Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest on Emerald Star
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- (E) Stateroom
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$
9790
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- (D) Stateroom
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$10740
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- (C) Panorama Balcony Suite
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$12590
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- (B) Panorama Balcony Suite
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$12990
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- (A) Panorama Balcony Suite
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$13390
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- (S) Grand Balcony Suite
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$16090
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- (SA) Owner's Suite
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$18790
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All the River Operators Offers & More:
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2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + Emerald Exclusive Savings
2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + Emerald Exclusive Savings
Promotion Details
Available for new bookings only made between April 1 - July 6, 2025 on 2025 - 2026 Emerald River Cruise departures.
2 for 1 Fares: 2 for 1 Fares are displayed as a per person rate in a double occupancy cabin. Fares are based on full fare pricing and may not have resulted in a sale. Offer applies to cruise pricing only; does not apply on land extensions, air, or any other add-ons.
Emerald Exclusive Bonus Savings: Bonus savings of up to $1,000 per suite ($500pp) are available on select departures. Savings vary by departure. Combinable with 2 for 1 Fares, pay in full offers, non-refundable savings, and are capacity controlled. Deposit due at time of booking. Guests cannot use Flexible Booking Plan or Penalty Relief Program to move or cancel/rebook to take advantage of this offer.
Free air when you pay in full: Free air offers available when you pay in full based on suite category. Free premium economy air is available on S, RA, and SA suite categories with a max value of $2,500pp. For Southeast Asia, free premium economy is available for the S and SA categories with a max value of $4,000pp. Free economy air is available on other cabin categories with a max value of $1,500pp. Air offers available when you pay in full 10 months prior to departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers, or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. All flights will be booked on Emerald Cruises choice of airline and routing and are subject to availability. Savings options are available in lieu of airfare with same payment terms. For S, RA, and SA suites receive $1,500pp savings ($3,000 per suite) when you pay in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure; whichever is soonest. Other cabin categories receive $1,000pp savings ($2,000 per suite).
Non-Refundable Savings: Bonus savings of up to $300pp on select departures when you select non-refundable payment terms. When booking, please reference code NONREF. Full payment must be received within 48 hours of booking to receive these offers. Once booked, fare is 100% non-refundable however is combinable with the Flexible Booking Plan which allows funds to be moved to a new sailing once in circumstance that your plans have changed. Savings vary by departure. Combinable with 2 for 1 Fares, Emerald Exclusive savings, Flexible Booking Plan and Pay in Full offers; not combinable with Penalty Relief Program or any other offers.
Single Supplement: Free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment required. Single supplement is applied to the 2 for 1 Fares; single guest pays one guest fare. Free single supplement is not combinable with any other offers. Other dates may have a 45% single supplement; can be converted to a 25% supplement when paid in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure, whichever is soonest. Single supplement offers not applicable on S, RA, or SA categories. Not combinable with any other offers. Offer is capacity controlled.
Complimentary Flexible Booking Plan: We understand you may need to adjust your plans, so we’re offering the flexibility to change your travel arrangements or re-book for a more suitable time if needed. Our Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date, or cancel your journey, until 90 days prior to departure, less third-party fees. We will provide you with a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, which is valid for 24 months. Offer is valued at $125pp. No substitutions; no cash value.
All offers are 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. Port charges are included in the price shown. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please visit emerald-cruises.com or contact your Professional Travel Advisor. Offers applicable for residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. For complete terms and conditions visit emeraldcruises.com.

Exclusive Rates on select Emerald River Cruises
Exclusive Rates on select Emerald River Cruises
Promotion Details
Friends & Family Sale is available for new bookings only made between April 21 - May 11, 2025 on select 2025 & 2026 departures. Offer applies to cruise pricing only; does not apply on land extensions, air, or any other add-ons. Offer available when you pay in full 10 months prior to departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. 2025 select departures feature a complimentary upgrade to the D stateroom from E stateroom. Category SA excluded from offer. For 2025 & 2026 8+ day Emerald River departures not included in this sale, a bonus $150pp will be available, combinable with public offers. Available to guests in US & LATAM only. Guests cannot use Flexible Booking Plan or Platinum Protection Plan to move or cancel/rebook to take advantage of this offer. All offers are inventory controlled and may be extended, cancelled, or withdrawn at any time without notice. Scenic group reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change all fares and promotions at any time. For complete terms and conditions visit emeraldcruises.com.

Exclusive Offer, $500 Savings on Emerald River Cruises
Exclusive Offer, $500 Savings on Emerald River Cruises
Promotion Details
Affordable Tours exclusive offer is available for new bookings only made between April 1-30 2025 on 8+ day itineraries across 2025 & 2026 river departures. Exclusive offers are combinable with 2-for-1 fares, pay-in-full offers, Emerald exclusive savings, Flash sales, Military discounts, Show Vouchers, Key Account offers, and Loyalty offers unless otherwise specified. Not combinable with groups. Not combinable with any other offers. All offers are inventory controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Scenic group 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. Offers applicable for legal residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C.

