your crew of any dietary requirements.

Emerald Sun - Reception

Reception

If you want to purchase a drinks package, enquire about a DiscoverMORE excursion or simply catch-up with our friendly crew, you’ll always receive a warm welcome in our on-board reception area.

Emerald Sun - Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema

Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema

One of the greatest innovations on-board Emerald Luna, Sun or Dawn is our daytime pool and bar, which transforms into an evening cinema on selected nights during your river cruise.    

Emerald Sun - Horizon Bar and Lounge

Horizon Bar and Lounge

Welcome to the Horizon Bar, the main lounge area on-board Emerald Luna, Sun or Dawn. Here, in contemporary surrounds, you can relax, unwind and make new friends while enjoying a tipple or two from our comprehensive bar menu. You’ll also be able to enjoy unlimited access to our complimentary coffee machine.

Emerald Sun - Sun Deck

Sun Deck

The Sun Deck is your panoramic outdoor space on-board Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn, a place to relax, unwind and take in inspiring views of the river. Complete with deck chairs, walking track and games area, you’ll find the Sun Deck at the very top of your Emerald Star-Ship.

Emerald Sun - Games Area and Golf Putting Green

Games Area and Golf Putting Green

During downtime on-board Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn, feel free to enjoy our games area and golf putting green. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the scenery while you challenge new-found friends.

Sun Deck

Deck Plan
Click to enlarge

Facilities on this deck:

  • Sun deck with deck chairs
  • Navigation bridge
  • Sky barbecue
  • Golf putting green
  • Games area
  • Retractable glass roof
  • Walking track

Horizon Deck

Deck Plan
Click to enlarge

Facilities on this deck:

  • Daytime pool & bar / evening cinema
  • The Terrace
  • Horizon bar and lounge
  • Grand Balcony Suites
  • Owner's One-Bedroom Suites
  • Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites
  • Lift

Vista Deck

Deck Plan
Click to enlarge

Facilities on this deck:

  • Reception
  • Wellness area
  • Fitness area
  • Reflections restaurant
  • Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites
  • Lift

Riviera Deck

Deck Plan
Click to enlarge

Facilities on this deck:

  • Emerald Staterooms
  • Emerald Single Staterooms
  • Lift

Emerald Sun - Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

A limited number of Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites are available on each Star-Ship, making them our most exclusive suites. A separate living room and bedroom area offers a greater amount of space and a walk-in wardrobe provides ample storage room.

Suite inclusions

  • Outdoor private balcony with open-air system
  • Separate bedroom and lounge area
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Pillow menu
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Walk-in wardrobe
  • Complimentary in-suite mini- bar, restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks
  • Complimentary Nespresso machine
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
  • Four items of laundry per day
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Use of an iPad
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
Emerald Sun - Grand Balcony Suite

Grand Balcony Suite

Grand Balcony Suites come with an outdoor private balcony area, complete with open-air system. A pillow menu ensures you have the best night’s sleep possible, and a continental breakfast can be delivered to your room on request.

Suite Inclusions

  • Outdoor private balcony with open-air system
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Pillow menu
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar available at own expense
  • Complimentary Nespresso machine
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
  • Two items of laundry per day
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
Emerald Sun - Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

These chic suites are perfect for viewing the scenery pass by. Our innovative all-weather balcony system allows the floor-to-ceiling window to drop down electronically and an indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory.

Suite Inclusions

  • Indoor balcony with open-air system
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar available at own expense
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
Emerald Sun - Emerald Stateroom

Emerald Stateroom

Staterooms boast a spacious layout when it comes to European small ship river cruising. A picture window provides plenty of natural light, and your en-suite bathroom will be fully stocked with luxurious ESPA toiletries.

Inclusions

  • Picture window
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar available at own expense
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
Emerald Sun - Emerald Single Stateroom

Emerald Single Stateroom

Staterooms boast a spacious layout when it comes to European small ship river cruising. A picture window provides plenty of natural light, and your en-suite bathroom will be fully stocked with luxurious ESPA toiletries.

Inclusions

  • Picture window
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar available at own expense
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
Emerald Sun - Pool

Pool

Spacious on board pools provide plenty of room for swimming.

Emerald Sun - Fitness Area

Fitness Area

Keep up your workout regime in our well-equipped, modern gym.

Emerald Sun - Walking Track

Walking Track

Stretch your legs and take in the sights as you enjoy a stroll on our purpose-built walking track. Taking you around the outside of the Sun Deck, it’s a great addition for those who like to stay active on their travels.

Emerald Sun - Wellness Area

Wellness Area

Unwind with a massage courtesy of our expertly trained masseuses and settle into a professional massage therapy room designed around serenity.

Emerald Sun - Hairdressers

Hairdressers

You can treat yourself at any point during your cruise with our dedicated hairdressers – perfect if you’re looking to get spruced up for a special evening.