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Christmas Markets on the Danube

Christmas Markets on the Danube

About This Cruise

This special festive twist on our classic itinerary down the Danube makes time for explorations of quirky Budapest, a traditional lunch with Slovakian locals, and marvelling at Vienna’s iconic architecture. All before perusing the Christmas markets of Regensburg, highly regarded as ‘one of the loveliest’.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Emerald Destiny is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

Emerald Destiny

Departure Date

24 November 2027

Cruise Line

Emerald Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Hungary

Budapest

Welcome to Budapest. You’ll be greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. After boarding, you’ll have time to enjoy Budapest at your leisure and visit one or more of its charming Christmas markets.This evening, enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music and dance on board. EmeraldPLUSTraditional Hungarian folklore show on boardEnjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, then a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

Hungary

Budapest

Offering an abundance of historical whimsy, Budapest is known for its architectural diversity and famed monuments that pepper both sides of the Danube. This World Heritage-listed city is a true delight at Christmas, when it becomes a magical winter wonderland of decorations, lights and festive cheer. The locals soak in the city’s many thermal baths to beat the crisp chill of the season.Included ExcursionGuided coach tour of BudapestEnjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide this morning. Explore the World Heritage-listed centre, travelling through the chapters of architecture through the ages from Romanesque to Baroque and classical façades. See the Liberty Statue, Heroes’ Square and the Buda Castle district, before a walking tour showcases Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Afterwards, explore the Christmas market.

Slovakia

Bratislava

Gothic architecture and fascinating tales of a Communist past welcome you to Bratislava, a capital that has seen much turbulence over the past century. Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, this is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn medieval cobblestone streets. The Christmas season adds an extra layer to the city, where a blend of distinctive cultures comes together to showcase their handcrafted ornaments and delicious treats.Included ExcursionWalking tour of BratislavaEnjoy a sightseeing tour, including the enchanting Old City. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.EmeraldPLUSHome-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian familyBe invited into the home of a local Slovakian family to learn about their culture over coffee and cake. Get an insight into their history, culture and traditions as they show you how they live every dayDiscoverMORECarpathian wine route (extra expense)Explore the viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route, including the vineyards of Vinosady and a family-run winery in Senkvice. You’ll learn about the proud heritage of winemaking and sample some local wines in a historic wine cellar.Activity level: Moderate, Duration 4hr 40min

Austria

Vienna

Welcome to the ‘City of Music’, Vienna. This ornate cityscape was home to famous musicians and composers like Mozart and Beethoven, and the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. It has a magical atmosphere over Christmas, with elaborate decorations and more than 20 festive markets.Included ExcursionVienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches MuseumFor art lovers, there is no place like the Austrian capital. Not only is the city packed with museums and artwork, but there is a huge variety across styles and time periods. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.DiscoverMOREViennese evening concert (extra expense)With Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert among its historical repertoire, Vienna is the world capital of opera and classical music. Enjoy an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna’s most beautiful concert halls, with favourites such as the ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and the ‘Radetzky March’. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival adds to the unforgettable occasion.Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

Austria

Dürnstein

Make a short stop in the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Later, cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Melk, nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. After your excursion, you’ll have some free time to explore the town’s Christmas market on your own.EmeraldPLUSGöttweig Abbey with organ recitalEmbark on a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Built in 1083, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from around the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. Later, sit down to a moving organ recital.

Make a short stop in the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Later, cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Melk, nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. After your excursion, you’ll have some free time to explore the town’s Christmas market on your own.EmeraldPLUSGöttweig Abbey with organ recitalEmbark on a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Built in 1083, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from around the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. Later, sit down to a moving organ recital.

