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 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 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
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
A fantastic unique experience!
This is my 2nd time hiring a boat with Emerald Star and again what an incredible, unique and unforgettable experience that I want to continue to do as much as possible with all my family.
From the very second you arrive you’re greeted with the friendliest and professional staff who can’t do enough. Any questions we had during our time on the boat the staff were just a phone call away and happy to help with any enquiry or questions that we had.
The boat was spotlessly clean, very stylish and modern and I still can’t believe you can do this without a licence!
Thank you so much Emerald Star, I plan to bring my entire family and make this a family tradition!
Reply from Emerald Star, 20 May 2026
Thank you for such a wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that your second experience with Emerald Star was just as memorable and that it’s become something you want to continue sharing with your family. It’s fantastic to know you found the whole journey—from arrival to time on the water—so welcoming and well supported by our team. We’re especially pleased that you felt confident knowing our staff were always on hand to help, and that the boat met your expectations in terms of cleanliness, style, and comfort. It’s always great to hear how surprising and enjoyable the experience is for first-time and returning guests alike. Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back for many more adventures on the water. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Great boat
Great boat, great scenery, well organised holiday. We are an older group but physically reasonably fit and found it all doable. The lockkeepers were all very helpful and the pre-trip briefing by Emerald Star was spot on.
Reply from Emerald Star, 20 May 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your holiday, and that everything—from the boat and scenery to the organisation of your trip—met your expectations. It’s especially great to know you found the experience manageable and enjoyable, and that the lock keepers and our team’s pre-trip briefing were so helpful. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and hope to welcome you back on the water again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Beautiful River Lot..
Beautiful River Lot… We loved Cahors.. The Boat was excellent… The Emerald Star staff were helpful and friendly.
Reply from Emerald Star, 19 May 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the beautiful River Lot and had such a great time exploring Cahors. It’s wonderful to know the boat met your expectations and that our team were helpful and friendly throughout your trip. We really appreciate you sharing your experience and hope to welcome you back on the waterways again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Excellent service from Berenice
Excellent service from Berenice. She answered our questions and concerns with reassurance for us to then proceed with our booking.
And also made us aware of offers we were entitled to as we are returning Emerald Star customers.
Excellent service. Thank you
Reply from Emerald Star, 14 May 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that Berenice provided such excellent service and was able to answer your questions with reassurance, helping you feel confident in proceeding with your booking. It’s also great to know she made sure you were aware of the offers available to returning Emerald Star customers—that’s exactly the level of care we aim to provide. We really appreciate your kind feedback and look forward to welcoming you back on the water again soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
3 nights on the The Thames from…
3 nights on the The Thames from Chertsey to Henley and back with extended family. What a fantastic way for the family to catch up. Cheaper than a hotel and plenty to see as we relaxed motoring on the river. Great service, great boat, great fun. Staff at Chertsey were super helpful. Will definitely book another trip. Rich Lloyd
Reply from Emerald Star, 11 May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you and your extended family had such a fantastic three-night cruise on the Thames from Chertsey to Henley and back. It’s great to know the trip gave you the perfect opportunity to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river. We’re especially pleased that you found the experience good value, the boat comfortable, and our Chertsey team super helpful throughout your stay. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to them. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you back on board for your next adventure. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
Excellent service by Carla
Excellent service by Carla, emails and telephone conversations to assist my booking.
Reply from Emerald Star, 9 May 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Carla provided you with excellent service and that her support over email and phone helped make your booking process smooth and easy. We’ll be sure to pass on your lovely comments to her. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and look forward to welcoming you on board soon. Happy Boating, Catherine from emerald star
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!
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.
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.
Wonderful and very relaxing
Wonderful and very relaxing
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.