Up to $200 Group Savings
Up to $200 Group Savings
Promotion Details
Available for new group agreements between April 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025. Book a new group and receive Group Savings of $200 per person on 2026 river destinations on Emerald Cruises. Group savings are available for the life of the agreement based on availability and standard review dates. Combinable with current offers, Emerald Exclusive, loyalty savings, and future travel credits. Flash Sale offers are excluded. Group policies and benefits are subject to change at any time. Refer to Emerald Cruises Guide to Group Benefits for amenity selections. All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, canceled, or withdrawn without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any fares and promotions at any time. Offers applicable for residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. For complete terms and conditions, visit emeraldcruises.com.

$300 Military Savings
$300 Military Savings
Promotion Details
US military personnel, veterans, and their families take an additional $300 off per cabin on Emerald Cruises River with proof of current or past military status. This offer is combinable with 2-for-1 savings, pay-in-full offers, key account exclusives, Flash sales, Scenic Select, and Emerald Cruises. Combinable with groups. Not combinable with any other offers. Taxes & port charges are included in the price. Offer available to residents of the 50 United States only. Offer ends December 31, 2025. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Visit scenicusa.com for complete terms and conditions.
- Day 1BudapestWed, Jul 01, 2026
Welcome to Budapest, the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship. Once on board, you receive a warm welcome from our friendly crew.
Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.
Meals: Dinner - Day 2BudapestThu, Jul 02, 2026
Your journey starts in Budapest, where a fantastic trip and exciting experiences await. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene while touring the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own.
If you are feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike up Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways around Buda Castle.This evening, join your fellow guests for a traditional Hungarian folklore show.
Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visitEmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on boardEmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 3BudapestFri, Jul 03, 2026
Today, we invite you to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show for a truly immersive local experience, presenting you with a great chance to get to know your fellow travellers and to spend the evening in town just like the locals do.
EmeraldPLUS
Dinner & folklore show in BudapestDiscoverMORE
Retro tour of post-Communist Budapest (extra expense)DiscoverMORE
Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)DiscoverMORE
Budapest by Night (extra expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 4BudapestSat, Jul 04, 2026
On our last morning in Budapest, enjoy a leisurely walk in town or use one of the on board bikes for a last ride through the Hungarian capital. In the afternoon, our ship sets sail on the magnificent Danube River onto our next destination – Slovakia.
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 5BratislavaSun, Jul 05, 2026
Early this morning we sail into the Slovakian capital. The romantic cobblestone lanes weaving through the city are yours to explore. Enjoy guided walking tours of the ancient town centre, passing a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, including the incredible Slovak National Theatre.
Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, a fairy tale-like landmark steeped in legend. This striking building has been rebuilt several times. Most recently in the mid-20th century.
Tonight, enjoy some local Slovakian entertainment on board.Included Excursion
Walking tour of BratislavaEmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on boardEmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava CastleDiscoverMORE
Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)DiscoverMORE
Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 6ViennaMon, Jul 06, 2026
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous exhibition halls welcome you to Vienna, the birthplace of revolutionary breakthroughs in the fields of music and psychology. The city perfectly encapsulates the extravagance of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. A walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre uncovers the classical architectural styles of the city, evidence of the melting pot of artistic influences that existed here at the turn of the 20th century.
If you are feeling more active, choose to explore on two wheels, cycling along the river to Donau insel, Danube Island.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of ViennaEmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in ViennaDiscoverMORE
Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 7Weissenkirchen – MelkTue, Jul 07, 2026
Effortlessly suspended in time, Weissenkirchen is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm weather creates the perfect setting for viticulture.
Later, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Originally a lavish castle gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century, this opulent Baroque building is home to some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts.
Included Excursion
Tour of Melk AbbeyEmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube RiverEmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in WeissenkirchenDiscoverMORE
Visit to Schallaburg Castle (extra expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 8Linz – Ceský KrumlovWed, Jul 08, 2026
This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Linz. Transfer by coach across the border into the Czech Republic to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of Ceský Krumlov, a town built around a 13th-century castle. Join your local guide on a walk along the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, passing the colourful façades of buildings, as you learn how the architecture survived the test of time. The town surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will include the 15th-century St. Vitus Church and a number of delightful Gothic façades.
EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Ceský KrumlovDiscoverMORE
Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 9PassauThu, Jul 09, 2026
Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly baked goods welcome you to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways. This historic trading centre borders Austria and boasts a distinctive blend of cultures.
Experience a typical Bavarian farm for some interesting insights into the life of local farmers and livestock farming, then try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.
EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian Countryside ExperienceEmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Veste OberhausDiscoverMORE
Bavaria Live (extra expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 10PassauFri, Jul 10, 2026
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Europe’s iconic skylines and charming small towns along the Danube River with you.
Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 01:00 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
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Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
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.
Our third river cruise but found the baths on this particular ship to be very small. The crew, though, was excellent, especially the director!
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.
Fabulous experience! As usual I was extremely nervous about traveling and all of the things that “could” go wrong. Everything that AffordableTours.com promised was executed without a hitch! It was a wonderful trip and incredible service from AffordableTours.com and their team members. Thank you!