Danube Explorer

Danube Explorer

About This Cruise

The iconic Danube river guides you on a gentle journey, enabling you to soak up Europe’s cultural wonders at leisure. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to enchanting Dürnstein. Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, drive around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to view the city’s marvellous architecture, and let inspiring Budapest tell tales of its past, while proudly looking forward to the future.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Emerald Sky 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 Sky

Departure Date

17 November 2026

Cruise Line

Emerald Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

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

Itinerary

Germany

Nuremberg

Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Passau. A warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board.Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.

Germany

Passau

Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Passau. A warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board.Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.

Germany

Passau

Today, you’ll gain fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarians during a visit to a farm, where you’ll also be able to try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.EmeraldACTIVEHike to Veste OberhausEmeraldPLUSBavarian Countryside ExperienceDiscoverMOREBavaria Live (extra expense)

Austria

Linz

Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech town has one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the 15th-century St. Vitus’ Church and a series of delightful Gothic façades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages.EmeraldPLUSGuided tour of Ceský KrumlovDiscoverMOREWalking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)

Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov

Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech town has one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the 15th-century St. Vitus’ Church and a series of delightful Gothic façades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages.EmeraldPLUSGuided tour of Ceský KrumlovDiscoverMOREWalking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)

Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s finest wine-producing vineyards.Later, you’ll arrive in Melk, an Austrian town nestled along the Danube River. On today’s included tour, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the gold-leaf halls of 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery that is home to rare medieval manuscripts. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through Austria’s spectacular Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, remain in Melk and take a guided bike tour to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that reveals a different perspective on the region’s esteemed viticulture. Take the chance to join a guided hike in the afternoon through the vineyards and soak in the spirit of the Wachaus valley nature.Included ExcursionTour of Melk AbbeyEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour along the DanubeEmeraldACTIVEGuided hike in WeissenkirchenDiscoverMOREWachau Valley Experience (extra expense)

Austria

Weissenkirchen

Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s finest wine-producing vineyards.Later, you’ll arrive in Melk, an Austrian town nestled along the Danube River. On today’s included tour, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the gold-leaf halls of 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery that is home to rare medieval manuscripts. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through Austria’s spectacular Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, remain in Melk and take a guided bike tour to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that reveals a different perspective on the region’s esteemed viticulture. Take the chance to join a guided hike in the afternoon through the vineyards and soak in the spirit of the Wachaus valley nature.Included ExcursionTour of Melk AbbeyEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour along the DanubeEmeraldACTIVEGuided hike in WeissenkirchenDiscoverMOREWachau Valley Experience (extra expense)

Austria

Vienna

Discover the classical charms of Vienna today. As we take you through the heart of the city, we’ll point out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre.Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on the Danube Island.Included ExcursionGuided tour of ViennaEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour of ViennaDiscoverMOREExclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Austria

Vienna

Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marvelling at the everchanging scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle – its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre.Included ExcursionWalking tour of BratislavaEmeraldPLUSLocal Slovakian entertainment on boardEmeraldACTIVEGuided hike to Bratislava CastleDiscoverMORESkoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)DiscoverMORECarpathian Wine route (extra expense)

Slovakia

Bratislava

Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marvelling at the everchanging scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle – its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre.Included ExcursionWalking tour of BratislavaEmeraldPLUSLocal Slovakian entertainment on boardEmeraldACTIVEGuided hike to Bratislava CastleDiscoverMORESkoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)DiscoverMORECarpathian Wine route (extra expense)

Hungary

Budapest

Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene while touring the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own. If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand and are best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.Included ExcursionBudapest tour with Grand Market visitEmeraldPLUSTraditional Hungarian folklore show on boardEmeraldACTIVEHike to Gellert HillDiscoverMOREExcursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

Hungary

Budapest

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities with you.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

The iconic Danube river guides you on a gentle journey, enabling you to soak up Europe’s cultural wonders at leisure. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to enchanting Dürnstein. Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, drive around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to view the city’s marvellous architecture, and let inspiring Budapest tell tales of its past, while proudly looking forward to the future.

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

Grand Balcony Suites come with an outdoor private balcony area, complete with open-air system. A pillow menu ensures you have the best night’s sleep possible, and a continental breakfast can be delivered to your room on request.

Suite Inclusions

  • 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 available at own expense
  • 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 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

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.

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.

bbq

Sky Barbecue

The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.
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.

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

Sun Deck

Sun Deck

From the stunning rooftop deck of our Star-Ships, enjoy panoramic views of the passing landscapes and a selection of activities to keep you entertained.

Cinema

Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema

Pool by day, cinema by night

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.

Reception

Reception

If you want to purchase a drinks package, enquire about a DiscoverMORE excursion or simply catch-up with our friendly crew, you’ll always receive a warm welcome in our on-board reception area.

Activity, Exclusive

The Wheelhouse

The wheelhouse is open for all guests to visit during a river cruise itinerary. If you have a particular interest in river navigation, the wheelhouse can provide a wonderful insight into the role of the captain and the intricacies of working through locks.

Pool

Pool

Getting your laps in

Spacious on board pools provide plenty of room for swimming.

Gym, Golf, Wellness

Fitness Area

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

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.

Spa, Wellness

Wellness Area

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

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.