** A little explainer about the 'paid promotion' popup box - KZfaq defines paid promotion as 'accepting anything of value from a third party to make your video'. As mentioned in the video I was invited onboard by Emerald Waterways which means that they paid my cruise fare, I'm never paid beyond this but the gifted cruise fair means I need to tick this box. All opinions are my own and no cruise line has control over my content. ** 🎉🎉 If you are curious about how I make money (selling cruises, website adverts, sales of my course, etc, check out this video >> kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mdKgnchystC3YJc.html)

Took Emerald a couple of years ago. My wife was ill one night. The cruise director and chef brought our dinner to our cabin in courses. It was unbelievable.

As an older lady who thinks the idea of “vacationing” with 2000 other people is repugnant I would like this type of cruise.

Some people go on vacation for excitement. Some go for relaxation. My husband worked for 36 years at a stressful job with long hours. We went to river cruises to rest, relax and let people take care of us. Beautiful scenery and interesting side trips were a plus. I love river cruises.

As an introvert that hates a big crowd this sounds like a dream

A very nervous first time cruiser approached the Captain. “Do ships like this sink very often?” he asked. Replied the captain, “No, not too often. Usually, it’s only once.”

River cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel. Ocean cruising takes you to places, while River cruising takes you through places.

Great video. Well done. At first I was concerned about being on a cruise with a bunch of old folks and then I remembered--I am an old folk.

Went on my first river cruise at age 46 with Viking and I really enjoyed it. No teens plus I made a lot friends with cool older folk that I would not have had the chance on a regular non-Viking ocean cruise. You don’t realize how annoying kids are until you go on a trip without them lol

I first took a river cruise ship with my dad who was 79 at that time and I was 21 (yes, big age gap). He has always wanted to go on a river cruise but because of his health, he didn't want to go alone so he asked if I wanted to join him and I happily agreed. We chose Emerald Waterways and the cruise started from Nurenberg all the way to Amsterdam and it was the best experience we've both had. We made some friends along the way and the staff were extremely lovely. My dad didnt join a lot of the excursions to the towns and villages but I did and the staff weren't bothered at all. I sometimes went my own way during the trips around the village and always made sure to get back in time for when the bus departed. I don't particularly believe that there is a certain age for anyone to start going on a river cruise (although minimum age I say would be 17 or 18) as long as he/she is a responsible person, wants to do it and doesn't cause problems for others as majority of the people on these cruises are retired individuals who just want to enjoy themselves without any fuss. My dad and I find river cruises more enjoyable than an ocean cruise and I would like to encourage those who want to try it out to do the same.

This was best river cruise promotion I’ve ever seen. By far. You deserve some sort of compensation from those cruise lines! I was skeptical but now am a believer

My wife and took an Alaskan cruise and land tour for our 20th anniversary. We were 47 and 45, and I think we lowered the average age of passengers down to 78. Great time and recommend for anyone.

I'm 34 and went on a Viking River Cruises with my mom last year. I LOVED it. We are going back in July, again in 2023 and I plan to go again multiple times after that.

Thank you for a bit of deja vu, Emma. My wife and I took an Emerald Waterways ship down the Rhine river from Amsterdam to Basel two years ago along with several in-laws and their spouses. Our ship wasn’t the one in your video but it was an identical sister ship. I’ve sailed on a lot of ocean cruises (Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Caribbean, etc.) in the past 50 years but the river cruise was the best. No big crowds, no overworked staff, friendly guests, a different town to explore (or not explore) every day, good food, etc. And best of all, no “sea days” with nothing to look at. You just watch the scenery glide past. It is very relaxing. And, as you said, you will be worn out at the end of the day if you take advantage of all the tours and walks.

