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Enchantment of Eastern Europe from Budapest

From £2,645pp

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Discover the Wonders of Europe's Rivers in style

Shore excursions included*

Included drinks*

Included Gratuities & FREE Wi-Fi*


Cruise Overview

  • Duration 8 nights
  • Departs 13 Sep 2025
  • Sails from Budapest, Hungary
  • Ship Emerald Star
  • Flights and transfersYes
  • Cruise code ‍2097976
  • Voyage code ‍EWBB130925.1

Your Itinerary

A panoramic view of Chain Bridge in Budapest

Budapest, Hungary Sat 13 Sep 2025

A panoramic view of Chain Bridge in Budapest

Upon arrival, transfer to the port where you’ll board your award-winning Emerald Waterways Star-Ship

Kalocsa's St Mary Cathedral

Kalocsa, Hungary Sun 14 Sep 2025

Kalocsa's St Mary Cathedral

This morning, we’ll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. You’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys.

Tonight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner & reception (B,L,D)

A view of Osijek from the water

Osijek, Croatia Mon 15 Sep 2025

A view of Osijek from the water

This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Today, you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, before you embark on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town (B,L,D)

A panoramic view of Belgrade at dusk

Belgrade, Serbia Tue 16 Sep 2025

A panoramic view of Belgrade at dusk

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities, including Belgrade Fortress. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city.

This evening is yours to spend as you wish (B,L,D)

An aerial view of Golubac

Golubac - Donji Milanovac Wed 17 Sep 2025

An aerial view of Golubac

Today, visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance if this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. The day concludes as you sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps (B,L,D)

Aerial view of Baba Vida fortress in Vidin

Vidin, Bulgaria Thu 18 Sep 2025

Aerial view of Baba Vida fortress in Vidin

This morning, arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will show you the best of Vidin's culture as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting.

Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean 'Granny Vida' (B,L,D)

Old stone bridge in the Ruse region

Rousse - Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi Fri 19 Sep 2025

Old stone bridge in the Ruse region

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo. The former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this medieval city was built atop three hills and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers.

Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a farewell dinner (B,L,D)

View of Old Town Bucharest

Giurgiu - Bucharest Sat 20 Sep 2025

View of Old Town Bucharest

Disembark and transfer to a hotel for your overnight stay.

View of Old Town Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania Sun 21 Sep 2025

View of Old Town Bucharest

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home (B)

What's included *

  • Spacious full board accommodation on board Europe’s most innovative cruise ships
  • All meals throughout your river cruise from a healthy buffet breakfast to a five-course à la carte menu
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • FREE tea and coffee available throughout your cruise
  • Shore excursions INCLUDED
  • Gratuities are INCLUDED
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
  • Extra special included excursions with EmeraldPLUS & EmeraldACTIVE
  • First-class service from English-speaking crew and knowledgeable guides
  • Complimentary bicycles for use ashore in select destinations
  • Bottled water restocked daily in your cabin
  • Overseas transfers
  • Book with ROL Cruise and earn exclusive Cruise Miles® + your EmeraldEXPLORER rewards
  • We offer Interest Free Payment Plans, please contact us for more information
  • Plus, book an Ocean View or above by 8pm 14th October 2024 and receive an M&S gift card worth up to £75

Book today and earn up to £66.90 off your next ROL Cruise booking

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Cabins & Prices

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Per Person Pricing

* Prices shown are per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin and include all cruise offer discounts and savings.

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Emerald Stateroom

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All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. Plus, they’re bigger than other standard staterooms, providing excellent value for money. Included in your stateroom: Picture window (approximately 1500mm L X 340mm H) | Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hair dryer | Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Queen-size hotel-style bed | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge

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D Riviera Deck

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E Riviera Deck

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ES Riviera Deck

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Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

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Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it. When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep. Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship.

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A Horizon Deck

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B Vista Deck

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C Vista Deck

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Emerald Grand Balcony Suite

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Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivalled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer. Wake up to the luxurious surrounds of your stylish bathroom, enjoying a revitalising shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Then, what could be better than having a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony? Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable, and your own in-suite Nespresso™ machine means you can sip a fresh coffee as you ponder your itinerary and what the day has to offer. Select your preferred pillow from our extensive menu and enjoy an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, or simply relax as you watch a film on your suite’s flat screen TV and infotainment system, during some down time. Individual climate control enables your room to stay at the right temperature to suit you, whether you’re sailing in the warmer summer months, or the cooler winter. And, stay in touch with family and friends using your in-suite telephone or make the most of complimentary Wi-Fi for contacting them by your preferred method.

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S Horizon Deck

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Owner's One-bedroom Suite

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Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed. Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort. A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event. In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries. You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

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SA Horizon Deck

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The Ship - Emerald Star

  • Occupancy182
  • Length443 ft (135.03 m)
  • Star RatingCrown IconCrown IconCrown IconCrown Icon

Blessed with a selection of wonderful amenities and features, the award-winning Star-Ship Emerald Star will guide you past some of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of countryside and through some of the continent's most vibrant and enchanting cities.

What’s onboard: Daytime Pool & Bar, Evening Cinema, Fitness Area, Games Area, Golf Putting Green, Hair Salon, Horizon Bar & Lounge, Navigation Bridge, Reception, Reflections Restaurant, Retractable Glass Roof, Sky BBQ, Sun Deck, The Terrace, Walking Track, Wellness Area and much, much more.

