Christmas Time on the Danube & Budapest

Welcome to Vienna! You’ll be met at the airport by a member of our welcoming team and transferred to your Emerald Cruises contemporary Star-Ship. After boarding and settling in, you’ll have time to explore Vienna at your leisure. 

During the holiday season, Vienna's most charming squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The delightful aromas of Christmas cookies baking, hot punch, and roasted chestnuts allure many visitors at this time of the year. The Old City and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights that create a whimsical atmosphere in Vienna. 

Today, explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where you’ll see some of Vienna’s world-famous sights such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Then, you’ll have plenty of free time to sample the wonderful tastes of Vienna’s Christmas markets, such sumptuous Käsekrainer sausage, sweet doughnuts, salty pretzels, and?Kartoffelpuffer - a savoury potato pancake. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated in a wonderful location between the Carpathians and the Alps, just a few kilometres from Vienna. Pre-Christmas time in Bratislava is intrinsically connected with glowing streets, warm holiday spirit, traditional dishes, and yuletide drinks. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin.  

Alternatively, join an active guided hike to Bratislava Castle. Bratislava is also home to many charming Christmas markets, which are a joy to leisurely stroll through. The main Christmas Market is located at the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square, but there are plenty of smaller ones in the city centre as well, such as the square in front of the Eurovea shopping centre. Whichever market you venture into, the irresistible scents of Christmas time and the unique festive atmosphere will get you for sure! 

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian Entertainment on board

EmeraldPLUS
Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Join a guided tour today, where you will be covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. During your free time, stroll the Christmas market on Budapest’s main square near Váci Utca Street, which showcases Hungarian craft products such as glass blowing, knitting, wood carving, candle making, pottery, leather trade, traditional Hungarian embroidery and lace work, etc.  

This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, and folk dancing with music in a local restaurant in Budapest. 

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

EmeraldPLUS
Dinner & folklore show in Budapest

DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

After breakfast, leave the lush surrounds of your suite or stateroom and be transferred to your centrally-located accommodation in Budapest, where a two-night stay in the city is certain to delight.  

From fairy lights to wooden ornaments, from spiced mulled wine to roasted chimney cake, Budapest is a wonderfully festive place to celebrate the Christmas holidays. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, touching on its two distinctive faces and the ornamented Buda Castle district.  

Included Excursion
A guided coach tour of Budapest

Today the storied capital of Hungary is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the Chain Bridge to see how the city differs in Buda and Pest or stopping by some Christmas markets to try some delightful Hungarian treats.

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your centrally-located accommodation for your transfer to the airport.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

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Reflections Restaurant is our elegant dining room, serving you breakfast, lunch and dinner in intimate, contemporary surrounds. Savour chef-prepared dishes inspired by the destinations you’re travelling through, all at no extra cost.

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The Terrace is our indoor and outdoor casual dining area, where you can enjoy a selection of light breakfasts and lunches. Perfect for those sunny days on the river.

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The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.

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From our innovative and contemporary Star-Ships to our extra-special EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences, every aspect of an Emerald Cruises river cruise is designed to bring you closer to the heart of local life, discovering hidden gems and rare insights that go beyond ordinary travel encounters. And now, to help you immerse further in local history and culture, we’re proud to introduce DiscoverMORE – a collection of special events that invite you to delve deep into the wonders of Europe and Southeast Asia.

For those who want to experience even more of the continent’s rich cultural tapestry, DiscoverMORE provides in-depth excursions which complement those provided by the EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE programmes. These optional events can either be booked before you go or while you’re on board and are available at an additional cost. Look out for details of the DiscoverMORE options available on each of our detailed river cruise itineraries.

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During your time with Emerald Cruises, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy our EmeraldACTIVE programme of excursions, encouraging you to stretch your legs, find your centre and keep active, whether you’re on board or onshore. This may consist of guided hikes to centuries-old castles, cycle rides from one spectacular town to the next, and a canoeing excursion, inviting you to get even closer to the river.

Introducing our on-board Activity Manager to all seven of our Star-Ships sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhône and Douro rivers in Europe. These dedicated members of the team perform a varied role, from coordinating on board fitness classes and active onshore excursions, to organising the evening’s entertainment.

With at least one EmeraldACTIVE* activity included in all our cruise itineraries, you can look forward to yoga and Pilates sessions, aqua aerobics in our heated pool and our ‘walk-a-mile’ classes on the Sun Deck. And, on selected evenings, we’ll have karaoke nights, cards tournaments and gameshow-style quizzes.

As we continue to receive excellent feedback for our current programme, we’ll continue introducing new and exciting activities and adventurous excursions, with the guidance of our experts, both on land and on the water. We also provide unguided experiences, if you’d prefer to explore independently, allowing you to savour a destination’s highlights on a route of your making.

To get you started, we’ve picked our favourite EmeraldACTIVE excursions on each of the European rivers we navigate.

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Immerse yourself further with EmeraldPLUS

EmeraldPLUS are our collection of extra-special excursions and events designed for you to see the destinations we visit in a different light, giving you memorable experiences that go beyond that of the ordinary traveller.

EmeraldPLUS is about seeking out rare insights, giving you the chance to uncover hidden gems you may not have discovered without the guidance of a local expert, as well as beloved tourist hotspots that cannot be missed. We believe it’s these special touches that make a holiday with Emerald Cruises truly unforgettable, offering moments of joy, wonder and discovery that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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With a different port call almost every day of your cruise; Emerald Cruises have organised a series of inspiring days ashore – taking you to the very heart of the beautiful towns and cities we visit. Exploring authentic local cultures, Emerald Cruises excursions are led by experienced, knowledgeable guides – introducing you to a wealth of knowledge.

Featuring as many as 16 destinations across up to five different countries, an Emerald Cruises cruise provides the perfect platform to absorb a huge array of cultures and traditions in one fell swoop. Every Emerald Cruises cruise itinerary is carefully planned to ensure the ship visits only the most fascinating, rewarding port towns and cities – affording you the opportunity to derive maximum reward and pleasure.

Whether exploring a new town on foot or navigating the streets of an ancient city by coach, English-speaking guides will be on hand to bring your destination to life through educational and enlightening commentary. And to ensure you don’t miss a second of the tour, we will provide all of our guests with a personal headset.

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Welcome to the Horizon Bar, the main lounge area on-board. Here, in contemporary surrounds, you can relax, unwind and make new friends while enjoying a tipple or two from our comprehensive bar menu. You’ll also be able to enjoy unlimited access to our complimentary coffee machine.

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Whether you want to buy a drinks package, learn about our optional excursions or simply talk with our friendly and attentive crew, the reception is the place to go for questions and enquiries during your time on-board.

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One of the greatest innovations on-board is our daytime pool and bar, which transforms into an evening cinema on selected nights during your river cruise.    

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Sit back and enjoy the inspiring views of Europe from the Sun Deck, an open-air space on the top deck that’s yours to enjoy throughout your cruise. Complete with deck chairs, games area and walking track, it’s a great place to relax and unwind.

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Practice your putting technique or challenge new friends to a game of noughts and crosses in the dedicated games area. Located on the open-air Sun Deck, it’s the perfect way to spend your downtime on-board. Wellness classes and yoga/Pilates sessions can also be enjoyed on the Sun Deck.

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One of the greatest innovations on-board is our daytime pool and bar, which transforms into an evening cinema on selected nights during your river cruise.    

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There’s no excuse for not sticking to your fitness regime on-board. The ship features a well-equipped gym with state-of-the-art workout equipment, so you can work up a sweat and get your heart pumping whenever you like.

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Take a stroll, stretch those legs and drink in the views on our dedicated walking track. Spanning the perimeter of the ship, it’s there to help you stay active on-board.

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Kick back and relax in our dedicated wellness area where our specialist on-board beauty therapist can provide a range of beauty and wellness treatments to suit your needs.

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In need of a quick trim during your travels? On-board the Emerald Astra, you can treat yourself at any point during your cruise with our dedicated hairdressers – perfect if you’re looking to get spruced up for a special evening.

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An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.

Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.

We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar.

If you wish to stay in contact with loved ones throughout your trip, you can do so using your in-suite telephone or our free Wi-Fi available throughout the ship. 

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Each ship offers two Emerald Single Staterooms featuring picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. With their deluxe single bed, they provide excellent value for money for single guests.

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Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivalled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer.

Wake up to the luxurious surrounds of your stylish bathroom, enjoying a revitalising shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Then, what could be better than having a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony? Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable, and your own in-suite Nespresso™ machine means you can sip a fresh coffee as you ponder your itinerary and what the day has to offer.

Select your preferred pillow from our extensive menu and enjoy an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, or simply relax as you watch a film on your suite’s flat screen TV and infotainment system, during some down time. Individual climate control enables your room to stay at the right temperature to suit you, whether you’re sailing in the warmer summer months, or the cooler winter.

And, stay in touch with family and friends using your in-suite telephone or make the most of complimentary Wi-Fi for contacting them by your preferred method.

Eight suites available on-board Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Four available on Emerald Liberté sailing through France.

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Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.

Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.

A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event.

In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries.

You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

Four suites available on-board Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Two available on Emerald Liberté sailing through France and Emerald Radiance sailing in Portugal.

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Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it.

When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.

Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship.