Emerald Cruises Unveils 2024 Europe River Cruise Collection

WHY IT RATES: Emerald Cruises is offering two new itineraries for its 2024 European river cruise lineup, including an in-depth exploration of Central Europe and a cruise offering a visit to the Moselle region. - Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulse

Emerald Cruises has unveiled its 2024 Europe river cruise collection, including a selection of Epic Voyages-multi-river itineraries up to 23 days in length and perfect for travelers looking to maximize vacation time-and two new sailings that offer fresh takes on Europe's most popular rivers. Details are available in the line's newest brochure, available for download here.

The Danube River, a longtime favorite for river cruisers, gets a reboot with Emerald Cruises' new 10-day Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest. Offering guests a deeper look into the culture and history of five countries in the heartland of Central Europe, this new sailing includes a host of immersive, locally-focused experiences. Guests can visit a farm in Passau for a hearty Bavarian brunch, enjoy a traditional Slovakian performance onboard, and take in dinner and a folklore show in Budapest for experiences that go beyond sightseeing.

It's easy to stay active while touring iconic sites like Bratislava Castle and Veste Oberhaus with six distinct EmeraldACTIVE hiking and bike tours. An extended stay in Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube," allows ample time for touring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, exploring the city's vibrant nightlife, visiting one of the famous baths and enjoying a culinary tour at the Grand Market.

Emerald Cruises' second new itinerary for 2024, the 11-day Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards, puts a sharper focus on the ports across four countries that make the Rhine River one of the most popular for river cruisers. While visiting a region in Germany known for its castles that look as though they belong in a fairytale, guests will tour the impressive Marksburg Castle in Koblenz and Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, both dating back to the 1100s.

Those looking to get active can hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins high above the charming town of Bernkastel. Vineyards line the valleys along the Rhine here, and guests can experience a tour and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg in Rüdesheim or travel the Alsace Wine Route (France's oldest) complete with a tasting in Strasbourg. New ports of call in Utrecht and Nijmegen in the Netherlands include a canal cruise to take in the mesmerizing Dutch architecture and a visit to the iconic, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinderdijk Windmills.

The latest brochure also put a strong focus on Emerald Cruises' four Epic Voyages, which range in duration from 15 to 23 days. These sailings are a combination of the line's best-selling river cruise itineraries placed back-to-back to create a longer trip, either on the same ship or with a short flight or coach trip to embark a new vessel halfway through. For example, the "15-day Rhine & Rhône Rivers" itinerary links two of Emerald Cruises' most beloved sailings-Jewels of the Rhine and Sensations of Lyon & Provence-into one voyage with a seamless transfer between ships.

Guests who book their 2024 Europe river cruise by March 31, 2023 can also take advantage of the current river cruise offer with savings up to $1,000 per couple, and when paying in full 12 months prior to sailing for departures later than 12 months from the booking date, or within 72 hours of booking for earlier sailings, they can add free or reduced international air, a free premium drinks package or additional savings.

Emerald Cruises offers a diverse lineup of river and yacht cruises on three continents. Emerald Azzurra, the line's first ocean-going vessel which debuted in March 2022, is a 100-guest, luxury yacht sailing the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Red Seas, and new for the 2023/2024 season, the Caribbean and Central America. In November 2022, Emerald Azzurra was named Best New Luxury Ship in Cruise Critic's 2022 Editors' Picks Awards. Emerald Sakara, the brand's second luxury yacht, launches in 2023.

On the rivers, Emerald Cruises sails eight branded Star-Ships in Europe and one on the Mekong. The brand offers innovatively-designed ships, outstanding service and a focus on active shore excursions and onboard wellness offerings through their signature EmeraldACTIVE program. Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours in Australia.

Emerald Cruises can be found on Twitter at @emerald_cruises, on Facebook as EmeraldCruisesGlobal and on Instagram as @EmeraldCruises.global.

Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel advisor; on Emerald Cruises' website, www.emeraldcruises.com; or by calling the consumer/travel agent reservations line at 844-428-8389. Digital brochure downloads are available on the website.

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