Lisa Lee

Tipsy Travel

Christmas Markets on the Danube: Emerald Nov. 2027

Nov 24, 2027 to Dec 1, 2027

Christmas on the Danube

Budapest to Munich with Optional Prague Extension

Emerald Cruises | Emerald Destiny
November 24 to December 1, 2027 | Extension December 1 to 4, 2027
 

Step into the kind of Christmas most people only dream about.

 
 

 

Twinkling lights, cobblestone streets, warm spiced wine, handcrafted treasures, and river towns wrapped in old-world holiday magic.

This Emerald Christmas Market cruise carries you along the legendary Danube from Budapest toward Munich, with each stop bringing a new layer of wonder.

Unpack once, settle in, and let the season unfold around you as you sail past storybook landscapes, explore festive squares, and savor the beauty of Europe at its most enchanting.

Begin in grand, golden Budapest, and journey through charming riverside towns where sparkling lights, music, and centuries-old traditions make every moment feel like a holiday memory in the making.

What's included in this trip:

Accommodations onboard the Emerald Star-Ship
All onboard meals, usually breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Unlimited Wine, beer, and soft drinks 
Most shore excursions
EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences
EmeraldACTIVE options on select sailings
Onboard gratuities
Port charges and taxes
Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
Airport transfers 
Onboard entertainment and enrichment
Use of onboard amenities, which may include the pool area, lounge, sun deck, fitness area, and bikes on select ships
 
 

What's not included:

Airfare to/from the embarkation port and any related flights

Travel insurance: Highly Recommended

Optional paid excursions or DiscoverMORE experiences

Personal purchases 

Pre & Post Night Accommodations*

*Can be added when booking

 
 

Itinerary:

November 24th: Budapest, Hungary

November 25th: Budapest, Hungary
 
November 26th: Bratislava, Slovakia
 
November 27th: Vienna, Austria
 
November 28th: Dürnstein, Austria & Melk, Austria
 
November 29th: Linz, Austria
 
November 30th: Passau, Germany
 
December 1st: Passau, Germany
 
 

For those who want the magic to last a little longer, the optional Prague extension adds the perfect fairytale finale with Gothic spires, elegant cafés, and one of Europe’s most romantic Christmas settings.

This is more than a cruise. It is a chance to slow down, celebrate the season, and rediscover the wonder of Christmas along the Danube.

Pick your Savings:

Select Fares offer Group Savings with an extended final payment date.

Preferred Fares offer Bigger Savings with an early final payment date. 

*PLEASE BE ADVISED, EMERALD CRUISES DOES NOT ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS or DISCOVER. 

 

Emerald's Cancellation Policy:

Emerald Cruises’ standard cancellation policy increases in penalty the closer you get to your departure date. If you cancel 120 days or more before departure, the cancellation penalty is typically limited to the deposit. Cancellations made closer to departure may result in higher penalties, and cancellations within 90 days of travel may result in the loss of 100% of the tour price. 
Review the specific penalty tiers for standard cancellations:
120+ days prior: Loss of tour deposit.
91 to 119 days prior: 50% of the tour price.
90 days or less prior: 100% of the tour price. 
For complete information, please see:

Cancellation & Refund Policy: Emerald Cruises – Policy

Terms & Conditions / Guest Ticket Contract: Emerald Cruises – Terms & Conditions

 
Please note: In addition to Emerald Cruises’ Guest Ticket Contract and cancellation policies, all bookings are also subject to Tipsy Travel’s Terms & Conditions.

Available Packages

PREFERRED FARE: Emerald Stateroom: Rivera Deck, Category E
Available until January 20, 2027

Starting At: $2,785.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Emerald Fare Price: $4445pp  Save: $1660pp  Bigger Savings | Paid in Full by January 20, 2027
 
Bigger than the average standard staterooms on European rivers, an Emerald Stateroom provides excellent value for money. All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high-quality facilities as all other cabins. 162ft² (15m²)
 

SELECT FARE: Emerald Stateroom: Rivera Deck, Category E
Available until July 20, 2027

Starting At: $3,535.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Emerald Fare Price: $4445pp  Save: $910pp   Group Savings | Paid in Full by July 20, 2027
 
Bigger than the average standard staterooms on European rivers, an Emerald Stateroom provides excellent value for money. All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high-quality facilities as all other cabins. 162ft² (15m²)
 

PREFERRED FARE: Emerald Stateroom: Rivera Deck, Category D
Available until January 20, 2027

Starting At: $3,601.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Emerald Fare Price: $4770pp  Save: $1709pp  Bigger Savings | Paid in Full by January 20, 2027
 
