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Enchantment of Eastern Europe | Bucharest to Budapest

From £2,539pp

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Incredible Savings*

Hotel stay in Bucharest included*

Wine, beer & soft drinks included with lunch & dinner*

Shore excursions, gratuities & Wi-Fi included*


Cruise Overview

  • Duration 8 nights
  • Departs 11 Sep 2026
  • Sails from Bucharest, Romania
  • Ship Emerald Star
  • Flights and transfersYes
  • Cruise code ‍2190155

Your Itinerary

Fly from London

Fly from London Fri 11 Sep 2026

Fly from London

regional and premium class flights may be available on request

View of Old Town Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania Fri 11 Sep 2026

View of Old Town Bucharest

Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel for your overnight stay

View of Old Town Bucharest

Bucharest – Giurgiu, Romania Sat 12 Sep 2026

View of Old Town Bucharest

This morning, drive through the streets and boulevards of Bucharest on a guided city tour, which includes the enormous Palace of the Parliament. Later, transfer to Giurgiu, where you’ll board your award-winning Emerald Waterways Star-Ship (B,D)

Old stone bridge in the Ruse region

Rousse – Arbanasi & Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria Sun 13 Sep 2026

Old stone bridge in the Ruse region

Today, cruise to Rousse and take a coach ride to the town of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi. Veliko Tarnovo was the former capital of the Bulgarian empire known once as the ‘city of the Tsars’. Visit the historic town of Arbanasi perched on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River and lined with traditional houses. Tonight, join your Captain for a welcome reception and dinner (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Choir concert in Arbanasi
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Ivanovo Church

Aerial view of Baba Vida fortress in Vidin

Vidin, Bulgaria Mon 14 Sep 2026

Aerial view of Baba Vida fortress in Vidin

Sail upstream and dock on the most Western town in Bulgaria, Vidin. Enjoy a tour visiting a local vineyard with wine tasting. Later, visit the medieval Baba Vida Fortress (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Belogradchik

Kostolac's castle on the banks of the Danube River

Kostolac, Serbia Tue 15 Sep 2026

Kostolac's castle on the banks of the Danube River

Today, visit the first and biggest architectural archaeological excavation in Eastern Europe, the Viminacium Archaeological Excavation Site and Museum. This site was one of the most important Roman cities and military camps from 1st to 4th centuries. Return to your ship and spend the afternoon sailing the narrow gorge known as the Iron Gates (B,L,D)

A panoramic view of Belgrade at dusk

Belgrade, Serbia Wed 16 Sep 2026

A panoramic view of Belgrade at dusk

Enjoy a city tour including a visit to Tito’s Memorial, the impressive Fortress Kalemegdan and St. Sava Church which is the world’s largest Orthodox Cathedral (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Serbian folklore evening show
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided biking tour

A view of Osijek from the water

Osijek, Croatia Thu 17 Sep 2026

A view of Osijek from the water

Cruise into the border region of Croatia, an area heavily damaged during the Croatian War of Independence. Enjoy an evening of sailing further upstream towards Hungary. Tonight, join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian Family
EmeraldPLUS: Meet students from the local village

Kalocsa's St Mary Cathedral

Kalocsa - Budapest, Hungary Fri 18 Sep 2026

Kalocsa's St Mary Cathedral

Arrive in Kalocsa, famous for the production of paprika. This morning, visit a local Puszta Horse Farm and enjoy a performance showcasing the exceptional riding skills of Magyar horseman (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Puszta Horse Farm
EmeraldPLUS: Evening cruise of Budapest

A panoramic view of Chain Bridge in Budapest

Budapest, Hungary Sat 19 Sep 2026

A panoramic view of Chain Bridge in Budapest

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to London

(regional flights may be available on request) (B)

Fly to London

Fly to London Sat 19 Sep 2026

Fly to London

What's included *

  • Incredible Savings
  • OVERNIGHT hotel stay in Bucharest, Romania
  • SEVEN NIGHTS cruising on board an award-winning Star-Ship, including:
  • Spacious full board accommodation on board Europe’s most innovative cruise ships
  • All meals throughout your river cruise from a healthy buffet breakfast to a five-course à la carte menu
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • FREE tea and coffee available throughout your cruise
  • Shore excursions INCLUDED
  • Gratuities are INCLUDED
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
  • Extra special included excursions with EmeraldPLUS & EmeraldACTIVE
  • First-class service from English-speaking crew and knowledgeable guides
  • Complimentary bicycles for use ashore in select destinations
  • Bottled water restocked daily in your cabin
  • Overseas transfers
  • Book with ROL Cruise and earn exclusive Cruise Miles® + your EmeraldEXPLORER rewards
  • Return flights from a selection of UK airports (regional and premium flights may be available on request) and overseas transfers
  • Plus, book an Ocean View Stateroom or above by 8pm 9th December 2024 and receive a FREE Champagne Gift Box

2026 Enchantment of Eastern Europe Launch

Book today and earn up to £64.78 off your next ROL Cruise booking

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Cabins & Prices

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Per Person Pricing

* Prices shown are per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin and include all cruise offer discounts and savings.

