Mary Berry Joins Emerald Waterways on a Culinary-Themed Douro River Cruise in Portugal

Mary Berry Joins Emerald Waterways on a Culinary-Themed Douro River Cruise in Portugal Wine and Photography Themed Sailings Round Out Enrichment Offerings         Boston, MA (March 2019) – One of the highlights of an Emerald Waterways river cruise is the opportunity to spend quality time exploring some of Europe's most popular and fascinating cities. The on-board experience is equally important, which is why Emerald Waterways is offering a variety of culinary, educational and wellness programs this year, specially curated to enrich the entire cruising experience.         This summer Mary Berry, esteemed British baker and host of the popular Great British Baking Show, will join the Emerald Radiance during an eight-day sailing on the Douro River. Berry, who sailed for the first time with Emerald Waterways in December 2018 on  a Danube Christmas Markets cruise, returns to talk food and baking in one her favorite countries—Portugal. In the charming port of Regua, Berry will join the 110 guests on board for an afternoon of tea and pastry tasting, where she will share tales from her career and host an informal Q&A session. On the final evening in Porto, Berry will host an exclusive book signing—where guests will receive a complimentary copy of her latest publication—followed by a four-course, Mary Berry-inspired farewell gala dinner. Delights of the Douro with Mary Berry sails round trip from Porto on June 22-29.         Oenophiles will love the Flavors of Burgundy and Provence wine-centric river cruise featuring some of the most esteemed wine experts hailing from the UK, Australia, Canada and the US. Guests on this eight-day sailing will enjoy stunning vineyard-laden vistas and plenty of opportunities to sample the vintages from famed wine estates, all while benefitting from the varied expertise of the special guests. Departing on July 27 – August 3, this sailing will feature British Master of Wine, Tim Atkin; American wine expert and talk show host, Robin Stark; Canadian wine expert, DJ Kearney and Australian Master of Wine, Andrea Pritzker. During the sailing, on board Q&A sessions and master classes with the experts will allow guests the opportunity to sharpen their wine knowledge, while private tastings at world-renowned wine estates like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Château de Meursault will create lasting memories.         Returning home with impressive vacation photos is often easier said than done. Emerald Waterways is offering guests aboard the June 9-16 Legends of the Moselle, Rhine and Main sailing from Frankfurt to Nuremberg the chance to learn to use their ubiquitous smartphones to take sharper, more captivating photos with one of the industry's best iPhone photographers, Jack Hollingsworth. Hollingsworth is a recognized name in travel and lifestyle photography, especially when it comes to shooting with a smart phone, and the author of the new book, The Joy of iPhotography. During this sailing, Hollingsworth will lead on-board workshops showing even novice smartphone users his tricks of the trade and offer hands-on assistance for capturing the ideal shots.         During the month of April, these and many other 2019 European river cruises are available at a savings of $1,500 per person on itineraries of seven to 13 nights, or a savings of $3,000 per person on itineraries of 14 or more nights.         In addition to the onboard programming, Emerald Waterways ships have a unique amenity that keeps guests happy while sailing: a heated swimming pool. The pool area, located on the ship's aft, boats a retractable roof, spa atmosphere and fully stocked bar. On selected evenings the pool area transforms into a cinema, showing classic films and recent releases complete with popcorn and drinks.         Emerald Waterways' river cruises offer contemporary, deluxe ships, outstanding service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. Cruise fares include all transfers; all port charges; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited specialty tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the ship; most shore excursions as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities. On touring days, hotel accommodations, internal flights, and transfers are also included.         Part of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Waterways' eight branded Star-Ships offer river sailings in Europe and on the Mekong, as well as the MS Rossia along the Volga River in Russia; the Adriatic Princess and Adriatic Pearl yachts in Croatia; and the MS Hamees on the Nile.