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 5 May 2026
Great service from everyone along the…
Great service from everyone along the way, from booking to arriving and then again when we dropped the boat back. Lovey way to spend a bank holiday – highly recommended!
Added on 4 May 2026
Response to the quotation and trough to…
Response to the quotation and trough to booking have been prompt, full of information and educational. It has been a pleasure to deal with such a professional and sympathetic company. It has made us even more excited for the holiday. We’ll done so far.
Reply from Emerald Star, 4 May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re delighted to hear that your experience so far—from quotation through to booking—has been prompt, informative, and enjoyable. Our team works hard to ensure everything is clear and supportive from the very start, so it’s wonderful to know that’s come through. We’re thrilled to be part of building your excitement for the trip, and we can’t wait for you to experience it on the water. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 1 May 2026
Excellent service answering all my…
Excellent service answering all my questions
Reply from Emerald Star, 1 May 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so pleased to hear that our team was able to answer all your questions and provide excellent service. Making sure you feel informed and confident every step of the way is really important to us. We hope you’re looking forward to your upcoming adventure on the water! Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 30 April 2026
I have used the company before in both…
I have used the company before in both England and france.
Everything was great even when we had an engine failure the response was great
It gives even more confidence in the company.
Reply from Emerald Star, 30 April 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re so pleased to hear you’ve enjoyed your trips in both England and France, and that everything went smoothly overall. While an engine issue is never ideal, it’s great to know our team was able to respond quickly and effectively to get you back on track. Providing that level of support is something we take seriously, so your feedback means a lot. We truly appreciate your continued trust in us and look forward to welcoming you on board again. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 28 April 2026
Overall something everyone should…
Overall something everyone should experience, would recommend (coming from someone with no boating experience). Enables you to see the amazing hidden gems along Lough Derg.
Reply from Emerald Star, 28 April 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We’re really pleased to hear you felt confident on board even without prior boating experience, and that you were able to enjoy discovering the hidden gems along Lough Derg. That’s exactly the kind of experience we hope to create—easy, accessible, and full of memorable moments on the water. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on board again in the future. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 25 April 2026
The personnel and the Liberty canal…
The personnel and the Liberty canal boat we chartered were first class.
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 April 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that both our team and the Liberty canal boat met your expectations and made your charter a first-class experience. We hope to welcome you back on the water again soon. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 25 April 2026
Loved cruising the Canal du Midi – an amazing adventure with Emerald Star France
We just finished a 7 day self-guided Canal du Midi adventure on a Emerald Star Caprice and it was amazing. We boarded at Emerald Star Port Cassafieres and ended at Emerald Star Homps. Everything with Emerald Star went flawlessly and staff were welcoming, informative & so helpful. As we were new to boating we selected to ”Hire a Skipper for the day” on day one and what a great decision. Our skipper, Jens, joined us on board for seven hours, providing calm & positive encouragement with boating, mooring & roping skills as we cruised downriver and navigated through locks. This was one of the best trips I’ve been on and I definitely plan to return – thank you Emerald Star France!
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 April 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We’re truly delighted to hear you had such an amazing Canal du Midi adventure with us, and that everything from the welcome at Port Cassafières to your experience on board the Caprice went smoothly. It’s especially wonderful to know that your day with the skipper helped build your confidence on the water and made your first boating experience such a positive one. We’re so pleased you enjoyed the support from our team throughout your journey as well. We really appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 25 April 2026
Amazing and Immersive
The friendly professional staff and the incredibly quick response time when there was an issue that needed rectifying. The boat we got suited our needs and it was an amazing 11 days.
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 April 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re really pleased to hear you had such an amazing and immersive 11 days on the water, and that our team’s friendliness and quick response helped make everything run smoothly when needed. It’s great to know the boat suited your needs well and contributed to an enjoyable holiday overall. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another memorable trip. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 24 April 2026
Very good relaxing yet active way to…
Very good relaxing yet active way to enjoy the Thames. Lively towns, villages & wildlife enroute.
Reply from Emerald Star, 24 April 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed such a relaxing yet active way to experience the Thames, and that you were able to take in the lively towns, villages, and wildlife along the route. It’s a truly special waterway, and we’re so pleased it helped create a memorable trip for you. We hope to welcome you on board again soon. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 23 April 2026
Excellent communication and experience.
Excellent communication and experience.
Reply from Emerald Star, 23 April 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re really pleased to hear you had an excellent experience and felt well supported through clear communication throughout your journey. We hope to welcome you on board again in the future. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 21 April 2026
We are prior LeBoat cruisers and enjoyed the…
We are prior LeBoat cruisers and enjoyed the experience so thoroughly that we wanted to do another canal trip and introduce more friends to LeBoat, France and the canal excursion experience. A key ingredient to making these trips so fantastic are the wonderfully helpful LeBoat team members. They are world class and are the difference between a good experience, versus a great experience.
