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The Majestic Rhine on Emerald Luna

From Basel, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Mon, Aug 14, 2023
Operator
Departure
Aug 14, 2023
Arrival
Aug 21, 2023

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Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON EMERALD CRUISES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

Single supplements from just 25%

Mention Promo Code: PT3209
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Single supplements from just 25%

Single supplements from just 25%

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 25% on selected 2023 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 Sun, Apr 30, 2023
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 Offer is inventory controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice.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
    Zurich - Basel
    Mon, Aug 14, 2023

    Welcome to Basel, a medieval city bordering the Rhine. Here, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. 
    This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board

    Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM.


    Meals: Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Breisach - Colmar
    Tue, Aug 15, 2023

    Your journey through the heart of Europe will commence with a tour to Colmar, a magical place that looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a beloved fairytale. Your included tour of the town will enable you to traverse its cobblestone lanes, passing medieval half-timbered façades and window boxes full of brightly coloured flowers. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar.

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided bike tour to Colmar

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Colmar

    DiscoverMORE
    Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3
    Kehl - Strasbourg
    Wed, Aug 16, 2023

    This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl and you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, a city that perfectly encapsulates the region’s medieval charm. Strasbourg’s historic buildings can be found peppering the city and are best explored via its quaint waterways, which is why we will be taking you on a canal tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.
    Relax on board as you pass through the idyllic surrounds of Petite France and conclude in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s noteworthy buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

    DiscoverMORE
    Alsace wine route with vineyard hike and tasting (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Rastatt – Baden-Baden
    Thu, Aug 17, 2023

    This morning, you will be transferred from where the Star-Ship is docked in Rastatt to charming Baden-Baden, a spa town known for its peaceful surrounds and the celebrities who have visited it over the last century. 
    If you’re feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a hike to Altes Schloss, where your local guide will show you the castle’s ruins, including the dungeons and winding staircases. The panoramic views of the surrounding Black Forest region are certain to make this a truly unforgettable experience. 
    Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, witnessing the luxurious façades of the independent boutiques and the well-manicured gardens, before entering the world-famous Baden-Baden Casino.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Entrance to the Baden-Baden Casino

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided hike to Altes Schloss

    Included Excursion
    Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Ludwigshafen - Heidelberg
    Fri, Aug 18, 2023

    As you stroll down Heidelberg’s cobblestone streets, you may find yourself becoming just as entranced as the thinkers of the German Romanticism movement were. Their paintings often depict idealistic cityscapes and ruins that look like they are steeped in legends, and Heidelberg is a living representation of the scenes that they created. 
    Today, you will have the opportunity to explore Heidelberg’s peaceful surrounds during a guided tour, starting at the Heidelberg Castle. 
    If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Heidelberg


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Koblenz
    Sat, Aug 19, 2023

    Koblenz is an ancient city often considered to be the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. The Romans originally built a city here as a stronghold, but the area is now known for its idyllic beauty, peaceful parks and areas full of colourful flowers. Today, you will be able to relax during a guided tour of the city, including a cable car ride across the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Bike tour in Koblenz

    Included Excursion
    Walking tour of Koblenz and a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

    DiscoverMORE
    Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Rüdesheim
    Sun, Aug 20, 2023

    This afternoon, you will arrive in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal. Where cuckoo clocks, live oompah bands and Bavarian beer can be found around every corner.
    Your included tour will be a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum; a half-timbered tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes that houses one of the best collections of music boxes in the world. You will also get the opportunity to ride on the charming Winzerexpress and taste famous Rüdesheimer coffee, made with one of the most famous brandies in Germany.

    Included Excursion
    Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Mainz – Frankfurt
    Mon, Aug 21, 2023

    After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Petite France and fairytale-like settings with you.

    Please book your flight to depart out of Frankfurt after 12:00 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.


    Meals: Breakfast

Countries Visited

Switzerland, France, Germany

Rivers Visited

Main, Moselle, Rhine

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Inclusions

Health and Safety Protocols for Emerald

The world may have changed, however, our commitment to our guests and crew, the guest experience and their health, safety and wellbeing remains our key priority. We are working closely with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), local and international Government Health agencies, to ensure our protocols exceed the latest regulatory requirements. Our Health & Safety Steering Committee oversees all health and safety policies and training with Emerald Cruises, ensuring you can travel with complete confidence that your wellbeing and safety are taken care of to the highest standard. In addition, we are implementing the most recent insights and technologies, with our Emerald Cruises team dedicated to exceeding the levels of cleanliness required in today’s travel climate.

We are continuously updating our protocols to safeguard both the health, safety and the experience of our valued guests. You will be informed about these important procedures, well in advance of your journey departure, which may include the following information and guidelines:

Medical Evaluation & Test
To ensure all of our guests are safe and well before your journey with us begins, we will require you to complete a pre-departure medical health evaluation. During the phased embarkation process you, and your fellow passengers, will be tested for COVID-19 by a medical specialist. This will allow you to relax with complete peace-of-mind when you board our Star-Ships, in the company of other like-minded travelers.

Our Dedicated Team
Our Captains, Hotel Managers and Cruise Directors, alongside their exceptional teams, will deliver a first-class level of service during your time traveling with us. You can enjoy the same exciting program of on board and on shore experiences, tailored to smaller groups to allow for safe social distancing. The team are readily available to ensure every detail of your journey with us is memorable, for all the right reasons. They will ensure health and safety protocols are followed on a daily basis.

