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:
Everything was explained in detail
Everything was explained in detail.
The staff in both Portumna and Carrick-on-Shannon were extremely helpful whenever we needed information or help figuring out how to do something.
All in all, the Shannon River is calm; there are a few spots or moorings that are a bit more challenging, but nothing unmanageable (we had one of the longest boats since there were 8 of us, and it was our first time).
Even if problems were to arise (which, fortunately, we didn’t experience), the team is always ready to step in, so the risk of getting hurt or causing serious damage is very low indeed.
Fantastic Experience
From questions prior to booking to arriving at the base and departing at the end, the customer service was wonderful! We had a fantastic holiday cruising the Rideau with our upper teenage boys. It was lovely exploring the small towns and relaxing onboard. The boat was easy to manage and I can’t wait to do it again!
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your experience was smooth from the very first questions through to departure, and that our team helped make everything easy and enjoyable. It’s fantastic that you had such a great family holiday cruising the Rideau Canal and that your teenage boys enjoyed exploring the small towns along the way. We’re also pleased to hear the boat was easy to manage and gave you the chance to fully relax onboard. We really appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure on the water! Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
The experience was incredible!
The experience was incredible!! The boats are very easy to maneuver and they are well equipped. Highly recommended!
Reply from Emerald Star, 23 June 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such an incredible experience and that you found the boat easy to maneuver and well equipped for your trip. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic time on the water! Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
First time cruisers – Special holiday
Hired a lovely Horizon 1 on the Charente for a week.
Brilliant service from Emerald Star before and during our holiday.
Will cruise again with Emerald Star.
Thanks to all at the Jarnac (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) base for making it a special holiday.
Reply from Emerald Star, 23 June 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear your first cruising experience on the Charente was such a special holiday and that the Horizon 1 suited you so well. It’s wonderful to know you received brilliant service both before and during your trip, and we’ll be sure to pass your thanks on to the team at Jarnac—they’ll be thrilled to hear it. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for your next cruise with Emerald Star! Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
Booking a LeBoat made easy
Rang LeBoat in case there were any boats available, which were not on their website, for a specific date. A helpful agent said there weren’t, but worked out a special deal for one of the boats they had on a different day. She was keen to make sure we had everything we needed for our trip. Very good customer service.
Reply from Emerald Star, 22 June 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! We’re delighted to hear our team was able to go the extra mile to help you find a suitable option and secure a great deal for your trip. It’s wonderful to know you felt well looked after and supported in planning your holiday, even when availability was limited. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team—they’ll really appreciate it. We hope you have an amazing time on the water and look forward to welcoming you again soon! Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
A fabulous week in the Aquitaine region…
A fabulous week in the Aquitaine region of France. The Emerald Star team Jamie, Veronique, Magda, Sebastian, Juan to name some in a great team at Le Mas D’Agenais were the best right from day one through to day seven. Quickly sorting an issue we had with our boat during our cruise of the La Garonne Canal. It’s when something unexpected happens that you find out how good the providers are. Well done and thanks to all at the Le Mas D’Agenais base. We look forward to returning 😊👍
Reply from Emerald Star, 22 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a fabulous week in the Aquitaine region and that the team at Le Mas d’Agenais made such a positive impression from start to finish. It’s especially great to know they were able to support you quickly and effectively when something unexpected came up during your cruise—that’s exactly the kind of service we aim to deliver when it matters most. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Jamie, Véronique, Magda, Sebastián, Juan, and the whole team—they’ll be thrilled to hear it. We’re so pleased you enjoyed your time on the La Garonne Canal and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon for another fantastic adventure on the water! Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
The service and support was brilliant…
The service and support was brilliant from booking to checkout.
Boat was really well equiped ( Horizon 2) super size fridge for plenty of beers.
The shower was actually better than some hotels we’ve stayed in and the bed was really spacious and comfortable
Reply from Emerald Star, 21 June 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed such a smooth experience from booking through to checkout, and that the Horizon 2 exceeded your expectations. It’s great to know you made the most of the well-equipped boat—and we love hearing that the fridge, shower, and bed all helped make your time onboard feel so comfortable and relaxed. That’s exactly the kind of experience we aim to deliver. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic boating holiday! Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
Incredible experience
Incredible experience! Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Boat was perfectly suited for purpose, super comfortable and easy to drive. Environment throughout journey just beautiful, and wildlife amazing. Only regret is we didn’t book for a longer stay
Reply from Emerald Star, 21 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such an incredible experience and that our team made you feel well supported with friendly and knowledgeable service. It’s great to know the boat was comfortable and easy to handle, and that you were able to fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings and wildlife along your journey—that really is what makes these trips so special. We completely understand the regret about not booking longer… that’s usually the best sign of a great holiday! We hope to welcome you back again soon for an even longer adventure on the water. Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
Couples Retreat to Rideau Canal
My wife and I had a great experience with emerald star in Smiths Falls, Canada. The Rideau Canal was amazing and the experience of captaining the boat ourselves was a real delight.
