Christmas Markets on the Danube, 2 December 2026

Emerald Cruises
Dining
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Beverages
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Gratuities
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Wi-Fi
£2,569pp
Emerald Cruises
Voyage Code: EMERALDEWXD021226-2
moon 7 nights
anchorEmerald Sun
calendar 2 Dec '26

Cruise overview

Budapest
Budapest
Bratislava
Vienna
Dürnstein
Linz
Passau
Passau

Itinerary

Day 1

Budapest

Welcome to Budapest. You’ll be greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship. After boarding, you’ll have time to enjoy Budapest at your leisure.
This evening, enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music and dance on board.

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

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


Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country’s political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city’s history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

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Day 2

Budapest

Day 3

Bratislava

Day 4

Vienna

Day 5

Dürnstein

Day 6

Linz

Day 7

Passau

Day 8

Passau

Owner's One-Bedroom SuiteCall for price
Grand Balcony SuiteCall for price
Emerald Panorama Balcony SuiteCall for price
Emerald StateroomCall for price
Emerald Single StateroomCall for price

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

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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.

Emerald Waterways - Star Ships - Owners Suite One Bedroom 5
Emerald Waterways - Star Ships - Owners Suite One Bedroom 3
Emerald Waterways - Star Ships - Owners Suite One Bedroom 1
Emerald Waterways - Star Ships - Owners Suite One Bedroom 2
Emerald Waterways - Star Ships - Owners Suite One Bedroom
Emerald Waterways - Star Ships - Owners Suite One Bedroom 4

Amenities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone

Owner's 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
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone

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
  • Pillow menu
  • Bathrobe and slippers
  • And complimentary laundry service

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
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Telephone

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
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Telephone

Emerald Single Stateroom

Staterooms boast a spacious layout when it comes to European small ship river cruising. A picture window provides plenty of natural light, and your en-suite bathroom will be fully stocked with luxurious ESPA toiletries.

Inclusions

  • Picture window
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar available at own expense
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
  • One Single Bed
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Telephone

Sun Deck

Open-air space featuring walking track, putting green, and panoramic seating.

Horizon Deck

Includes the Horizon Bar & Lounge, The Terrace, and the pool-cinema.

Vista Deck

Home to Panorama Balcony Suites, the Reflections Restaurant, and the reception area.

Riviera Deck

Houses Riverview Staterooms, fitness room, and wellness facilities.

Ship features

Emerald Sun showcases Emerald Waterways’ signature Star-Ship design, offering innovative features, stylish interiors, and thoughtful service throughout.

Overview
Accommodation
Dining
Amenities
Wellness
Entertainment
Families
  • All-suite and stateroom accommodation for 180 guests
  • Reflections Restaurant with regionally inspired menus
  • Horizon Lounge with panoramic windows and bar service
  • Heated indoor pool that transforms into a cinema
  • Spacious Sun Deck with putting green and walking track
  • Fitness room, wellness area, and hair salon
  • EmeraldACTIVE and DiscoverMORE excursion programmes
  • Complimentary bicycles for guest use in select ports
  • Energy-efficient, eco-friendly Star-Ship design
  • Attentive crew and relaxed, sociable atmosphere

Accommodation

Accommodation

Emerald Sun’s elegant staterooms and suites provide light-filled comfort with river views throughout. Panorama Balcony Suites feature drop-down windows for an indoor balcony experience, while the Owner’s Suite offers a separate living area and enhanced amenities. All accommodation includes complimentary WiFi, bottled water, flat-screen TV, and luxury bathroom products.

Dining

Dining

Dining aboard Emerald Sun highlights the best of Europe’s regional flavours. The Reflections Restaurant serves open-seating breakfast, lunch, and dinner, showcasing local ingredients and international favourites. The Terrace offers alfresco seating for light snacks or afternoon tea. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are complimentary with lunch and dinner.

Amenities

Amenities

Guests aboard Emerald Sun can relax in the heated indoor pool by day, which transforms into a cinema in the evening. The Sun Deck features a walking track, putting green, and shaded seating, while the Horizon Lounge is the perfect spot for pre-dinner cocktails. Other facilities include a small fitness room, hair salon, and onboard shop.

Wellness

Wellness

A compact wellness area offers massage and beauty treatments, while the fitness room includes cardio and resistance equipment. Yoga, stretching sessions, and EmeraldACTIVE excursions, such as guided bike rides or hikes, offer additional ways to stay active during your voyage.

Entertainment

Entertainment

Evenings on Emerald Sun are relaxed and friendly. Guests can enjoy live music in the Horizon Lounge, themed events, and film screenings in the pool-cinema. Enrichment activities include port talks, local tastings, and cultural performances, creating a vibrant onboard experience.

Families

Families

Emerald Sun is designed for adult travellers seeking a calm, enriching river cruise. While families with children aged 12 and above are welcome, there are no dedicated children’s facilities onboard.