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Oktoberfest
River Cruises

2 Bucket List Events in One Trip!
Famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
and a Luxury European River Cruise in 2019  


****Limited Space...book soon as only a few spaces left for this year. ****

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Itinerary & More Info

2019 Oktoberfest River Cruises 

​Yes, Enjoy Two Bucket List Worthy Experiences  in one Fantastic Trip! 
 
 1)  Two nights in Munich for World Famous Oktoberfest 
and
 2) A 7-nt Luxury Fairytale European River cruise 

Relax, We Take Care of all the Details So You Can Have More Fun!
11 Days Danube River Cruise During Octoberfest
Sept 23 - Oct 3, 2019 (2 nts Munich Hotel & 7 Nt Cruise)

Budapest - Munich onboard the ​"Emerald Star Ship"
Or 
11 Days Romantic Rhine River Cruise During Octoberfest
Sept 28 - Oct 8, 2019 
(2 nts Munich Hotel & 7 Nt Cruise)

Munich - Amsterdam onboard the ​"Emerald Star Ship"
Perfectly Planned, Wonderful, All Inclusive, Lifetime Bucket List Experiences!
Warning:  This popular trip sells out quickly so please book as soon as possible.   2020 dates also avalable.  
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Itinerary & More Info

​Oktoberfest Munich, Germany-
​Original Bavarian Annual Celebration since 1810
Over 6 Million Intl. Attendees & 1 Million Gallons of Beer
Traditional German Food, Numerous Attractions & Rides
Grandest of All Beer Festivals - Lifetime Experience
​Danube River Cruise during Oktoberfest
Sept. 23- Oct 3, 2019 Budapest - Munich

7-Nights Cruising the Famous Blue Danube River  
Hungary - Slovakia - Austria - Germany
  • Danube - Europe's 2nd Longest River
  • 3 Capitol Cities - Budapest, Vienna & Bratsilava
  • Famous Wachau Wine Region & World Heritage Site
  • Old World Charm and Famous for Music Lovers​
  • l 
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Itinerary & More Info
Romantic Rhine River Cruise During Oktoberfest
Sept 28 - Oct 08, 2019 Munich - Amsterdam
 7-Nights Cruising by Whimiscal Castles & Vineyards
 

Germany & Netherlands
Rhine - Europe's Most Important River
​"A Fairytale Voyage"

Check out Your Cruise! (Rhine River)

FYI, Video is from a Rhine River Cruise in 2017 during Oktoberfest with slightly different itinerary but does show ship, Munich and some ports.
11 Days • 22 Meals Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Danube or Rhine River, Europe’s two most important rivers that both feature Word UNESCO Heritage Sites. We travel onboard our modern ship, exploring the wonderful charming cities and Medieval towns and famous wine growing regions in these fertile river valleys. 
Itinerary & Information
  • Danube Cruise Itinerary​
  • Rhine Cruise Itinerary
  • FAQ's
  • Ship/Hotel Info
  • Oktoberfest Info
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11-Day Danube River Cruise During Oktoberfest
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Detailed Itinerary Below:
Day 1 – Mon, Sep 23, 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- tue, sept 24, 2019 - Board Ship in Budapest, Hungary
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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 - wed, sept 25, 2019 - Bratislava, Slovakia
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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 4 - Thu, sept 26, 2019 - Vienna, austria
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Today, you have a choice for discovering Vienna:  explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where you see the sights of Vienna’s world–famous attractions such as the Opera House, Burgtheater and Town Hall.  Continue the tour with a guided walk in the city center, seeing St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Alternatively, join the guided bike tour. Free time is available this afternoon to sample the wonderful sights and tastes of Vienna on your own. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike Tour
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (additional cost) AND / OR Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)

​
day 5- Fri, Sept 27, 2019 - Durnstein - Melk, austria
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This morning, 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, 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
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle OR 
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided biking tour along the Danube River from Dürnstein to Melk
day 6 - Sat, Sept 28, 2019 - Passau, germany
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Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising along the Danube before reaching 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. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg (additional cost)
*** Please note, you can only choose either the included tour of Passau OR the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time

