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:
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.
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.
Excellent as always
I have used Emerald Star many, many times on the Thames and also in Germany and Belgium.
The boats are clean, well maintained and easy to operate.
This was also the case for a six berth boat that I rented in Scotland for a week with my wife. As usual, the service and the safety briefing were excellent and the boat met the high standards that we have come to expect.
I would like to say that the staff at Laggan Locks is exceptionally good but the truth is that they effortlessly meet the extremely high standards of the other Emerald Star based that we have used over several decades.
They are all equally brilliant!
Reply from Emerald Star, 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and long-standing support! We’re truly delighted to hear that you’ve enjoyed many Emerald Star holidays across the Thames, Germany, Belgium, and most recently Scotland. It means a great deal to us that you continue to find our boats clean, well maintained, and easy to operate, and that each experience has met the high standards you’ve come to expect. We’re especially pleased that your recent trip in Scotland was no exception, and that both the safety briefing and onboard experience were excellent for you and your wife. Your generous words about our teams—particularly at Laggan Locks and across all our bases—are deeply appreciated. We’re proud of our staff across all destinations, and it’s wonderful to hear that their consistency and dedication stand out to you. Thank you again for your loyalty over the years. We look forward to welcoming you back on the water for many more adventures ahead.
We had an amazing holiday
We had an amazing holiday . Will definitely be back. Staff were so friendly and helpful especially Brian very helpful and put us at ease as it was our first time on the boat . Can’t recommend enough
Reply from Emerald Star, 6 June 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an amazing holiday and that our team helped make your first boating experience a relaxing and enjoyable one. It’s especially great to know that Brian was able to put you at ease and provide helpful support throughout your trip—we’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to him. We’re so pleased you had a fantastic time on the water, and we really appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another memorable adventure! Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
We love the French destinations and the…
We love the French destinations and the helpful staff.
Reply from Emerald Star, 2 June 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you love our French destinations and that our teams have been helpful throughout your experience. It’s always wonderful to know both the waterways and our staff are helping create such enjoyable holidays for you. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you back on the water again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
The canals cruising experience gave us…
The canals cruising experience gave us a experience to see belgium away from crowds. The relaxing way to travel, smelling the farms, seeing the homes, going through numerous bridges, mooring in quiet villages, is so unique.
The booking and orientation was excellent and we quickly learned the how to’s of navigating the canals and working with the bridge masters. The team offered training and books to refer to during our journey.
The boat was very clean. Had basic kitchen ware, towels and toilet paper. We did buy cleaning supplies for our stay. The bedding was good but the beds are very narrow and didn’t offer a lot of cushion. The shower had excellent pressure and worked well for us. The two front cabins on our Horizon 5 are tighter due to the design of the cabins and had limited space to stand.
Overall, the experience was enjoyable and our group thoroughly embraced the uniqueness of this style of travel.
Reply from Emerald Star, 1 June 2026
Thank you for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that your cruising experience in Belgium allowed you to enjoy such a peaceful and unique way to explore the canals—away from the crowds and close to the countryside, villages, and local life along the waterways. It’s great to know that your booking and orientation went smoothly and that the training and onboard resources helped you feel confident navigating the canals and working with the bridge and lock systems. We’re also pleased that you found the boat clean and well equipped, and that key onboard features like the shower and facilities met your expectations. We really appreciate your honest feedback regarding cabin space, bedding, and onboard storage. Insights like these are very valuable as we continue to improve the comfort and experience across our fleet. Thank you again for your review, and we hope to welcome you back on the waterways for another memorable adventure. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
The experience was great from start to…
The experience was great from start to finish
The staff at portumna were amazing with a warm welcome and loads of assurances
The boating itself was easy and we believe can be done by anyone
The trip itself was was the best we did in Ireland – we would highly recommend and will come again .
