Itinerary
Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
Thursday October 12 |
Budapest, Hungary |
Due to the nature of river cruising with ever-changing lock schedules and boat traffic, arrival and departure times can vary greatly and are subject to change without notice. |
Therefore, we don’t list times in our Cruise Itinerary Snapshot. However, you’ll always know the planned arrival and departure time for each port the night before we arrive. |
Friday October 13 |
Kalocsa, Hungary |
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Saturday October 14 |
Vukovar/Osijek, Croatia |
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-- |
Sunday October 15 |
Belgrade, Serbia |
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Monday October 16 |
Iron Gates Cruising |
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Tuesday October 17 |
Veliko Tarnovo/Arbanassi/ Nikopol, Bulgaria |
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Friday August 11 |
Sillstra, Bulgaria |
-- |
-- |
Value |
Bucharest, Romania |
2:00am |
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Port Details
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Budapest, Hungary
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Kalocsa, Hungary
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Vukovar/Osijek, Croatia
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Belgrade, Serbia
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Iron Gates
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Veliko Tarnovo/Arbanassi/Nikopol
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Sillstra, Bulgaria
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Bucharest, Romania
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Budapest, Hungary
Divided by the Danube River, the Hungarian capital of Budapest -- known as the "Pearl of the Danube"-- is a city of two distinct halves.
The hilly Buda side is topped by the impressive Royal Palace, now home to several museums and charming cobbled streets lined with shops and houses that date back to medieval times. On the busier Pest bank, there are grand sights like the parliament building, opera house and statue-lined Heroes' Square, plus fantastic shopping streets, such as Andrassy Avenue, Budapest's grand central boulevard.
Several bridges cross the river, but the best one to use is the historic Chain Bridge, which is the oldest. The great thing about Budapest is that it's very compact, so you can pack plenty into a short break. The majority of sights are within walking distance or easily reached on the efficient tram and underground network.
Coffee shops are a big thing. At one time, there were more than 400 in Budapest, so take time out to join locals for a caffeine boost and a slice of yummy cream cake. Budapest is also the world's only capital city to boast more than 80 active thermal springs and wells; soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters is an authentic experience. Szechenyi is the largest, with indoor and outdoor pools, and Gellert is famous for its opulent architecture. Many river cruise operators offer trips to the baths as an excursion option.
Budapest's history dates back to the third century, when Celtic warriors occupied the area. Study the place a bit, and you'll find yourself wondering: Who didn't invade the city? The Romans, Magyars, Mongols, Ottoman Turks, Austrians, Germans and Soviets have all played starring roles in Budapest's longstanding municipal drama. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries -- part of the reason for its eclectic architecture. Its current skyline reflects the building programs and styles of the turn of the 20th century. As Claudio Magris wrote in his travel memoir, "Danube," "Budapest is the loveliest city on the Danube. It has a crafty way of being its own stage-set."
The hilly Buda side is topped by the impressive Royal Palace, now home to several museums and charming cobbled streets lined with shops and houses that date back to medieval times. On the busier Pest bank, there are grand sights like the parliament building, opera house and statue-lined Heroes' Square, plus fantastic shopping streets, such as Andrassy Avenue, Budapest's grand central boulevard.
Several bridges cross the river, but the best one to use is the historic Chain Bridge, which is the oldest. The great thing about Budapest is that it's very compact, so you can pack plenty into a short break. The majority of sights are within walking distance or easily reached on the efficient tram and underground network.
Coffee shops are a big thing. At one time, there were more than 400 in Budapest, so take time out to join locals for a caffeine boost and a slice of yummy cream cake. Budapest is also the world's only capital city to boast more than 80 active thermal springs and wells; soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters is an authentic experience. Szechenyi is the largest, with indoor and outdoor pools, and Gellert is famous for its opulent architecture. Many river cruise operators offer trips to the baths as an excursion option.