Reply from Emerald Star, 20 June 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you and your wife had a great experience in Smiths Falls and enjoyed cruising the beautiful Rideau Canal. It’s wonderful to know that captaining the boat yourselves was such a highlight—that sense of freedom on the water is exactly what we hope every guest experiences. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you back again soon for another memorable adventure. Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
The Journey and the People
Yes, navigating a boat through the canals of Belgium is an incredible adventure and well worth the time and money. But the people at the Nieuwpoort base truly made our journey exceptional. Bieke and Martyn at the base are professional, friendly, hospitable, and smart…to name a few of their characteristics. They truly went out of their way to make our experience memorable and positive.
Reply from Emerald Star, 20 June 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed navigating the canals of Belgium and that it felt like such a rewarding adventure. It’s especially wonderful to hear your kind words about our Nieuwpoort base team. We’ll be sure to pass your feedback on to Bieke and Martyn—they’ll be thrilled to know they helped make your journey so memorable through their professionalism, friendliness, and care. We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable time on the water. Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
In 2025 we took our second trip with le…
In 2025 we took our second trip with Emerald Star on the Canal du Midi this time collecting the boat at Port Cassafieres then heading east towards the Etang de Thau. Even though the weather was extremely hot, the A/C on the boat kept us cool at night as long as we were plugged in to the electricity at one of the small ports such as Meze on the ‘Etang’. The booking process had been efficient and the handover of the boat was also efficient although we did have to wait a little while at the departure point. All Emerald Star staff were extremely helpful.
Reply from Emerald Star, 18 June 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for choosing Emerald Star again for your Canal du Midi adventure! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your second trip with us and that cruising towards the Étang de Thau was such a memorable experience. It’s great to know the onboard A/C helped keep you comfortable during the hot weather, and that you found the booking process and boat handover generally efficient. We also appreciate your note about the short wait at departure—feedback like this is very helpful as we continue to refine and improve our guest experience. Most importantly, we’re pleased our team were consistently helpful throughout your journey. We truly appreciate your loyalty and hope to welcome you back for a third adventure very soon! Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
Five-Star Review
Five-Star Review – Carrick-on-Shannon Base!
From start to finish, our experience at Carrick-on-Shannon was absolutely outstanding. The base itself is perfectly located in the heart of one of Ireland’s most beautiful and vibrant riverside towns, making it the ideal starting point for a boating holiday. With the marina at the centre of everything, it’s easy to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy local restaurants, and explore the charm of this lively yet relaxed destination.
The boat exceeded all expectations—immaculately presented, incredibly comfortable, and equipped with everything we needed for a seamless trip. Cruising the River Shannon was truly special, offering a peaceful, slow-paced journey through stunning scenery, quaint villages, and tranquil moorings. It’s the perfect way to unwind while still enjoying an active, memorable holiday.
What really made the difference, though, was the team at the base. From check-in to departure, they were friendly, professional, and genuinely committed to making our holiday perfect. The onboarding was clear and reassuring, giving us total confidence even as first-time boaters, and their support throughout made everything feel effortless.
Carrick-on-Shannon as a destination delivers on every level—beautiful riverside walks, a fantastic marina, and a great mix of culture, scenery, and activities both on and off the water. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, it truly has something for everyone.
Overall, this was a five-star experience across the board—exceptional team, fantastic boats, and an unforgettable destination. We would highly recommend Carrick-on-Shannon to anyone looking for a unique and relaxing holiday, and we’re already planning our next trip back!
Reply from Emerald Star, 18 June 2026
Thank you so much for this fantastic and detailed review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your experience at our Carrick-on-Shannon base was outstanding from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed everything from the central location in such a vibrant riverside town, to the comfort and quality of your boat, and the peaceful beauty of cruising the River Shannon. We’re especially pleased that, as first-time boaters, you felt confident and well supported thanks to the team’s clear onboarding and ongoing assistance throughout your trip. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the Carrick-on-Shannon base team—they’ll be thrilled to hear how much of a difference they made to your holiday. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we’re so excited to hear you’re already planning your next trip. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon! Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
Super Holiday on the dutch canals
Super Holiday on the dutch canals, the information given at the base in Vinkeveen is very valuable for a good holiday, good tips and very friendly staff, boat was flawless
Reply from Emerald Star, 15 June 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had a super holiday on the Dutch canals and that your experience at our Vinkeveen base set you up so well for your trip. It’s great to know the local information, tips, and friendly support from the team helped make your holiday even more enjoyable, and that your boat performed flawlessly throughout. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic adventure on the water. Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
We have rented canal boats before
We have rented canal boats before, but this was the first time in 20 years. Emerald Star made it easy from the booking, to the checkout and trip, to the checkin.
