Jun 20, 2020
At the heart of Emerald Waterways is our promotion of health and wellbeing across our collection of river cruises. We understand how important health and wellbeing is to our guests. When you embark on your holiday of a lifetime with us, you can rest assured that you will benefit from numerous opportunities to stay as active as you wish, whilst also enjoying a little ‘me time’ to unwind.
Our Star-Ships are designed with your health in mind, letting you relish the small ship experience. With just a small number of guests per ship, complemented by a multitude of spacious public areas and dining options, there are plenty of components to assist your wellbeing. We also offer a dynamic programme of activities, letting you tailor your river cruise to suit you. Stay fit and healthy throughout your river cruise, and return home feeling both reinvigorated and completely relaxed.
Here are just some of the ways you can maintain a healthy lifestyle while travelling with Emerald Waterways.
Participate in our EmeraldACTIVE programme
Enjoy the opportunity to stay active and take in the stunning views with our unique EmeraldACTIVE programme. From guided hikes and bike tours† to private canoeing lessons, these activities and excursions are an exciting way to see a location from another perspective.
As well as regular walking city tours, you’re invited to participate in guided hikes beyond city limits. You’ll have access to our in-cabin walking poles, should you need them. Wander through the vineyards of Southern France, savouring a truly sensory experience for wine and outdoor lovers alike. Or choose to explore Germany’s Black Forest, learning about the native nature and wildlife of this fairytale expanse.
There’s no denying that cycling has become a big part of the culture in many European cities. If you’d prefer not to walk, you can enjoy the freedom of cycling to get out and about thanks to our on board bicycles. Our Star-Ships carry a number of bicycles, letting you join a guided bike tour through the rolling countryside or weave a route along the riverside. The bikes are also available to take out at your leisure, letting you go on your own independent bike ride at each port.†
For those seeking adventure off the ground, we also offer canoeing lessons on select river cruise itineraries. You’ll learn from an expert instructor, navigating serene waters in exhilarating style. With at least one EmeraldACTIVE excursion per river cruise, don’t miss the chance to participate in this exciting way to stay active while you travel. Simply look out for the EmeraldACTIVE logo within your desired river cruise itinerary.
Join a class with our Activity Managers
Whether you normally like to exercise from the comfort of your home or regularly attend fitness classes, you can enjoy similar flexibility and routine while travelling with us. You’ll be joined by our dedicated team of Activity Managers throughout your cruise.
Whatever your ability and fitness level, our Activity Managers host a number of varied fitness classes to suit everyone. Wake up to the world with an invigorating morning yoga class on the Sun Deck of your Star-Ship. Or stretch your legs during the ‘walk-a-mile’ challenge on the Sun Deck’s walking track.
If you’d like to try something a bit different, visit the indoor heated pool* at select times for an aqua aerobics class. The floor-to-ceiling windows and retractable roof let you embrace the stunning surrounds and a gentle fresh breeze while you exercise.
Savour healthy dining menus
We believe that food plays an important role in your travel experience. You can expect truly memorable on board dining experiences, with something to suit all taste buds. Our menus are carefully crafted to ensure a mix of healthy and wholesome dishes. If you have any specific dietary requirements, notify our team before you depart and our chefs will be happy to cater to you.
Begin your day with a hearty and healthy breakfast, including fresh fruit and cereals. After a morning exploring on shore, you can return to our Star-Ships for lunch – whether you’re looking for a light bite to eat or something more filling, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Evenings in the Reflections Restaurant will be one of the many highlights of your river cruise. Savour a diverse variety of dishes on our à la carte menu. Our expert chefs use fresh, locally sourced produce to create both authentic delicacies and classic British dishes.
An alternative dining venue is The Terrace at the front of each Star-Ship. On sunnier days, enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surrounds over a light snack and refreshing drink. This is the perfect secluded spot to unwind and dine.
Maintain a fitness regime on board
If you are an avid gym enthusiast, you can maintain your fitness regime while travelling with us. Our on board gym caters to only a few guests at one time, letting you exercise safely. It’s well-equipped with a range of exercise machines and apparatus, including treadmills and weights.
For those not wanting to exercise without breaking out a sweat, our indoor heated pool* is a prime location to stay active. Enjoy a leisurely morning swim or take a dip later in the day to make the most of the innovative retractable roof – on sunny days, the roof rolls back to allow for a gentle, fresh river breeze.
Rejuvenate your senses at the Wellness Centre
Staying healthy isn’t just about exercising and eating well. Our on board Wellness Centre is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate your senses. Return home from your cruise feeling completely relaxed and rested. You can indulge in a range of spa treatments for some much needed ‘me time’. Let our on board wellness team alleviate stress or aching muscles with a restorative massage. Or be pampered by our salon beauticians to a pedicure, manicure or new hair-do.
Staying healthy on your next river cruise
Whatever way you’d like to stay healthy during your river cruise, at Emerald Waterways you can enjoy plenty of opportunities to maintain your well-being. From our EmeraldACTIVE excursions and special fitness classes led by our Activity Managers, to delicious dining and our on board Wellness Centre, your holiday can be as active or relaxing as you wish.
Learn more about our commitment to your health and safety.
Thinking about planning your next river cruise? View our collection of European river cruises.
†Bicycles are subject to availability, allocated on a first come, first served basis and are not available on Emerald Radiance sailing the Douro River. *Emerald Radiance on the Douro River does not have an indoor pool/cinema, instead there is a spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck.