By
Rebecca Gibson |
Australian travel industry veteran and long-standing cruise and tour director Maxine Collins christened Emerald Waterways’ new Emerald Liberté in Lyon, France on 1 October.
As Emerald Waterways’ first Star Ship in France, Emerald Liberté was custom-built to sail on the Rhône and Saône Rivers, where she will offer eight-night itineraries from either Lyon or Arles between April and October. The itinerary includes Chalon-Sur-Saône, Beaune, Macon, Tournon, Arles and Avignon, where guests are treated to an onboard, Provençal-style dinner by acclaimed local chef and Top Chef France finalist Fabien Morreale.
The 138-guest ship features innovations like the pool which turns into a cinema at night, and drop-down glass balcony windows in all suites.
“It’s a real honour and a privilege to be godmother of this beautiful ship and I wish all who sail on her safe passage and a wonderful journey through the magnificent south of France,” said Collins.
Emerald Liberté is the third Star Ship to launch in 2017. Award-winning Canadian newscaster Coleen Christie named Emerald Destiny in Vienna, Austria this May, while UK travel agent Gill Williams officially inaugurated Emerald Radiance in Porto, Portugal this June. The Emerald Waterways fleet now has seven ships.