Just did our first river cruise - Rhône from Arles to Lyon, same as your route, but different vendor. As 50-some year-olds I’d say your review was a little generous. The ship was impeccable. The stateroom top notch. Staff were nothing but attentive and professional. But it felt like a strange combination of the movie “Groundhog Day” and the song “Hotel California.” Such a lovely place. Pink champagne on ice. You can check in, but you can never leave. Very structured - included tour starts at 9, so better be at breakfast at 8, better rise and shower at 7. With jet lag from the other side of the planet the alarm might just have been playing “I Got You Baby” every morning. Kinda felt like a prisoner in a very upscale jail. And the food was meh. Not bad, but not great. It would be easy to google restaurants in the places visited and enjoy great cuisine, and at times you actually prefer to dine, not on the predetermined schedule. For the (not inexpensive) cost, you could stay in very nice hotels and eat much better. You’d give up the “convenience” of having absolutely everything preprogrammed for you, but then you’d also gain the flexibility of sleeping in without missing out, eating at the best local establishments, and generally moving at your own pace. In short, I’d say there is a place in the market for river cruising, and it coincides perfectly with the customary demographic. As a reasonably fit 50ish couple we’d prefer more flexibility and independence. But I can envision a day when that might just be too much work - and going with the (not terrible) flow might be our best option. Conclusion - river cruising, we will see ya again in about 20 years. Till then, bon jour.

Emma My wife and I have done four French canal barge cruises. That may sound a bit odd to lots of people, but they are fantastic. They cruise through the French canal system (for cargo barges) that were created by Napoleon. The old cargo barges have been converted into passenger barges that accommodate 7-20 (+/-+ ) passengers. The captain, cook, and matelot are always French. Most of the waitresses/waiters/cabin crew are almost always British (as are the owners of the company). You arrive by bus to the barge and everyone is a stranger to the others, but due to the small population aboard, when you depart the barge after a week you feel like family members. The food and wine each day change due to the region that you are traveling through. The daily trips (museums, farms, wineries, cheese makers, etc) are all included. The food and drink is fantastic. The barges cruise at a walking pace through the canals and there are always walking or biking paths along the side of the canals and there are signs or how far it is to the next ecluse (sorry but as an American of French heritage I cannot remember the word in English). You can either use the free bikes on board or walk along the path and normally you will arrive at the next ecluse before the barge. I am a cyclist and one of the passengers was a German-born US immigrant who also loved biking. We both woke up early (unlike you!) and I said Wolfgang “How about an early-morning bike ride”? He said sure! I was wearing shorts and a tee shirt. We were very close to Strasbourg and off we went. I had not noticed that it was about 4°C but we took off. After a while, I looked at where we were on the GPS on my phone. I said Wolfgang “How about a Früstück in Deutschland (Breakfast in Germany) because we are less than 2 kms from the border”. We crossed the border, had a wonderful breakfast and biked back to the barge when most of the passengers were just coming to breakfast. We had ridden almost 30 kms and my hands were frozen (no gloves), but it was a fantastic morning. The cruises are not that cheap because everything is included, trip, booze, food, day trips etc. The last time that I checked they were about USD $4k for a week, but in my opinion worth every penny. Look for French barge cruises on the Internet (they are normally British companies and the experience is completely different amazing. Cheers from Rio de Janeiro, were my wife and I retired although I have lived in Brazil off and on for almost thirty years. Loved your video. Beijos from Greg

Fun fact, I used to work on cruise ships and I switched to river cruises, and yes similar experience just from different point 😁 Big ocean ships are fun and everything but rivers ships are more private and definitely different even from point of one who worked on both. I'm glad you liked it 💞

You are simply adorable. I loved your enthusiasm and excitement. You were passionate about getting your point across. It worked. After umpteen ocean cruises, and a year and a half without being able to cruise, I'm now going to sit down and book my first river cruise. I'm surprised at the amount of activity that you mentioned. I've never been bored a day in my life. Honestly I'd much rather be left alone on my balcony all week and not bothered. But it's nice to know that if I wanted a distraction it would be available. I'll start looking at River cruises now. I'm sold.

