Emerald expands 2023 Europe lineup with added Christmas market, Douro sailings

In response to increased demand from travellers looking to explore the rivers of Europe, Emerald Cruises has added four additional 2023 sailing dates to three of its most popular river cruise itineraries. 

Two new dates have been added to Emerald Cruises’ Christmas cruise season, which takes guests to the charming Christmas markets and sparkling streets of European cities such as Budapest, Vienna and Cologne. 

The popular Douro River cruise season has also been extended, with two new dates inviting guests to enjoy the sights and tastes of Portugal into the autumn and the holiday seasons.

Christmas Markets & Yuletide Cheer

European Christmas Markets are back and two additional sailings have been added to the 2023 calendar to help guests explore: the eight-day Christmas Markets on the Rhine departing on December 16, 2023 and the eight-day Christmas Markets on the Danube departing on November 24, 2023.

The eight-day Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise between Basel and Amsterdam calls on some of Germany’s favorite markets in Cologne, Koblenz and Strasbourg in addition to Amsterdam, where guests can sip glühwein, sample traditional holiday treats and shop to their hearts content. 

Fares for the Dec. 16, 2023 sailing start from $4,045 CAD per person and reduced airfare of $295 per person based on double occupancy when booked by Dec 31, 2022. 

The eight-day Christmas Markets on the Danube is a festive twist on Emerald Cruises’ classic itinerary. 

Visits to the Christmas markets in Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia  and Regensburg, Germany offer guests the chance to experience the holidays across four different countries. Fares for the November 24, 2023 sailing start from $3,995 CAD per person and reduced airfare of $295 per person based on double occupancy when booked by December 31, 2022.

Secrets of the Douro

Sailing roundtrip from Porto, the eight-day Secrets of the Douro itinerary is a must for river cruise lovers. 

The enchanting Douro valley lined with vineyards makes for incredible scenery while the included excursions such as a visit to an 18th century vineyard estate in beautiful Quinta do Tedo, a canoeing excursion in Régua, a guided tour of Salamanca and dinner at Quinta da Pacheca wine estate. 

Two new sailings have been added for the Secrets of the Douro, extending the season further into autumn to show off the valley in all its golden glory. 

Departing Nov. 18 and 25, 2023, fares start at $4,895 CAD per person and reduced airfare of $395 per person based on double occupancy when booked by December 31, 2022.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.