Healthy Crew
Having the best crew to look after you is at the heart of our core values at Emerald Cruises, and we will go the extra mile to ensure our crew is healthy in doing so. All crew will be regularly tested for COVID-19 and will have daily temperature and health checks. They will also be trained and regularly briefed on all aspects in preventing COVID-19 amongst themselves as well as our guests. They will go beyond the ordinary to make your cruise a truly exceptional experience.

Contact-Free Check In & Check Out
We have adjusted the various touchpoints of your journey, allowing you to check in and check out in a completely contact-free way. Through a phased embarkation you will be able to arrive and depart from your Star-Ship smoothly and with safe social proximity in mind. And, of course, every time you return to your Star-Ship, our crew will be there to greet you with a warm smile.

Briefings & Screenings
Our medical expert will host mandatory briefings and screenings. These events are designed to ensure every member of our guests and crew are healthy, and also offer an opportunity to allay any concerns or ask any questions you may have about our safety protocols.

Enhanced Cleaning Commitment
Our on board crew will be increasing and enhancing our already frequent and high standard cleaning protocols in public areas and suites, leaving surfaces and spaces spotless. Additional care and attention will be paid to high contact zones, such as communal restrooms and dining facilities.

Socially Aware Dining
You can expect the same delightful dining experiences when you travel with us, savoring a choice of dishes inspired by regional cuisine and local produce. We are adapting and redesigning our on board food and beverage service to ensure extra care is taken in order to minimize social contact. We will serve our delicious food a la carte or via served buffets.

Contact-Free Movement
The spacious surrounds of our ships in combination with the guest numbers provide ample room for you to relax, allowing for an abundance of personal space. We are introducing contact-free movement across our Star-Ships to further reduce risks. Contact-free hand sanitizer dispensers will be readily available in all public spaces and guest corridors on board, whilst automated doors and contact-free guest servicing will minimize the number of touchpoints.

Air Circulation
Our Star-Ships are equipped with air circulation systems. These systems ensure there is no re-circulation of inside air on board the ship. When you are relaxing in your suite you will be breathing air from outside the ship that is channeled directly to your suite. The air will also be released from your suite directly to the outside.

Smaller Groups & Social Proximity
Discovering the local culture of your destination is the highlight of every river cruise. Create memories to cherish during our choice of on shore excursions. You will travel in smaller groups, allowing for a more intimate travel experience, whilst respecting social proximity and destination specific regulations. To enhance your sightseeing, you can utilize our digital headsets, which will act as your personal tour guide and travel map.

Carefully Selected Local Partners
As well as enhancing our health and safety protocols on board and with our crew, we’re working closely with our local partners. We have forged long-standing relationships with our local partners, all of whom have been carefully selected for their expertise and high levels of service, and are committed to ensuring your safety. They will receive extensive training to adhere with our enhanced protocols. We will also introduce strict control and screening procedures for anyone boarding our Star-Ships.

Wellness Throughout Your Journey
Your wellbeing is our number one priority, both during your time on board and on shore. Journey to and from your destination with complete peace-of-mind. All transport vehicles will be equipped with hand sanitizer and will undergo deep cleaning after every journey, surpassing the high industry standards required. You can also rest assured that we will monitor social proximity, allowing you to travel safely, with plenty of personal space.

We are committed to continually reviewing and updating our protocols and guidelines as new information becomes available, to ensure that our guests can travel safely in the many destinations we operate in.

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

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.

Emerald Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.5
Accommodations
4.3
Itinerary
4.6
Professional Staff
4.7
Repeat with Operator
4.3
Value for Money
4.4

Ratings based off 46 reviews about Emerald Tours - currently showing 14 reviews with comments only

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. 

Emerald was awesome. It offered us cultural experience that was unusual and authentic. We felt like we got to know the countries we visited. We are looking to book with Emerald again in Europe. Local and tour Director was the best

first emerald waterway tour was excellent ! excellent and unique excursions included plus good optional tours offered loved the Vespa ride, ox cart and rickshaw ride Hoi Ann and Halong bay are highlights emerald staff very welcoming to us

The staff and crew of the ship was fantastic. Christmas Markets are not to be missed.

Although this is my first river cruise, so I cannot compare with other companies, I was very happy with Emerald with a few exceptions. They advertise that it is all inclusive and do offer several free tour options at each port, but that also sell Discovery options that are more money. We did 4 of those which increased the cost for 2 by $600. If you like to workout, forget the gym, which had one rowing machine, an exercise bike and some dumbbells with enough room for 3 people at most. The staff were all great, the food was very good and the itinerary was excellent. They have a small swimming pool and late night activities. Good diversity with most people from US, Canada, Australia and new Zealand.

Was great, food was good, cabin small but nice, excursions were good.

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.

Great river cruise, the operator Emerald Waterways did not disappoint. On board service was exceptional and the tours were very good. Only thought would be that having a little more free time during site visits would have made the excursions good to great.

Our third river cruise but found the baths on this particular ship to be very small. The crew, though, was excellent, especially the director!

This trip was all we expected and more. The booking and planning by Affordable Tours weas very helpful. The Emerald Radiance was a joy. The ship and crew were unbelievable. The Douro Valley is so very beautiful and Portugal an amazing destination-just need to explore it further.

Emerald provided a very memorable experience. Everything went according to plan. There were many activity options to pick from. The food and drink and staff were excellent. I liked the pool and bikes which gave us additional activities to enjoy, which Viking Cruises did not offer when I went on a previous river boat cruise with them 3 years ago.

I absolutely loved the cities and towns we visited. I met mant new friends on this trip. The staff were very friendly, professional and attentive to my needs.

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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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