2019 Europe Christmas Market Cruise
on the Danube River
9 Days-European Danube River Cruise
December 7-15, 2019
Budapest to Nuremberg onboard the "Emerald Star Ship"
December 7-15, 2019
Budapest to Nuremberg onboard the "Emerald Star Ship"
Perfectly planned, Wonderful, All Inclusive, Lifetime Christmas Experience!
Book Now for Best Pricing, Cabins and Free Airfare before special promotion ends...!
Book Now for Best Pricing, Cabins and Free Airfare before special promotion ends...!
Unforgettable Lifetime Christmas Experience Luxury Vacation starts immediately |
Experience the Enchanting Christmas markets that
have been an annual tradition in Europe for Centuries.
have been an annual tradition in Europe for Centuries.
- Best Christmas Markets in
- Hungary, Slovakia, Austria & Germany
4 Countries & 3 Capitol Cities
Fully Hosted and Planned - Just Unpack Once
Fully Hosted and Planned - Just Unpack Once
Incredible Shopping for Holiday Crafts, Toys, Ornaments & Gifts Holiday Cookies, Hot Food and Plenty of Mulled Wine |
Check out Your Cruise!
|
9 Days • 20 Meals Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Danube, Europe’s most popular river. We travel onboard our modern ship, exploring the wonderful Christmas Markets of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany with ports of call in the enchanting cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Passau and Regensburg – decorated for the holidays.
"The Best Ships are Friendships!" |
Exceptional Inclusions:
Ongoing Care and Attention of Your Group Travel Hosts
20 Meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners)
Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises and Tours
Visit Christmas Markets in four different countries – Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany
Seven night Danube River cruise on the Emerald Star
Deluxe Shipboard Accommodations for 7 nights
First-class service by an English-speaking crew
Shore excursions using audio sets and English-speaking tour guides
All meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine
Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners
Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
Complimentary Tea & Coffee at all times
Complimentary bicycles onboard for use ashore
Variety of onboard entertainment
Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
All gratuities included
$45 in Mayflower Money
20 Meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners)
Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises and Tours
Visit Christmas Markets in four different countries – Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany
Seven night Danube River cruise on the Emerald Star
Deluxe Shipboard Accommodations for 7 nights
First-class service by an English-speaking crew
Shore excursions using audio sets and English-speaking tour guides
All meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine
Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners
Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
Complimentary Tea & Coffee at all times
Complimentary bicycles onboard for use ashore
Variety of onboard entertainment
Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
All gratuities included
$45 in Mayflower Money
Ship and Cabin Information
River Cruise Ship Cabin Selection Tip
Unlike Ocean cruise ships, European River ships are much smaller and have a low profile to fit under bridges with only a few decks above the water-line (see picture to the left). The best cabins with the best views are always on the higher decks and some even include balconies. Lowest deck cabins only have a small window with limited views at water-line and tend to be smaller. These are also the least expensive cabins and Lead-In Pricing for promotions and ads regarding cruises.
OUR SUGGESTION: Cabin location, size and views definitely make a difference in your overall river cruise experience, so we recommend buying a cabin of at least 180 sq. ft or higher on the highest deck possible whenever possible and stretching your budget in other areas of your trip. Please contact us directly with any questions on this topic or others anytime as our goal is to always have you enjoy your best trip yet! |
Reservations
Please Book Early for Best Cabin Selections
and to Qualify for Free Air Promotion.
Larger Owner Suites upgraded cabins (315 sq. ft) available upon request. Just click any of the "Let's Go" buttons and add your reservation information & special cabin requests and we'll be in touch appropriately with best options & pricing.
and to Qualify for Free Air Promotion.
Larger Owner Suites upgraded cabins (315 sq. ft) available upon request. Just click any of the "Let's Go" buttons and add your reservation information & special cabin requests and we'll be in touch appropriately with best options & pricing.
Grand Balcony Suite (S)
(Horizon Deck) $3,795 Per person
Single - N/A Prime, Mid-Ship location on the higher Horizon Deck, these luxury suites feature more space & in-suite Nespresso machine to enjoy hot drinks anytime. Also offer a spacious outdoor balcony. (210 sq. ft. includes balcony) |
Panorama Balcony Suite
(A) - Upper Horizon Deck (B & C) - Middle Vista Deck A) = $3,595 Per Person
Single Cabin Add $2,696 (B & C) = $3,245 Per Person Single Cabin Add $2,434 Luxury Suite with floor to ceiling glass doors and elegant furnishings located on Vista and Horizon decks. (180 sq. ft.) |
Emerald Stateroom
(D & E) Riviera Deck (D & E) =$2,345 Per person
Single Cabin Add $1,759 Located on the lower Riviera deck these cabins offer great value and feature a picture window and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. (162 sq. ft. ) |
Pricing Information for all Cabins:
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and require a non-refundable deposit of $400 per person ($800 per cabin) to lock in your cabin and free air promotion by November 30, 018. Final payment date is on or before 9/6/19. Please add additional $85 per person for port charges. No-Interest installment payments are available until final payment date. This Tour is booked through and managed by Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Emerald Waterways and is subject to their terms and conditions. Cruise Line reserves the right to change ships, pricing and itinerary at any time. Availability is limited and pricing and cabin category not guaranteed until first deposit is paid. Please book early to secure best pricing, availability and cabin selection.