Bigger than the average standard staterooms on European rivers, an Emerald Stateroom provides excellent value for money. All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high-quality facilities as all other cabins. 162ft² (15m²)
 

SELECT FARE: Emerald Stateroom: Rivera Deck, Category D
Available until July 20, 2027

Starting At: $3,811.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Emerald Fare Price: $4770pp  Save: $959pp  Group Saving | Paid in Full by July 20, 2027
 
Bigger than the average standard staterooms on European rivers, an Emerald Stateroom provides excellent value for money. All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high-quality facilities as all other cabins. 162ft² (15m²)
 

PERFERRED FARE: Emerald Panorama Balcony: Vista Deck, Category C
Available until January 20, 2027

Starting At: $3,691.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Sold out
 
These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window lowers to reveal uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables, and plenty of storage. 180ft² (16.7m²)
 

SELECT FARE; Emerald Panorama Balcony: Vista Deck, Category C
Available until July 20, 2027

Starting At: $4,441.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Sold out
 
These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window lowers to reveal uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables, and plenty of storage. 180ft² (16.7m²)
 
 

PERFERRED FARE: Emerald Panorama Balcony: Vista Deck, Category B
Available until January 20, 2027

Starting At: $3,793.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Emerald Fare Price: $5720pp  Save: $1927pp  Bigger Savings | Paid in Full by January 20, 2027
 
These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window lowers to reveal uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables, and plenty of storage. 180ft² (16.7m²)
 

SELECT FARE: Emerald Panorama Balcony: Vista Deck, Category B
Available until July 20, 2027

Starting At: $4,543.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Emerald Fare Price: $5720pp  Save: $1177pp    Group Savings | Paid in Full by July 20, 2027
 
These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window lowers to reveal uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables, and plenty of storage. 180ft² (16.7m²)
 

PREFERRED FARE: Emerald Panorama Balcony: Horizon Deck, Category A
Available until January 20, 2027

Starting At: $3,891.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Emerald Fare Price: $5835pp  Save: $1944pp  Bigger Savings | Paid in Full by January 20, 2027
 
These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window lowers to reveal uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables, and plenty of storage. 180ft² (16.7m²)
 

SELECT FARE: Emerald Panorama Balcony: Horizon Deck, Category A
Available until July 20, 2027

Starting At: $4,641.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Emerald Fare Price: $5835pp  Save: $1194pp  Group Savings | Paid in Full by JULy 20, 2027
 
These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window lowers to reveal uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables, and plenty of storage. 180ft² (16.7m²)
 

OPTIONAL: Post Prague Package
Available until July 20, 2027

Starting At: $735.00
Deposit: $1.00 per room

Book now

Day 8

Friday, Dec. 1st

Passau - Prague 

Today, after breakfast, you'll depart Passau and transfer by coach to the Czech Republic and the delightful capital, Prague. Here, you'll settle into your centrally located hotel for your included three-night stay. This evening, enjoy meeting your fellow guests and tour director for a welcome drink.

 

    

Day 9

Thursday, Dec. 2nd

Prague 

Soak in the festive sights of Prague on your included morning tour.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Prague with a Christmas market visit
Explore Prague as it is effortlessly enveloped in the festive season's wonder. Your local guide will take you through the Old Town Square, a cobblestoned area that perfectly captures the city’s architectural heritage, where you can see the famous Astronomical Clock.

You'll also be able to soak up the festive atmosphere of Prague’s Christmas Market. Amongst the locals, stroll through the colorful stalls owned by local craftsmen, brimming with hand-crafted ornaments and freshly baked festive treats.

EmeraldPLUS
Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Later, enjoy a moment of indulgence at Lobkowicz Palace, one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Here, freshly brewed coffee and delicate pastries are served against a backdrop of aristocratic charm and history.

 

    

Day 10

Friday, Dec. 3rd

Prague 

You may choose to continue exploring independently today or join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent explorations in Prague, regarded as one of Europe’s most magical cities.

DiscoverMORE
Tastes of Czechia
During this enthralling tour, you’ll learn all about the wonderful variety of Czech wines. A short stroll from your hotel will take you through some of the city's most interesting hidden corners before arriving at a local restaurant. Here, meet your sommelier and enjoy a welcome drink of Czech sparkling wine, followed by a selection of red, white, and Rosé wines, each accompanied by traditional charcuterie and cheeses carefully selected to complement each glass.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

 

    

Day 11

Saturday, Dec. 4th

Prague 

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to leave Prague as you're transferred from your hotel to the airport, taking with you memories of the splendors of the Czech capital.