Customer reviews and feedback
The feedback and reviews we receive from our customers are very important to us – they help us to continually improve and deliver the very best holiday experience.
What our customers say about our service:
Added on 25 March 2026
it was so easy to use and choose
it was so easy to use and choose . price was very fair
Added on 25 March 2026
booking easy all done and dusted In no…
booking easy all done and dusted In no time at all .brilliant
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 March 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We’re really pleased to hear that the booking process was so quick and straightforward for you. We hope you have a fantastic time on the water when your holiday comes around. If there’s anything else you need before you travel, our team will be very happy to help. And once you’re back, we’d love to hear how your trip went. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 25 March 2026
Great outdoor space!
The best thing about Emerald Star boats is the outdoor space. It’s really sociable and there’s always a fab view. Beds & bedrooms are on the small side, but that’s boats. We usually ask for extra bedding so we can make use of the living space extra bed. We’ve been on several Emerald Star holidays and the staff are always helpful and friendly. It’s a shame you have to pay for so many add ons, like cushions, parking…things that I think should just be included. All in all, we really enjoy our Emerald Star holidays, hence we go back for more.
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 March 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful review and for choosing to holiday with us on several occasions – it really means a lot to know you continue to come back to Emerald Star. We’re so pleased to hear how much you enjoy the outdoor space on our boats. Being able to relax together outside and take in the views along the waterways is definitely one of the special parts of a boating holiday. It’s also lovely to hear that our team have consistently been helpful and friendly during your trips. We appreciate your feedback regarding the additional extras. Guest feedback like yours is very important to us as we continually review our offering, and we’re pleased to share that deck cushions are now included on all of our boats. Thank you again for your continued support, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another great holiday in the future. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 25 March 2026
Booking and paying for the boat were…
Booking and paying for the boat were excellent. Having an Australian POC to call was excellent.
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 March 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear that the booking and payment process went smoothly and that having an Australian point of contact to call made the experience even better. It’s great to know this support was helpful for you. We hope you have a fantastic time on your upcoming boating holiday and enjoy every moment on the water. Please do let us know how your trip goes once you’ve returned – we’d love to hear all about your experience. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 25 March 2026
Good website helpful staff
Good website. Helpful staff
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 March 2026
Thank you for your review! We’re really pleased to hear that you found our website easy to use and that our team were helpful during your booking experience. We’ll be sure to share your kind feedback with the team. We hope you have a fantastic holiday on the water and look forward to welcoming you aboard. Please do let us know how your trip goes once you’ve returned – we’d love to hear all about it. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 25 March 2026
Your website is very easy to get…
Your website is very easy to get around. Booking was very easy. We cannot wait till we get to cruise with you. We have surprised our friends from Bordeaux with this cruise. This is something we can do for them in their own country.
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 March 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear that you found our website easy to navigate and that the booking process was straightforward. It’s also lovely to hear how excited you are for your upcoming cruise. What a fantastic surprise for your friends from Bordeaux – such a special way to enjoy time together in their beautiful region. We hope you all have an amazing time on the water and create some truly memorable moments. Please do let us know how your trip goes once you’ve returned – we’d love to hear all about your experience. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 25 March 2026
Great customer service.Friendly and…
Great customer service.Friendly and very informative.Especially Marcus.Excellent communication.
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 March 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive booking experience and that the team provided friendly, informative service. It’s especially great to hear your recognition of Marcus – we’ll be sure to pass your compliments on to him, and we’re sure he’ll be very pleased. We hope you have a fantastic holiday on the water and enjoy every moment of your trip. Please do feel free to let us know how it goes once you’ve returned – we’d love to hear all about your experience. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 25 March 2026
web site is easy to use
web site is easy to use. It is informative and very helpful.
Added on 25 March 2026
Great service and price.
Great service and price.
Very helpful
Added on 25 March 2026
Very friendly and helpful associate
Very friendly and helpful associate. Answered all of my questions and then I made a booking.
