Christmas Markets on the Danube-Budapest to Munich

The Christmas Markets on the Danube-Budapest to Munich is a 7-night Europe cruise aboard Emerald Destiny, operated by Emerald Yacht Cruises. Departing Budapest on December 15, 2027, the voyage visits 8 ports. Fares start from $4,038 per person.

Length: 7 nights
Departs: Dec 15, 2027
Returns: Dec 22, 2027
Ports of call: 8

from $4,038

$576 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

See prices

You'll continue on Emerald Yacht Cruises's official site. Affiliate disclosure

from $4,038 pp

Continues on Emerald Yacht Cruises's site

See prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 15, 2027 Budapest On one bank of the Danube is hilly Buda with its Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill; on the other, there’s flat Pest with its House of Parliament. These two beautiful districts couldn’t be more different. Perhaps that’s why it took until 1873 for the two cities on opposite sides of the river to merge and form Budapest. Right from the start, the landmark of this new metropolis was Buda Castle, a monumental structure that rises high above Budapest and provides mesmerising views across the city. In terms of monumental grandeur, the House of Parliament is certainly on a par with Buda Castle. Erected to mark the millennium celebrations of 1896, this gigantic building was completed in just 22 years. Considering it is 96 metres high, 268 metres long and 118 meters wide, with a total of 691 rooms, that’s an incredible achievement. Budapest is a place where you keep coming across echoes from days gone by. There are traces of Ottoman rule, the extravagant Habsburg era and Soviet socialism – different cultural influences that have combined to create a vibrant, lively city that’s a must-see destination. Budapest port guide Search cruises visiting Budapest

Day 3 Dec 17, 2027 Bratislava Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages. And it almost seems as though the music of the Habsburg era still echoes through the city. Bratislava port guide Search cruises visiting Bratislava

Bratislava photo — Day 3 Dec 17, 2027 Bratislava Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages. And it almost seems as though the music of the Habsburg era still echoes through the city. Bratislava port guide Search cruises visiting Bratislava

Day 4 Dec 18, 2027 Vienna, Austria The Viennese have a special aura about them. They come across as a bit arrogant, but underneath it all they’re warm-hearted. You could say the same about the city itself. Once you’ve been there a few hours and settled in, you won’t want to leave again anytime soon. There are all those cafes to visit, where the traditional Viennese coffee-house culture is still very much alive and well. The city’s history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adds to its fascination. Then there’s the music of the First Viennese School – this city brought out the best in its composers, making its own special contribution to great masterpieces. What’s more, the Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine. It’s no coincidence that the city’s famous Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte became popular all around the world. Vienna, Austria port guide Search cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria photo — Day 4 Dec 18, 2027 Vienna, Austria The Viennese have a special aura about them. They come across as a bit arrogant, but underneath it all they’re warm-hearted. You could say the same about the city itself. Once you’ve been there a few hours and settled in, you won’t want to leave again anytime soon. There are all those cafes to visit, where the traditional Viennese coffee-house culture is still very much alive and well. The city’s history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adds to its fascination. Then there’s the music of the First Viennese School – this city brought out the best in its composers, making its own special contribution to great masterpieces. What’s more, the Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine. It’s no coincidence that the city’s famous Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte became popular all around the world. Vienna, Austria port guide Search cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Day 5 Dec 19, 2027 Krems The 1,000-year-old city of Krems lies at the end of the Wachau valley. With its medieval buildings and the Steiner Tor – a city gate and popular landmark – it’s a lovely place for a leisurely stroll. Its historic monuments include the Bürgerspitalkirche, a church built in 1470 under Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor. It has a high altar, which was created by Johann Bernhard Grabenberger between 1860 and 1882. Further sites of interest include the Kunsthalle Krems – a museum which focuses on contemporary art – and the Caricature Museum Krems. At the latter, regular special exhibitions as well as permanent exhibitions by the artists Manfred Deix and Gustav Peichl are sure to put a smile on your face. Krems port guide Search cruises visiting Krems

Krems photo — Day 5 Dec 19, 2027 Krems The 1,000-year-old city of Krems lies at the end of the Wachau valley. With its medieval buildings and the Steiner Tor – a city gate and popular landmark – it’s a lovely place for a leisurely stroll. Its historic monuments include the Bürgerspitalkirche, a church built in 1470 under Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor. It has a high altar, which was created by Johann Bernhard Grabenberger between 1860 and 1882. Further sites of interest include the Kunsthalle Krems – a museum which focuses on contemporary art – and the Caricature Museum Krems. At the latter, regular special exhibitions as well as permanent exhibitions by the artists Manfred Deix and Gustav Peichl are sure to put a smile on your face. Krems port guide Search cruises visiting Krems

Day 5 Dec 19, 2027 Durnstein The small town is part of the Lower Austrian cultural landscape of Wachau, is located directly on the Danube and is surrounded by vineyards. Those arriving by ship have a beautiful view of the two main attractions of Dürnstein: The ruins of the Kuenringerburg towering high above the city, in which Richard the Lionheart was held for several months in 1192/93, and the Dürnstein monastery. The latter is a monastery of the Augustinian Canons which was closed at the end of the 18th century and is known for its blue and white bell tower. Durnstein port guide Search cruises visiting Durnstein

Durnstein photo — Day 5 Dec 19, 2027 Durnstein The small town is part of the Lower Austrian cultural landscape of Wachau, is located directly on the Danube and is surrounded by vineyards. Those arriving by ship have a beautiful view of the two main attractions of Dürnstein: The ruins of the Kuenringerburg towering high above the city, in which Richard the Lionheart was held for several months in 1192/93, and the Dürnstein monastery. The latter is a monastery of the Augustinian Canons which was closed at the end of the 18th century and is known for its blue and white bell tower. Durnstein port guide Search cruises visiting Durnstein

Day 6 Dec 20, 2027 Passau (Munich) Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephen's Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside. Passau (Munich) port guide Search cruises visiting Passau (Munich)

Passau (Munich) photo — Day 6 Dec 20, 2027 Passau (Munich) Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephen's Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside. Passau (Munich) port guide Search cruises visiting Passau (Munich)

Day 7 Dec 21, 2027 Regensburg The breath of almost 2000 years can be felt in Regensburg. Spared from the destruction of past wars, the city on the Danube invites you to look and be amazed. The past was preserved here in a particularly impressive way. The medieval cityscape of the former free imperial city is characterized by numerous patrician buildings and residential towers from the 13th and 14th centuries. The stone bridge and the "Porta Praetoria" are particularly worth seeing. Anyone who wants to experience history is in the right place in the largest city in Eastern Bavaria. Regensburg port guide Search cruises visiting Regensburg

Regensburg photo — Day 7 Dec 21, 2027 Regensburg The breath of almost 2000 years can be felt in Regensburg. Spared from the destruction of past wars, the city on the Danube invites you to look and be amazed. The past was preserved here in a particularly impressive way. The medieval cityscape of the former free imperial city is characterized by numerous patrician buildings and residential towers from the 13th and 14th centuries. The stone bridge and the "Porta Praetoria" are particularly worth seeing. Anyone who wants to experience history is in the right place in the largest city in Eastern Bavaria. Regensburg port guide Search cruises visiting Regensburg

Day 8 Dec 22, 2027 Munich Munich, Bavaria’s capital, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. In the Altstadt (Old Town), central Marienplatz square contains landmarks such as Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall), with a popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century Munich port guide Search cruises visiting Munich

Munich photo — Day 8 Dec 22, 2027 Munich Munich, Bavaria’s capital, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. In the Altstadt (Old Town), central Marienplatz square contains landmarks such as Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall), with a popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century Munich port guide Search cruises visiting Munich

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 84-day span: $4,038 · range $4,038–$4,242

Lower than 78% of peers This week-long sailing's from-price per night is lower than 78% of comparable sailings.

same cruise line, destination, duration, and departure window · from-price per night · as of Jun 28, 2026

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $4,038

$576 / night

Fare rows

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,038

$576 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,038

$576 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,331

$618 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,331

$618 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Single Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,077

$725 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Single Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,077

$725 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Single Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,325

$760 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,515

$1,216 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,165

$1,309 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $5,078

$725 / night

Fare rows

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,078

$725 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,078

$725 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,186

$740 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,186

$740 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,289

$755 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,289

$755 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Grand Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,654