This sounds 10× more enjoyable than ocean cruises tbh. Could never wrap my head around why you would go on an ocean cruise, but I could actually imagine doing a river cruise some day

I signed up for the drink package on the second day of my river cruise when I learned that it included premium brands of alcohol. Emerald pro rated the price of the package since I didn’t have it the first day. The package paid for itself over the remainder of the cruise. I should also mention that the shore tours are voluntary and included in the price. There is no crowding at the customer service desk to sign up and pay for a tour before it sells out.

Unlike cruising on the sea, there is always something interesting to see from a river boat. Also when the boat moors you're at the place you're visiting, not a bus ride away.

Age is a state of mind. I've wanted to do a river cruise for years now, and at 30 I'm sure I'd enjoy it as much now as I would have when I was younger or when I am older. Just chilling on deck watching the pretty scenery go by in relative quite is exactly in line with what my idea of a good holiday is.

It's nice to hear these lovely cruises haven't been spoiled by current expectations. I took a Rhine cruise and a Danube cruise with what's now Viking (it was still KD back then) in the 1990s and had a fantastic time. It's much more intimate and relaxed than ocean cruising. I even enjoyed the "river days", as an opportunity to sit in the sun with a book and soak up beautiful scenery. I was probably the youngest person (30s) on the boat both times, but everyone I met was good company. I frequently skipped the planned excursions so that I could set my own pace and itinerary. I much preferred not traveling with a 1000 other people and making crowd everywhere you go. If the go-go-go and party scene of an ocean cruise don't sound good to you, try a river cruise.

As a child of the '70s, cruising is very nostalgic for me, thanks to Aaron Spelling. I haven't had the pleasure yet but crossing fingers cruising becomes safe again.

My grandmother wanted me to join her on a river cruise a couple summers ago. I was 20 and definitely the youngest person on the cruise. Still had a lot of fun!

We had people from 16 to 90. Generally fairly older but some of those guys are wild 😂😂😂

I used to work for Emerald & Scenic cruises (owned by the same family!) and it was the best job. I worked in the reservations department & got to do a cruise on one of the Scenic ships in 2015. It was absolutely amazing. I was only 20 - and had the best time ever!

This is EXACTLY what I needed to know. Trying to decide if I'd be okay with going on such a trip by myself (early-50s widow). Sounds like it would be quite nice.

I was the youngest person on a river cruise at 48. I liked it though. The older crowd is kinder and more polite. You’re also right about seeing the same people. It meant you can’t forget people or ignore people, so you have to be nice to each other.

Been on ocean and river cruises and I will RIVER cruise for the rest of my life. They are intimate and informal. Ships are docked right next to amazing towns, filled with experienced travelers, fun people, oh I could go on and on. Worth every dime. Great video!

You are about 40 years younger than me, but your reviews are so much fun to listen to. I like your cute sense of humor-guessing that is a UK kinda thing. I am an American. Keep up the good work. Thank you for doing this.

Wonderful! Preppy, peppy, happy... Great job Emma...and this from a river cruise executive :) a competitor of Emerald but absolutely great descriptions of life on board - great promotion for the younger generations and river cruising in general! PS: Loved the short dark bob ... ST

My uncle brings his bluegrass jazz band over to play on River Cruise boats during the summer and/or fall every year. He loves the people and the cruises and says that they have great staff and audiences. He's been doing this for more than 25 years. Just as a review, while I am not a cruiser myself, I think you do a terrific job on these videos and have a wonderful charm that conveys your passion and expertise. Good luck.

I’m alone, and Youngish , but you have me sold.

Years ago, I too went on a Danube River cruise. It was quite fascinating, seeing the different countries along the famous river. (The city of Belgrade was gorgeous.) It would be my favorite cruise, except that I also took a Greek Island cruise which was plain incredible.

I went on a coach tour into Central Australia with my Mum. Unfortunately the last holiday we had before her final illness. However I was the youngest person by at least 15 years. It was hilarious. Mum and I laughed every night after dinner, at the querulous fussing over food, the toilet stops, the luggage handling. I will never forget it.

