Christmas Markets River Cruise aboard the Emerald Sun
Discover Europe's most popular river cruise
Sail into the magic of the holiday season aboard the Emerald Sun! This festive river cruise glides along Europe’s most charming waterways, where twinkling lights, wooden stalls, and the scent of mulled wine fill the air. Discover storybook towns like Munich, Vienna, and Budapest—each dressed in its Christmas best. Onboard, enjoy elegant dining, cozy lounges, and panoramic views as snow-dusted villages drift by. It’s the perfect blend of festive cheer, cultural wonder, and Emerald Cruises’ signature luxury.
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 : Munich - Passau Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Passau. A warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
Day 2 : Passau Embark on a guided tour to Passau. Explore its beautiful historic center, featuring charming baroque buildings, stunning riverside views, and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. This important historic trading center, known as the City of Three Rivers—where three of Europe’s main waterways converge—borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. You can enjoy the magical ambience in the St. Stephen Cathedral with its special organ concert or wander through the Christmas market of Passau right in front of the St. Stephan’s Cathedral and discover the unique Bavarian delicacies. Back on board your Star-Ship, enjoy a live local entertainment showcasing typical Bavarian tradition. Included Excursion Guided Tour of Passau EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian Band on board DiscoverMORE Bavarian Traditions (extra expense) Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 : Linz Today you will be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. During your walking tour, you will have the chance to see the historical old town with a mix of baroque and Renaissance architecture. Hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, making for a serene and contemplative Christmas experience. A festive day for the senses, as you end with a Linzer torte tasting – the local delicacy that will add flavor to your Christmas time memories of this old Austrian town. Included Excursion Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting DiscoverMORE Full day Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense) Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Durnstein Today, enjoy a morning sailing on your Star-Ship as it sails through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape. This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Built in 1083, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from around the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. As part of the tour you get to taste the delightful Göttweig wine, which is a tradition well kept by the monks throughout centuries. EmeraldPLUS Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting EmeraldPLUS Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation) Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 : Vienna Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city perfectly encapsulating the extravagance of the Habsburg Monarchy and their love of ornate Baroque palaces. For art lovers, there is no place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is bursting with museums and artwork, but because of the variety. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide. Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense) Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 : Bratislava Today, enjoy learning about Slovakia as we take you into the heart of Bratislava, a capital where cultures sit side-by-side. A sightseeing tour of the city will introduce you to its architectural wonders, including the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral and the neo-Renaissance Slovak National Theatre. The Christmas markets showcase handcrafted souvenirs and traditional Christmas treats, a true seasonal delight. Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense) Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 : Budapest Offering an abundance of historical whimsy, Budapest is known for its architectural diversity and famed monuments that pepper both sides of the Danube. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is a true delight at Christmas, when the locals take to thermal baths to beat the crisp chill of the season. Today, your guided coach tour will introduce you to Andrássy Avenue and the neo-Renaissance façades of the townhouses found there, as well as a generous scattering of Christmas decorations. This evening, an on board traditional Hungarian folklore show is certain to delight. Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Jewish Heritage Tour (extra expense) Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 : Budapest After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take memories of Christmas stalls and crisp winter mornings with you. 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. Inclusions: Breakfast
Cost per person
Cabin Type | Total per person without promo | Your total per person with Adiventus promo* |
|---|---|---|
Owner's One-Bedroom (SA) | $8,335 | $6,335 |
Grand Balcony Suite (S) | $7,325 | $5,625 |
Balcony Suite (A) | $6,185 | $4,485 |
Balcony Suite (B) | $6,075 | $4,375 |
Balcony Suite (C) | $5,785 | $4,085 |
Standard Stateroom (D) | $5,025 | $3,525 |
*Promo requires $500 deposit per person upon booking and full payment by January 25, 2026
*Pricing based on double occupancy in Canadian dollars includes all taxes and charges and is subject to availabilty
*Solo cabin pricing available upon request
*Offer is availble until December 22,2025
Enjoy our generous inclusions:
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Airport transfers to and from your luxury Star-Ship
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7 nights stylish accommodation on board our Star-Ship
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20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and
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7 dinners including a Welcome and
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Farewell Reception & Dinner
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Enjoy a range of soft drinks and juices, as well as mocktails and non-alcoholic bottled beers. You’ll also have a choice of draft beers by the glass, as well as our red and white house wines by the glass.
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Bottled water restocked daily
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ESPA luxury toiletries on board
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First-class service from an Englishspeaking crew
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Included excursions almost every day
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EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities
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Knowledgeable local guides
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Wi-Fi on board
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Bicycles on board
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Earn EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty points
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All port charges and taxes
Plus we include all gratuities!
Elegant Design
Stylish Staterooms and Suites
Fine Dining
Emerald Cancellation Policy
Days before departure | Penalty |
|---|---|
9o days and over | $500 per person non-refundable |
89 -60 days prior to departure | 35% of tour price non-refundable |
59-30 days prior to departure | 50% of tour price non-refundable |
less than 30 days prior to departure | 100% of tour price non-refundable |
*Terms and Conditions: Offers valid for new bookings only made by December 22, 2025, and are non-transferable. Offers apply to above featured tour EWXD251126.1. A nonrefundable $500 per person deposit due at time of booking. Group
savings, port taxes & fees included in above pricing. Adiventus Promo applies when paying in full 10 months prior to departure. If full payment is not received 10 months prior to departure, the Adiventus promo will be removed from the booking without recourse. Offers may be changed, cancelled, or withdrawn at any time without notice, .