Thursday, July 6, 2017

Emerald Waterways Expands On-Board Programming

One of the highlights of an Emerald Waterways river cruise is the opportunity to spend quality time exploring some of Europe’s most fascinating cities. While the company is always expanding and honing their port excursions to ensure guests get the most out of tours, Emerald Waterways is also focusing on the equally important on-board experience through unique amenities and wellness, culinary and educational programs designed to enrich the entire cruising experience. A series of new on-board programs launching in 2017 and 2018 includes yoga classes, smartphone photography workshops, and an exclusive dinner with a local celebrity chef…almost enough to make guests think twice about getting off the ship.

Returning home with impressive vacation photos is often easier said than done. Emerald Waterways is offering guests aboard the October 14 Sensations of Southern France sailing the chance to learn to use their ubiquitous smartphones to take sharper, more captivating photos with one of the industry’s best, Jack Hollingsworth. Hollingsworth is a recognized name in travel and lifestyle photography, especially when it comes to shooting with a smart phone, and the author of the new book, The Joy of iPhotography. During this sailing, Hollingsworth will lead on-board workshops showing even novice smartphone users his tricks of the trade and offer hands-on assistance for capturing the ideal shots.

A river cruise is designed to be relaxing, and Emerald Waterways is going a step further to meet guests’ wellness needs with on-board yoga classes aboard their Douro River sailings in Portugal. As part of the growing EmeraldACTIVE program, which was designed to provide guests the option to engage in more strenuous pursuits while cruising, the yoga classes will be offered on the expansive sundeck—with unparalleled views of the river and dramatically sloped valley—during all Douro sailings.

France has been long known for its culinary prowess and outstanding chefs. Guests on the Sensations of Southern France sailing can get a taste of one of Avignon’s best during an on-board, Provençal style dinner cooked by acclaimed local chef and Top Chef France finalist, Fabien Morreale. Chef Morreale hails from Martigues, a coastal town near Marseille where he owns two restaurants: La Garage and Le Gusto Caffé. He was a competitor on Top Chef France, where he made it to the final four, and is dedicated to cooking with the freshest local ingredients. While docked in Avignon, Chef Morreale comes aboard to cook a four-course meal specially created for Emerald Waterways guests.

In addition to the onboard programming, Emerald Waterways ships have a unique amenity that keeps guests happy while sailing: a heated swimming pool. The pool area, located on the ship’s aft, boats a retractable roof, spa atmosphere and fully stocked bar. On select evenings the pool area transforms into a cinema, showing classic films and recent releases complete with popcorn and drinks. More information can be found on Emerald Waterways’ website, EmeraldWaterways.com.

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