Austria

Linz

Today you’ll be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. The historical old town has a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, creating a serene and contemplative Christmas experience.Included ExcursionWalking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tastingRug up for a walking tour of Linz, where you can admire its unique mix of historic and contemporary buildings. Finish with a tasting of Linzer torte (a rich tarte filled with fruit preserves), where you’ll learn more about Europe’s most popular desserts named after the town of Linz.DiscoverMOREFull day Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)The birthplace of Mozart and the picturesque setting for the theatrical masterpiece, The Sound of Music, Salzburg has a unique charm and is surrounded by the breathtaking Alps. Spend a full day exploring this Austrian city, wandering its historic downtown district, exploring the Linzer Gasse shopping street and visiting the home of Mozart.Activity level: Easy, Duration: 10 hours

Germany

Passau

This important historic trading centre, known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’ – where three of Europe’s main waterways converge – borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. Its beautiful historic centre features charming Baroque buildings, stunning riverside views and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. In front of the green-domed façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Passau’s annual Christkindlmarkt can be found. Here, you can sample some delicious warm Glühwein and freshly baked goods.Back on board your Emerald Star-Ship tonight, enjoy live local entertainment showcasing typical Bavarian musical traditions.Included ExcursionGuided Tour of PassauOn this morning’s walking tour, stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.EmeraldPLUSTraditional Bavarian band on boardMake your way to the Horizon Bar & Lounge for a special performance from a Bavarian band, who will play traditional music and wear their authentic Lederhosen.

Germany

Passau

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take memories of handcrafted ornaments and gingerbread stalls with you.Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 02:00 PM.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.

Overview

This special festive twist on our classic itinerary down the Danube makes time for explorations of quirky Budapest, a traditional lunch with Slovakian locals, and marvelling at Vienna’s iconic architecture. All before perusing the Christmas markets of Regensburg, highly regarded as ‘one of the loveliest’.

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Suite

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

The Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites boast their own separate bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite. A dedicated lounge area and outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allow you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather. They also include a selection of special features including a spacious bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and Nespresso™ machine. Your complimentary mini-bar is restocked daily and you’ll have an iPad to use throughout your cruise so you can keep up-to-date with the latest news. For a more intimate dining experience, upon request, you can also order a continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats to enjoy in the privacy of your suite.

Your suite features:

  • Outdoor private balcony with open-air system
  • Separate bedroom and lounge area
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Pillow menu
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Walk-in wardrobe
  • Complimentary in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks
  • Complimentary Nespresso™ machine
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
  • Four items of laundry per day
  • An invite to the top table to enjoy dinner with the senior on board team
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Use of an iPad
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

Suite

Grand Balcony Suite

These generously appointed suites offer an inviting vantage point for watching the sunset. Floor-to-ceiling windows on your private balcony, complete with an open-air system and sleek glass partition, let you soak up the ever-changing landscape. Thoughtful touches include an in-suite Nespresso™ machine, mini-fridge and the option of continental breakfast served on your balcony. In the evening, savour pre- dinner canapés and sweet treats delivered directly to your suite.

Your suite features:

  • Outdoor private balcony with open-air system
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Pillow menu
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on board
  • complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
  • Complimentary Nespresso™ machine
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
  • Two items of laundry per day
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

Balcony

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

These spacious suites are ideal for uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window to drop down at the touch of a button and the indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables and plenty of storage.

Your suite features:

  • Indoor balcony with open-air system
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

Outside

Emerald Stateroom

Marrying exceptional comfort with refined and practical design, the staterooms are spacious and luxurious retreats that provide ample room to accommodate two guests. A picture window welcomes in the natural light, beautifully framing the surrounding landscape.

Your suite features:

  • Picture window
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

Outside

Emerald Single Stateroom

Select Emerald Cruises Star-Ships on the Danube, Moselle, Rhine and Rhône rivers feature Emerald Single Staterooms which are specially created for solo travellers. These tastefully appointed staterooms include a wealth of quality facilities and excellent levels of comfort for an enjoyable stay.

