The Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets River Cruise - MS Emily Bronte
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- Emerald Deck Suite (Lower)
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$
1649
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- Ruby Deck Suite (Middle)
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$2149
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- Ruby Deck (Middle) - Superior Suite
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$2749
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- Diamond Deck Suite (Upper)
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$2599
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- Diamond Deck (Upper) - Stern Superior Suite
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$2849
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- Diamond Deck (Upper) - Deluxe Balcony Suite
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$3299
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Save up to 50% on 2025 & 2026 River Cruises
Save up to 50% on 2025 & 2026 River Cruises
Promotion Details
Offer valid for new bookings only of 8 days or more made between the 1st-31st March 2025 and offer cannot be applied retrospectively. Price reduction is 'up to 50% off' the brochure prices. Prices displayed on the website are already reflective of the up to 50% discount. Book a River Cruise vacation and receive on-board spending money to spend during your vacation in the on-board shops and services. The amounts shown are per cabin based on two adults sharing a cabin on new bookings made from 1st-31st March 2025 for 8 days or more only. On board credit cannot be exchanged for a cash alternative. Free shore excursions vary by itinerary and can be subject to change. Free drinks package is based on our superior drinks package or all-inclusive packages. Riviera Travel has the right to remove this offer at any time. Additional restrictions may apply.
Drink Package on European River Cruises
Drink Package on European River Cruises
Promotion Details
Enjoy drinks with your next river cruise and the views along the riverbank and toast your holiday with like-minded explorers after another fascinating adventure ashore. Over a leisurely lunch on board, complement your meal with a glass (or three) of cool, crisp wine or a refreshing beer.
Then each evening while discussing the highlights of the day, enjoy even more options with the cocktail of the day, house spirits and mixers, a recommended regional wine over dinner and pre and after-dinner drinks in the restaurant and bar, so you can drink as much – or as little – as you like.
Perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a luxurious river cruise hassle-free.
Offer valid on new bookings. The Superior drinks package is available on 2025 European river cruises departing in 2025. All-inclusive drinks package is available on 2026 river cruises. Additional restrictions may apply.
Group Offer
Group Offer
Promotion Details
Get 1 free customer place for every 8 customers booked when booking as a group of 8 or more. Discount applies to the standard holiday package only, upgrades and extras are not included. 'Free places' will be applied as a discount to the overall balance, and based on the lowest priced cabins included in the booking, The discount will be calculated based on the number of confirmed travelers at final balance payment. If the group number drops below 8 then the booking will revert to standard pricing terms. This offer applies to any European River Cruise. Offer is subject to availability. Riviera River Cruises reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time. This offer is combinable with any other current promotion.
Enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating Hungarian capital, imperial city of two halves straddling the mighty Danube, plus spectacular cruising along the famously dramatic Danube Bend in all its wintry splendour. Discover delightful Bratislava, Slovakia’s fast emerging capital, on our guided tour then wander the atmospheric markets of its lovely baroque old town, beautifully restored to its former glory.After a guided tour of this grand imperial city, seeing the main sights at this spectacular time of the year, explore some of the capital’s traditional markets with their huge range of inspirational gifts and tempting Christmas fayre. Relax on board and enjoy the stunning river views on our return to this alluring and historic city to explore further and soak up the lovely festive ambience of its seasonal markets.
- Day 1Embark in BudapestMon, Dec 08, 2025Embark in BudapestEmbark in Budapest and board your five-star cruise ship moored in this beautiful city straddling the banks of the glorious Danube. As you step on board you will be greeted by your professional, five-star crew who are on hand to help you settle in as you familiarise yourself with the layout of this splendid ship.We are moored overnight so you may fancy a wander ashore to start exploring this charismatic city, so full of atmosphere at this special time of year. It won’t be long before our first excellent dinner is served in the ship’s restaurant, over which you can get acquainted with some of your fellow travellers.Enjoy a digestif in the welcoming lounge as you ponder all that the next few days has in store!
- Day 2BudapestTue, Dec 09, 2025BudapestBudapest is always an atmospheric and fascinating city, but at this time of the year, the muted colours of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating on the wintry skyline.The historic and palatial buildings, the superb Roman ruins and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture provide a truly impressive backdrop for the city’s acclaimed Christmas markets. This morning we enjoy a guided tour seeing the main sights such as the iconic Parliament Building and the ancient Castle District with its winding streets and panoramic views. There’s free time to explore under your own steam, so perhaps take in one of the city’s fine museums or simply wander the markets. Soak up the traditional atmosphere as classical music fills the air along with the delicious smells of spicy gingerbread and peppery goulash – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill!Cruise towards BratislavaBack on board for lunch, excitement mounts as we slip our mooring, and our adventure begins; just sit back and relax as the fairytale landscape glides by through the ship’s panoramic windows. This afternoon we witness a cruising highlight as we navigate the Danube Bend, where the river spectacularly winds its way through a narrow twisting valley, flanked by high mountains and snow-covered hillsides.Wrap up and take to the deck to enjoy this wonderful kaleidoscope of Christmas card scenery drifting by in the frosty air, then return to the warmth of the ship’s inviting lounge and catch up on some reading or write those final Christmas cards. Later head to the convivial atmosphere of the ship’s well-stocked bar for your favourite aperitif, before another excellent dinner is served.Included experiences:Guided tour of Budapest & visit to the Christmas markets.