Cancellation Policy
91 days or more prior to departure – Deposit Amount
90 days prior to departure – 100%
Name changes of lead passenger count as a cancellation as do non or partial payment. Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect you and your investment. Please contact us for a personal quote:
-
Map/Itinerary
-
FAQ's
-
Ship Information
-
River Cruising Info
<
>
9-Day Danube River Cruise
Detailed Itinerary Below:
Day 1 –Sat, Dec 7, 2019- Depart the USA
Today we depart the USA for your overnight flight (hopefully on Free Air) to Budapest, Hungary. Enjoy your flight!
Day 2- Sun, Dec 8, 2019 - Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest! You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore Budapest. This evening, join your fellow travelers with a traditional Hungarian welcome dinner. Later, enjoy a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board. Meal: D
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show & Budapest Evening Cruise |
Day 3 - Mon, Dec 9, 2019 - Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill. On your free time, stroll the Christmas market on Budapest’s main square near Váci Utca Street. This afternoon you depart for Bratislava. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldACTIVE: A guided active walk to Buda Hill
|
day 4 - Tue, Dec 10, 2019 - Bratislava, Slovakia
This morning we arrive at the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. Bratislava also charming Christmas markets throughout the city, which you can enjoy. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Bratislava Castle EmeraldPLUS: Home Hosted Coffee and Cake with Slovakians |
day 5- wed, dec 11, 2019 - Vienna, austria
Today, you will explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see the sights of Vienna’s world–famous attractions such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. After the tour, enjoy your free time to visit the wonderful Christmas markets of Vienna which are set up in 15 different squares in the city. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Taste of Vienna Tour (additional cost) AND / OR DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (additional cost) |
day 6 - thu, dec 12, 2019 - durnstein - melk, austria
In the morning we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Thereafter, you will drive through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900–year old Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. Meals: B, L, D
|
day 7 - fri, dec 13, 2019 - Passau, germany or Salzburg, austria
Cruise along the Danube this morning, in the afternoon we reach Passau. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in this beautiful city. On this afternoon’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. During your leisure time in Passau, why not visit one of the traditional Christmas markets in town. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg (extra expense)* * Please note, you can only choose either included tour of Passau or the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time. |
DAY 8 - sat, dec 14, 2019 - Regensburg, germany
After breakfast we arrive in magnificent Regensburg. On our guided walking tour, you will have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. Also visit the famous Christmas Market at the Thurn & Taxis Palace grounds.
Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Bavarian Band onboard |
Day 9 - sun, dec 15, 2019 - Nuremberg disembarkation - munich, germany
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and disembark the ship for your transfer to Munich Airport and flights home. Meal: B
Thank you for sharing with us this magnificent Christmas Experience. We wish you a smooth flight home and much joy and happiness for the rest of the Christmas season and hope to see ou soon. Itinerary is subject to change. |
What's Included in the price?
- 20 Meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners)
- Complimentary Airfare if available and booked by promotion time period
- Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises and Tours
- Visit Christmas Markets in four different countries – Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany
- Seven night cruise on the Emerald Star
- First-class service by an English-speaking crew
- Shore excursions using audio sets and English-speaking tour guides
- All meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine
- Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners
- Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
- Complimentary bicycles onboard for use ashore
- Variety of onboard entertainment
- All gratuities included
- $45 in Mayflower Money
What's not included in the price?
- $85 per person for port charges
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Onboard spa services (onboard fitness facility is free)
- Personal Expenses
will I get seasick?
It’s highly unlikely that even the most motion sensitive people will suffer from seasickness on a river cruise which is why River Cruises are perfect for the Non-Cruisers. The rivers in Europe do not have much motion to them at all, and the river ships are extremely stable. If you are prone to suffering motion sickness from even the slightest movement on the water, try Sea Bands or take an over-the-counter motion sickness remedy. The good news is, 99% of river cruisers barely notice the ship is cruising – so you’ll probably be just fine.
What travel documents will I need?
Proper travel documentation is required at airport when leaving the USA and throughout your vacation and is the responsibility of the guest. Any guest traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the plane or vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued.
Required Travel Documentation:
You’re required to carry:
A Valid Passport (expiration date should be at least 6 months past your travel dates)
Passports for guests under 16 years old are valid for 5 years and for 16 years and older are good for 10 years so if you don’t have a passport it is a great investment for you and your family as it is required for all international travel and can be always be used as another accepted government approved ID for many other uses besides travel. It is important that guest names on travel documents be identical to those on the cruise booking.