Added on 24 February 2026
LeBoat is client first company!
LeBoat is client first company. The boats are well equipped, very accommodating and easy to use. We have always had a great family time or couples experience. A great way to slow down and see a different way of vacationing.
Reply from Emerald Star, 24 February 2026
Thank you very much for your review. We’re really pleased to hear that you’ve enjoyed your experiences with us and that you value the way our team puts customers first. Creating holidays where families and couples can relax, slow down and experience the waterways in a different way is exactly what we hope every guest enjoys. It’s also great to know that you found the boats well equipped, comfortable and easy to use. One of the things many guests love about a Emerald Star boating holiday is how accessible it is — allowing you to explore beautiful waterways at your own pace. If there’s anything we could have done to make your experience a five-star one, we would genuinely love to hear your thoughts. Feedback like yours helps us continue improving the experience for future guests. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 23 February 2026
The relaxed pace of life in an idyllic…
The relaxed pace of life in an idyllic aquatic environment, without deadlines to adhere to.
Reply from Emerald Star, 23 February 2026
Thank you very much for your review. You’ve captured beautifully what many guests love most about time on the water — the relaxed pace, the peaceful surroundings and the freedom to enjoy each day without a strict schedule. That slower rhythm is exactly what makes a Emerald Star holiday on the water such a special and refreshing experience. If there’s anything we could have done to turn your experience into a full five-star one, we’d really value your feedback. Hearing from our guests helps us continue improving future trips. We hope to welcome you back for another relaxing escape on the waterways soon. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 18 February 2026
Great customer service team …
Great customer service team who helped us choose and book our next boating adventure.
Reply from Emerald Star, 18 February 2026
That’s wonderful to hear — thank you for your kind feedback. We’re so pleased our customer service team could help you choose the right boat and destination for your next adventure. Planning the perfect route and vessel should feel exciting and well supported, and it’s great to know that was your experience. We hope your upcoming Emerald Star holiday on the water is everything you’re looking forward to. Do let us know how it goes! Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 16 February 2026
I don’t know
Everything was great !!!!
Reply from Emerald Star, 16 February 2026
That’s exactly what we love to hear — thank you for the five stars! We’re delighted everything felt great from your perspective. We hope your time on the water was just as great as the booking process, and we’d love to hear all about it on your return. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 14 February 2026
You can easily contact them via phone…
You can easily contact them via phone or email. They provide excellent information and offer guidance throughout the entire process, ensuring you make the most suitable choices for your holiday. I’m eagerly anticipating the start of our trip from Smiths Falls!
Reply from Emerald Star, 14 February 2026
It’s fantastic to hear that you found the team easy to reach and well informed — that early guidance can make all the difference when planning something special. We’re delighted you felt supported throughout the process and confident in the choices you made. That’s exactly how booking a Emerald Star holiday on the water should feel — exciting, clear and well guided. The Rideau Canal is a truly memorable place to cruise, and setting off from Smiths Falls is the start of a wonderful adventure. We hope the countdown flies by and that your time on the water exceeds every expectation. Be sure to tell us all about it when you return! Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 11 February 2026
Excellent company to work with
Excellent company to work with. Very professional staff
Reply from Emerald Star, 11 February 2026
Thank you very much for your kind words. We’re delighted to hear that you found us an excellent company to work with and that our team came across as professional and supportive. Creating a smooth and reassuring experience from the very first contact is a key part of every Emerald Star canal boat holiday. We wish you a fantastic trip ahead and look forward to welcoming you on board. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 8 February 2026
Emerald Star staff are extremely helpful
Emerald Star staff are extremely helpful in guiding you to the correct route and boat for you. Our previous experience was also excellent actually using the boat Looking forward to the next one .
