Emerald Waterways 2020 Highlights

2020 brings in a new decade - and with it comes wanderlust. River cruising is one of the best way to experience new places across the world, getting to cultural spots outside of main tourism hubs, and docking in the centre of cities, right in the heart of the action. Emerald Waterways has put together a list of their top experiences and highlights in 2020.

There’s the chance to get an insight into Slovakian culture by sharing tea and cake with a family in Bratislava. Here local culture is influenced by various ethnic and religious groups, including Germans, Austrians, Slovakians, Hungarians, and Jewish peoples. Experience this - and the beauty of Bavaria - on the award-winning 11-day ‘Classic Prague & Danube Delights’ cruise.

You can join ex Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev and his dance partner on a special 8-day ‘Rumba down the Rhine with Pasha Kovalev’ cruise departing Basle on 3 April 2020. In addition to a dance masterclass, Pasha will also perform at an exciting private event at the stunning Electoral Palace in Koblenz.

Who better to see the blooming tulips of Keukenhof Gardens next spring with than BBC Gardeners’ World presenters Carol Klein and Joe Swift? With seven million bulbs planted for a feast for the eyes of 800 different types of tulips. Carol and Joe will be joining a special 8-day cruise setting sail on 10 April 2020. On this ‘Holland & Belgium in Bloom with Carol Klein & Joe Swift’ departure there are additional gardening treats such as a Q&A with the pair.

Vietnam – and Saigon in particular - is a culinary Mecca for foodies and Emerald Waterways’ brand-new star-ship Emerald Harmony offers an opportunity to get right down to the soul of this food city. During the 15-day ‘Majestic Mekong’ river cruise guests can immerse themselves in local culture and enjoy three hours eating Saigon street food like a local.

Emerald Waterways also have two yachts based in the Adriatic Sea and on an 8-day ‘Islands of Dalmatia’ cruise there’s the chance to visit the Krka River where the stunning Skradinski Buk falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here 16 cascading waterfalls feed into a natural pool where guests can swim in a tranquil setting.