The boat was everything we expected and in great condition for our group of 6. It was also well equipped and we actually had 4 meals on board.
I can’t think of anything that Emerald Star could have done better on The Canal du Nivernais.
Reply from Emerald Star, 15 June 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your return to canal boating after 20 years was such a smooth and enjoyable experience with Emerald Star. It’s wonderful to know that the booking, check-in, trip, and check-out all felt easy and well organized, and that your boat was in great condition and well equipped for your group. We’re especially pleased you were able to enjoy relaxed onboard meals and make the most of your time on the Canal du Nivernais. We really appreciate your kind words and are so glad we could help make your return to boating such a positive one. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another memorable journey on the water. Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
Great check in experience and Sarah and…
Great check in experience and Sarah and Jason were lovely to deal with.
Reply from Emerald Star, 14 June 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had a great check-in experience and that Sarah and Jason were so lovely to deal with. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to them—they’ll really appreciate it. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic time on the water. Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
Can only comment on booking process as…
Can only comment on booking process as for today.
Intuitive web, possible to find best deal.
We will see how company will deliver.
Reply from Emerald Star, 14 June 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you found the booking process intuitive and were able to find a good deal easily. We hope the rest of your experience lives up to expectations, and we look forward to welcoming you on board soon so you can enjoy the full Emerald Star journey on the water. Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
We regularly book with Emerald Star
We regularly book with Emerald Star, usually from Benson on the River Thames. The booking staff are brilliant and it is so easy to speak with someone. They understand our needs and are extremely helpful. The boats are well maintained but anyone used to boating will know that sometimes assistance is required. On those rare occasions we have found the boatyard to be extremely responsive and eager to see us on our way. They have never let us down. We will keep coming back. Highly recommend.
Reply from Emerald Star, 11 June 2026
Thank you so much for your continued loyalty and such a lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that your experiences from Benson on the River Thames have consistently been so positive. It’s wonderful to know our booking team has been able to understand your needs and make the process easy and personal, and that you’ve felt well supported by the base team whenever assistance was needed. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with them—they’ll really appreciate it. We’re so grateful for your recommendation and truly value having you as returning guests. We look forward to welcoming you back again very soon for your next trip on the water. Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
We had a great holiday on the Canal du…
We had a great holiday on the Canal du Midi with Emerald Star. Service from the staff at the Homps base was brilliant, especially from Carlos and Seline who went the extra mile on several occasions. We had a couple of technical problems on board which were swiftly and efficiently dealt with. The boat was lovely and very well equipped. I would thoroughly recommend Emerald Star and cruising down the Canal du Midi area is an unforgetable experience.
Reply from Emerald Star, 10 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great holiday on the Canal du Midi and that the team at our Homps base made a real difference to your experience. It’s especially great to know that Carlos and Celine went the extra mile and were able to quickly and efficiently resolve the technical issues onboard—support like that is exactly what we aim for. We’re also pleased you enjoyed your boat and found it well equipped for your trip. We really appreciate your recommendation and agree—the Canal du Midi is truly an unforgettable cruising destination. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic adventure on the water. Happy Boating, Catherine from Emerald Star
Emerald star experience was fantastic for the whole family. The…
Emerald star experience was fantastic for the whole family. The people at Laggan was friendly and very welcoming.Kay was outstanding and so was Carlos .The boats have everything you need .Very comfortable beds and well equipped kitchen.The lock keepers are so friendly and all the different nationalities we met which was a lot was really friendly.We took our two small dogs and they enjoyed it as well.Very enjoyable time and hopefully will be returning.I would definitely recommend Emerald star.
We cruised the Migennes to tannay route, visiting lovely towns…
We cruised the Migennes to tannay route, visiting lovely towns such as Auxerre, Chantel – Censoir, Vincelles , Accolay, Vezalayetc.
We also took a taxi from Vezalay to Chablis which was so beautiful. Etienne , the harbour master in Chantal Censoir also organised a taxi to Vezalay which was well worth visiting.
Our rental experience at Emerald Star’s base in Peterborough was…
Our rental experience at Emerald Star’s base in Peterborough was excellent with helpful and knowledgeable staff we arrived, unpacked, underwent the necessary training and were off on our boat in 2 hours!
