I've recently returned from a fantastic five days on board Emerald Sun. Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly staff, and porters promptly took care of our luggage for delivery to our cabin. As we boarded, we were offered a welcome glass of fizz, which was a lovely touch. The warm welcome from the Emerald Cruises crew set the tone for the rest of the journey. The attention to detail and genuine care shown by them made the whole experience feel relaxed, welcoming, and thoroughly enjoyable.
The overall look of Emerald Sun is modern, stylish, and impeccably clean. The design felt fresh and welcoming, with well-maintained interiors and thoughtful details throughout. From the moment we stepped on board, the atmosphere felt calm and luxurious.
We were then shown to our Panorama Balcony Suite, which made a wonderful first impression. The room was thoughtfully laid out, featuring twin beds, a large mirror near the entrance, a dressing table, and a spacious wardrobe. The French balcony allowed plenty of natural light and offered beautiful views as we cruised. The bathroom was well-appointed with a large walk-in shower, ESPA amenities, and plenty of space. Robes, slippers, a hairdryer, and a fully stocked mini bar added an extra touch of comfort and convenience.
The dining experience on board was second to none. While meals were served at set times during the day, there was always a wide variety of options to suit every taste. For breakfast, my daily favourite was from the self-service breakfast bar, where I enjoyed scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and sourdough toast. There were many choices available, including an omelette station where dishes were made to order, as well as a generous selection of fresh fruit, pastries, and breads.
Lunchtime offered a vibrant salad bar and a live pasta-making station, with the dish changing daily to keep things exciting. In addition, there was an à la carte lunch menu that also changed daily, offering even more variety. Wine and beer were included during mealtimes, and the attentive staff ensured your glass was never empty.
Dinner was equally impressive, with a set menu featuring several options, including the chef’s recommendation of the day, which came with a perfectly paired wine. Every meal felt thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.
We had the Platinum Drinks Package, which offered an extensive selection of beverages, including the widest range of cocktails, mocktails, wines, and spirits. The variety was impressive and allowed us to try something new each day, though we quickly found our favourites. One of the standout aspects of this experience was the attentiveness of the staff — they took the time to get to know our preferences, and it was such a lovely touch when they remembered our favourite drinks and had them ready the next time they saw us.
During the day, a complimentary fitness class was offered, led by the onboard wellness instructor. My favourite was one of the Yoga Sessions, which was held at the back of the ship where the pool area transformed into a peaceful little yoga studio. It was a truly stunning setting, quiet, calm, and bathed in soft morning sunlight. The class was the perfect way to start the day; I felt stretched, refreshed, and ready for a full day of exploring.
Each evening on board, there was always entertainment to enjoy, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. It was the perfect time to unwind with a cocktail or two. My personal favourite was the Spicy Gin Ginger, which was delicious. The entertainment varied each night, but a standout for me was the talented violinist, whose performance was both elegant and captivating. In the evenings, we were also treated to a selection of late-night canapés, which made the experience feel even more special. These evenings were a wonderful way to relax and added an extra touch of magic to the overall cruise experience.
In the city of Cologne, we hired the onboard e-bikes and joined a self-guided tour led by the Activities Manager. The e-bikes were easy to use and made exploring the city feel relaxed and fun. The route took us under the famous Love Lock Bridge, which was stunning, and we had time to stop and take some photos of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. The ship has 16 e-bikes available for guests, and you can request to hire them in any port, which is a fantastic option for independent exploration while still having the support of the onboard team.
Whilst in Cologne, we also had some free time to visit the famous Früh Brewery and tried their own freshly brewed Kölsch beer, which is unique to the region. The atmosphere was lively and authentic, and it was a great way to immerse ourselves in the local culture. It added a fun and traditional touch to our time in the city and was definitely a highlight of our visit.
In Koblenz, we took part in a guided walking tour, which was both enjoyable and educational. The tour guide was very informative, sharing interesting stories and historical context as we explored the city. As the weather was particularly hot that day, it was a thoughtful touch that cold water was made available as we disembarked the ship.
We learned a great deal about Koblenz, including that it sits at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, a location known as the “Deutsches Eck” or “German Corner” — an important historical symbol of German unity. The tour was well-paced and gave us a deeper appreciation of the city’s cultural and historical significance.
Overall, the experience was unforgettable. Cruising down the Rhine was truly a highlight — the views were absolutely breathtaking, with rolling hills, picturesque villages, and countless castles along the riverbanks. As we sailed, there was a guided commentary available that provided fascinating insights into the history and significance of the landmarks we passed. It was both relaxing and educational and really helped us connect with the places we were seeing.
I had a fabulous time sailing the Rhine on board Emerald Sun, an experience I would highly recommend!