Reply from Emerald Star, 8 February 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words — and apologies for the late reply. We’re especially grateful to be welcoming you back again. Returning guests mean a great deal to us, and it’s lovely to know your previous experience on the water was such a positive one. We’re pleased our team could help guide you towards the right route and boat for this next adventure. Finding the perfect fit is an important part of creating a memorable Emerald Star canal boat holiday. We hope your upcoming trip is just as special as the last — if not even better — and we look forward to welcoming you on board again soon. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 5 February 2026
The perfect trip from start to finish
The perfect trip from start to finish. Easy online booking and a great staff that were friendly and knowledgeable. The boat was impeccably clean, and ran and operated flawlessly. I have some prior experience operating motorized water craft and with the in-harbour tutorial we were confident enough to navigate the waterways of the Rideau canal system.
Smiths Falls to Westport and back. Great scenery, great fishing and warm, clear water to swim in.
We’ve already booked our summer ’26 trip!
Reply from Emerald Star, 5 February 2026
Thank you very much for your fantastic review — and please accept our apologies for the delay in responding. We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your trip on the Rideau Canal was perfect from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know that the online booking was easy, the boat was impeccably clean, and that our friendly, knowledgeable team helped you feel confident and ready to set off after the in-harbour tutorial. Smiths Falls to Westport and back is such a beautiful route, and it’s great to hear you enjoyed the scenery, fishing, and those clear swimming waters — a truly memorable way to experience Canada’s waterways. We’re especially thrilled that you’ve already booked again for summer 2026. Creating unforgettable Emerald Star canal boat holidays on the Rideau is exactly what we strive for, and we can’t wait to welcome you back on board. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 4 November 2025
Informative , helpful friendly staff in a beautiful location
Informative , helpful friendly staff in a beautiful location
Added on 3 November 2025
St-Gilles to Port Cassalfiere is a very interesting itinerary with…
St-Gilles to Port Cassalfiere is a very interesting itinerary with minimum locks (two). The towns where we stopped overnights were Aigues-Morte (two nights- extremely interesting to visit), Meze and Marseillan (in the Etang de Thau). All nice ports with reasonable fees. In Galician and Frontignan, we just anchored in town for free.
Overall, very satisfied with this itinerary.
Added on 31 October 2025
Excellent trip, staff, boat and location.
Excellent trip, staff, boat and location.
Added on 30 October 2025
Great staff and brilliant scenery
Great staff and brilliant scenery
Added on 28 October 2025
Emerald Star staff were very friendly and helpful.
Emerald Star staff were very friendly and helpful.
Added on 26 October 2025
We really enjoyed our trip. The quality of light is…
We really enjoyed our trip. The quality of light is what inspired the impressionists. We especially liked that the locks are automated, not manual.
Added on 16 October 2025
Customer service is there for anything you might need. Happy…
Customer service is there for anything you might need. Happy to help in any way.
Added on 16 October 2025
A beautiful location, pleasant, informative and helpful Emerald Star employees…
A beautiful location, pleasant, informative and helpful Emerald Star employees – all in all, a most welcoming experience and wonderful send off on our memorable and peaceful voyage on the Rideau Canal!
Added on 12 October 2025
Friendly and professional service during check-in / check-out. The Horizon…
Friendly and professional service during check-in / check-out. The Horizon 5 was well equipped and rand very well.
Added on 10 October 2025
This really helpful group made an three weeks awesome.
This really helpful group made an three weeks awesome.
Added on 10 October 2025
Great boat, good handling characteristics and very comfortable
Great boat, good handling characteristics and very comfortable
Added on 9 October 2025
Pleasant trip from Trebes to Carcassonne
Pleasant trip from Trebes to Carcassonne
Added on 4 October 2025
The base is well organised. It is 20 minutes walk…
The base is well organised. It is 20 minutes walk from a Spar and various cafes and restaurants, and the coastal tram stop. We used public transport to get there – train to Ostende and then the dear wee tram along the coast costing E3 each
Added on 1 October 2025
Charming city, friendly people great restaurants.
Charming city, friendly people great restaurants.
