Danube River Christmas Market Cruise
December 8 thru 15, 2025
Experience the magic of the holiday season as we sail OUTbound along the Danube River to the Christmas markets of Europe. Wander the twinkling city of Budapest and uncover the medieval charm of Bratislava before sailing into the majesty of Vienna. Originating in Germany and dating back as far as the late middle ages, the European Christmas markets, or Christkindlmarkts as they are known, are one of our favorite events each year. From Budapest to Regensburg, you’ll see the best of Europe light up with festive holiday markets offering hand-carved toys and ornaments, spicy glühwein and authentic gingerbread. Come celebrate an old fashion family Christmas with your chosen OUTbound family!
The Christmas Markets of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria & Germany!
Book today and choose a payment plan that fits your budget! Choose from either convenient quarterly payments or spread your payments out over monthly installments. Either way, OUTbound has a payment plan designed for any budget!
All Included, All Inclusive!
All Meals & Alcoholic Beverages Included
All Shore Excursions Included
Emerald Star
180 Passengers / 12 Suites / 60 Balcony Suites / 11 Staterooms / 2 Single Staterooms
The Emerald Star is specially designed to traverse the Danube River in style with tasteful and modern décor visible throughout the ship. The Reflections Restaurant on the Vista Deck is the center of our dining experience, where oversized windows offer excellent views of the passing landscapes. For a more intimate experience, head to the contemporary Horizon Bar & Lounge, where OUTbound entertainment will be enjoyed by all.
Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, December 8 | Budapest | 4:00pm | docked overnight |
| Tuesday, December 9 | Budapest | 2:00pm | |
| Wednesday, December 10 | Bratislava | 9:00am | 10:00pm |
| Thursday, December 11 | Vienna | 7:00am | 11:30pm |
| Friday, December 12 | Dürnstein | 8:00am | 12:00pm |
| Melk | 3:00pm | 6:00pm | |
| Saturday, December 13 | Passau | 12:30pm | 6:00pm |
| Sunday, December 14 | Regensburg | 12:00pm | docked overnight |
| Monday, December 15 | Regensburg | 10:00am | disembark |
Today we’ll start our cruise with a uniquely Hungarian take on the traditional European Christmas market. Once arriving, we’ll board our ship and settle into our staterooms. After boarding, we’ll have time to explore both of the city’s largest markets located near St. Stephens Cathedral on our own. Tonight we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. You’ll have the choice of spending the evening onboard getting to know your fellow OUTbounders or exploring this incredible city on your own.
The Christmas season adds another layer of beauty to the already romantic charms of Budapest. Nestled in the heart of Pest lies Vörösmarty Square, home to the city’s largest yuletide market. The enticing aroma of national specialties permeates the air as vendors display traditional and contemporary handicrafts. At the cozy St. Stephen’s Basilica market, mulled wine keeps revelers warm as nightly light shows illuminate the church’s facade. Across the Danube in Buda, Old-World allure mingles with festivities in Fo Square, where seasonal events and an outdoor ice rink entertain.
The aroma of mulled wine and Slovakian delicacies mixes with the sound of Christmas carols to turn Bratislava’s historic Old Town into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The medieval Bratislava Castle overlooks lighted streets that give the city a fairytale glow. Vendors in Hlavné Námestíe Square display authentic artisan handicrafts, and a specially decorated Christmas tram adds to the holiday atmosphere as it transports visitors to the different fairs spread out around the city.
The yuletide season transforms Vienna’s beautiful squares into delightful Christmas markets. Festive lights illuminate the Old Town. The Schönbrunn market, set in front of the baroque Hapsburg summer palace, and Freyung market, nestled in the city center, are the perfect destinations for unique handmade decorations. Seasonal music and choral singing provide a merry ambience to holiday festivities in Am Hof Square, while the market at Belvedere Square mixes excellent shopping with views of the stately palace and adjacent lake to create a fairytale atmosphere.
Today we’ll sail through a serene tapestry of terraced vineyards, forested slopes, charming towns and castle ruins in Austria’s Wachau Valley, celebrated as perhaps the most scenic stretch of the Danube. You’ll journey OUTbound through this vast region where the river courses through picturesque hillsides. Discover why this area has played an important part in the popularity of the Wachau’s wine culture, creating some of the best Riesling and Veltliner wines in the world.
Centered around the beautiful St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ, the romantic market stalls of the Christkindlmarkt in Passau are a delight to explore. An endless array of handmade goods, from tasty treats to ornaments, offer a wealth of opportunity to take home a unique artisan gift created by local craftsmen. Listen closely during the festive season to hear yuletide concerts and the sound of choirs echoing through the courtyard and the town’s narrow streets.
