Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest
About This Cruise
Bringing you closer to the local culture on the banks of the Danube River with an extended stay in magnificent Budapest you’ll visit five countries and five stunning UNESCO World-heritage listed sites on this breathtaking itinerary through the heartland of central Europe. Immersive experiences and local delights define this once-in-a lifetime journey as you experience the traditional entertainment, regional cuisine, and century-spanning history of this vast and dynamic region. Explore timeless architecture, historic landmarks, and thriving cultural forces.
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
8 November 2026
Cruise Line
Emerald Cruises
Duration
9 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 01 6874149Itinerary
Hungary
Budapest
Hungary
Budapest
Hungary
Budapest
Hungary
Budapest
Slovakia
Bratislava
Austria
Vienna
Austria
Weissenkirchen
Austria
Linz
Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov
Germany
Passau
Germany
Passau
Overview
Bringing you closer to the local culture on the banks of the Danube River with an extended stay in magnificent Budapest you’ll visit five countries and five stunning UNESCO World-heritage listed sites on this breathtaking itinerary through the heartland of central Europe. Immersive experiences and local delights define this once-in-a lifetime journey as you experience the traditional entertainment, regional cuisine, and century-spanning history of this vast and dynamic region. Explore timeless architecture, historic landmarks, and thriving cultural forces.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Sky Barbecue
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Getting your laps in
Spacious on board pools provide plenty of room for swimming.
Fitness Area
Keep up your workout regime in our well-equipped, modern gym.
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.
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.
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.