In response to strong demand from travellers looking to explore the rivers of Europe, Emerald Cruises has added 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 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 holiday seasons.

Christmas Markets and Yuletide Cheer

Two additional Christmas market sailings have been added to the 2023 calendar: 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 favourite markets in Cologne, Koblenz and Strasbourg in addition to Amsterdam. Guests can sip glühwein, sample traditional holiday treats and shop to their hearts content. Fares for the December 16, 2023 sailing start from $4,045 CAD per person with reduced airfare of $295 per person based on double occupancy when booked by Dec 31, 2022.

The eight-day Christmas Markets on the Danube offers an intriguing alternative to 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 with 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 less-travelled option for river cruise lovers. The enchanting Douro valley lined with vineyards can be explored through 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, extending the season further into autumn. Departing November 18 and 25, 2023, fares start at $4,895 CAD per person with reduced airfare of $395 per person based on double occupancy when booked by December 31, 2022.