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 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 vacation. 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 30 January 2026
Our 3rd LeBoat vacation.
This will be our 3rd LeBoat vacation.
Alejandra was great to work with setting up my reservation.
Reply from Emerald Star, 30 January 2026
Your third trip with us — that’s great to hear! Thank you for coming back to us again, and apologies for the late reply to your lovely review. It’s fantastic to hear that Alejandra was great to work with while setting up your reservation. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words — she’ll be delighted to know she helped make planning your next Emerald Star canal boat holiday so smooth. We hope your third adventure on the water is the best one yet. Have a wonderful trip, and we’d love to hear all about it when you return! Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 27 January 2026
Your agents were all very helpful and I…
Your agents were all very helpful and I am very pleased. They answered my emails and questions in full. Will definitely use your company again if we go on another boat holiday
Reply from Emerald Star, 27 January 2026
Thank you for your kind review — and apologies for the late reply. We’re really pleased to hear that our team were so helpful and that your emails and questions were answered fully. Making sure guests feel informed and reassured from the very beginning is a key part of planning a Emerald Star canal boat holiday. We’re delighted that you’ve been so pleased with the support so far, and we wish you a truly wonderful time on the water. We hope your holiday is everything you’re looking forward to — and we’d love to welcome you back again in the future for another boating adventure. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 26 January 2026
Very easy to make a booking and very…
Very easy to make a booking and very good telephone support
Reply from Emerald Star, 26 January 2026
Thank you for your kind review — and apologies for the late reply. We’re really pleased to hear that booking felt straightforward and that our telephone support was helpful. Having a real person available to talk things through can make all the difference when planning a Emerald Star canal boat holiday, so it’s great to know that worked well for you. We hope you have a fantastic trip ahead and that everything on the water is just as smooth as the booking process. We’d love to hear how it goes once you’re back! Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 25 January 2026
Competent, efficient booking staff
From the first contact our agent provided excellent and knowledgeable advice on routes and boats available. Highly recommended’
Reply from Emerald Star, 25 January 2026
That’s wonderful to hear — thank you for your kind words, and apologies for the late reply. We’re so pleased that from your very first contact you felt well supported with knowledgeable advice on routes and boat options. Choosing the right combination can make all the difference to your Emerald Star boating holiday, so it’s great to know the guidance you received helped shape your plans. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope your upcoming trip lives up to that excellent start. Do come back and let us know how it all goes on the water. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 24 January 2026
Enjoyed searching for destinations on…
Enjoyed searching for destinations on your maps – in conjunction with Google Earth.
Reply from Emerald Star, 24 January 2026
Thank you for your review — and apologies for the late reply. It’s great to hear you enjoyed exploring destinations on our maps (especially alongside Google Earth — that’s proper trip planning!). We love that the research stage is part of the adventure, and discovering routes and regions is often where the excitement of a Emerald Star canal boat holiday really begins. If there’s anything we could do to make the experience even better and earn that fifth star, we’d genuinely value your thoughts. Wishing you a fantastic time on the water when your trip comes around — we’d love to hear where you decided to cruise! Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 21 January 2026
Booking process
They are easy to reach by email or phone. Very informative! They guide you thru the process so that you can make the best choices that fit your holiday needs! Can hardly wait until we start our journey from Smiths Falls!
Reply from Emerald Star, 21 January 2026
The Rideau Canal is such a wonderful location for a boating holiday — we’re thrilled you’ll soon be setting off on your journey there! We’re so pleased to hear that you found the team easy to reach and informative throughout the booking process. Being guided through the options so you can choose what truly fits your plans is exactly how we want planning your Emerald Star canal boat holiday to feel — clear, supportive and stress-free. The countdown is officially on! We hope your time on the Rideau is everything you’re hoping for (and more). Do come back and tell us all about it once you’ve been on the water. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 20 January 2026
Great response times for initial quote…
Great response times for initial quote and subsequent questions. Impressed with boat show booth.
Added on 18 January 2026
Office staff
Office staff
Reply from Emerald Star, 18 January 2026
Thank you so much for the 5-star rating — and please accept our apologies for the delayed reply. We’re really pleased to know our office team made a positive impression during your booking experience. Friendly, knowledgeable support behind the scenes is a key part of ensuring every Emerald Star canal boat holiday gets off to the best possible start. We hope you have a fantastic trip ahead, and we’d love to hear how your time on the water goes. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 16 January 2026
Great company
We’ve had at least 15 trips with them, and it’s always a real pleasure thanks to friendly and helpful staff, and fabulous boats.
