Cruising the Rhine

Clare Davis on 02 July 2025
When wanderlust beckons, sometimes all it takes is a few days of river-borne serenity to feel utterly transformed. My recent three-night escape aboard Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Sun offered just that—a harmonious blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and refined indulgence.

The adventure began in the skies, flying from Newcastle via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Passport control there was refreshingly smooth—always a pleasant surprise—and soon I was onward to Frankfurt, Germany, ready to step aboard my river chariot. Having cleared passport control in Amsterdam, once I disembarked in Frankfurt, I was straight out into arrivals within about 10-minutes!

Emerald Cruises knows how to craft an experience that feels both personal and luxurious. The Emerald Sun itself is a sleek vessel, gliding gracefully along the waterways and offering panoramic views from nearly every corner. Crossing numerous locks along the journey added a charming rhythm—each one a small engineering marvel and a moment to pause and admire. The skill the captain’s of these ships demonstrate when entering a lock alongside another vessel is something else!

One of the highlights was a day trip to Strasbourg, France—a city that seems stitched together from fairy tales. The timber-framed buildings of La Petite France, the soaring spires of the Gothic cathedral, and the gentle canals weaving through the old town made for a picture-perfect excursion. Strolling through cobblestone streets, I felt the pulse of Franco-German history and culture all around me. As part of the EmeraldPLUS experience, your excursions are included and at each stop, you will have a local guide with you to help you explore.

Our second excursion was to Freiburg, nestled on the edge of Germany’s famed Black Forest. It’s a city that feels earthy and effortlessly cool—eco-conscious, rich in history, and blessed with sunny charm. The medieval architecture, Bächle water streams trickling through the streets, and a warm local atmosphere made it a morning to remember. With markets operating each morning (apart from Sunday) be sure to take some time to wander through Munsterplatz in the Old Town – I can highly recommend trying a selection of the local sausages. Three nights passed quickly; the quiet glamour of the ship, the immersive excursions, and the chance to unwind with good company and great drinks—all made this short river cruise a full-bodied experience of its own. From traversing locks to sipping wine as castles drifted by, the Emerald Sun voyage reminded me that sometimes, less time can mean more meaning.

If I have managed to whet your appetite with river cruising, please get in touch and we can make your next getaway a smooth sailing on one of the many beautiful rivers around the world!