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- Christmas Time on the Danube & Budapest
Christmas Time on the Danube & Budapest, 28 November 2026


Cruise overview
Itinerary
Vienna
Welcome to Vienna! You’ll be met at the airport by a member of our welcoming team and transferred to your Emerald Cruises contemporary Star-Ship. After boarding and settling in, you’ll have time to explore Vienna at your leisure.
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.
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Vienna
Bratislava
Budapest
Budapest
Budapest
Budapest
Grand Balcony Suite
Spacious and refined, the Grand Balcony Suite offers an extended private balcony, separate seating area, plush bedding and a larger bathroom. Guests enjoy extra touches and upgraded amenities for an elevated onboard experience.
Amenities
- Coffee machine
- Minibar
- Pillow menu
- Bathrobe and slippers
- And included laundry service
Grand Balcony Suite
Spacious and refined, the Grand Balcony Suite offers an extended private balcony, separate seating area, plush bedding and a larger bathroom. Guests enjoy extra touches and upgraded amenities for an elevated onboard experience.
- Coffee machine
- Minibar
- Pillow menu
- Bathrobe and slippers
- And included laundry service
Owners One-Bedroom Suite
The most luxurious accommodation onboard, this elegant suite features a separate bedroom and living area, walk-in wardrobe, large balcony and generous bathroom. Enjoy included extras, exclusive amenities and exceptional space throughout your cruise.
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
A signature Emerald design, this suite features a floor-to-ceiling window that drops down at the touch of a button to create an indoor balcony. Enjoy a spacious layout, seating area and contemporary styling with constant connection to the scenery.
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Shower
- Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Emerald Stateroom
Light and inviting, the Emerald Stateroom features a picture window framing beautiful river views, elegant décor, ample storage and a modern bathroom, creating a comfortable retreat after days spent exploring.
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Shower
- Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Emerald Single Stateroom - Single Occupancy Only
Designed for solo travellers, this cosy and well-appointed stateroom includes a large picture window, comfortable bed, modern bathroom and thoughtful storage, offering a private and relaxing space throughout your river journey.
- One Single Bed
- Shower
- Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Sun Deck
Open-air space with walking track, putting green, and seating area with panoramic views.
Horizon Deck
Hosts the Horizon Lounge & Bar, The Terrace, and the indoor pool that converts to a cinema.
Vista Deck
Features Panorama Balcony Suites, the Reflections Restaurant, and reception.
Riviera Deck
Home to Riverview Staterooms, fitness centre, and wellness area.
Ship features
Emerald Astra offers sleek design, spacious public areas, and modern amenities, ensuring every journey along Europe’s rivers is as comfortable as it is inspiring.
- All-suite and stateroom accommodation for 180 guests
- Panorama Restaurant with regionally inspired menus
- Refined Horizon Bar & Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Heated indoor pool that converts to a cinema at night
- Spacious Sun Deck with putting green and walking track
- Wellness area with spa, gym, and bicycles for guests’ use
- EmeraldACTIVE and DiscoverMORE excursion programmes
- Innovative Star-Ship design with energy-efficient systems
- Contemporary décor inspired by modern European living
- Attentive service and relaxed, inclusive atmosphere
Accommodation
Accommodation
Emerald Astra offers a variety of staterooms and suites, all designed to maximise space and comfort. Panorama Balcony Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that open at the touch of a button, while Owner’s Suites add separate seating areas and walk-in wardrobes. Every room includes a flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, bottled water, and luxury toiletries.
Dining
Dining
Dining aboard Emerald Astra celebrates fresh, locally inspired cuisine. The Panorama Restaurant offers open-seating meals with panoramic views, while The Terrace provides a casual setting for breakfast or light lunches. Guests can enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, with menus highlighting regional ingredients and international favourites.
Amenities
Amenities
Aboard Emerald Astra, relaxation and connection come naturally. Guests can enjoy the spacious Sun Deck, unwind in the pool area, or join fellow travellers for evening drinks in the Horizon Lounge. Other amenities include a fitness room, hairdresser, and onboard shop. Bicycles are available for independent exploration in select ports.
Wellness
Wellness
The ship’s small wellness area offers rejuvenating massages and beauty treatments, along with a fully equipped fitness room for workouts. Yoga and guided stretching sessions are also available, complementing EmeraldACTIVE excursions such as hiking and cycling tours.
Entertainment
Entertainment
Evenings on Emerald Astra are sociable and relaxed. Enjoy live music in the Horizon Bar, watch films in the pool-turned-cinema, or take part in cultural events and trivia nights. Daily enrichment includes port talks, cooking demonstrations, and destination lectures.
Families
Families
Emerald Astra is best suited for adult guests, offering a calm, sociable atmosphere and destination-focused itineraries. Children aged 12 and above are welcome, although there are no dedicated family facilities.