It’s a brilliant way to spend a few days pottering about on the water with friends or family.
Reply from Emerald Star, 16 January 2026
Thank you very much for your wonderful review — and please accept our apologies for the delay in responding. We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you’ve enjoyed at least 15 trips with us — that kind of loyalty truly means the world. It’s fantastic to know that our friendly and helpful teams, along with our boats, have consistently made your experiences such a pleasure. There really is something special about spending a few days gently pottering along the waterways with friends or family, and we’re so pleased our Emerald Star canal boat holidays continue to provide that for you. We very much look forward to welcoming you back on board again soon. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 13 January 2026
Found the agent very helpful and…
Found the agent very helpful and informative during the booking process.
Reply from Emerald Star, 13 January 2026
That’s lovely to hear — it makes such a difference when the booking stage feels clear and supportive. We’re really pleased the agent was both helpful and informative while you were planning your Emerald Star canal boat holiday. Choosing the right boat and destination should feel exciting, not overwhelming, so it’s great to know you felt well guided along the way. We hope you have a fantastic time on the water and create some brilliant memories. Do come back and let us know how it all goes. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 13 January 2026
Easy booking and helpful staff
Easy booking and helpful staff. Can’t wait for the holiday!!
Reply from Emerald Star, 13 January 2026
Thank you very much for your review — and please accept our apologies for the delay in responding. We’re delighted to hear that the booking process was easy and that our team was helpful. Supporting our guests from the very beginning is an important part of delivering a memorable Emerald Star canal boat holiday. We’re so pleased you’re looking forward to your trip — we hope you have an amazing time on the water and create some wonderful memories. We’d love to hear all about your experience once you return! Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 8 January 2026
Loved every minute of it!
Absolutely everything about this experience was exceptional! We loved every minute! Check in was fast and easy, the boat was spotlessly clean (and I’m very particular!) We did have a couple of mechanical issues on route but Emerald Star Techs appeared within 20-30 minutes max and made quick and efficient repairs right away. We thought we were in the middle of no where and they would magically materialize! The Rideau is absolutley beautiful and we had the best vantage point from our flying bridge. Our young Standard Poodle loved it as much as we did. A couple of things we suggest for improvement are that proper barbecues be added to the boats as currently there are only outdoor flat surface griddles that they refer to as barbecues. We were on the Horizon 2 and even though there is room for a full size fridge/freezer, there is a small fridge and our boat had no freezer at all. There needs to be a proper fridge/freezer. Thankfully we had a couple of coolers as the refrigeration system on the Horizons 1 and 2, isn’t adequate. The bathroom was wonderful. Loved the separate glass walled shower and the head didn’t have any ‘boat head’ odour. Overall the only thing we would do differently the next time, and there WILL be a next time, is we will go for two weeks. One week was NOT enough :-). Thanks Emerald Star for being so great!
Reply from Emerald Star, 8 January 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review — and please accept our apologies for the delay in responding. We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you loved every minute of your Rideau Canal adventure. It’s fantastic to know that check-in was smooth, the boat was spotlessly clean, and that you enjoyed such an exceptional experience on one of Canada’s most beautiful waterways — especially from the fly-bridge, with your poodle along for the journey! We’re also pleased that when a couple of mechanical issues arose, our technical team was able to respond quickly and efficiently. Providing reliable support throughout our Emerald Star canal boat holidays is something we place great importance on, so it’s wonderful to hear that you felt well looked after even in more remote areas. Thank you as well for your thoughtful suggestions regarding barbecues and refrigeration on the Horizon models. We really value this kind of detailed feedback, as it helps us continue improving the onboard experience for future guests. We’re thrilled to hear there will be a next time — and we completely agree, one week often feels far too short! We look forward to welcoming you back on board for a longer adventure soon. Warm regards, Colin from Emerald Star
Added on 7 January 2026
Our journey was outstanding
Our journey was outstanding, thanks to the staff who were delightful, welcoming, and highly professional.
Reply from Emerald Star, 7 January 2026
Thank you very much for your lovely review — and please accept our apologies for the delay in responding. We’re delighted to hear that your journey was outstanding, and especially pleased that our team made such a positive impression through their warm welcome and professionalism. The dedication of our staff is a key part of what makes our Emerald Star canal boat holidays so special. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back on board again soon. 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.
