Emerald Cruises to Launch in the Philippines!

Scenic Group and Baron Travel Philippines are thrilled to announce their newest partnership, which will deliver Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and river cruising in Europe, the Med, and other stunning destinations to their valued clientele in the Philippines.

EMERALD CRUISES is a world-renowned luxury river cruise and yacht operator known for its unique blend of five-star service at an all-inclusive price, which includes generous inclusions that you wouldn’t expect to pay for! Famed for being a favorite river cruise line by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023, as well as the #1 small ship cruise line for their fleet of luxury ocean yachts. Emerald’s fleet consists of nine Star-Ships that navigate the rivers of Europe and the Mekong. Emerald Azzurra and Sakara are luxury yachts operated by Emerald Cruises that sail in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean, and Central America.

Baron Travel
3/f PCCI Corporate Center 118 L.P. Leviste Street,
Salcedo Village, Makati Philippines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barontravelphilippines
Landline: +632-88174926
Mobile: +63 939 726-0994
E-mail: ftd@barontravel.com.ph
Website: www.emerladcruises.com

June 28- Anthony Laver, Scenic Group, General Manager Sales & Marketing APAC, and Marilen Yaptangco, President & CEO of Baron Travel Corporation, attended the milestone event at the Peninsula Hotel Manilla.

What is your expectation from the Philippine market?

Anthony Laver: Emerald Cruises has recognized the significant demand in the Philippine market for luxury River and Ocean cruises. We look forward to working with Baron Travel to develop and grow our businesses and provide bespoke groups and charters for valued trade partners. The typical demographic of Emerald River Cruise is 45-plus; however, with its new vessels and more active shore excursions, river cruising with Emerald is attracting more new passengers who are looking for an upmarket experience that’s all-inclusive.

Anthony Laver: We see the Philippine market has a big interest in river cruising, and the reason for that is it’s very easy for people to plan and it’s very carefree. To go on a traditional European holiday, you must arrange a hotel, a meal, transfers, drinks, and pay for gratuities. However, on a river cruise, everything is handled for you. So you come on board the ship, unpack once, all of your meals and beverages are included, no need to pay tips and lots of shore excursions, but most importantly, you can visit many different areas along the rivers and experience different cultures in various countries, as well as many activities. Everything is organized for you. You can easily relax and have peace of mind.

For someone who is new at river cruising what is it like onboard? What’s included?

Anthony Laver: In the Philippines market many of us are familiar with an ocean cruise, very large ships going to big ports, but on a river cruise it’s very intimate, some of our ships are up to 84 guests to 180 people. And what they can expect is that they can bring their friends, they can relax, they can mingle and meet new people, go have shore activities that are much more customized and personalized.

Emerald Cruises takes care of everything on your journey, so you don’t have to worry about airport taxes, transfers, port charges, or gratuities once you’re on board. As you cruise Europe’s mesmerizing waterways, you’ll enjoy a wealth of generous inclusions that deliver exquisite dining experiences, including complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks to accompany your lunch and dinner, exceptional service from an English-speaking crew, and bikes on board.

The Emerald Discovery program ensures that you see the best of each destination, with hand-picked itineraries included on every voyage. In addition to our EmeraldDiscovery program, we offer the EmeraldPlus experience, which immerses you in the local culture through guided tours, personal interactions with locals, and unique activities. When I was in France, we went to a local home where our host took us on a tour of a real farm with her truffle-hunting dogs. We learned how truffles grow, where to find them, and even how to identify when the truffles were fresh. After that, she cooked fresh truffle pasta for us to enjoy. It was such a unique and authentic experience.

If you like things to move a little faster we have the EmeraldActive experiences. From grounded hikes to canoe excursions, you’ll get a remarkable new and authentic perspective on each destination.

For the seasoned river cruisers, how would you entice them to try Emerald Cruises? And any other exciting things happening at Emerald Cruises?

Anthony Laver: A new ship is finding its home on the waterways in 2026 with the new exciting launch of Emerald Kaia which will further bolster the fleet and herald a new era of luxury cruising. With the renowned EmeraldACTIVE program, Emerald Cruises places a strong emphasis on active shore excursions and wellness in addition to providing superb service and creatively constructed ships.

What products or upcoming promotions can we expect from the exciting partnership you have with Arpan Air & Baron Travel?

Anthony Laver: We are delighted to be in the Philippines and to be working with Baron Travel, they have a great reputation, and their ability to provide full-quality service is another reason we are thrilled to partner with them.

All Emerald Cruises price discounts, savings, and promotions are now available if you book through Baron Travel. I encourage passengers to book early so they can avail of big discounts.