Reply from Emerald Star, 1 June 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that your experience on the Shannon was so positive from start to finish, and that our Portumna team gave you such a warm welcome and reassurance before setting off. It’s wonderful to know this helped you feel confident and relaxed for your trip. We’re also pleased to hear you found the boating easy and accessible, and that it became your favourite experience in Ireland—that’s fantastic feedback for the team. Thank you for your recommendation, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back on the water again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
A great 3 days on the Thames with Emerald Star from Chertsey
We took our 90 year old mum for a 3 day Thames trip on Caprice 10. Daisy and Danny from Emerald Star were brilliant getting us all sorted on the boat and making sure we knew what we were doing. Then we were off! The Thames is so pretty and it was great fun going through all the locks and looking at the amazing houses along the river. The lock keepers were generally very helpful and friendly and obviously loved growing flowers! We had brought all our own food so had lunch as we were going along and stopped in pretty places for supper and the night. Next time we would probably bring our sleeping bags as the sheets were a bit slidey though the duvets were nice. It was super warm our weekend so we didn’t really need them! I would also bring my own towel as the ones provided are quite small but it wasn’t a big deal. The showers are great and the loos work really well. Tea towels and washing up liquid were provided but bring your own washing up brush and dish cloth! The pillows were comfy. It’s a bit like camping… the light wakes you up early so if you want to sleep in bring an eye mask! We loved getting up early, having breakfast and then heading off again. The Caprice was a great boat. Mum could get up the steep ladder up to the top deck and we all enjoyed sitting up there as we motored along gently taking on the views.
Reply from Emerald Star, 31 May 2026
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great three-day Thames trip from Chertsey, and that Daisy and Danny helped get everything set up smoothly so you could relax and enjoy your time on the water. It’s especially lovely to hear that your 90-year-old mum was able to join you and enjoy the experience comfortably on board the Caprice. We’re glad the boat suited your needs well and that you enjoyed the top deck cruising, facilities, and overall comfort onboard. We hope to welcome you and your family back for another memorable journey soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Great Holiday on the River Shannon
everything was OK and as promised ! Easy Booking Process an very friendly Staff !
Reply from Emerald Star, 31 May 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you had a great holiday on the River Shannon and that everything went smoothly from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know you found the booking process easy and our team very friendly and welcoming—that’s exactly the experience we aim to deliver. We really appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back on the water again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
A Relaxing Holiday in the Burgundy Region
What a great getaway. Seven nights on the Saone and Seille Rivers in a two bedroom (king beds) boat. (Royal Mystique 42) We received the boat in very clean condition at the St. Jean de Losne base. We did a one way trip to Branges. The boat was easy to maneuver and docking was a breeze with its bow thrusters. Customer service was EXCELLENT! We cooked one night and twice enjoyed charcuterie and wine on the top deck. Very relaxing. Otherwise, nice towns to visit with good restaurants and shops. We highly recommend this boat for two couples. The Michelin restaurant in Tournus, Aux Terrasses, was incredible for lunch. Dock there early….space is limited.
Reply from Emerald Star, 29 May 2026
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a relaxing seven-night cruise through Burgundy on the Saône and Seille, and that the Royal Mystique 42 was a great fit for your two-couple getaway. It’s great to know the boat was in excellent condition at St. Jean de Losne and that you found it easy to handle and dock throughout your journey. We’re especially pleased to hear your kind comments about our customer service, and that you were able to enjoy such memorable moments on board—from cooking together to relaxing on the top deck with charcuterie and wine. It sounds like you also made the most of the beautiful stops along the way, including Tournus and that incredible Michelin lunch at Aux Terrasses—what a highlight! Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back on the waterways for another unforgettable escape. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
perfect service
perfect service
boat wqs far better as expected
Reply from Emerald Star, 29 May 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you experienced perfect service and that the boat exceeded your expectations—that’s exactly what we aim for. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back on the water again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Discover a little piece of heaven for yourself
The professional staff and operation of emerald star at their Portumna base is really second to none.
Nothing was too much trouble and every staff member went over and beyond in their duties to ensure that you were prepared and comfortable before setting out on a most enjoyable holiday.
Of all the various holidays we have taken, our week on the Shannon was certainly one for making life long memories.
I have never before finished a holiday feeling more relaxed and recharged.
Thank you Emerald Star and all the staff at Portumna Base.