Delightful. Also, that's a weird looking 'chess' set. (Looks like tic-tac-toe to me.)

We love river cruising! Less people, more attentive staff and exploring a new city every day. I must agree though, we were so busy that we were definitely worn out every night.

Hi, Emma! You're keeping me company in my brother's hospital room. Thanks for your ever comforting content.

I just added River cruise to my to do list.

swimming/cinema combo is crazy.

We took a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with Evergreen Lines. It was a fantastic experience and we will do another river cruise again after this Covid business is over. Both, my wife and I were around 60 years old, but still among the youngest on board 180 Aussies packed on a boat. You do the math.

My mother and I took a river cruise in the US. She was in a wheelchair. When there was a talk on the top deck, the crew picked her up, wheelchair and all, and carried her up. When she was ready to return, they carried her down. At the time, I was a Mountain Dew drinker, so they bought me a 12 pack of cans. They really went all out to make your cruise! 35 crew for 35 passengers!

My river cruising was years ago, and it's nice to see that the advantages still exist. The boats were small and the cruising wasn't as fancy (or as expensive) as it is now, and because of the relatively small numbers it was very personal and friendly. We were there to see the places where we stopped, and the onboard activities were incidental. On an ocean cruise it's the other way around.

Excellent job, young lady! This is my first step in researching river cruises and you really made me want to try one out!

Thank you for discussing the accessibility of the top deck. Not a negative, but important to note if it might be a concern.

Thank you for this. I’m disabled and I’ve intentionally never gone on a cruise because I’m scared I’ll not make it more than a day. The fact it wasn’t very big, in height and width, saves me the energy I could use on activities. The fact you said there were different speeds which you could tour and the fastest wasn’t even very fast for you makes me so happy. I won’t miss out on the traveling part of said cruise. The food can be allergen specific! That’s hard to get in some restaurants. Plus you said the age difference didn’t really bother anybody is a relief as I’m 22. I get that it is more money, but being sick will always result in having to spend more on life in general. Now I just need to know how I’d deal with constantly needing ice packs and I’ll be set!

River cruises are for seasoned travelers. Oceanic cruisers are not “travelers.” River cruises are about touring interesting places in a different port each day, no parties, dancing, drinking, entertainment, jacuzzis, swimming pools, discos, auctions, gift shops, portrait studios, massages, and beauty salons, thankfully. It is true that river cruisers are in a different age demographic.

Always wanted to do this since I was 19 and did a boat trip to Salzburg from Germany. That was only a day cruise but it was dreamy, so beautiful. I am in my 50s now so I am ready for this!

Great overview of River cruising! I think this is something I’d like to try at some point!

We did a Rhine cruise with Viking for our 40th anniversary, and it was absolutely fantastic. But now you have me curious to see how Emerald compares to Viking. The ship looked similar, and your descriptions matched what we experienced.

I've always wanted to go on a river cruise. This video just made me realize why....Well done!

Great description of your river cruise. Thanks

I've only ever been on a nile cruise which seems a lot like your experience here (although probably a smaller & more budget boat). I absolutely loved it. Such an amazing way to visit so much of the country and do so much in just a week, without feeling rushed or frazzled trying to fit it all in. I'd be more than happy to go back and do that same cruise all over again & it's rare for me to want to do the same place twice.

we river cruised in our early 40s. We started in Germany and ended in BudaPest. Loved it.

Thankyou your videos are so informative, love watching them😊

I have not been on a river cruise, but your video has inspired me to look into taking one soon! Like you, my boys cruised from a young age - by the time they were 18 they had Princess Cruise Captain Circle Elite status! I have so many cruise memories with them . . . 🙂

Loved this video .. Thank you .. About 15 years ago I went on an Ocean cruise with a friend, and hated it .. I had put River Cruises into the same category until I came upon your video by accident .. Now, I'm willing to try a River cruise, and it sounds delightful ... Ciao

My husband and I did the Rhine cruise and had the most fantastic time! We even rented bikes and went through the wine country and sm villages. We had drink package and never disappointed. Enjoyed a cappuccino every morning and then off on excursions! ☺

*6:21* "ma'am this ticket is for a different cruise" Emma: "Oh no, I'm the wrong person again."

