Emerald Waterways has announced the hiring of Michael Schnur to serve as Brand Manager for the company’s US and Canadian markets.  Schnur will be responsible for all aspects of sales and marketing of Europe’s newest river cruise line, launching April 2014. He will also work on the development and implementation of the company’s travel agent training and sales programs.

Schnur brings extensive experience in corporate branding, marketing, publishing and graphic design and looks forward to transferring those skills to this brand new company. “It is a pretty rare opportunity to be chosen to help build a new deluxe river cruise line - right from its birth,” states Schnur. “I am really looking forward to working with the travel agents and Emerald Waterways staff in showcasing to the company’s amazing itineraries, top-notch service and state-of-the-art ships.”  Prior to joining Emerald Waterways, Schnur was vp of marketing and web operations at Amerasport, a leading sports merchandise branding company, and director of marketing and communications/group publisher for Career Recruitment Media, a division of Alloy Education.

With the industry’s newest ships, custom-built to exceed guest’s expectations and offering such amenities as a heated swimming pool and a movie theater, Emerald Waterways is aiming at both experienced travelers and the younger demographic looking for strong value and great pricing. What sets Emerald Waterways apart from other major lines on the rivers are its ship amenities and fare inclusions: airport transfers; all onboard (and most on shore) meals; a choice of two dining venues; 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 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.