Reply from Emerald Star, 29 May 2026
Thank you for such a beautiful and heartfelt review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your time on the Shannon was so memorable and that your experience with the Emerald Star team at Portumna made such a strong impression. It’s wonderful to know the staff went above and beyond to ensure you felt prepared, comfortable, and well looked after before setting out. We’re especially pleased that your week on the water left you feeling so relaxed and recharged—that’s exactly the kind of experience we hope every guest takes away from their holiday. Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable journey in the future. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
The river is the perfect place to spend quality time together
We recently enjoyed a brilliant family boating holiday with Emerald Star Chertsey, spending three unforgettable nights cruising the River Thames aboard a Horizon 3. Travelling with our two daughters, aged 9 and 14, it was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and quality family time.
The pace of life on the river was wonderfully peaceful. Our girls loved sitting right at the bow watching the world drift by, and they were soon enthusiastically helping us through the locks too. The lock keepers were incredibly friendly and helpful, and after the first couple we felt surprisingly confident handling everything ourselves.
One of the highlights for us was starting the day with pancakes on the sundeck while listening to the ducks and watching early morning rowers glide past. In the evenings, we stopped at lovely riverside pubs for dinner and enjoyed exploring different spots along the Thames. We also spent time visiting Hampton Court Palace, exploring Kingston upon Thames and we took a day trip into the buzzing heart of London. It was the perfect contrast to our laid-back days on the river.
The service from Emerald Star Chertsey was excellent throughout. The boat was spotless when we arrived, and the pre-departure briefing was thorough, professional and easy to follow, which made us feel at ease straight away.
This was such a special and different way to holiday as a family, and we came away with memories we’ll treasure for years. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Reply from Emerald Star, 29 May 2026
Thank you for such a wonderful and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that your family enjoyed such a special three-night cruise on the Thames aboard the Horizon 3. It sounds like the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, and we’re especially pleased that your daughters embraced life on the water—from helping at the locks to enjoying those peaceful moments at the bow watching the river go by. It’s great to know that the lock keepers and our Chertsey team helped you feel confident and well supported from the very start, and that the boat was spotless and well prepared for your arrival. Your description of mornings on the sundeck, riverside pub stops, and days out at Hampton Court, Kingston, and London really captures the variety the Thames offers. We’re so glad it created lasting memories for your family. Thank you again for your kind recommendation—we’d love to welcome you all back for another adventure in the future. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Very nice boat and service
Very nice boat and service. A perfect holiday!
Reply from Emerald Star, 29 May 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your boat and had a perfect holiday. It’s great to know everything met your expectations and contributed to a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and hope to welcome you back again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Gemma the booking agent was outstanding
Gemma the booking agent was outstanding
Excellent customer service from…
Excellent customer service from enquiry, to booking, to pre-departure to the experience of the trip itself. A great introduction to boating and to enjoy the scenery of The Great Glen from the Caledonian Canal was amazing. Staff were exceptionally helpful.
Reply from Emerald Star, 22 May 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you experienced excellent customer service throughout your journey, from your initial enquiry right through to your time on the water. It’s wonderful to know your first boating experience was such a positive one and that you enjoyed exploring the stunning scenery of the Great Glen along the Caledonian Canal. We’re especially pleased that our team were exceptionally helpful and helped make your introduction to boating smooth and enjoyable. Thank you again for your kind feedback, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Excellent service and a great…
Excellent service and a great experience.
Reply from Emerald Star, 22 May 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear you had an excellent experience with us and that our service met your expectations. It’s always great to know our guests enjoyed their time on the water. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and hope to welcome you back again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Did a two night trip away on a boat…
Did a two night trip away on a boat with friends and had an amazing time, this was perfect for it! The boat and the facilities on it were high level and we had a very comfortable stay, warm showers, fully working kitchen, climate control and comfortable built in sitting areas inside and out. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone, especially with Emerald Star as their service was perfect as well.
Reply from Emerald Star, 20 May 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an amazing two-night trip with friends and that the boat and facilities exceeded your expectations. It’s great to know you found everything comfortable and well equipped, from the showers and kitchen to the climate control and onboard living spaces. We’re also very pleased that our team provided perfect service and helped make your experience so enjoyable from start to finish. Thank you for recommending Emerald Star, and we hope to welcome you back on the water again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
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.
Excellent trip, staff, boat and location.
Excellent trip, staff, boat and location.
Great staff and brilliant scenery
Great staff and brilliant scenery
Emerald Star staff were very friendly and helpful.
Emerald Star staff were very friendly and helpful.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Great experience
Great experience
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.