​
day 7 -sun, sept 29, 2019 - Regensburg - kelheim
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After breakfast, arrive in magnificent Regensburg. On the 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. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Bavarian Band onboard
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Kuchlbauer Brewery (additional cost)
DAY 8 -MON, SEPT 30, 2019 - NUREMBERG, GERMANY
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Depart on a sightseeing tour by coach of the historic city of Nuremberg. Pass by some of the historical parts of Nuremberg, such as the 900-year-old ramparts and the Nazi party rally grounds where rallies were held from 1933 until 1938. Meals: B, L, DDiscoverMORE: WWII Tour (additional cost)
Day 9 - Tue, oct 01, 2019 - Nuremberg - munich, germany
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After breakfast, disembark the ship and journey by coach to Munich, the capital of Bavaria.  Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour showcasing the highlights of the city.  Nymphenburg Palace, Maximilianstrasse and the Parliament, the National Theater, Munich’s Residenz and the former Olympic site are all seen during the panoramic drive.  During the walking portion, stroll the Marienplatz Square and see the famous glockenspiel. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure to enjoy an evening at Oktoberfest.  The hotel is within walking distance of the Oktoberfest fairgrounds. Meal: B
Day 10, - wed, oct 02, 2019 - munich, germany (Oktoberfest)
Enjoy the full day at leisure to explore the best of Munich and Oktoberfest.   Meal: B

Your hotel is within walking distance of the Oktoberfest fair grounds so no transportation is needed.  There is no entrance charge to Oktoberfest and some beer tents have sections for first come first served so if arrive early in a small group there is a good chance you can get seated and served beer and food.  Otherwise, optional Oktoberfest Guided tours with Beer Tent Reservations and Lunch or Dinner with Beer are available at additional costs.  Ein Prosit!!

For those that have always wanted to see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle an optional full day tour is available.​
Day 11, Thu, Oct 03, 2019 - return to usa
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​It’s time to say ‘Auf wiedersehen’ to Germany and depart for the Munich Airport, taking with you fond memories of your cruise along the Danube and Oktoberfest. Meal: B
 
Itinerary subject to change.
 
11-Day Romantic Rhine River Cruise During Oktoberfest
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Detailed Itinerary Below:
Day 1 – sat, Sep 28, 2019 - Depart the USA
Today we depart the USA for your overnight flight  (hopefully on Free Air) to Munich, Germany.  Enjoy your flight!
Day 2- sun, sept 29, 2019 - munich, germany - oktoberfest
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Upon arrival in Munich, you will be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure to explore the city on your own. The hotel is within walking distance of the Oktoberfest fairgrounds so no transportation is needed and highly suggest checking this out this afternoon or evening.

There is no entrance charge to Oktoberfest and some beer tents have sections set aside for first come first served so if arrive early in a small group there is a good chance you'll get seated and served beer and food.  Otherwise, optional Oktoberfest Guided tours with Beer Tent Reservations and Lunch or Dinner with Beer are available at additional costs.  Ein Prosit!!
Day 3 - MON, Sept 30,  2019 - munich - city tour and oktoberfest
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After breakfast, an included panoramic tour showcases the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, Maximilianstrasse and the Parliament, the National Theater and Munich’s Residenz. During a walking tour, stroll the Marienplatz Square and see the famous Glockenspiel. After the tour, the remainder of your time in Munich is at leisure to enjoy another day at Oktoberfest or see more of Munich as lots to do in this great city. Meal: B
day 4 - tue, oct 01, 2019 - munich to Nuremberg, germany - board ship
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After breakfast, depart by coach for Nuremburg. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of this historic city.  See the 900-year-old ramparts and the Nazi party rally grounds, where rallies were held from 1933 until 1938 among other sights. After the tour, embark your Emerald Waterways vessel for a seven night cruise on the Rhine River. Meals: B, D
​
day 5- WED, Oct 02, 2019 - Bamberg, germany
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This morning, arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg. Boasting one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centers, Bamberg is bursting with original character and charm. During the included walking tour, stroll through this charming town whose center is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Meals: B, L, D
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day 6 - Thu, oct 03, 2019 - wurzburg, germany
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Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”, Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Join your guide for a walking tour of Wurzburg followed by a visit to the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour highlights the palace’s unique staircase, elaborate 18th-century frescoes and the amazing 3–dimensional stuccowork. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Rothenburg (additional cost)
*** Please note, you can only choose either the included visit to the Bishop’s Residenz OR the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time.
 