Reply from Emerald Star, 21 April 2026
Thank you so much for your continued support and for choosing to cruise with Emerald Star again. We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your previous experience was so enjoyable that you decided to return and introduce friends to the canals and to Emerald Star. It means a great deal to us that our team members helped make your trips so memorable. We’re very proud of their dedication and professionalism, and it’s wonderful to know they made such a positive difference to your experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you and your friends on board again soon. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 20 April 2026
Customer Service
Customer Service
Reply from Emerald Star, 20 April 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear you had a positive experience with our customer service team. Providing helpful, responsive support is something we really value, so it’s great to know this came through. We hope to welcome you on board again soon. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 19 April 2026
Wow what a trip
Wow what a trip
Some holidays don’t create memories
Our Leboat trip we made memories in abundance
The views
The helpful friendly team at Leboat
The pub food on route
The weather in April was far better than expected
The friendly chatty locals and banter with the lock keepers
What a trip
What memories we have
Reply from Emerald Star, 19 April 2026
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful reflection on your trip. We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your holiday created so many lasting memories—from the beautiful views and lively towns to the friendly chats with locals and lock keepers, and even the pleasant surprise of the April weather. It’s especially rewarding to know that our team helped contribute to making your experience such a positive one. Moments like these are exactly what we hope every guest takes away from their time on the water. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back on board again soon for even more memories. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 17 April 2026
Fantastic trip
Fantastic trip! Saw France in a very low key way. Went to off the beatin path small towns. Not the Disney way. Can’t wait to do it again.
Reply from Emerald Star, 17 April 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We’re so pleased to hear you had a fantastic trip and enjoyed experiencing France in a more relaxed, authentic way—exploring those smaller, off-the-beaten-path towns is exactly what makes canal cruising so special. It’s wonderful to know you’re already looking forward to doing it again, and we’d be delighted to welcome you back on board for another adventure. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 17 April 2026
The whole experience was excellent
The whole experience was excellent, even with some dodgy weather.. I would thoroughly it. The staff we dealt with were brilliant, very patient and understanding and nothing seemed any trouble.
Reply from Emerald Star, 17 April 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re really pleased to hear that you had an excellent overall experience, even with some challenging weather, and that our team were able to support you with patience and care throughout your trip. It’s great to know nothing felt like too much trouble for the team—that’s exactly the level of service we aim to provide. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another enjoyable adventure. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 17 April 2026
Fantastic Base at Laggan
Fantastic Base at Laggan , the team at the Base were very friendly and accommodating. Looking forward to revisiting.
Reply from Emerald Star, 17 April 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear you had such a fantastic experience at our Laggan base and that the team made you feel so welcome and well looked after. It’s great to know you’re already looking forward to returning, and we’ll be very happy to welcome you back on board again soon. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 17 April 2026
Liberty boat on the Yonne river
We recently rented the new Liberty boat from Emerald Star, and the experience exceeded expectations. The boat itself was fantastic modern, comfortable, and very well designed for a relaxed cruise.
The team at the Migennes base were equally impressive. Friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful, they made the whole process smooth from the start. Nothing felt rushed, and they took the time to ensure we were confident before setting off.
Overall, it was exactly the kind of calm, enjoyable experience you hope for on the Yonne easy cruising, great support, and a boat that really delivers.
Reply from Emerald Star, 17 April 2026
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that your experience on the Liberty boat along the Yonne River exceeded expectations and that you enjoyed its modern design and comfort throughout your cruise. It’s especially great to know that the team at our Migennes base helped set the tone for a smooth and relaxed start to your holiday. We’re very proud of their professionalism and care in ensuring guests feel confident before setting off. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another peaceful and enjoyable journey. Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 12 April 2026
Friendly staff
Friendly staff, good handover, an overall chilled out pleasant way to spend a week in Ireland.
Reply from Emerald Star, 12 April 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your week in Ireland and that our team made the handover smooth and welcoming. It’s great to know you found the experience a relaxed and pleasant way to spend your holiday. We hope to welcome you back on another Emerald Star adventure soon! Kind regards, Catherine from Emerald Star
Added on 3 May 2026
The trip was amazing and we were lucky to have…
The trip was amazing and we were lucky to have fab weather which made scenery spectacular. Staff were amazing and very friendly. Boat was spotless and experience was fab. Would recommend.
Added on 27 April 2026
Exceeded our expectations of a fun holiday.
Exceeded our expectations of a fun holiday.
Added on 24 April 2026
Check in was seamless
Check in was seamless
Added on 6 April 2026
Great Scenery, lovely people
Great Scenery, lovely people
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 3 May 2026
Boat was big enough for 10 of us. Everything you…
Boat was big enough for 10 of us. Everything you needed. Kitchen well equipped
Added on 27 April 2026
Comfortable, well equipped boat. Some of the showers a bit…
Comfortable, well equipped boat. Some of the showers a bit small although fine, but mainly used canalside showers. Lovely shared areas and galley big enough with lots of storage space throughout the boat.
Added on 24 April 2026
Liberty was a joy to sail, so comfortable.
Liberty was a joy to sail, so comfortable.
Added on 21 April 2026
Perfect little boat for a couple or two couples with…
Perfect little boat for a couple or two couples with plenty of space and great galley
Added on 6 April 2026
Perfect Condition, great comfort
Perfect Condition, great comfort
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.
