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Danube Explorer

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of Europe with Emerald’s unparalleled Danube River Cruise. Each day promises captivating experiences alongside a plethora of excursions and first-class amenities.

Dive into Bavarian life with a local farm visit; traverse the UNESCO-listed town of Ceský Krumlov; explore Melk Abbey and enjoy optional adventures like hiking and biking – make the Danube your oyster while you stay aboard an iconic Emerald Waterways River Cruise vessel.

After a long day of discovering and exploring the many glories of some of Europe’s most iconic cities, return to your luxury cruise ship and relax with a meal in the restaurant, a splash in the heated pool, or a rest in your elegant cabin. Opulence and excitement await you on the Danube Explorer cruise.

4.7
Star Image
from 302 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Emerald Cruises
  • Ship: Emerald Star
  • Duration: 7 Nights
  • Departure: Mar - Nov
FROM PER PERSON*
£1,989
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Danube Explorer Cruise Prices

Price per person
Mar 25, 2026
£2,395 pp
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Mar 28, 2026
£2,395 pp
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May 06, 2026
£3,273 pp
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May 13, 2026
£3,045 pp
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Jul 11, 2026
Price on Request
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Jul 18, 2026
£2,171 pp
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Jul 25, 2026
£2,171 pp
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Aug 01, 2026
£2,171 pp
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Aug 14, 2026
£2,171 pp
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Aug 29, 2026
£2,626 pp
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Oct 03, 2026
£4,929 pp
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Oct 10, 2026
Price on Request
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Nov 17, 2026
£1,989 pp
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Mar 27, 2027
£2,771 pp
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Apr 03, 2027
£2,771 pp
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Apr 10, 2027
£2,771 pp
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Apr 17, 2027
£2,771 pp
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Apr 19, 2027
£2,771 pp
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Apr 26, 2027
£2,771 pp
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May 22, 2027
£3,062 pp
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May 29, 2027
£3,062 pp
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Jul 17, 2027
£2,771 pp
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Jul 24, 2027
£2,771 pp
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Aug 14, 2027
£2,771 pp
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Aug 21, 2027
£2,771 pp
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More Dates

Danube Explorer Cruise Itinerary

Choose from our expertly-crafted itinerary filled with a spectrum of delightful experiences: sail to Bratislava for a guided city tour, accompanied by local Slovakian entertainment; discover Budapest’s mediaeval quarter; immerse yourself in local European cultures. Take to all the Danube has to offer and experience the epitome of opulence on your Danube Explorer cruise.

Day 1

Munich to Passau

Arrive in Munich and transfer to Passau. Enjoy dinner aboard your ship.

Day 2

Passau

Visit a local farm for insights into Bavarian life. Alternatively, choose a hiking excursion to Veste Oberhaus. Enjoy a Bavarian brunch or Bavaria Live.

Day 3

Linz to Ceský Krumlov

Explore Ceský Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town, on a guided tour.

Day 4

Melk to Weissenkirchen

Visit Melk Abbey. Go on an optional hike or bike tour to Weissenkirchen. Embark on an optional vineyard hike and wine tasting in Weissenkirchen.

Day 5

Vienna

Embark on a guided tour of Vienna. Or, go on a bike tour in Vienna. Enjoy a Viennese evening concert.

Day 6

Vienna to Bratislava

Go on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle or embark on a guided city tour. Enjoy local Slovakian entertainment on board your ship.

Day 7

Budapest

Explore Budapest’s mediaeval quarter. Go on a culinary tour of Budapest with a Grand Market visit. Enjoy an optional hike to Gellert Hill, a tour to Szentendre, or a Hungarian Bath Experience. Admire a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.

Day 8

Budapest

After breakfast, disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.

Day 1

Budapest

Be met at the airport and transferred to the surrounds of your ship, where your captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show.

Day 2

Budapest

Explore Budapest’s mediaeval quarter. Go on a culinary tour of Budapest with a Grand Market visit. Enjoy an optional hike to Gellert Hill, a tour to Szentendre, or a Hungarian Bath Experience. Admire a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.

Day 3

Vienna to Bratislava

Go on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle or embark on a guided city tour. Enjoy local Slovakian entertainment on board your ship.

Day 4

Vienna

Embark on a guided tour of Vienna. Or, go on a bike tour in Vienna. Enjoy a Viennese evening concert.

Day 5

Melk to Weissenkirchen

Visit Melk Abbey. Go on an optional hike or bike tour to Weissenkirchen. Embark on an optional vineyard hike and wine tasting in Weissenkirchen.

Day 6

Linz to Ceský Krumlov

Explore Ceský Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town, on a guided tour.

Day 7

Passau

Visit a local farm for insights into Bavarian life. Alternatively, choose a hiking excursion to Veste Oberhaus. Enjoy a Bavarian brunch or Bavaria Live.

Day 8

Passau

After breakfast, disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.

DANUBE EXPLORER CRUISE SHIPS

Trustpilot Reviews

DANUBE EXPLORER CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Visit some of Europe’s most treasured cities on your Danube Explorer River Cruise

Budapest

Melk

Passau

Vienna

Danube Explorer Deals

Become an explorer of the Danube with Crui.se

Emerald
Departure: Mar to Nov
VISITING: Munich to Passau Passau Linz & Ceský Krumlov Melk to Weissenkirchen Vienna Vienna to Bratislava Budapest
BENEFITS: Flights IncludedFree Drinks & Wi-FiAll Inclusive
FROM PER PERSON* £ 1,989
Emerald
Departure: Mar to Nov
VISITING: Munich Regensburg Passau – Engelhartszell Dürnstein - Krems Vienna Bratislava Budapest
BENEFITS: Flights IncludedFree Drinks & Wi-FiAll Inclusive
FROM PER PERSON* £ 1,775
Emerald
Departure: January
VISITING: Nuremberg Regensburg Passau Melk – Dürnstein Vienna Bratislava Budapest
BENEFITS: Flights IncludedFree Drinks & Wi-FiAll Inclusive
FROM PER PERSON* Price on Request

Danube Explorer Cruise Review

“My Danube Explorer cruise on the Emerald Star was an unforgettable journey through and through. From the captivating Ceský Krumlov to the beautiful sights of Vienna, each day was a new adventure. I really loved the active excursions which showed me another side of Europe I’d never even considered before. The ship itself was wonderful with spacious staterooms offering stunning views and lots of amenities. Dining was a highlight for me with every meal bursting with flavour. I also loved the onboard heated pool. Can’t wait to book another cruise with Emerald Cruises.”

Elspeth Jones, Chelmsford, Essex

Danube Explorer FAQ

What can I expect from the onboard experience?

Our cruise offers onboard amenities, luxurious cabins, a vast array of dining options, entertainment, fitness facilities, and much more! Read about the Emerald Star and all she has to offer under the About The Emerald Star section of this page.

What types of excursions are offered during the cruise?

The Danube Explorer cruise offers a variety of excursions, including city tours, cultural experiences and active excursions.

What happens in case of high or low water levels on the river?

Your itinerary may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated in the itinerary.

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