Added on 1 October 2025
The boat was great, whole family, 3 generations with 5…
The boat was great, whole family, 3 generations with 5 grandchildren ( aged 7 to 14 ) managed 9 nights and lots of meals with minimal fuss
Added on 30 September 2025
this was the perfect three day cruise to Westport and…
this was the perfect three day cruise to Westport and back
Added on 29 September 2025
The staff was fabulous before and during our trip. We…
The staff was fabulous before and during our trip.
We travel extensively and this was one of our favorite trips ever.
Added on 29 September 2025
The route was amazing- and we are coming back next…
The route was amazing- and we are coming back next year
Added on 3 November 2025
Very nice boat. Good quality for boat accessories and bedding.…
Very nice boat. Good quality for boat accessories and bedding. Very satisfied overall.
Added on 31 October 2025
Wonderful trip, boat was very spacious for our group of…
Wonderful trip, boat was very spacious for our group of 4
Added on 30 October 2025
Good basic boat for first time sailing
Good basic boat for first time sailing
Added on 16 October 2025
The Horizon 1 is a spacious boat that is equipped…
The Horizon 1 is a spacious boat that is equipped with pretty much anything that you might need for a comfortable multi-day excursion on the Rideau Canal. We definitely look forward to becoming return customers in years to come.
Added on 12 October 2025
Very nice boat; forward and aft thrusters made docking and…
Very nice boat; forward and aft thrusters made docking and lock entry delightful
Added on 5 October 2025
Lovely boat. Bow thrusters front and back meant going through…
Lovely boat. Bow thrusters front and back meant going through locks and mooring was easy.
Added on 4 October 2025
Very comfortable and great for 2 couples with the living/…
Very comfortable and great for 2 couples with the living/ kitchen area being in between the two cabins (so no idea if the others snore or not!). It was very well equipped (5 frying pans?!! and 4 corkscrews but no grater) with plenty of cutlery and crockery so we didn’t have to wash up every time we had a coffee/ ate something. Steering from the top is great and the boat handled very well indeed, even in high wind.
Added on 2 October 2025
Great experience
Great experience
Added on 1 October 2025
Wonderful way to explore and experience our country. The staff…
Wonderful way to explore and experience our country. The staff were great and the boat exceeded our expectations. It was well equipped, clean and easy to drive.
Added on 1 October 2025
Wonderful and very relaxing
Wonderful and very relaxing
Added on 29 September 2025
This is a very well designed boat. All glass around…
This is a very well designed boat.
All glass around the helm, salon, and galley make it special.
The bow and stern thrusters made me look like a professional Captain.
Added on 26 September 2025
Really easy boat to navigate and accommodation well thought out.…
Really easy boat to navigate and accommodation well thought out. We had a Tango for two of us, which gave us plenty of space.
Added on 24 September 2025
Loved the layout of the boat. There were a few…
Loved the layout of the boat. There were a few minor issues with the boat but they were quickly dealt with.
Added on 24 September 2025
The boat was excellent for accommodation and ease of access.…
The boat was excellent for accommodation and ease of access. We had one member of our party who has some physical challenges.
Added on 24 September 2025
The boat was perfect. Not easy to do with no…
The boat was perfect. Not easy to do with no experrience bit this made the adventure bigger so that was fine.
Added on 20 September 2025
Emerald Star Horizon 4 sleeps 8 but it was just…
Emerald Star Horizon 4 sleeps 8 but it was just two of us for 7 days and we loved having the extra rooms for our luggage. The boat was very spacious and modern. We loved being able to cook on board, especially with the outdoor grill/BBQ, and were pleasantly surprised that with a few hatches open, nights in mid-September 2025 were cool and comfortable.
The thrusters were a huge bonus (and a must!) — they made manoeuvring so much easier and forgiving. The Horizon 4 was otherwise straightforward to handle, and we had zero issues with the boat during our trip.
Added on 18 September 2025
The Royal Mystique is a top drawer vessel. Highly recommended.
The Royal Mystique is a top drawer vessel. Highly recommended.
Added on 17 September 2025
The boat was very clean and well supplied. It handled…
The boat was very clean and well supplied. It handled well.
