Supermodel Icon Twiggy is named as Godmother of Emerald Waterways New Star-Ships

Ahead of the christening, Emerald Waterways has released new images of the ships' sleek, stylish and innovative interiors. Accessorized with contemporary décor and state-of-the-art features, the ships will set a new benchmark for future generations, as has Twiggy for the world of fashion.

The new ships – Emerald Star and Emerald Sky – each carry 182 guests in 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two built for solo occupancy. Unique items include an onboard heated swimming pool with a retractable roof, transforming into a movie theater in the evening; two restaurants – Reflections, the main dining room, and The Terrace for breakfast and lunch; and a new type of cabin design that replaces the run-of-the-mill French Balcony, common to most ships, with an indoor balcony complete with decked area and an ingenious open-air system. The system allows guests to push a button and the upper half of the floor to ceiling panoramic window drops down to allow an open-air opportunity; top suites separate the balcony from the cabin with sliding doors. As well as an onboard hairdresser, massage therapy room and fitness area.

Strong value continues with the fare inclusions: all transfers to and from the ships; all onboard (and some on shore) meals; unlimited tea and coffee; wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; WiFi onboard the ship, at least one included shore excursion almost every cruise day and visits to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more. And while other operators charge as much as $600 per couple for tipping on a 15-day cruise, all gratuities is just another one of the things included on all sailings.

Four itineraries are being offered by Emerald Waterways in 2014.

• “Danube Delights” is an eight-day adventure between Nuremberg to Budapest.
• “Classic Prague & Danube Delights” is an 11-day itinerary that adds three days in beautiful and historic Prague to the eight-day Nuremberg to Budapest sailing.
• The 12-day “Magical Rhine & Moselle” travels between Switzerland's Basel and the canal city of Amsterdam.
• “Splendors of Europe” allows guests to spend 15 days exploring many of Europe's top sights between Amsterdam and Budapest.

As part of the Scenic Tours Group, Emerald Waterways is also backed by the award-winning expertise of the world's leading luxury river cruise operator. Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel agent or on Emerald Waterways' website, www.emeraldwaterways.com