The location was good, staff friendly and helpful.
The location was good, staff friendly and helpful.
Beautiful countryside and towns. Fantastic restaurants.
Beautiful countryside and towns. Fantastic restaurants.
Beautiful countryside and towns. Fantastic restaurants.
Beautiful countryside and towns. Fantastic restaurants.
The staff at Chertsey are amazing, so friendly, polite, and…
The staff at Chertsey are amazing, so friendly, polite, and helpful. The location is perfect and easy to get too. Can’t wait to do it again.
Jarnac/Jarnac for 7 nights was perfect. The staff at the…
Jarnac/Jarnac for 7 nights was perfect. The staff at the Jarnac location are amazing!!! Customer service abounds and they are so friendly and welcoming. The boat was in perfect condition and spotless. We ended up spending a few nights in Saintes and doing day trips to La Rochelle and Royan. The train station is an easy walk and the trains go everywhere in the region. The locks were easy and fun.
Port Cassafière was a perfect starting point for our trip.…
Port Cassafière was a perfect starting point for our trip. The staff there was very helpful in getting us set up. We had to wait a little bit, but they have a lovely patio, and it was very scenic in the French countryside, so it was enjoyable.
Trip from Nieuwpoort to Oudenburg and further to Brugge and…
Trip from Nieuwpoort to Oudenburg and further to Brugge and back. Perfect balance between steering the boat and visiting Oudenburg and Brugge. (5 days, 4 nights on the boat, latest night at the basis in Nieuwpoort)
Trip of a lifetime!
Trip of a lifetime!
We did a round trip Hindeloopen – Heeg – Leeuwarden…
We did a round trip Hindeloopen – Heeg – Leeuwarden – Sneek – Hindeloopen. It is quite easy route with many marines on the way to choose from. Our definitive recommendation.
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.
Exceeded our expectations of a fun holiday.
Exceeded our expectations of a fun holiday.
Check in was seamless
Check in was seamless
Great Scenery, lovely people
Great Scenery, lovely people
Informative , helpful friendly staff in a beautiful location
Informative , helpful friendly staff in a beautiful location
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.
Our Emerald Star Horizon 4 houseboat was very comfortable for…
Our Emerald Star Horizon 4 houseboat was very comfortable for 4 adults sailing the Trent-Severn Waterway. Having 4 bathrooms was the best, with one in each cabin. We prepared most of our meals on the rooftop grill, conveniently located next to the rooftop dining table.
The cabins, bathrooms, salon, kitchen and upperdeck were all comfortable.
The cabins, bathrooms, salon, kitchen and upperdeck were all comfortable.
We had the Horizon 1. Loved it so modern lots…
We had the Horizon 1. Loved it so modern lots of space and all the facilities you could need. Very easy to drive too.
We had a really lovely experience with the most stunning…
We had a really lovely experience with the most stunning backdrop. Thank you.
We originally booked the Horizon class, but upon closer inspection…
We originally booked the Horizon class, but upon closer inspection of the cabins on the website decided to switch to this boat and we were VERY grateful we did! For two couples this boat can’t be beat. The staterooms are huge. Walk around beds, tons of storage and individual AC controls. The boat was in spectacular condition. It looked like a brand new boat inside. Everything worked perfectly. We loved the BBQ on the top deck and cooked some incredible food up there. We are chefs and the kitchen had everything we needs and more. The dishes/pans/etc were great quality. The boat handled well and we easy to dock. If you want space and the feeling of a private yacht, pick this one!
This boat was surprisingly comfortable for 6 adults, the layout…
This boat was surprisingly comfortable for 6 adults, the layout inside perfect for our purpose, food could be prepared in the gally without hindering the rest of the crew playing card or socializing around the table. the height of the boat allowed us to pass under most bridges which made cruising a lot easier.
Boat was big enough for 10 of us. Everything you…
Boat was big enough for 10 of us. Everything you needed. Kitchen well equipped
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.
Liberty was a joy to sail, so comfortable.
Liberty was a joy to sail, so comfortable.
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
Perfect Condition, great comfort
Perfect Condition, great comfort
Very nice boat. Good quality for boat accessories and bedding.…
Very nice boat. Good quality for boat accessories and bedding. Very satisfied overall.
Wonderful trip, boat was very spacious for our group of…
Wonderful trip, boat was very spacious for our group of 4
Good basic boat for first time sailing
Good basic boat for first time sailing
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.
Very nice boat; forward and aft thrusters made docking and…
Very nice boat; forward and aft thrusters made docking and lock entry delightful
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.
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.
