Embark on a journey of luxury and adventure with Emerald Cruises, bookable through Murray Travel!
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Sponsored Editorial
A LUXURIOUS cruise through the heart of Europe is offering holidaymakers a unique week-long holiday packed with stress-free indulgence.
Run by Emerald Cruises, the Jewels of the Rhine package will see guests voyage from Basel, in Switzerland, to Amsterdam aboard an opulent 180-person ship packed with special touches.
Bookable through Murray Travel, Elgin branch manager Alison Jones recommended the October trip as the best way to see the region’s “hidden gems” while enjoying the finest luxury.
While aboard as part of the Jewels of the Rhine, an Emerald Starship will whisk passengers through four countries on a journey through history-soaked scenery.
And the finest food, service and wellness experiences will accompany the jaw-dropping locations.
In total, the once-in-a-lifetime trip will offer a chance to see five UNESCO sites and will stop in seven varied and gorgeous ports.
Alison said: “Emerald Cruises offers a revolutionary design to life on board. The suites are so lovely, and offer contemporary comfort. They are stylish, and a perfect sanctuary of peace and relaxation. Throughout the ship, there are so many special little touches, which are really exceptional.”
She added that the level of service aboard the luxury ship is “second-to-none”.
“The service is exceptional, second-to-none,” she said. “It has a totally different feel to anything else, and it is more personal. You aren’t just a number when you’re on board. There's somebody to meet you, to take you to the ship and there's always somebody there to look after you from then on.”
An incredible on-board spa and gym are also available which, alongside a wealth of beauty and wellness treatments and active excursions, make the Jewels of the Rhine the perfect chance to work on yourself in luxury.
On-hand to help will be a dedicated wellness team, who also lead invigorating fitness classes.
Alison said: “The ship has a wellness team, and there is also a well-equipped gym. Along with the choice of spa and beauty treatments, it just offers so much peace, relaxation and rejuvenation.”
The Jewels of the Rhine is being offered through Murray Travel as a Platinum Package deal, with all meals, food, drink, flights, tips and excursions included.
She added that a range of “lovely” restaurants, bars, lounges and terraces are on offer.
Seasonal produce is a constant feature of the food offering, spoiling passengers with a hand-picked selection of the flavours of Europe.
The ship will have a dedicated cruise director to ensure things go smoothly, along with a welcome and farewell reception and dinner.
“The foodies out there - this is definitely for them,” Alison said. “It is full of absolutely exquisite dining experiences. It’s the benchmark for on-board dining. The food is of an exceptional standard and there are always local flavours on offer, with the restaurant perfectly attuned to seasonal changes. And you have breathtaking views at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your culinary adventure takes place alongside your travel voyage.”
The Jewels of the Rhine journey begins in Basel, before heading through Beisach, the Black Forest, Kehl, Strasbourg, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Cologne and Amsterdam.
Along with the historic global cities of Amsterdam, Cologne and Strasbourg, passengers will take in the region’s millenia-old history as they travel the stunning Rhine.
Throughout, guests will enjoy rolling hills, vineyards, castles and traditional timber houses.
The holiday also offers the chance to learn more about the evocative Black Forest - home to countless fairytales and a particularly famous gateau.
Alison added: “The cruise has a beautiful itinerary, you really are following in the footsteps of poets. You can get to the heart of each destination and take in the swooping, fairytale-like landscape. It is a great way to see some of the small towns and attractions. It’s a lot of fun, not a fast pace, and just such a really relaxing way to travel.”
She added that the Jewels of the Rhine offers plenty of chances to soak up wonderful, varied cultures as the luxury vessel snakes down the river.
Along with traditional trips to attractions, also on offer are active experiences like trekking and cycling tours.
This is joined by chances to get involved in knowledge-expanding cultural workshops, wine tasting, vineyard visits, cheese making and evening concerts.
Alison added that the cruise would also be perfectly suited to those hoping to meet new friends.
“It’s especially good for people who might be travelling by themselves,” Alison said. “They might want to meet people, and there will be quite a lot of solo travellers there. And, it’s great, you can just go up and speak to anybody. Whereas, if you were on a large ship, you might feel overwhelmed with the number of people. So a river cruise is an easy way to make friends and have company.”
Sought-after spots on the Jewels of the Rhine cruise are being sold through Murray Travel’s branches in Elgin, Forres, Nairn and Inverness.
Plenty of local people and groups are expected to take up the opportunity, Alison added, so those looking to meet new friends could end up forging lifelong bonds.
“You not only get a better price, but you're also travelling with like-minded people that you might enjoy the company of. And if they're not friends when they go, they could become new friends whilst they're there,” Alison added.
Setting off on October 15, 2024, flights are included in the price, taking holidaymakers stress-free from Inverness to the starting location in Basel via Amsterdam.
After their voyage, passengers will fly directly back to Inverness from Amsterdam.
Prices start at £1870 per person, with solo and double occupancy cabins available to suit all requirements.
Alison encouraged anybody interested in securing their chance to join Emerald Cruises’ Jewels of the Rhine experience to visit or phone their local Murray Travel store, or to visit the Murray Travel website.