Informative information I never thought of a river cruise before but now I will look at it

I really really enjoyed your video. It answered everything that I wanted to know river cruises. I was afraid it was very uniform and military style tours. Thank you so much

When I used to work at my formal job, I had many older clients and some would talk to me (I was in my early-mid 20s) about things. One semi-regular spoke to me about just coming back from Europe and taking a river cruise. I got quite interested as I love to travel. On his next visit, he gave me the Viking River Cruise travel brochure for me to look over. I've yet to go on any cruise but watching this now has it back on my bucket list. I definitely wouldn't mind the slower pace, the normal big ocean cruises wasn't something I wouldn't like anyway.

Thanks Emma for a very entertaining talk.. will be showing my Mrs this as we are in debate about a nice river cruise.

Great video Emma! I like that tours are included. Definitely a future cruise we’d love to experience

What a wonderful commentary on river cruises, well done. Makes me want to investigate a Mississippi River cruise in the US, since I live 10 miles away from it in Minnesota. Super informative video, thank you.

In the U.S. there are cruses from Chicago to New York, that combined the Great Lakes (Michigan, Huron, and Erie) with the Erie Canal, to the Hudson River. They are very small cruse ships, but in the fall, it is some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

As a TA boring isn’t what people mean as not being knackered or what not. It means there’s no slides or huge casinos or big stage shows. You need to be content with just 100 people and one bar and a show with the CD singing to you. You’re on a river cruise for the immersive ports etc. that’s why it’s normally older people that are on them that can handle that. I’m going in icon as a 36 year old and it already sounds exhausting but my 4 year old will love it. But I’m looking forward to a small ship just relaxing without my son. Emma you rock with your reviews and jealous you can cruise so much. Keep up the great work.

I took a river cruise on the Saone and Rhone Rivers in France a couple years ago on the Amadeus Provence. It was perfect. Just perfect. Small group and excellent food and service. Could not have been better. More like a private tour than some giant cruise ship.

Just booked a Christmas Mkt river cruise with my daughter, thanks for all the great info. I was a little hesitant but your videos have answered all my questions and now we can't wait!!!!!

Our river cruise was with Viking on the Seine. We loved every part of the cruise. We found Viking to be superb in all their service for us. We spent 3 extra days in Paris after the cruise and Viking took care of us For those extra days. Next summer we are doing a Danube Cruise with Viking. That gives you clue of how much we enjoyed it. Also, never once did we feel hungry.

Great video and insight on river cruise’s. Sounds like you had a great time!!

Emma, I wish I had started cruising when I was in my twenties. I was 49 when I cruised for the first time, and I was hooked. I am almost 65 and there are still so many cruises I need to do.

Such a great video Emma. We have found that selling river cruises is very different from that of ocean going liners. Our clients being older, also had clear intentions as to what they how to do while on this type of cruise and so it's a lot of fun pulling the entire trip together.

Went on a river cruse down the Rhine when I was 10. Loved it.

Never been on any cruise before but just stumbled across your channel. Thanks for the good informative work, glad you had a nice time. Glad house looked as good as that. Look forward to hearing your more stories 😀

Thanks Emma, you answered so many of of my questions about river cruising. Like you, have always wanted to go on one, and now I think I actually will. On a side note, love the "Britishisms" commentary. I will now share a San Francisco Bay Area expression: When you really enjoy something, or place, or event, we say that was "hella good". Don't ask me why.

I've never cared much for ocean cruises but this is something I was thinking about doing on a trip to Europe or possibly as a gift for my parents. This was incredibly informative, thank you!