- Day 3BratislavaWed, Dec 10, 2025BratislavaDuring this morning’s breakfast, we arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Its communist past now firmly confined to the history books, the city has rediscovered its imperial heritage in its beautifully restored baroque old town whilst the grand white fortress, former seat of the rulers, enjoys commanding views over the river. This morning we will discover more about the city’s interesting history, seeing the main sights and visiting some of the churches to view their traditional Christmas cribs, before you enjoy some free time.Wander the maze of streets, admiring the Christmas decorations until you reach the main square and the market with its cosy atmosphere; the sweet fragrance of cinnamon wafts on the air and hundreds of fairy lights twinkle amongst the branches of the Christmas trees. The pretty red and white stalls groan with inspirational artisan gifts, from decorations, wooden figurines or pottery. Sample some local delicacies too such as potato pancakes or poppy seed strudel but make sure you don’t spoil your appetite as it won’t be long until lunch is served back on board. Afterwards you may wish to return to shore – perhaps to climb the tower of the Old Town Hall for a bird’s eye view of the city and the bustling market below.Included experiences:Guided tour of Bratislava & visit to the Christmas markets.
- Day 4ViennaThu, Dec 11, 2025ViennaDuring the early hours, our ship has stealthily crept into port, and you awake to find yourself in Vienna. There are few places that can so delightfully evoke the spirit of Christmas than here – where the elegant imperial facades, their decorations glittering in the glow from a thousand Christmas lights, the sound of classical carols floating on the crisp air and the irresistible smell of candyfloss and roasted chestnuts is truly reminiscent of Christmas from a bygone age.There has been a Christmas market here since the Middle Ages and today there are more than 20 markets held over the festive period selling a huge range of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Vienna’s City Hall provides a splendid backdrop for one of the most popular, its windows a giant advent calendar, reflecting the myriad of lights glistening in the trees below. The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace also hosts a superb market, specialising in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys.After breakfast you enjoy a guided tour seeing the main sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral and the impressive Hofburg complex, former royal court, now home to a collection of museums, the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the world-famous Spanish Riding School.After lunch on board there’s plenty of time to explore some more of the markets, while the brass band plays its Christmas repertoire, and the sweet aroma of nutmeg fills the air. When things turn chilly, retreat to the refined yet cosy elegance of a traditional Viennese café for a steaming hot chocolate and watch the last daylight fade away.Return to the ship in time for tonight’s superb Chef’s Dinner, expertly served by your attentive crew.Afterwards we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after dinner we have a classical recital on board. To hear this exquisite music played in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.Included experiences:Guided tour of Vienna, visit to the Christmas markets & classical string quartet recital.
- Day 5BudapestFri, Dec 12, 2025Cruise towards BudapestWe have sailed overnight and on waking, draw back the curtains to see the early morning mist rising over this gentle pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. After breakfast, seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and watch this lovely slideshow of winter wonderland scenery effortlessly gliding by – what could be more relaxing!For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness centre to work off some of those delicious meals or head up to the sun deck to enjoy the bracing river breeze as the Captain skilfully navigates our return course to the Hungarian capital.BudapestOur final lunch is served during which Budapest’s majestic skyline comes into view. This afternoon you are at leisure so perhaps wander to the Vorosmarty Square in the very heart of Pest, where the rustic cottage-style wooden stalls groan under the weight of their treasure troves of unique Christmas gifts. The scent of traditional honey cookies and mulled wine pervades the air as you browse the stalls, enjoying the friendly festive ambience or perhaps indulging in a slice of traditional chimney cake.Tonight, after another delicious dinner on board, enjoy one last evening amongst newly made friends in the convivial bar, recounting stories from a very magical cruise.Included experience:Visit to Budapest's Christmas markets.
- Day 6Disembark in BudapestSat, Dec 13, 2025Disembark in BudapestThis morning at the appropriate time, you will disembark the ship ready for your onward journey.
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Riviera Cruises went above and beyond during our Rhine cruise that faced major disruptions due to low water levels in the Rhine this summer. Meals and cabin service on board were A+++, on shore tours were first class, on board entertainment excellent, and nothing seemed a problem to all staff, when in fact, they must have been under extreme pressure. I will certainly not hesitate to book a trip with Riviera again!
Our cruise director, Carmen, was very personable and put herself into everything we did. She loves her job and it showed. This was first river cruise and there will be many more with Rivera Cruise. Affordable Tours was great, all questions were answered in a timely manner and no problems with delivery as promised.
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The Rhine Christmas Market Cruise was delightful! The ship was beautifully updated and fancy ;) The staff were wonderful. The food, while delicious and varied, was all caterered to those from the UK which make up 80% of the guests. We spent near a week in Germany and had not one sausage or potato dish that would be local to the region. The markets have all the same stalls so space out purchases. If you buy everything at the first market, you won't have anything left at the rest. 70% of the markets are food! We did get great sausages there ;) Sometimes it's difficult to find your way back from the market to the ship. The towns were beautiful and look different so that's fun! And the most important of all: call the ship front desk the morning of departure (if you don't have a direct transfer) to get a landmark for where the ship is docked. Otherwise it's tricky to find.