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Emerald Waterways cruise review: Nuremberg-Trier
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ABOVE: Captain Vasile Mariceanu steers
Emerald Star into a lock on the Moselle River.
Officers and crew
Emerald Star has a crew of 47. On our cruise, the
senior staff who had contact with passengers included:
Captain Vasile Mariceanu,
who piloted Emerald Star from the wheelhouse and, when necessary, used
remote consoles on either side of the Sun Deck to guide the ship into tight
berths or narrow locks.
Albert Andrei, the
efficient hotel director, who oversaw the ship's hospitality operations.
Pratish Devendra Pal Uppal,
the front office manager, who was aided by a helpful reception staff.
Andrea Stoenescu, the
cheerful and outgoing restaurant and bar manager.
Teodor Petre, the
executive chef (who was a regular presence in the ship's main restaurant and
announced the day's dinner specials at the evening port talk).
Cecilia Balint, the
head housekeeper, who supervised a staff of room attendants, cleaners, and
launderers.
And, last but definitely not least:
Balázs
Varga, the cruise director, who gave the daily port
talks, made announcements, organized shore excursions and entertainment, and
handled transfers and other travel arrangements.
Other crew members:
We
found the
kitchen, restaurant, bar, and housekeeping staff to be unfailingly polite. The
bar and dining-room crew in
particular were a tightly-knit team who seemed to enjoy their work.
We
didn't have much contact with the navigation and engine-room crew, but we did
see the sailors at work throughout the cruise.
They kept the ship safe during lock operations, handled
mooring lines, set up or took down the gangway, and unloaded bicycles for
passengers to use in port.
About tipping:
Tipping isn't required or expected on Emerald
Waterways--whether on the ship or during shore excursions. If you want to reward
the crew with something extra (as we did), you can leave an envelope at the
reception desk, but such gratuities are an optional--and unusual--exception to
the rule.
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