Budapest's history dates back to the third century, when Celtic warriors occupied the area. Study the place a bit, and you'll find yourself wondering: Who didn't invade the city? The Romans, Magyars, Mongols, Ottoman Turks, Austrians, Germans and Soviets have all played starring roles in Budapest's longstanding municipal drama. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries -- part of the reason for its eclectic architecture. Its current skyline reflects the building programs and styles of the turn of the 20th century. As Claudio Magris wrote in his travel memoir, "Danube," "Budapest is the loveliest city on the Danube. It has a crafty way of being its own stage-set."
Kalocsa, Hungary
Kalocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary, with its thousand years of history dating it back nearly to the founding of the Hungarian state itself. As the episcopal see of one of the four Catholic archbishops of Hungary, Kalocsa boasts a magnificent Baroque cathedral and archbishop's palace in its city center. Although the cathedral is not included in many riverboat excursions, its tall twin towers can be seen from considerable distances.
Most excursions either provide several stops at the city's museums, or a visit to an equestrian city to learn about Hungarian horsemanship, or both.
Most excursions either provide several stops at the city's museums, or a visit to an equestrian city to learn about Hungarian horsemanship, or both.
Vukovar/Osijek, Croatia
Cruise into the border region of Croatia today, an area that was heavily damaged during the Croatian War of Independence at the end of the communist era. Enjoy meeting a local family who will welcome you for a traditional home hosted lunch and an opportunity to learn about everyday life.
Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia's vibrant capital awaits today! Your city tour includes a visit to Tito's Memorial, the impressive Fortress Kalemegdan, and St. Sava Church, which is the world's largest orthodox cathedral.
Iron Gates Cruising
Relax onboard today as you sail through the narrow gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains known as the Iron Gates. Bursting with full fall color, this narrow and once dangerous passage boasts spectacular scenery forming the border between Serbia and Romania.
Veliko Tarnovo/Arbanassi/Nikopol
Cruise further into Bulgaria where the ship docks at the former roman town of Svishtov. Travel by coach to the impressive cliff-top town of Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian empire known once as the “City of the Tsars.” Then visit the historic town of Arbanassi perched on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra valley and lined with traditional houses. The town is known for its 17th and 18th century churches and many examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture.
Sillstra, Bulgaria
Relax in the riverside city of Silistra which was once a Roman fort under the Byzantine empire and was later part of the Ottoman conquest. Later enjoy a visit to a local village to experience the traditional farming community.
Bucharest, Romania
Nicknamed "Little Paris," Bucharest's elegant early 20th-century architecture shows French influences. Don't miss the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest building in the world (after the Pentagon).
the ship: Emerald Waterways' Emerald Star
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Ship Overview
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Entertainment
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Dining
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Ship Amenities
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Deck Plans
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Emerald Star information
If you are the type of person who wants to know everything about a ship, you can go directly to the Emerald Waterways website.
Here is some general information about the ship:
Here is some general information about the ship:
- Maiden Voyage: 2014
- Ships Registry: Malta
- Passenger Capacity: 182
- Crew: 47
- Decks: 4
Ship Photos
On Board Entertainment
When you return home to Star after a full day of sightseeing, RSVP and Emerald will make your evenings even more lively and captivating. Enrich your journey with expert destination talks. Join friends old and new for a game in the lounge, or find a comfortable chair in which to relax on the Sun Deck.
RSVP entertainment features a variety of options suiting an intimate ship style, including our legendary piano bar and cabaret entertainers, local performers brought on just for you, movie nights, and so much more. We’ll make sure you’re always entertained, enriched, and enlightened.
RSVP entertainment features a variety of options suiting an intimate ship style, including our legendary piano bar and cabaret entertainers, local performers brought on just for you, movie nights, and so much more. We’ll make sure you’re always entertained, enriched, and enlightened.
Dining Options
On an Emerald Waterways river cruise, you can expect great dining experiences from start to finish. Each of our cruises begins with a Welcome Dinner where you’ll meet other guests, and ends with a Farewell Dinner where you can share memories with new-found friends.
