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Christmas time on the Danube on Emerald Destiny

From Vienna, Austria to Budapest, Hungary
Length: 5 Days - Departs: Thu, Nov 27, 2025
Operator
Departure
Nov 27, 2025
Arrival
Dec 01, 2025

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Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON EMERALD CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Emerald - Guaranteed!

Single Supplements From Just 45%

Mention Promo Code: PT3209
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Single Supplements From Just 45%

Single Supplements From Just 45%

Promotion Details
Traveling solo on a river cruise has become one of the easiest ways to enjoy a relaxing voyage entirely in your own way. With single supplements from just 45% on selected sailings. From the moment you step foot on board, you have the freedom to do as much or as little as you please. Whether you want to tour each stunning destination in depth, or simply unwind in the contemporary surrounds of your award-winning Star-Ship, you'll revel in the delights of cruising solo. (Not all dates may apply, contact your Travel Consultant for applicable sailings)
Must Book By Tue, Apr 30, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Reduced Single Supplement offer is available for new bookings only made after Go Live date for the sailing in question. Pay in full required 12 months from departure; if within 12 months, full payment is due 72 hours from booking. Savings are based on the cruise + upgrade element only, excludes air fares, port charges, taxes, any pre- or post land touring, hotel stays and other additional items. These offers are combinable with trade vouchers and future travel credits only; not combinable with any other offers. Not combinable with groups.

Offer is available globally on selected dates and cabin categories. All Top Suites are excluded from the Offer. Offer is inventory controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please call your Professional Travel Advisor.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Vienna
    Thu, Nov 27, 2025

    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. 


    Meals: Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Vienna 
    Fri, Nov 28, 2025

    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)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3
    Bratislava
    Sat, Nov 29, 2025

    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)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Budapest
    Sun, Nov 30, 2025

    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

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    Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Budapest
    Mon, Dec 01, 2025

    After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of the delightful Danube at Christmas time 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.


    Meals: Breakfast

Countries Visited

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia

Rivers Visited

Danube

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.5
Accommodations
4.5
Itinerary
4.3
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
4.5
Value for Money
4.1

Ratings based off 11 reviews - currently showing 5 reviews with comments only

We had a great cruise with no issues whatsoever.

We had an outstanding trip down the Danube on Emerald Waterways. The food was amazing, the service was absolutely top-notch, the places we stopped (Passau, Linz and Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest) were all wonderful in their own way. The options provided by Emerald (active vs. included, and the add-on activities) were just right. Our Cruise Director and the Activity Manager were very knowledgeable and attentive throughout our trip. As alway, Affordable Tours helped us book, and provided great follow-up care when we needed it. 

This trip was wonderful, with only 160 passengers we were treated royally. Everyone on board the ship worked with only one thing in mind to please the customers.

Derek was very thorough and easy to work with. Our trip was what we expected.

We were fortunate the trip went as planned. A lock was damaged and the ship we were scheduled for was unavailable. Emerald provided a different ship and we completed our full itinerary. Great job Emerald. The trip wonderful. Great staff, tours and food. Our Affordable agent Allyson fulfilled all our needs efficiently providing excellent customer care.

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Emerald. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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