$807 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Grand Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,654

$807 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's One Bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,752

$964 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's One Bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,752

$964 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,825

$1,546 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $11,065

$1,580 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $11,295

$1,613 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Grand Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,105

$1,729 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's One Bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $14,545

$2,077 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 28, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Emerald Yacht Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 14 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Emerald Stateroom	D	Oceanview
Emerald Stateroom	E	Oceanview
Single Stateroom	ES	Oceanview
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	A	Suite
Balcony Suite	AB	Suite
Panorama Balcony Suite	AP	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	B	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	C	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	P	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	R	Suite
Emerald Grand Balcony Suite	S	Suite
Owner's One Bedroom Suite	SA	Suite
Terrace Suite	T	Suite
Yacht Suite	Y	Suite

Ship

Your ship Emerald Destiny 4★ **5,300** GT **182** guests Built **2016** Navigating the rivers Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle; the Emerald Star, Sky, Sun, Dawn and Destiny can guide you through some of Europe’s most magical stretches of water and help you explore many of the continent’s most arresting and enchanting cities. The five sister vessels, boasting a modest capacity of 182 guests apiece, are all blessed with a selection of wonderful amenities and features. At the very heart of every Star-Ship in the Emerald Waterways fleet is the Horizon Bar & Lounge. A contemporary, chic social space; the lounge is equipped with a comprehensively-stocked bar, skilled bartenders, help-yourself hot drinks facilities and a generous offering of plush seating and sofas. The Horizon Bar & Lounge is an ever-popular after-dinner retreat for guests looking to make new friends and share the day’s events with friends of old. Dining aboard the five sister ships throughout a stay on the beautiful rivers of Europe provides an endless array of palate-pleasing sensations. From the Reflections Restaurant which offers a collection of highlight dinners during any given itinerary, to the chance to dine under the barmy European sky thanks to the Sun Deck’s Sky Barbecue; there are gastronomic offerings to suit every taste and every appetite. The Sun Deck of the ships also boasts the wonderful retractable glass roof which provides seasonal protection for the pool, cinema and Riverview Lounge below. Whether you wish to undertake a few lengths before breakfast in the heated pool or enjoy a Hollywood classic in the cinema, this area of the ship is primed for relaxation when you’ve got a few upcoming hours of river navigation. The Emerald Star, Sky, Sun, Dawn and Destiny all benefit from 72 generously-proportioned suites and 20 staterooms. Book the Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites, found on the Vista and Horizon Decks, and you’ll enjoy unparalleled views from the spacious private balconies – a truly invigorating start to another day on Europe’s beautiful waterways. Emerald Destiny ship guide Search cruises on Emerald Destiny

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

Other available sailing dates
View	From pp	Departs
	from $4,290 $612 / night	Nov 24, 2026Voyage EWXD241126.2
	from $4,038 $576 / night	Dec 2, 2026Voyage EWXD021226.2
	from $5,114 $730 / night	Dec 8, 2026Voyage EWXD081226.2
	from $5,235 $747 / night	Dec 9, 2026Voyage EWXD091226.2
	from $4,038 $576 / night	Dec 24, 2026Voyage EWXD241226.2

See all 8 sailing dates in search

Compare similar cruises

Gems of the Danube - Budapest to Munich

Scenic Crystal · Europe · 7 nights

Call for price

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 29, 2026

Romantic Danube - Budapest to Regensburg

Viking Tor · Europe · 7 nights

from $2,799

$399 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jul 3, 2026

Romantic Danube - Regensburg to Budapest

Viking Var · Europe · 7 nights

from $2,749

$392 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jul 3, 2026

Legendary Danube - Nuremberg to Budapest

AmaSonata · Europe · 7 nights

from $3,949

$564 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jul 1, 2026

Art and Music of the Blue Danube

MS Emily Brontë · Europe · 7 nights

from $3,649

$521 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jul 1, 2026

The Blue Danube Discovery

Avalon Vista · Europe · 7 nights

Call for price

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 29, 2026

Browse all cruises in search →

from $4,038 pp

Continues on Emerald Yacht Cruises's site

See prices

Itinerary

Pricing

Current prices

Inside

Oceanview

Balcony

Suite

Price history

Ship

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Compare similar cruises