What an excellent review/reviewer!. Loads of information. No time wasted. Thanks Emma.

Cruise Symphony of the sea, that the best cruise to have fun!

We have been looking at River cruises for a while now and haven’t tried it yet. Thanks for this video, you’ve now convinced us to give it a go. We always love to see the river cruise boats at cities we visit around the world. Great channel x

Yep, on our Rhine cruise, our upper walking deck was closed for most of our trip due to all the locks and bridges. I really would have like to walked around at night. But, the convenience of embarking was overwhelming. No line up, and just a few steps to your cabin. Awesome!

Really good information. Thank you!

Wow, thank you for this video! Prior to watching your video, I was turned off by the thought that river cruises are very regimented and strict, and kind of boring, like you mentioned you were worried about too. Now I'm excited again about trying this out! I'd also like to go on lots of excursions and explore new towns so this has a great appeal to me! Thank you Emma!

Arles is a fabulous place to start your river cruise....absolutely beautiful.

EMMA, My mom and i went on a River cruise in 2016 with Viking To eastern Europe. Started in Hungary, then went to Croaita, Serbia, Bulgaia and finally Romaina. During the cruise we got to go through the IRON GATES GROUGE. And gto to see this carved wizard monument that i think was Serbia's version of mount rushmore. We also got to stay a few days extended in Romania to travel to Transylvania to visist dracuals castle. AWESOME trip!! Definalty a "older" person trip as i was a young pup as 41 years old. You get to meet people and see the same peope as opposed to ocean cruises that have 5,000 people. We also had a lounge with a gourment coffee maker abnd fresh cooikes, as much as i wanted!!!

Wow! Great Video Emma! You Are So Full Of Energy! I'm KNACKERED Just Watching The Video! Ha! Glad Your Cruise Went So Well! Thanks For All The Info! Guess I'll Have To Try a River Cruise Now! Whew! I Need A Glass Of Wine Now, Just Watching This Video! Stay Safe You And Your BF!❤❤

Thanks, your reviews are so upbeat and I had never considered a river cruise before, or any cruise at all really. I actually enjoy chatting and hanging out with seniors so it could be fun, like the grandparents I never really got to meet.

My wife and I have been on 9 ocean cruises but we still learn much about cruising from watching your videos. We look forward to our first river cruise sometime post COVID, thank you for your insights and hints. Cheers.

I had a river cruise with Arosa on the Seine river / France. It was phantastic. What I really liked were the short ways on the ship. And the cellphone was operational at reasonable costs.

You’ve convinced me to try one. Thank you.

Great video Emma. We may never get to experience a river cruise across the pond but maybe here in the States at some point. Definitely looks interesting and different. At our 70ish age, that may be quite enjoyable. Be well and stay safe. 👍👍👍

Excellent video. Good observation. Emma has sold me on "River Cruising". Thank you

Received tons of ads in the mail to try river cruising and NEVER thought it was for me - now I'm not so sure - thank you!

Thanks for this very informative video.

Excellent! Very thorough details. We found your presentation extremely helpful. Thanks! 😊

My favorite cruises were on smaller ships with Uniworld and Seaborn. More port time. Met great people. Yes an older crowd because they are not cheap. But I enjoy a mature conversation than I would get on a big ocean liner.

Great video Emma. I've never really liked the idea of a regular cruise ship with three or four or five thousand people, but a river cruise looks like something I could definitely enjoy. Thanks for the insights...

River cruise sounds perfect for us. Free style, quiet, relax, informal. We were on NCL to Nova Scotia and didn't like the crowd and noise from an ocean cruise. Thank you Emma for this video, we are looking forward to going away after the pandemic. We are 63 and 75 and still mobile, so stairs are fine.

No one is better than Emma for what she does for us🙏! I am OVER WHELMED which = GOBSMACKED in England, as to the minute details she gives us. She really is amazing!!😱🌹🚢