Today, we’ll visit Regensburg, a city that miraculously survived WWII with all of its old-world charm intact. This UNESCO World Heritage city is transformed during the holiday season as its medieval streets are donned with festive cheer. Narrow passageways open to hidden courtyards with stalls laden with handcrafted treasures that seem to go on forever. Do a little holiday shopping as you enjoy the scent of home-baked spiced gingerbread, cinnamon and glühwein filling the air.
Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, December 8 | Budapest | 4:00pm | docked overnight |
| Tuesday, December 9 | Budapest | 2:00pm | |
| Wednesday, December 10 | Bratislava | 9:00am | 10:00pm |
| Thursday, December 11 | Vienna | 7:00am | 11:30pm |
| Friday, December 12 | Dürnstein | 8:00am | 12:00pm |
| Melk | 3:00pm | 6:00pm | |
| Saturday, December 13 | Passau | 12:30pm | 6:00pm |
| Sunday, December 14 | Regensburg | 12:00pm | docked overnight |
| Monday, December 15 | Regensburg | 10:00am | disembark |
Today we’ll start our holiday river cruise in Budapest. After boarding our ship and settling in, you’ll meet our crew and your OUTbound family before having dinner. We’re in Budapest overnight, so enjoy tonight however you’d like. Explore the city and take in all the Christmas lights on your own while shopping the countless craft stalls before returning back onboard to start our OUTbound holiday traditions! This evening, enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music and dance on board.
Join a local guide for a tour of the Hungarian capital today, covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. Following your guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the stalls of Budapest’s main Christmas market, where handcrafted ornaments are plentiful and colorful strings of lights line the streets.
Today, we’ll visit Bratislava and learn about Slovakian culture. A sightseeing tour of the city will introduce you to its architectural wonders, including the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral and the neo-Renaissance Slovak National Theatre. After your tour, we’ll visit the city’s Christmas markets, which you’ll see for yourself are a true delight and showcase local handcrafted souvenirs and traditional Slovakian Christmas treats.
Welcome to Vienna, where you will have every opportunity to discover the Baroque cityscape and a generous peppering of imperial palaces during your guided tour of the Ringstrasse and the city center, both by coach and on foot. After the tour, you are free to explore this world renown city at your leisure, perhaps venturing into the heart of one of Vienna’s many Christmas markets, each set in open squares across the city. Be sure to take time to visit the largest market in the heart of the city, sprawling out beneath Vienna’s City Hall.
Enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau Valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Constructed in 1083, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attract-ing visitors from across the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds.
Known as “the city of the three rivers” and founded more than 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria. Today your guide will take you through the stunning Old Town and pause to admire its imposing baroque cathedral. Along the way, gaze up at the twinkling lights and enjoy the scent of spiced gingerbread and roasted almonds from street vendors. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse the stalls of local artisan craftsmen, who display all manner of handmade gifts from unique woolens, delicate glass ornaments and traditional wooden toys.
Today you’ll discover Regensburg, one of Germany’s hidden gems with a magnificent walking tour. Immerse yourself in Regensburg’s festive atmosphere as you admire the city’s twinkling lights and visit historical sites including the medieval stone bridge, the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and the Gothic-style St. Peter’s Cathedral. Delight in the charm of the Christmas market in front of the cathedral and enjoy the atmosphere before heading back to our ship at your leisure.
The tastefully decorated Horizon Lounge, located at the front of the ship, was named for the superb views of the passing coastlines that guests will enjoy courtesy of the oversized windows. Intimate seating areas are peppered throughout the open floor plan, allowing you the choice of going all in with the group or enjoying a little private time between you and a smaller gathering of friends. The lounge also has a self-service beverage station with a machine that dispenses espresso, capuccino, mochaccino, hot chocolate, and hot water for a selection of teas... an OUTbounder favorite!
Enjoy a cocktail at the Horizon bar with us while watching a spectacular sunset together. Located within the Horizon Lounge, you’ll find originality and innovation, with a new twist on the ol’ purveyors of gin and tonics and buckets of beer. This is the place where you’ll spend an enjoyable evening nursing a cocktail with great friends, old and new! Whether you’re in the mood for a mixed drink or glass of wine, we invite you to join us and enjoy one of best bars on the river with your fellow OUTbounders. Order your favorite festive holiday cocktail you’ll savor after a long day exploring the Christmas markets.
Your warm welcome onboard begins in the main reception area, the heart of our ship and main point of information while you are sailing. Here, your friendly crew will be happy to help you get the most from your time with us, whether before leaving for the day’s excursions or arranging for any special requests you may have. With tasteful and modern décor, the three-tiered atrium in the center of the reception area allows natural light to pour in and illuminate the interior.
Get set for a gastronomic adventure in Reflections Restaurant, your go-to dining area for sumptuous local dishes expertly prepared by skilled chefs. Spacious and contemporary, with flexible seating options, this is your space to discover the local tastes of the season. Located on the Vista Deck, the restaurant comfortably seats all our OUTbounders at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual but elegant. The selection and presentation of the food is outstanding, and you’ll find the quality of service is unmatched.
