Splendours of Europe – Amsterdam to Budapest
- calendar_today 13 Nov 2027
- bedtime 14 nights
- directions_boat Emerald Star
- location_on Depart from Amsterdam
- Outside price from $7,289*/person
14 Night River Cruise with Bonus Exclusive Cruiseabout Savings & Fly Free Offer*
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. An iconic glass-top canal boat cruise in Amsterdam marks the beginning of this wonderful itinerary through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Promising natural beauty, medieval towns and hikes to hilltop fortresses, four capital cities offer a unique insight into the region’s past, present and future.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE
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Fly Free on selected economy flights*!
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Exclusive Cruiseabout savings of $500 per couple included
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Earn & redeem points on all travel* with our new loyalty program, World360 Rewards
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14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship from Amsterdam to Budapest
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Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
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41 delectable meals including 14 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D)
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Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
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Guided bike tour to Waterland
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Canal cruise in Amsterdam
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Active Walk to Niederwalddenkmal
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Quest for Cologne’s treasures
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Guided Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle
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Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
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Guided hike to Bratislava castle
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Guided tour of Regensburg
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Hike to Gellert Hill
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Guided tour of Passau
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Tour of Melk Abbey
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Guided tour of Vienna
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Walking tour of Bratislava
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Guided coach tour of Budapest
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Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
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All tipping and gratuities
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Port taxes and charges
An iconic glass-top canal boat cruise in Amsterdam marks the beginning of this wonderful itinerary through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Promising natural beauty, medieval towns and hikes to hilltop fortresses, four capital cities offer a unique insight into the region’s past, present and future.
YOUR ITINERARY
Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, cafés, and art galleries. Here, you ‘ll be met at the airport and transferred to the comfortable surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, you can enjoy some time to explore the cobbled streets and gabled houses at leisure. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
Inclusions: Dinner
...This morning, explore the Dutch Golden Age, as you board a glass-top canal boat cruise to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system or enjoy a guided bike tour to Waterland.
Both excellent ways to experience the city in all its authenticity, take to its charming waterways, passing iconic buildings and elegant merchant residences that reflect a time when Amsterdam was one of the most lucrative ports in the world. If you’re feeling more active, then explore on two wheels, cycling alongside a backdrop of historical villages and traditional windmills.
Upon returning to your ship, your first day of sailing will take you through the Dutch countryside to the Rhine River.
Included Excursion
Canal cruise
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, the cathedral city of Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and the largest on the Rhine. The historic capital of the Rhineland, this illustrious city has been generously peppered with ancient architecture, from Roman ruins to medieval structures, despite much of the inner city being completely destroyed during WWII. Join your local guide and explore the city during a unique adventure that will take you hunting for some of the most typical Cologne treasures.
EmeraldACTIVE
Quest for Cologne’s treasures
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we meander through the fairy tale-like surrounds of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Hilltop castles and fortresses will be yours to admire as we sail. We will pass the infamous Lorelai Rock, where sailors are said to have been lured onto treacherous rocks by an enchanting siren, and the impressive Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a former stronghold.
This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town with a vibrant wine-growing heritage. You will have the choice of either riding on the Winzerexpress and visiting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum or, if you’re feeling active, taking an active hike to Niederwalddenkmal.
Included Excursion
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
EmeraldACTIVE
Active Walk to Niederwalddenkmal
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River, boasting an inimitable feeling of medieval Bavaria with its 15th century half-timbered buildings.
On your included walking tour, stroll down the cobblestone streets, lined with these colourful houses and view the Gothic Merchant Hall, an impressive symbol of past affluence. You could also enjoy an active walk through the forest to Mildenburg Castle. This iconic landmark now houses a wonderful collection of contemporary art and old masters.
Later, we’ll venture to the charming town of Wertheim where, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll have an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Miltenberg
EmeraldPLUS
Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...Wertheim is a town in southwestern Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg with a population of around 23,400. It is located on the confluence of the rivers Tauber and Main. Wertheim is best known for its landmark castle and medieval town centre.
...Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River, boasting an inimitable feeling of medieval Bavaria with its 15th century half-timbered buildings.
On your included walking tour, stroll down the cobblestone streets, lined with these colourful houses and view the Gothic Merchant Hall, an impressive symbol of past affluence. You could also enjoy an active walk through the forest to Mildenburg Castle. This iconic landmark now houses a wonderful collection of contemporary art and old masters.
Later, we’ll venture to the charming town of Wertheim where, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll have an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Miltenberg
EmeraldPLUS
Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...This morning, relax on board and witness the beauty of Europe’s waterways from the plush surrounds of your cabin as we cruise to Bamberg. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town boasts one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, with around 2,400 listed buildings gracing its streets.
Feel the magic of the past as you explore the city with your local guide, marvelling at the opulence of the New Residence, once resided in by the prince bishops and now home to a plethora of old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden to round your day off peacefully.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bamberg
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...Embark on a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg, including the architectural wonders that have inspired famous artists for centuries and exploring the effects that the war years had. After your tour, enjoy time to explore Nuremberg at leisure, passing half-timbered houses that were beautifully reconstructed following the war.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Nuremberg
DiscoverMORE
World War II tour (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...This morning, you’ll sail the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. As you continue sailing down the Danube, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities welcomes you with two millennia of history. For almost 150 years, the Old Town Hall was the seat of parliament. Dating back to the 13th century, it consists of the Town Hall Tower, the Imperial Chamber building, and the Town Hall. Wander the streets with your guide, as the romantic narrow alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town enable you to live through the city’s history.
