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VIKING EMERALD Ship Review

Viking Emerald cruises the Yangtze River. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises.

Built in 2011, the 256-guest Viking Emerald operates Viking’s China river cruises along the famed Yangtze. She features all-balcony staterooms and interiors designed by Yran & Storbraaten, who are perhaps better known for their interior design work on everything from Silversea’s Silver Shadow to Disney’s Disney Dream. Aboard Viking Emerald, they weave their magic, creating interior spaces that are striking and uncommon to many river cruise vessels, like the ship’s sweeping four-story atrium. She is 415 feet long and carries a crew of 168.

VIKING EMERALD Staterooms

One of the sumptuous suites aboard Viking Emerald. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises.

There are 128 staterooms aboard Viking Emerald, all of which include private balconies and hotel-style beds. The smallest staterooms measure a very comfortable 269 square feet.

There are nine different stateroom categories aboard Viking Emerald:

• Category A, B, C, D, E and F staterooms all measure 269 square feet and are located on Upper, Middle and Main decks. They all feature a small sitting area, a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning, a wardrobe, space under beds for storing luggage, a tv, and a kettle and instant coffee available in the stateroom. The only difference between each category is its physical location on the ship.
• Junior Suites measure 301 square feet and are located on Upper and Middle decks. The have all the amenities of the above staterooms, but with increased living space.
• Suites are slightly larger than Junior Suites at 327 square feet. They are located aft on the Observation Deck, and boast all the amenities of the above staterooms, but with additional living space.
• Presidential Suites are the top-line accommodation aboard Viking Emerald. Located on Middle Deck, these two forward-facing staterooms are 840 square feet apiece and feature panoramic windows opening onto a private wraparound balcony. Bedrooms are separated from the living area, which features a full sofa, coffee table and desk. Presidential Suite bathrooms also feature a full bathtub.

As with many ships, these suites can sell out quickly, so it can pay to book well in advance.

VIKING EMERALD Public Areas

Guests are greeted by the spacious atrium as they board. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises.

With interior spaces designed by Yran & Storbraaten, Viking Emerald resembles a scaled-down deep ocean cruise ship both in her décor and appointments. The striking, four-story atrium is tastefully done in an understated elegance, with clean lines, soft woods, and marble.

A forward-facing observation lounge allows for expansive views of the Yangtze and features comfortable seating, a full bar, and an adjacent 24-hour coffee station.

The dining room aft on Main Deck features panoramic windows and is open-seating, allowing guests to dine with whomever they want at tables which can accommodate up to eight people. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here.

Viking Emerald also features an open Sun Deck and a more sheltered Observation Deck for comfortable viewing in all weather conditions.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• Viking Emerald is equipped with two passenger elevators.
• All staterooms aboard Swiss Emerald are fitted with 220 volt, European style two-prong plugs. North American cruisers should bring an adapter, such as the Samsonite Europe Non-Grounded adapter.