Please check with your country of citizenship's consulate or state department for current information and travel requirements. For more information on the proper travel documentation check out the Cruise Line’s website or the resources below.
Resources:
U.S. Department of State Passport Information
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
CIBT Passport & Visa Services (Third party company that is very helpful with passports and visa)
Required Travel Documentation:
You’re required to carry:
A Valid Passport (expiration date should be at least 6 months past your travel dates)
Passports for guests under 16 years old are valid for 5 years and for 16 years and older are good for 10 years so if you don’t have a passport it is a great investment for you and your family as it is required for all international travel and can be always be used as another accepted government approved ID for many other uses besides travel. It is important that guest names on travel documents be identical to those on the cruise booking.
Please check with your country of citizenship's consulate or state department for current information and travel requirements. For more information on the proper travel documentation check out the Cruise Line’s website or the resources below.
Resources:
U.S. Department of State Passport Information
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
CIBT Passport & Visa Services (Third party company that is very helpful with passports and visa)
Emerald Waterways Cruise Line
"Emerald Star" – Ship Statistics
|
|
A Brief History.
In 1992, Europe’s age-old maritime landscape changed dramatically. It was that year that the Main-Danube Canal opened, connecting the Continent’s main arteries — and along with them, all of Europe.
The completion of the canal spawned grand cruise itineraries from Amsterdam to Budapest — and beyond. An engineering marvel, the 106-mile Main-Danube Canal permits modern-day vessels to travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea, opening up more than 2,200 miles of river and exposing today’s travelers to life along the banks.
The opening of the canal also meant that no longer would travelers need to sit with their noses pressed against the windows of busses as they moved from one destination to the next. Instead, travelers admire the scenery from the ship’s sun deck as they are transported along with their accommodations.
River cruising emerged to introduce an entirely new concept to Europe: that of floating hotels that journey between destinations. In its simplest form, a river cruiser is nothing more than a barge with a hotel on top.
Benefits of River Cruising:
Tired of hopping in and out of motor coaches or checking out of hotels at 6 a.m. on traditional land tours? A river cruise offers the convenience and luxury of a deep-ocean cruise combined with the in-depth experience of a land tour and the personal freedom of a river cruise. Step aboard. Unpack once. Explore, and enjoy.
For many travelers, the slow speed along the river is just the right pace for getting the lay of the land. Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotel — restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, internet access and comfortable staterooms.
River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy tale towns and fabled cities. Immerse yourself in contemporary culture, and learn something about the history of the towns along the Continent’s greatest rivers.
River cruising is perfect for those who want a relaxed grand tour of Europe and for cruisers who want to explore Europe beyond the coastline. River cruising presents the grandeur and charm of Europe as well as the indelible landscapes that inspired Europe’s great artists. Few things in life can beat the views of Europe over the ripples of Continent’s rivers.
We love River Cruising and would love to share our passion for this amazing cultural and culinary vacation. Please reach out anytime we can can be of assistance or answer any questions... 561-279-2500 or [email protected]
In 1992, Europe’s age-old maritime landscape changed dramatically. It was that year that the Main-Danube Canal opened, connecting the Continent’s main arteries — and along with them, all of Europe.
The completion of the canal spawned grand cruise itineraries from Amsterdam to Budapest — and beyond. An engineering marvel, the 106-mile Main-Danube Canal permits modern-day vessels to travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea, opening up more than 2,200 miles of river and exposing today’s travelers to life along the banks.
The opening of the canal also meant that no longer would travelers need to sit with their noses pressed against the windows of busses as they moved from one destination to the next. Instead, travelers admire the scenery from the ship’s sun deck as they are transported along with their accommodations.
River cruising emerged to introduce an entirely new concept to Europe: that of floating hotels that journey between destinations. In its simplest form, a river cruiser is nothing more than a barge with a hotel on top.
Benefits of River Cruising:
Tired of hopping in and out of motor coaches or checking out of hotels at 6 a.m. on traditional land tours? A river cruise offers the convenience and luxury of a deep-ocean cruise combined with the in-depth experience of a land tour and the personal freedom of a river cruise. Step aboard. Unpack once. Explore, and enjoy.
For many travelers, the slow speed along the river is just the right pace for getting the lay of the land. Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotel — restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, internet access and comfortable staterooms.
River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy tale towns and fabled cities. Immerse yourself in contemporary culture, and learn something about the history of the towns along the Continent’s greatest rivers.
River cruising is perfect for those who want a relaxed grand tour of Europe and for cruisers who want to explore Europe beyond the coastline. River cruising presents the grandeur and charm of Europe as well as the indelible landscapes that inspired Europe’s great artists. Few things in life can beat the views of Europe over the ripples of Continent’s rivers.
We love River Cruising and would love to share our passion for this amazing cultural and culinary vacation. Please reach out anytime we can can be of assistance or answer any questions... 561-279-2500 or [email protected]