The main highlight of your tour will be the 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval structure crossing the Danube. Enjoy time to explore Regensburg at leisure after your guided tour or return to your Star-Ship for some peace and tranquillity. Later today, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Regensburg
EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian band performance on board
DiscoverMORE
Sausage-making workshop (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...Passau is a picturesque city that has been shaped by the surrounding rivers over the years, sitting right on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This memorable destination is dominated by large squares, magical promenades and romantic lanes. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.
Return for lunch on board and an afternoon peacefully cruising along the Danube.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...Melk is an Austrian town on the River Danube, west of Vienna. It’s known for the 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery built high above the town. Gold statuary adorns its domed Abbey Church, and the huge library houses medieval manuscripts. The Marmorsaal is a baroque hall with a ceiling fresco and red marble walls. South of Melk, gardens surround Renaissance Schallaburg Castle, which hosts cultural exhibitions.
...Dürnstein is a small town on the Danube river in the Krems-Land district, in the Austrian state of Lower Austria. It is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the Wachau region and also a well-known wine growing area
...Austria’s breathtaking capital is recognised for its cultural legacy. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represent a rich history, and the museum district boasts contemporary buildings, housing the work of some of the world’s most prolific artists.
Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna’s city centre by coach and on foot or join a guided bike tour. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches that adorn the façades of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater and the Flemish Gothic Parliament before enjoying time to explore Vienna at leisure.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Vienna
DiscoverMORE
Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn cobblestone streets. In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the enchanting Old City or hike to Bratislava Castle.
Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
This afternoon, a local family will be happy to welcome you into their home for some great conversation over traditional sweet treats and coffee.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
DiscoverMORE
Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Carpathian wine route (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Divided by the iconic Danube River, Buda and Pest on either side can be reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic structures.
Enjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide this morning. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Gellert Hill. This evening, you will enjoy a Hungarian folklore show before your farewell dinner.
Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
...After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the delightful Danube 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.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.
Inclusions: Breakfast
...YOUR SHIP - The Emerald Star
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.
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.
Lift
Navigation Bridge
Reception
Hairdresser
Massage
Sun Deck
Cinema
Gym
On-Board Bikes
Putting Green
Running Track
Horizon Bar & Lounge
Reflections Restaurant
Riverview Lounge
Sky Barbeque
Description
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.
Other
Lift
Navigation Bridge
Reception
Relaxation
Hairdresser
Massage
Sun Deck
Entertainment
Cinema
Recreational
Gym
On-Board Bikes
Putting Green
Running Track
Food and Drink
Horizon Bar & Lounge
Reflections Restaurant
Riverview Lounge
Sky Barbeque
Launched
2014
Length
443
Capacity
182
AVAILABLE STATEROOMS
Click the tabs to view the different staterooms with their category
![Emerald Stateroom – [E]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1481287544.jpg)
Emerald Stateroom – [E]
Outside from $7,289*
Emerald Stateroom – [E]
![Emerald Stateroom – [D]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1481287540.jpg)
Emerald Stateroom – [D]
![Emerald Stateroom – [ES]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1481287547.jpg)
Emerald Stateroom – [ES]
Suite
![Owner’s One-bedroom Suite – [SA]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1597840635.jpg)
Owner’s One-bedroom Suite – [SA]
![Emerald Grand Balcony Suite – [S]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1597840607.jpg)
Emerald Grand Balcony Suite – [S]
![Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – [C]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1597840540.jpg)
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – [C]
![Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – [B]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1597840562.jpg)
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – [B]
![Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – [A]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1597840584.jpg)
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – [A]
ALTERNATIVE DATES
View our alternative dates and durations below for this cruise. Prices based on twinshare cabin.
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DateTripCruise ShipNightsPrice per person
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22nd Feb ‘27FLY FREE OFFER: Splendours of Europe in Early SeasonEmerald Sky- 14Nights14
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13th Nov ‘27Splendours of Europe – Amsterdam to BudapestEmerald Star- 14Nights14
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15th Nov ‘27Splendours of Europe – Budapest to AmsterdamEmerald Sun- 14Nights14
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 28 February 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. Fly Free: 15 Days Splendours of Europe 2027: Fly Free offer is only on Economy class available on selected 15 Day Splendours of Europe river cruises (EWCR), February, March, October and November 2027 sailings. From $7,545 based on 15 Day Splendours of Europe (EWCR) 20/02/27 departure in an E Category Stateroom. The Fly Free fares included are only Singapore Airlines ‘W’ Class, Qatar Airlines ‘S’ Class or Emirates Airlines ‘K’ Class, inclusive of taxes and charges at the time of the booking. If airline class is unavailable a surcharge will apply. Flight offers are based on listed on listed brochure or advertised journey dates & routing, airlines & specific booking choice is at Emerald Cruises sole discretion & must be booked by Emerald Cruises to be valid. Flights based on the following departure cities out of Australia; Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Perth. Available on primary tour codes and selected tour code extensions only. To receive offer, cruise must be paid in full 10 month prior to departure. Once sold out or if full payment is not received the full fare will apply. A non-refundable booking deposit of $1,000 per person is due within 7 days of booking. Combinable with one voucher only. Not combinable with Super Earlybirds, Earlybirds or any other offer. Prices quoted are accurate as of 21 January 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. 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. Cruiseabout exclusive savings of $500* per stateroom may not be combineable with other offers and are valid until 31 January 2026. View our full Terms and Conditions. (EMEDEC2FSC)