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Danube Explorer on Emerald Star

From Budapest, Hungary to Munich, Germany
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Sat, Jun 07, 2025
Operator
Departure
Jun 07, 2025
Arrival
Jun 14, 2025

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All the River Operators Offers & More:

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2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + Emerald Exclusive Savings

Mention Promo Code: PT3444
Promotion Image

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + Emerald Exclusive Savings

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + Emerald Exclusive Savings

Promotion Details
Enjoy 2-for-1 fares on select Emerald River Cruises. As an added benefit, Emerald is including a Complimentary Flexible Booking Plan to give you extra peace of mind. This offer can be combined with free airfare when you pay in full and exclusive Emerald savings of up to $1,000 per suite on select departures. Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. Not all sailings apply; contact your travel consultant for applicable departures.
Must Book By Sun, Jul 06, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

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.

Spring Savings Sale, 2-For-1 Fares + Free Airfare

Mention Promo Code: PT3365
Promotion Image

Spring Savings Sale, 2-For-1 Fares + Free Airfare

Spring Savings Sale, 2-For-1 Fares + Free Airfare

Promotion Details
Celebrate the return of spring with incredible offers on unforgettable journeys along Europe’s most iconic rivers. From the castles along the Rhine to the café-lined streets of Budapest, every journey offers curated excursions, modern luxury, and lasting memories. For a limited time, enjoy 2-for-1 Fares, Free Airfare, and a Complimentary Upgrade—plus, on select 2025 sailings, your Drinks Package is included. Plus as always, receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. (Not all itineraries quality, contact your Travel Consultant for applicable sailings).
Must Book By Sun, Apr 27, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Available for new bookings only made between April 14-27, 2025 on 2025 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.

Complimentary Upgrade: Complimentarty upgrade from category C to A on select sailings. Book into the cabin you would like, discount applied after booking. Combinable with 2-for-1 fares, Pay in full offers, complimentary drinks package and Non refundable fare. Not combinable with any other offer.

Complimentary Platinum Beverage Package: Select 2025 dates only. Available to guests 18 years or only. Packages are applicable throughout the entire public areas and lounges only. Wines and Spirits from Chairman's list excluded from all packages. The minibar is excluded from packages. No cash value. Combinable with 2-for-1 fares, pay-in-full offers, complimentary cabin upgrade and Non refundable fare. Not combinable with any other 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, Flash Sale offer, Flexible Booking Plan and Pay in Full offers; not combinable with 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 Offer, $500 Savings on Emerald River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3528
Promotion Image

Exclusive Offer, $500 Savings on Emerald River Cruises

Exclusive Offer, $500 Savings on Emerald River Cruises

Promotion Details
Take advantage of this exclusive offer and enjoy savings of $500 per couple ($250 per person) on 8+ day river cruises. Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. (Blackout dates may apply; contact your Travel Consultant for more details)
Must Book By Wed, Apr 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

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.

$300 Military Savings

Mention Promo Code: PT3378
Promotion Image

$300 Military Savings

$300 Military Savings

Promotion Details
We are honored to recognize the selfless service of those who have served our nation. As a token of our appreciation, enjoy this exclusive savings of $300 per suite to all US military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Must Book By Wed, Dec 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

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.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Budapest 
    Sat, Jun 07, 2025

    Welcome to the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you.  

    This evening, join your fellow guests for a traditional Hungarian folklore show. 

    EmeraldPLUS
    Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

    Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.


    Meals: Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Budapest 
    Sun, Jun 08, 2025

    Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, 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 plenty of time for exploration.  
    If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to 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 and are best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle.  

    Included Excursion
    Budapest tour with Grand Market visit

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Hike to Gellert Hill

    DiscoverMORE
    Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3
    Bratislava
    Mon, Jun 09, 2025

    Relax on board as we sail into the capital of Slovakia this morning. This graceful nation of leafy avenues became an independent country in 1993, and since then Bratislava has flourished as a new capital and made a name for itself as a cultural centre. The romantic cobblestone lanes that weave through the city are yours to explore with your local guide, as you enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town centre, including the Slovak National Theatre and a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings. 

    Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, a landmark steeped in legend that looks as though it has been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. This striking building has been rebuilt several times, most recently in a Renaissance style. 
    Tonight, enjoy some local Slovakian entertainment on board.  

    Included Excursion
    Walking tour of Bratislava

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

    EmeraldPLUS
    Local Slovakian entertainment on board

    DiscoverMORE
    Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Vienna 
    Tue, Jun 10, 2025

    Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, the birthplace of revolutionary breakthroughs in the fields of music and psychology. The city perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces, some of which you will be able to see during your guided coach tour of the Ringstrasse. Following this, embark on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre and its surrounding classical architectural styles, evidence of the melting pot of artistic influences that have existed here since the turn of the 20th century.  

    If you’re feeling more active, then perhaps choose to explore on two wheels, cycling along the river to the Danube Island. 

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Vienna

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided bike tour of Vienna

    DiscoverMORE
    Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Weissenkirchen - Melk
    Wed, Jun 11, 2025

    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. Today, join your Activity Manager for a hike in town before you set sail to Melk.

    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.

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided Hike in Weissenkirchen

    Included Excursion
    Tour of Melk Abbey

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided bike tour along the Danube River

    DiscoverMORE
    Visit to Schallaburg Castle (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Linz – Ceský Krumlov
    Thu, Jun 12, 2025

    This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Linz, where you’ll be transferred by coach 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 about how they have 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 Krumlov

    DiscoverMORE
    Walking tour of Linz with a coffee and Linzer Torte (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Passau 
    Fri, Jun 13, 2025

    Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread welcome you to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways. This important historic trading centre borders Austria and boasts a distinctive blend of cultures. 

    Experience life on 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 Experience

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Hike to Veste Oberhaus 

    DiscoverMORE
    Bavaria Live (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Passau – Munich
    Sat, Jun 14, 2025

    After breakfast, it’s time to disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Europe’s iconic skylines 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

Rivers Visited

Danube

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

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.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.3
Accommodations
3.9
Itinerary
4.6
Professional Staff
4.6
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
4.3

Ratings based off 9 reviews - currently showing 4 reviews with comments only

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!

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.

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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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