Fine Dining: Reflections Restaurant
Reflections is our ship’s main restaurant, offering an informal setting for you to enjoy our delightful cuisine. Every day, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast or for something a little more special, take advantage of our resident Egg Chef’s fabulous selection of freshly prepared morning meals. At lunch, you can choose from a full hot and cold buffet or delicious à la carte menu. In the evenings, you’ll enjoy a four-course dinner carefully prepared by our amazing chefs.
Al-Fresco: The Terrace
With a panoramic view, The Terrace at the ship’s bow is a beautiful setting for fair-weather outdoor dining. Watch the sunrise with your morning tea or coffee and a light breakfast. In between excursions? Grab a café-style lunch from your choice of pastas, soups, sandwiches and salads. On select days, find us firing up the barbecue on the Sun Deck for a fantastic grilled feast.
Complimentary Tea And Coffee
Having an amazing vacation can be thirsty work, so remember that complimentary tea and coffee are available at all times throughout your cruise. To accompany lunch and dinner, we’ve carefully chosen a special selection of European red and white wines, local beers and soft drinks for you to enjoy with your meal - all of which are included in the price of your vacation.
Authentic Onshore Dining
Extend your high quality on board dining experience with authentic onshore regional dining excursions that offer you deeper—and more delicious!—insight into your destination’s culture and people. For example, in Bratislava, you’ll have a truly rewarding opportunity to taste traditional fare and learn more about everyday local life during a hosted afternoon tea, in the company of a local Slovakian family.
Fine Dining: Reflections Restaurant
Reflections is our ship’s main restaurant, offering an informal setting for you to enjoy our delightful cuisine. Every day, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast or for something a little more special, take advantage of our resident Egg Chef’s fabulous selection of freshly prepared morning meals. At lunch, you can choose from a full hot and cold buffet or delicious à la carte menu. In the evenings, you’ll enjoy a four-course dinner carefully prepared by our amazing chefs.
Al-Fresco: The Terrace
With a panoramic view, The Terrace at the ship’s bow is a beautiful setting for fair-weather outdoor dining. Watch the sunrise with your morning tea or coffee and a light breakfast. In between excursions? Grab a café-style lunch from your choice of pastas, soups, sandwiches and salads. On select days, find us firing up the barbecue on the Sun Deck for a fantastic grilled feast.
Complimentary Tea And Coffee
Having an amazing vacation can be thirsty work, so remember that complimentary tea and coffee are available at all times throughout your cruise. To accompany lunch and dinner, we’ve carefully chosen a special selection of European red and white wines, local beers and soft drinks for you to enjoy with your meal - all of which are included in the price of your vacation.
Authentic Onshore Dining
Extend your high quality on board dining experience with authentic onshore regional dining excursions that offer you deeper—and more delicious!—insight into your destination’s culture and people. For example, in Bratislava, you’ll have a truly rewarding opportunity to taste traditional fare and learn more about everyday local life during a hosted afternoon tea, in the company of a local Slovakian family.
Amenities Aboard
- Elegant, modern design
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
- Indoor Pool with Retractable Roof
- Cinema
- Non-smoking interior
- Elevator
- Sun Deck
- Outside viewing deck with premium lounge chairs
- Shade awnings
- Golf Putting Green
- Games Area
- Walking Track
- Service
- English-speaking crew
- Emerald and RSVP Cruise Directors working together
- Onboard assistance to recommend, reserve, and further personalize your cruise
- Sightseeing
- Included Shore Excursions
- Certified Local Guides
- QuietVox Audio Guides for all Shore Excursions
- Complimentary maps
- Dining
- Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate, & premium coffees
- Sky Barbecue on Sun Deck
- Alternate breakfast and light lunch on The Terrace
- Services
- Fitness Center
- Massage Therapy Room
- Hair Salon
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access (unavailable in some areas)
Emerald Star Deck Plans
cabins
For All Cabin Pricing, Please Visit RSVP's Pricing Page For This Cruise.
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