​
day 7 -FrI, Oct 04, 2019 - Wertheim to Miltenberg, Germany
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Today we start from the stunning medieval glass-blowing town of Wertheim, where you have the opportunity to explore on your own. Then, travel by coach to the picturesque village of Miltenberg on the Main River. On the walking tour, see how the village creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in the middle ages and the Old Town is lined with well–preserved half–timbered buildings. The gothic Merchant Hall is an impressive symbol of past affluence created by trade from river traffic. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike around Miltenberg area
DAY 8 -SAT, OCT 05, 2019 - rudesheim and Koblenz, germany
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After breakfast, arrive in Rüdesheim - one of Germany’s most popular towns. Your options are to visit the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum OR, if you feel active, take a guided hike through the vineyards. Continue exploring and perhaps taste the famous “Rüdesheimer Coffee”, made with Germany’s most famous brandy Asbach Uralt. After lunch, the ship sails through the UNESCO World Heritage region of the spectacular Rhine Gorge. As you cruise through this scenic area, pass by picture-perfect towns, and the infamous Lorelei Rock.  Learn of the tragedies that occurred due to this enchanted temptress! In the early evening, the ship arrives into the beautiful 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike through vineyards (Rüdesheim)
​
Day 9 - Sun, Oct 06, 2019 - cologne, germany
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Early this morning, the ship sails from Koblenz, cruising along the Rhine to Cologne, Germany’s oldest city.  On arrival, step back in time as you depart on a walking tour with local guides.  See the Old Town, squares lined with cafés and shops, ending at the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage listed gothic Cathedral in Dom Platz.  This evening the captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Gala Farewell Dinner. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Tour to Drachenburg (additional cost) OR Football Stadium Tour
(additional cost)
*** Please note, you can only choose the Drachenburg Castle OR the Football Stadium Tour as both DiscoverMORE options run at the same time.
​
Day 10, - mon, oct 07, 2019 - Amsterdam, netherlands
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The ship sails along the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal and into Amsterdam. This morning you can decide to either enjoy a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s canals OR a guided bike tour. After the canal cruise, you will have free time to visit some of Amsterdam’s other famous attractions, such as the Rijks or Van Gogh Museums, or simply stroll the streets to enjoy the lively atmosphere as you people-watch or shop. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour
DiscoverMORE: Tour of Haarlem (additional cost)
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Day 11, tue, oct 08, 2019 - return to usa
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​It’s time to say goodbye to the Captain and crew and disembark the ship for the transfer to the Amsterdam Airport for your flight home. Meal: B
 
Itinerary subject to change.
 
What's Included in the price?
  • Exceptional Inclusions:
  • Ongoing Care and Attention of Your Group Travel Hosts
  • 22 Meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners)
  • Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Tour Company
  • 2 Nights Hotel Stay in Munich, Germany within walking distance of Oktoberfest Grounds
  • Tour of Munich and Transfers from Munich Hotel to Ship
  • Seven night Danube or Rhine River cruise on the Emerald Star
  • Deluxe Shipboard Accommodations for 7 nights
  • ​Once Onboard Unpack only Once
  • 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
  • Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Region of Germany
  • 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
  • $55 in Mayflower Money 
What's not included in the price?
  •  Airfare if not included in your package
  • $85 per person for port charges
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Shore Excursions
  • 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)
​
What are the deposit and cancellation policies?
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 (additional deposit may be required if booking air).  Final payment date is on or before 6/22/19.  No-Interest installment payments are available until final payment date.   ​Other terms and restrictions apply. This Tour is booked through and managed by Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Emerald Waterways and is subject to their terms and conditions (Mayflower Cruises & Tours Terms & 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, applicable promotions 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. 
​Emerald Waterways Cruise Line
"Emerald Star" – Ship Statistics
​
  • Built 2014 
  • Guests (Double Occupancy): 182 
  • Crew: 47
  • Suites: 92
  • Length: 443 ft. 
  • Decks: 4
  • Speed: 15.5 mph
  • Spa & Workout Room​
​
Munich, Germany Hotel Accommodations for Two Nights = Maritim Hotel or similar close to Oktoberfest Grounds
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River Cruise Ship Cabin Selection Tip
Picture River cruise ship showing cabins
Lower Cabins at Waterline with small windows
FACT:  Unlike Ocean cruise ships, European River ships are much smaller, narrow and have a low profile to fit through locks and 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.
CABIN TIP: River cruising is a front row seat to seeing magnificent castles, valleys, gorges, villages, etc. so Cabin location, size and views definitely make a difference in your overall river cruise experience.  We recommend a cabin of at least 180 sq. ft or larger on the highest deck for the best view whenever possible and stretching your budget in other areas of your trip. Please reach out with any questions anytime as our goal is to always have you enjoy your best trip yet!     ​
Oktoberfest Information