Your suite features:

  • Picture window
  • Deluxe single bed
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

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casual

Reflections Restaurant

Our premiere on board dining spot
With open seating and elegant design, our Reflections Restaurant sets the benchmark in on board dining across our fleet of boutique Star-Ships throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. Here, savour delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavours and a few favourites you may recognise from home.

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casual

The Terrace

Dine alfresco
A beautifully decked area in the forward of our European Star-Ships, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a drink as the wonders of the landscape pass by.

healthy

Healthy Dining

The freshest ingredients

Dine on delectable meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce.

Lunch with a view

Enjoy healthy meals while soaking in the stunning views and fresh air.

A range of dietary options

Sample amazing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options^. ^Please inform your crew of any dietary requirements.

bbq

Sky Barbecue

The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.
Cinema, Pool Deck

Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema

Exclusive to Emerald Cruises Star-Ships cruising Central Europe and France, the innovative heated indoor pool with is a tranquil haven to swim and take in the passing river views by day. As dusk falls, the floor gently rises to cover the pool, and the space transforms into an intimate cinema or Riverside Lounge – a blissful setting to enjoy magical vistas, read, or socialise to gentle music and soft lighting. Morning stretch sessions will also invigorate you, before seamlessly transforming back into a luxurious pool for the day. Enjoy a touch of innovation on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Central Europe and France with the heated indoor pool. With expansive river views, it is a tranquil setting to relax by day and on select evenings, the space transforms into a cosy indoor cinema.

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Bar, Lounge

Horizon Bar and Lounge

Peruse our extensive drinks menu from the comfort of the Horizon Bar, the principal lounge area on board our boutique Star-Ships. Fitted with comfortable seating, a well-stocked bar and dancefloor and entertainment space, this is the premier spot to relax, unwind or dance the night away at the end of another exceptional day on the river. During the day, you'll also find unlimited coffee and speciality teas here

Relax, socialise and dance the night away in the contemporary lounge and bar. On selected nights enjoy evening entertainment or simply relax and unwind with your favourite drink from the well-stocked bar. Throughout the day, you can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, making this an inviting space to pause, connect and take in the on board comforts.

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Sun Deck

Sun Deck

Soak in your surroundings from the Sun Deck, a space for sun-seeking, sightseeing and blissful relaxation. Offering a front-row seat to the wonders of southern France; you won’t miss a thing from the comfort of your Sun Deck deckchair.

Sun Deck

Games Area and Golf Putting Green

Feel free to enjoy our games area and golf putting green. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the scenery while you challenge new-found friends.

Reception

Reception

Your warm welcome on-board begins at Emerald Destiny’s dedicated reception. Here, our friendly crew are happy to help you get the most from your time on-board – whether that’s organising the day’s excursions or arranging any special requirements you may have.

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Pool

Emerald Serenity Pool

Emerald Destiny features a range of innovative on-board features, including an infinity-style pool that transforms into an evening cinema space. Take a dip by day and catch a flick by night – two more ways to spend your downtime on the rivers of Europe.

Gym, Wellness

Fitness Area

Your well-equipped gym

Keep up your workout regime in our well-equipped, modern gym.

Pool, Wellness

Wellness Area

A space dedicated to mind, body, and soul. Stay active on board with a fitness session in the well-equipped gym, or indulge in a blissful range of relaxing and invigorating spa treatments (at an additional cost).

A relaxing massage

Unwind with a massage courtesy of our expertly trained masseuses.

A dedicated space

Settle into a professional massage therapy room designed around serenity.

Every thoughtful detail

From soft gowns to luxurious ESPA toiletries, you’ll enjoy unparalleled comfort.

Salon

Hairdressers

In need of a quick trim during your travels? On-board the Emerald Sun, Emerald Luna and Emerald Dawn, 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.

Jogging or Walking Track

Walking Track

Stretch your legs and take in the sights as you enjoy a stroll on our purpose-built walking track. Taking you around the outside of the Sun Deck, it’s a great addition for those who like to stay active on their travels.