PHOTO: Supermodel Twiggy christened Emerald Waterways' first ship, the 182-passenger Emerald Sky, in Amsterdam. (Photo courtesy of Emerald Waterways)

Emerald Waterways, the newest river cruise company in Europe, is now operating its first ship. The 182-passenger Emerald Sky was christened in Amsterdam by Twiggy, the supermodel who epitomized the 1960s, alongside Glen Moroney, the company’s founder and managing director.

Moroney also founded sister company Scenic Cruises, which operates 10 river ships this year, and started Emerald as a more affordable option, one that will compete with Viking River Cruises, which introduced 18 new ships this year already. A second ship, the Emerald Star, also enters service this year but a christening has not been scheduled.

Many of Emerald’s summer itineraries are already sold out, according to the company website. Travelers are no doubt attracted by the inclusions — 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 in top suites; Wi-Fi on the ship; at least one shore excursion almost every cruise day; and all gratuities.

In contrast, Scenic offers a more luxurious experience on smaller ships. Its two new ships this year, the Scenic Gem and Scenic Jade, accommodate 126 and 169 passengers. Scenic includes butler service for every guest, unlimited complimentary beverages including an in-suite minibar replenished daily, complimentary bottled water replenished daily, free Wi-Fi and use of a Mac mini in every stateroom, airport transfers, and all tipping and gratuities onboard and ashore. Meal service includes all-day casual dining at the River Café and a chef’s table degustation dinner as well as the main dining room.

Emerald this year will operate two new ships on eight- to 15-day itineraries. Fares on the eight-day “Danube Delights” cruise between Nuremberg and Budapest start at $2,225 per person, double, for the Oct. 25 departure. A similar eight-day Danube itinerary on Scenic starts at $3,625 for a June 30 departure.

The Emerald Sky has 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two for solo occupancy. The vessel has an onboard heated swimming pool with a retractable roof, which transforms into a movie theater in the evening. It also features two restaurants — Reflections, the main dining room, and The Terrace, which serves breakfast and lunch.

Many staterooms and suites have an indoor balcony with a deck area — with the push of a button, the upper half of the floor-to-ceiling window drops to let in fresh air. Top suites separate the balcony from the cabin with sliding doors. The ship also has an onboard hairdresser, massage therapy room and fitness area.