Oktoberfest is a world renowned Bucket List event which takes place every year between the end of September and the beginning of October in Munich, Germany. The event goes on for three consecutive weekends and a total of two weeks celebrations.
 
On this occasion, the area of Theresienwiese turns into a giant amusement park, with the famous “Festhalle”, representing Munich’s historic beer houses, serving rivers of beer night and day.  This is the largest beer festival in the World and draws over 6 million international visitors annually with more than 1 million gallons of beer consumed. Locally, it is often called the Wiesn, after the colloquial name for the fairgrounds, Theresa's meadows (Theresienwiese). The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since the year 1810. There is a parade to start and end the festival and the first keg is tapped by the mayor of Munich.
 
There are 14 main beer tents at the Theresienwiese grounds serving brews by the (1-liter stein). Of the 14 tents there are 6 large tents, which rotate up to 12,000 people per day and include music and dancing! Only six breweries are represented at the Oktoberfest grounds - Späten, Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Poschorr, Hofbräu and Löwenbräu. Also, for those of you who fancy a break from the frothy brews there is a special wine tent called Weinzelt.
 
Besides all the beer tents the Theresienwiese grounds also have one of the largest traveling fairs with lots of rides, games and food for the entire family so there is lots to do for everyone.
 
 Brief History
 
Oktoberfest began as a marriage ceremony between Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese on October 12, 1810. All of the townspeople were invited to attend the festival, which took place in the fields outside of the city gates. Following the wedding the fields were named Theresienwiese after the Princess, and the party was such a hit that the townspeople asked King Ludwig to continue the celebration the following year. 201 marked the 208th anniversary of the festivities. 
​

Pricing and Guest Information
(Same Pricing for Danube or Rhine River Cruises)

Book Early for Better Availability & Pricing  
Larger Owner Suites upgraded cabins (315 sq. ft) ​available upon request.    Just click any of the "Let's Go" buttons  and let us know your special cabin requests and we'll be in touch appropriately with best options & pricing. 
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Grand Balcony Suite
Grand Balcony Suite (S)
(Upper Horizon Deck)
​$5,599 Per person
Single - N/A

 
​Prime, Mid-Ship location on the upper Horizon Deck, these luxury suites feature more space & 
in-suite Nespresso machine so can enjoy hot drinks anytime of the day or night. 
They also offer a spacious outdoor balcony. 
(210 sq. ft. includes balcony)

Yes, Please Send Info
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Panorama Balcony Suite
Panorama Balcony Suite
(A) - Upper Horizon Deck
(B & C) - Middle Vista Deck
(A) = $5,299 Per Person
Single Cabin Add $3,379
(B & C) = $4,999 Per Person
Single Cabin Add $3,249


Luxury Suite with floor to ceiling glass doors and elegant furnishings located on higher Vista and Horizon decks. 
(180 sq. ft.)​
Yes, Please Send Info
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Emerald Stateroom
Emerald Stateroom
(D & E) Lower Riviera Deck
​(D & E) =​$4,399 Per person
Single Cabin Add $2,799 


  Located on the lower Riviera deck these cabins offer great value, budget friendly and feature a picture window and the same high quality facilities and onboard amenities as all other higher deck cabins. 
(162 sq. ft. )
Yes, Please Send Info

PictureCaptain Dan welcomes you onboard

Handouts For Sharing

Rhine River Cruise Flyer
Danube River Cruise Flyer
River Cruise Terms & Conditions



 See You onboard!




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