The Danube River, the second-longest river in Europe and a longtime favourite for river cruisers, gets a reboot with Emerald Cruises’ new 10-day Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest. Flowing through much of Central and Southeastern Europe, from the Black Forest into the Black Sea, the Danube offers guests a deeper look into the culture and history of five countries in the heartland of Central Europe. Emerald’s new sailing includes a host of immersive, locally-focused experiences during which guests can visit a farm in Passau for a hearty Bavarian brunch, enjoy a traditional Slovakian performance onboard, and take in dinner and a folklore show in Budapest, experiences that go beyond just sightseeing. It’s easy to stay active while touring iconic sites like Bratislava’s Castle or Veste Oberhaus, a fortress that served as a stronghold of the Bishop of Passau, with six distinct EmeraldACTIVE hiking and bike tours available for you to choose from. An extended stay in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” allows you ample time for touring the eight natural and cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites, exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife, visiting one of the famous baths or enjoying a culinary tour at the Grand Market (Nagyvásárcsarnok), the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest.

Emerald Cruises’ second new 2024 itinerary, the 11-day Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards, puts a sharper focus on the ports across four countries that make the Rhine River one of the most popular for river cruises. While visiting a region in Germany known for its castles that look as though they belong in a fairytale, guests will tour the impressive medieval Marksburg Castle in Braubach (Koblenz) and Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, both dating back to the 1100s. Those looking to get active can hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins high above the charming town of Bernkastel. Built in 1277 and destroyed with all its treasures by fire in 1692, it is surrounded by various paths, offering visitors a range of leisurely hiking routes to choose from. Countless vineyards line the valleys along the Rhine here, and guests can experience a tour and wine tasting at Schloss Johannisberg during a stop in Rüdesheim or travel the Alsace Wine Route (France’s oldest, offering exceptional landscapes, unrivalled beauty and seven grape varieties to sample) complete with a tasting in Strasbourg. New ports of call in Utrecht and Nijmegen in the Netherlands include a canal cruise to take in the mesmerizing Dutch architecture and a visit to the iconic, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinderdijk Windmills, a group of 19 monumental windmills constructed in the late 1730’s which provided the area with a reliable flood protection. Three of the windmills have been designated as museum mills, where it is possible to go inside and see how the mill families lived.

Emerald Cruises’ four Epic Voyages, which range in duration from 15 to 23 days, also highlight the 2024 cruise program. These sailings are a combination of the line’s best-selling river cruise itineraries placed back-to-back to create a longer trip, either on the same ship or with a short flight or coach trip to embark a new vessel halfway through. For example, the “15-day Rhine & Rhône Rivers” itinerary links two of Emerald’ most beloved sailings—Jewels of the Rhine and Sensations of Lyon & Provence—into one voyage with a seamless transfer between both ships.

A wealth of generous inclusions

Emerald Cruises has included everything you need to get the most out of your cruise, so you won’t have to spend a penny extra if you don’t want to. From included excursions and transfers to delicious onboard dining with complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner, their inclusive promise ensures complete peace of mind. Even all gratuities are taken care of.

Stylish accommodation onboard a fleet of Star-Ships
All meals on board
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch and dinner
Complimentary bottled water and state-of-the-art coffee machines and tea stations
An included excursion in every port of call escorted by knowledgeable local guides
EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities
Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
All airport taxes and port charges
All gratuities onboard
Airport transfers

The brand offers a fleet of eight award-winning contemporary Star-Ships which sail the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Main, Moselle and Douro rivers, as well as the brand-new Emerald Harmony Star-Ship which has been custom-built to sail the Mekong River through Southeast Asia, outstanding first-class service and a focus on active shore excursions and onboard wellness offerings through their signature EmeraldACTIVE program.

Book before July 31, 2023 and take advantage of Emerald Cruises’ Super Earlybird offer which includes return international airfare on sailings of eight-days or longer plus savings of up to $2,600 per couple on select departures.