Thame Out The complimentary magazine for the Thame area
Go with the flow.
River cruising is becoming increasingly popular. Spear Travels own Julie Kendrick was named Godmother of a river cruise ship in Budapest. She explains all to Thame Out.
Emerald Cruises are small ship experts. Whether you’re in search of the relaxed pace of a Europe river cruise, an enchanting voyage through Southeast Asia, or a journey along some of the world’s most stunning coastlines on board a luxury yacht – Emerald Cruises’ collection of river and yacht cruises will take you to the very heart of each destination.
Seven years ago this August, we celebrated our very own Julie Kendrick being named Godmother of Emerald
Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Sun in Budapest. We’ve spoken to Julie about her experience and what it means to be Godmother of a river cruise ship.
Julie, seven years on from the christening, what does it mean to you to be Godmother of Emerald Sun?
In all of my many years in travel and all of the wonderful experiences I have had, the ones that have been the ‘pinch me moments’ are the ones where I have sat on the dockside watching the bottle being smashed as a ship had been christened. These have made me feel extremely privileged and led to my secret goal in life of becoming a Godmother to a ship. I was therefore truly honoured and delighted to be chosen as Godmother to the Emerald Sun (following in the footsteps of Twiggy who was the first Godmother for Emerald Cruises the previous year). Emerald Sun with her innovation and style brings immense enjoyment and everlasting memories for everyone who sails on her and to not only part of that experience but to be Godmother means I am an Ambassador for her and a brand which I believe to be leading the way in putting stylish and iconic vessels into the river cruise market.
Tell us about your experience of being hosted on board
Amazing service, fantastic food and a super friendly crew that I felt were part of my family!!
It was a lovely, sunny day in Budapest and I was quite nervous about the bottle smashing. It was a very surreal experience whilst the vicar blessed the ship and then I said a few words and released the bottle…and yes, it did smash first time! It was one of the most memorable experiences in my 30 years in the industry and a true privilege.
What do you enjoy about river cruising?
On a river cruise, you can sail right into the heart of the iconic destinations you visit, taking in a number of cities and experiences all at once – and only unpacking the one time. I really like the vast amount of choice from an itinerary point of view – you can explore France, Germany, Portugal, Hungary and even Southeast Asia, plus the casual feel to cruising.
Why is Emerald Cruises Spear Travel’s number one choice for river cruising?
Emerald Cruises truly embrace the small ship experience. They’ve been awarded Which? Recommended Provider for River Cruising for the third year running, alongside their sister brand, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
Whichever part of the world you choose to cruise to with Emerald Cruises, their generous inclusions ensures you have everything you need for a holiday of a lifetime; guests can discover each destination through enlightening excursions, experience delicious dining on board, and enjoy peace of mind with your return flights, transfers and more all taken care of – they even include all gratuities so you really can relax and enjoy your holiday, knowing everything is taken care of.
Award-winning, innovative and contemporary, Emerald Cruises’ fleet of Star-Ships are far from ordinary. Star-Ships sailing the Danube, Rhine and Rhône are home to an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and a retractable roof. In the evenings the pool innovatively transforms into a cosy cinema – its my favourite place on board!
Emerald Cruises is currently running incredible offers across their 2022 and 2023 Europe river cruises.
Experience the Delights of the Danube on board Emerald Sun.
The Danube River journeys through the very heart of Europe, calling in at not only some of the world’s most elegant, vibrant and influential cities, but also beautiful, undiscovered and quaint towns and villages.
Experience the beauty of Budapest, the culture of Vienna and the fascinating history of medieval Germany on one waterway. Sail from on an 8-day Danube Delights river cruise calling at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Passau and Regensburg. Prices start from £1,645 per person on sailings departing from September 2022 – October 2023 (price and ship based on 30 October 2022 departure).
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
- 3 Extensive travel knowledge
- Widest choice of great holiday deals
- Options best suited to your travel needs
- A friendly, convenient service
- Value for money
- Financial security for your holiday booking
You can read more articles like this one in the latest edition of Thame Out.