Emerald Star

Experience the Difference

  • Our ABTA membership & ATOL licence protects all our packages or tailor-made holidays booked through ROL Cruise, so you can book with confidence knowing you are fully protected
  • Award-winning Cruise Miles® loyalty programme; with over 400,000 UK members
  • Winners of more than 50 Cruise Awards over the last 5 years
  • The UK's No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist; delivering impartial advice
  • Customer satisfaction at 98% and a Feefo score of 4.9/5.
  • Expert staff with over 1,000 years of combined travel expertise offering 5★ service
  • Flexible Payment Options Available
  • Celebrating over 25 years as a cruise-only specialist
  • Insurance Guidance - ROL Cruise will assist you with obtaining insurance cover, including Covid-cover.
  • Key strategic partner with the major cruise lines
  • Ambassadors representing us and guiding our customers onboard and at key locations on their holidays

Emerald Cruises FAQs

What amenities are provided in my stateroom/suite with Emerald Cruises?

Bathrobes and slippers are provided in all staterooms and suites as well as a mini fridge, air conditioning, toiletries, a hairdryer, a safe, double bed (or twin beds on request) with luscious linens, a phone and a wardrobe with coat hangers.

A complimentary mini-bar is provided in the Owner’s Suite, Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites and Riverview Suites, these are restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks.

The Terrace, Yacht Suite and Grand Balcony Suites also benefit from a mini-bar available at a supplement.


What plug sockets are in my cabin on a Emerald ship?

Provided in all European Emerald Cruises cabins are European plug sockets with a voltage of 220V, you will need to bring a European plug adaptor with you.

In Southeast Asia sailings the cabins are equipped with Universal plug sockets at a voltage of 220V.

Emerald Cruises do not provide adaptors.


Is smoking permitted onboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship?

Smoking is permitted in designated external areas. It is prohibited in inside areas including your stateroom.


What language is spoken on board a Emerald ship?

English is spoken on board all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships.


What is the currency on board a Emerald ship?

The currency on board all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships is the Euro.


What currency do I need to take with me on a Emerald cruise?

The currency varies depending on location, the Star-Ships reception will have a small amount of each currency on board, but they do advise bringing some with you.

The Euro is used in the following destinations: Belgium, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Slovakia.

Other destinations will have specific currencies:

Bulgaria: Bulgarian Lev | Cambodia: Cambodian Riel | Croatia: Croatian Kuna | Hungary: Hungarian Forint | Romania: Romanian Leu | Serbia: Serbian Dinar | Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong


What do I need to pack on a Emerald cruise?

On board the dress code is a relaxed and comfortable country club style, smart shoes, shirts, dresses etc. Feel free to dress up for dinner but its not compulsory.

When going ashore it is recommended that you take comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather in comfortable clothing.


Can I bring alcohol on board with Emerald Cruises?

Yes, you may take alcohol on board, however it must be consumed in your stateroom, you will not be permitted to consume it in communal areas on board the ship.


What drinks are included in my Emerald River cruise?

A complimentary selection of wines, beers and soft drinks are served during lunch and dinner.

A selection of complimentary hot drinks, speciality teas and coffees are available in the Horizon Bar and Lounge throughout the day.


Are drinks packages available with Emerlad Cruises?

Yes, there are several drinks packages available at a supplement.

The Non-Alcoholic Package offers unlimited access to a range of soft drinks, juices and mocktails.

Extended Package offers a daily selection of wine by the glass, soft drinks and beers throughout the day.

Premium Package allows you to drink anything from the beverage menu, international beers, cocktails, wine and prosecco are available all day.


Are Emerald Cruises able to cater to specific dietary needs/intolerances?

Yes, they offer vegetarian options and can cater to most dietary needs if given advanced notice. Please inform your ROL Cruise Specialist of any dietary needs.


What are the dining times on board a Emerald cruise?

In the Reflections Restaurant the dining times are as follows: Breakfast 7am – 9am | Lunch 12pm – 2pm | Dinner 7pm – 9pm. (Dining times may vary).


What shore excursions are included in my Emerald River cruise?

Included excursions are EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities. A selection of DicvoerMORE excursions are available to book on board at a supplement.


Do the excursions with Emerald Cruises require a certain level of mobility?

Some excursions are conducted from coaches, guests must be able to walk up and down the steps.

Walking tours of towns and cities may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Guests with limited mobility will need to be travelling with a companion to assist them as there is limited amount of crew members during shore excursions.


Are Emerald Cruises Star-Ships accessible?

There are lifts providing access to three out of four decks on Emerald Cruises Star-Ships, the Sun Deck is reached via stairs.

Under appropriate circumstances guests are permitted to use a collapsible wheelchair on-board, please advise your ROL Cruise Specialist of any mobility issues in advance.


Is there a shop on my Emerald Cruises Star-Ship?

No, there are no shops on board, but reception will have a small supply of toiletries, gifts and souvenirs available at a supplement.


Is Wi-Fi included on my Emerald cruise?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, public spaces, staterooms and suites, however it cannot be guaranteed.


What is the baggage allowance on board a Emerald cruise?

Each guest is permitted one piece of checked (hold) baggage with the width and height not exceeding 62” Inches/160cm and the weight not exceeding 20kg/44lbs.

Additional baggage may be permitted at a supplement.


Is there an Emerald Cruises loyalty club?

Yes, as soon as you return you will be enrolled into the EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty club. This includes exclusive benefits, savings, advance notice of new itineraries and more. You will earn point every time you travel with Emerald Cruises and the more points you have the higher the tier, and more benefits.


Is there a pool on board my Emerald Cruises Star-Ship?

Yes, the pool is open from 6am until 6pm every day and on selected evenings it will be transformed into a cinema.

The Emerald Radiance sailing on the Douro River has a serenity pool on the sun deck, it does not have a cinema or Riverview Lounge.


Last Updated: 10/08/2022

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