Christmas Markets on the Danube EMEMAY1 Emerald Sun 2026-12-16

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7 Night Festive Luxury River Cruise Munich to Budapest with Exclusive Earlybird Savings of $2,400* per couple.
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.

This special festive twist on the classic Danube River cruise shows you the magic of this iconic river during the holidays. Breathe in the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread as you wander through breathtaking Christmas markets, their traditional wooden stalls decked out with twinkling lights and handmade ornaments. Explore the quirky charm of Budapest, indulge in coffee and cake with Slovakian locals, and marvel at Vienna’s iconic architecture. Enjoy a private organ recital in the dramatic surrounds of Gottweig Abbey. Experience Linz’s rich heritage alongside its modern, forward-thinking vibe, all during the enchanting festive season.

INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE

Exclusive Savings of $800* per booking included
Earlybird Savings up to $1,600 per couple included*
7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship from Passau to Budapest
Exclusive Cruiseabout savings of $500 per couple included
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
Walking tour of Bratislava
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
Vienna art tour with visit of Kunsthistorisches Museum
Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)
Traditional Bavarian band on board
Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
Guided tour of Passau
Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
All tipping and gratuities
Port taxes and charges

Offer ends in: 01/06/2026 3:00am

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1

26th Dec 2026

Munich - 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.

...

Day 2

27th Dec 2026

Passau

Embark on a guided tour to Passau. Explore its beautiful historic center, featuring charming baroque buildings, stunning riverside views, and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. This important historic trading center, known as the City of Three Rivers—where three of Europe’s main waterways converge—borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. You can enjoy the magical ambience in the St. Stephen Cathedral with its special organ concert or wander through the Christmas market of Passau right in front of the St. Stephan’s Cathedral and discover the unique Bavarian delicacies.

Back on board your Star-Ship, enjoy a live local entertainment showcasing typical Bavarian tradition.

Included Excursion
Guided Tour of Passau

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Bavarian Band on board

DiscoverMORE
Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)

Inclusions
lunch, dinner, breakfast

...

Day 3

28th Dec 2026

Linz

Today you will be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. During your walking tour, you will have the chance to see the historical old town with a mix of baroque and Renaissance architecture. Hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, making for a serene and contemplative Christmas experience. A festive day for the senses, as you end with a Linzer torte tasting – the local delicacy that will add flavor to your Christmas time memories of this old Austrian town.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting

DiscoverMORE
Full day Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

Inclusions
lunch, dinner, breakfast

...

Day 4

29th Dec 2026

Durnstein

Today, enjoy a morning sailing on your Star-Ship as it sails through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape.

This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Built in 1083, it’s one of Austria’s most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from around the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. As part of the tour you get to taste the delightful Göttweig wine, which is a tradition well kept by the monks throughout centuries.

EmeraldPLUS
Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting

Inclusions
lunch, dinner, breakfast

...

Day 5

30th Dec 2026

Vienna

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city perfectly encapsulating the extravagance of the Habsburg Monarchy and their love of ornate Baroque palaces. For art lovers, there is no place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is bursting with museums and artwork, but because of the variety. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum

DiscoverMORE
Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Inclusions
lunch, dinner, breakfast

...

Day 6

1st Jan 2027

Bratislava

Today, enjoy learning about Slovakia as we take you into the heart of Bratislava, a capital where cultures sit side-by-side. A sightseeing tour of the city will introduce you to its architectural wonders, including the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral and the neo-Renaissance Slovak National Theatre. The Christmas markets showcase handcrafted souvenirs and traditional Christmas treats, a true seasonal delight.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

DiscoverMORE
Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

Inclusions
lunch, dinner, breakfast

...

Day 7

2nd Jan 2027

Budapest

Offering an abundance of historical whimsy, Budapest is known for its architectural diversity and famed monuments that pepper both sides of the Danube. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is a true delight at Christmas, when the locals take to thermal baths to beat the crisp chill of the season. Today, your guided coach tour will introduce you to Andrássy Avenue and the neo-Renaissance façades of the townhouses found there, as well as a generous scattering of Christmas decorations.

This evening, an on board traditional Hungarian folklore show is certain to delight.

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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Jewish Heritage Tour (extra expense)

Inclusions
lunch, dinner, breakfast

...

Day 8

3rd Jan 2027

Budapest

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take memories of Christmas stalls and crisp winter mornings 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.

Inclusions
breakfast

...

Guiding you past some of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of countryside and through some of the continent’s most vibrant and enchanting cities; Emerald Sky ensures every minute of your holiday is exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable. From the spacious suites and staterooms to the contemporary, sophisticated public spaces, every inch of Emerald Sky has been considered. Navigating the rivers Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle; the Emerald Star, Sky, Sun, Dawn and Destiny can guide you through some of Europe’s most magical stretches of water and help you explore many of the continent’s most arresting and enchanting cities. The five sister vessels, boasting a modest capacity of 182 guests apiece, are all blessed with a selection of wonderful amenities and features. Our brand new Emerald ‘Star Ships’, the Emerald Dawn and the Emerald Sun, have made their debut voyages and have received high marks from our guests. You’ll enjoy all the same great features, including our open air system in the balcony suites and the indoor/ outdoor pool area, that make the “Star Ships” the 2014 Cruise Critic Editors’ Pick award winners for best new river ships. No matter which river cruise you choose, all your meals on-board the ship; beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; on-shore excursions and touring; a special selection of EmeraldPLUS experiences; all travel and transfers from selected airports; and all tipping are included in the price. It’s what we like to call ‘Exceptional Emerald Value’. Step on to an award-winning ship where the spacious Sun Deck offers panoramic views of the stunning scenery. Relax in the fresh air while enjoying a light lunch and a glass of wine al-fresco on The Terrace. Enjoy insightful excursions in every port at no extra cost and we take care of tipping so you don’t have to think about it. You wouldn’t expect all this from a river cruise, but on an Emerald Waterways river cruise, you can look forward to it.