An idyllic spot for breakfast and light lunches, the Terrace Café is a unique indoor/outdoor dining area located just forward of the Horizon Lounge. With a commanding position at the very front of the ship, inspiring views are guaranteed. This open-air bow seating and eating area has electric doors that make it easy to carry a drink or meal outside for a unique snack experience... snacks that are available throughout the day near the ship’s lounge at the end of the bar.
If you stick to a daily fitness regime at home, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t keep it up on your holiday. The onboard gym has everything you need to work up a sweat on your travels, so you can justify one more delightful dish or extravagant cocktail. The gym has a workout bike, free weights and a treadmill. If the fitness center isn’t where you want to be, then take advantage of the ship’s track. The jogging track encircles the perimeter of the Sun Deck, so you can kill two birds with one stone... exercise and enjoy the view.
Your space for relaxation and rejuvenation, the onboard Wellness Area provides everything from facial treatments to massages, delivered by a trained beauty therapist. Downstairs on Riviera Deck is the hairdresser, where you can get haircuts, head and neck massages, and other services. Be sure to book quickly at the front desk when you embark because availability is limited.
Some nights, the pool at the back of our ship is converted into a cinema. The transformation happens when the pool floor rises to deck level. After the floor has been mopped dry, crew members set up chairs and lower a large movie screen. Popcorn is available, and you can order drinks from the bar or grab a specialty coffee or tea from the self-service machine.
The indoor pool is located aft on Horizon Deck. It’s surrounded by a glass-walled lounge area with chairs, tables, dressing rooms, and a bar with a self-service machine for coffee drinks and tea. The heated pool, complete with a retractable roof, is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, soaking with friends while watching the incredible scenery of the Danube drift by.
The Sun Deck is much more than the place to savor a hot chocolate or specialty coffee. It’s also the perfect way to spend your afternoon enjoying a panoramic view of the magnificent rolling landscapes. The Sun Deck has a gorgeous outdoor living area and a huge canopy midship, perfect for OUTbounders who prefer a little cover as we sail along the Danube. Whether golf’s your game or you prefer a game of tic-tac-toe, lazy afternoons on the river are never boring with the games area and putting green.
Starting at $5,897 per person
The Owners Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom allows the luxury of space to enjoy your continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats. Your queen-size bed is draped in high quality linens, plus you’ll select your preferred pillow from an extensive menu. A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking a dream. You’ll also have the option to have four items laundered a day. In the morning, enjoy a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your complimentary bathrobe and slippers.
Starting at $4,897 per person
The Grand Balcony Suites make waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony with the press of a button from the comfort of your queen-size bed, dressed with luxurious linens. Wake up with a revitalizing shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Have a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony. Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable along with your own in-suite Nespresso machine. Select your preferred pillow from an extensive menu.
Starting at $3,997 per person
Located on the Horizon Deck, your Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings. Relax on your balcony 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. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar. When it’s time for bed, you can look forward to exceptional comfort in your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens.
Starting at $3,797 per person
Located on the Vista Deck, your Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you’ll need throughout your cruise and more. 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. When it’s time for bed, you’ll find exceptional comfort in your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.
Starting at $2,997 per person
Your Riviera Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need. A picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, and each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature to suit your preferences. The bathrooms are designed as a relaxing retreat with a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries. Settle into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens, as you enjoy a nightcap from your mini-bar.
Starting at $4,497 per person
Located on the Riviera Deck, the Single Staterooms feature picture windows and individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature. Relax with a shower complete with indulgent toiletries before settling into your twin size hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with a nightcap from your mini-bar.
Starting at $9,397 per person Single Supplement
The Grand Balcony Suites make waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony with the press of a button from the comfort of your queen-size bed, dressed with luxurious linens. Wake up with a revitalizing shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Have a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony. Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable along with your own in-suite Nespresso machine. Select your preferred pillow from an extensive menu.
Starting at $7,197 per person Single Supplement
Located on the Horizon Deck, your Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings. Relax on your balcony 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. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar. When it’s time for bed, you can look forward to exceptional comfort in your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens.
Starting at $6,097 per person Single Supplement
Located on the Vista Deck, your Balcony Suite offers everything you’ll need throughout your cruise and more. Relax in your suite 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. When it’s time for bed, you’ll find exceptional comfort in your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.
Starting at $4,997 per person Single Supplement
Your Riviera Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need. A picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, and each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature to suit your preferences. The bathrooms are designed as a relaxing retreat with a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries. Settle into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens, as you enjoy a nightcap from your mini-bar.
Starting at $4,497 per person Single Supplement
Located on the Riviera Deck, the Single Staterooms feature picture windows and individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature. Relax with a shower complete with indulgent toiletries before settling into your twin size hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with a nightcap from your mini-bar.