Cinema

Hairdresser
Massage
Sun Deck

Lift
Navigation Bridge
Reception

Horizon Bar & Lounge
Reflections Restaurant
Riverview Lounge
Sky Barbecue

Gym
On-Board Bikes
Putting Green
Running Track

Description

Entertainment

Cinema

Relaxation

Hairdresser
Massage
Sun Deck

Other

Lift
Navigation Bridge
Reception

Food and Drink

Horizon Bar & Lounge
Reflections Restaurant
Riverview Lounge
Sky Barbecue

Recreational

Gym
On-Board Bikes
Putting Green
Running Track

Launched

2015

Length

443

Capacity

182

AVAILABLE STATEROOMS

Click the tabs to view the different staterooms with their category

Outside from $4,389*

Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Queen-size hotel-style bed | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge |https://static.traveltek.net/cruisepics/local_cabinimages/1481285706.jpg|Emerald Stateroom-[D]

All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. Plus, they’re bigger than other standard staterooms, providing excellent value for money. Included in your stateroom: Picture window (approximately 1500mm L X 340mm H)

Emerald Stateroom-[E]

An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months. Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising. We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar. If you wish to stay in contact with loved ones throughout your trip, you can do so using your in-suite telephone or our free Wi-Fi available throughout the ship.

Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Oversize single bed | Telephone | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge|https://static.traveltek.net/cruisepics/local_cabinimages/1481285716.jpg|Emerald Stateroom-[ES]

Each ship also offers two Emerald Single Staterooms featuring picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. With their deluxe oversize single beds, they provide excellent value for money for single guests. Included in your stateroom: Picture window (approximately 1500mm L X 340mm H)

Outside from $4,389*

Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Queen-size hotel-style bed | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge |https://static.traveltek.net/cruisepics/local_cabinimages/1481285706.jpg|Emerald Stateroom-[D]

Emerald Stateroom-[E]

Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Oversize single bed | Telephone | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge|https://static.traveltek.net/cruisepics/local_cabinimages/1481285716.jpg|Emerald Stateroom-[ES]

Suite

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite-[A]

Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it. When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep. Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship.

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite-[B]

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite-[C]

Emerald Grand Balcony Suite-[S]

Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivalled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer. Wake up to the luxurious surrounds of your stylish bathroom, enjoying a revitalising shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Then, what could be better than having a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony? Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable, and your own in-suite Nespresso™ machine means you can sip a fresh coffee as you ponder your itinerary and what the day has to offer. Select your preferred pillow from our extensive menu and enjoy an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, or simply relax as you watch a film on your suite’s flat screen TV and infotainment system, during some down time. Individual climate control enables your room to stay at the right temperature to suit you, whether you’re sailing in the warmer summer months, or the cooler winter. And, stay in touch with family and friends using your in-suite telephone or make the most of complimentary Wi-Fi for contacting them by your preferred method.

Owner’s One-bedroom Suite-[SA]

Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed. Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort. A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event. In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries. You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

Important Notice

The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider. Prices quoted are valid for sale until 31 MAY 2026 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. All prices are per person, twin share (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. All savings are included in the advertised price. Some categories may have obstructed views. Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated. Airfares require full payment in order to ticket. Airfares if included are based on specific dates and routings. Flights may be altered up to the package value which your Cruise Travel Advisor will be able to advise. Components of the total price including local payments, “resort fees”, “national park fees”, “trip kitties” and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted. Onboard spending money is not included unless otherwise stated. If included it is per stateroom unless stated otherwise, is non-transferable, non-refundable and has no cash value. Onboard spending money/credit may not be used in the medical centre or casino and expires at the end of the cruise. Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication. Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY. Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details). Prices quoted are accurate as of 27 APR 2026 and may be higher depending on date of purchase and date of travel. Cruiseabout cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to the price displayed on the website. Terms and exclusions apply. Member tier determines benefit access. Some earn exclusions apply (incl service, change/cancellation & merchant fees, gift card purchases and bookings with brand credit). Some products redeemable in store only and min and max point redemption values apply. Ask in store or visit https://rewards.cruiseabout.com.au/world360-rewards for full details. Please contact your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply. View our full Terms and Conditions. (EMEMAY1)

Christmas Markets on the Danube

INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE

YOUR ITINERARY

YOUR SHIP - The Emerald Dawn

Description

Entertainment

Relaxation

Other

Food and Drink

Recreational

Launched

2015

Length

443

Capacity

182

AVAILABLE STATEROOMS

Emerald Stateroom-[E]

Outside from $4,389*

Emerald Stateroom-[E]

Suite

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite-[A]

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite-[B]

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite-[C]

Emerald Grand Balcony Suite-[S]

Owner’s One-bedroom Suite-[SA]

Important Notice

Thank you!