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Emerald Stateroom

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All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. Plus, they’re bigger than other standard staterooms, providing excellent value for money. Included in your stateroom: Picture window (approximately 1500mm L X 340mm H) | Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hair dryer | Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Queen-size hotel-style bed | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge

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D Riviera Deck

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E Riviera Deck

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ES Riviera Deck

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Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

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Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. 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. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it. When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep. Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship.

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A Horizon Deck

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B Vista Deck

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C Vista Deck

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Emerald Grand Balcony Suite

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Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivalled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer. Wake up to the luxurious surrounds of your stylish bathroom, enjoying a revitalising shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Then, what could be better than having a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony? Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable, and your own in-suite Nespresso™ machine means you can sip a fresh coffee as you ponder your itinerary and what the day has to offer. Select your preferred pillow from our extensive menu and enjoy an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, or simply relax as you watch a film on your suite’s flat screen TV and infotainment system, during some down time. Individual climate control enables your room to stay at the right temperature to suit you, whether you’re sailing in the warmer summer months, or the cooler winter. And, stay in touch with family and friends using your in-suite telephone or make the most of complimentary Wi-Fi for contacting them by your preferred method.

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S Horizon Deck

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Owner's One-bedroom Suite

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Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed. Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort. A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event. In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries. You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

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SA Horizon Deck

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The Ship - Emerald Star

  • Occupancy182
  • Length443 ft (135.03 m)
  • Star RatingCrown IconCrown IconCrown IconCrown Icon

Blessed with a selection of wonderful amenities and features, the award-winning Star-Ship Emerald Star will guide you past some of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of countryside and through some of the continent's most vibrant and enchanting cities.

What’s onboard: Daytime Pool & Bar, Evening Cinema, Fitness Area, Games Area, Golf Putting Green, Hair Salon, Horizon Bar & Lounge, Navigation Bridge, Reception, Reflections Restaurant, Retractable Glass Roof, Sky BBQ, Sun Deck, The Terrace, Walking Track, Wellness Area and much, much more.

Emerald Star

Experience the Difference

  • Our ABTA membership & ATOL licence protects all our packages or tailor-made holidays booked through ROL Cruise, so you can book with confidence knowing you are fully protected
  • Award-winning Cruise Miles® loyalty programme; with over 400,000 UK members
  • Winners of more than 50 Cruise Awards over the last 5 years
  • The UK's No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist; delivering impartial advice
  • Customer satisfaction at 98% and a Feefo score of 4.9/5.
  • Expert staff with over 1,000 years of combined travel expertise offering 5★ service
  • Flexible Payment Options Available
  • Celebrating over 25 years as a cruise-only specialist
  • Insurance Guidance - ROL Cruise will assist you with obtaining insurance cover, including Covid-cover.
  • Key strategic partner with the major cruise lines
  • Ambassadors representing us and guiding our customers onboard and at key locations on their holidays

Emerald Cruises FAQs

What amenities are provided in my stateroom/suite with Emerald Cruises?

Bathrobes and slippers are provided in all staterooms and suites as well as a mini fridge, air conditioning, toiletries, a hairdryer, a safe, double bed (or twin beds on request) with luscious linens, a phone and a wardrobe with coat hangers.

A complimentary mini-bar is provided in the Owner’s Suite, Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites and Riverview Suites, these are restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks.

The Terrace, Yacht Suite and Grand Balcony Suites also benefit from a mini-bar available at a supplement.


What plug sockets are in my cabin on a Emerald ship?

Provided in all European Emerald Cruises cabins are European plug sockets with a voltage of 220V, you will need to bring a European plug adaptor with you.

In Southeast Asia sailings the cabins are equipped with Universal plug sockets at a voltage of 220V.

Emerald Cruises do not provide adaptors.


Is smoking permitted onboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship?

Smoking is permitted in designated external areas. It is prohibited in inside areas including your stateroom.


What language is spoken on board a Emerald ship?

English is spoken on board all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships.


What is the currency on board a Emerald ship?

The currency on board all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships is the Euro.


What currency do I need to take with me on a Emerald cruise?

The currency varies depending on location, the Star-Ships reception will have a small amount of each currency on board, but they do advise bringing some with you.

The Euro is used in the following destinations: Belgium, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Slovakia.

Other destinations will have specific currencies:

Bulgaria: Bulgarian Lev | Cambodia: Cambodian Riel | Croatia: Croatian Kuna | Hungary: Hungarian Forint | Romania: Romanian Leu | Serbia: Serbian Dinar | Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong


What do I need to pack on a Emerald cruise?

On board the dress code is a relaxed and comfortable country club style, smart shoes, shirts, dresses etc. Feel free to dress up for dinner but its not compulsory.

When going ashore it is recommended that you take comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather in comfortable clothing.


Can I bring alcohol on board with Emerald Cruises?

Yes, you may take alcohol on board, however it must be consumed in your stateroom, you will not be permitted to consume it in communal areas on board the ship.


What drinks are included in my Emerald River cruise?

A complimentary selection of wines, beers and soft drinks are served during lunch and dinner.

A selection of complimentary hot drinks, speciality teas and coffees are available in the Horizon Bar and Lounge throughout the day.


Are drinks packages available with Emerlad Cruises?

Yes, there are several drinks packages available at a supplement.

The Non-Alcoholic Package offers unlimited access to a range of soft drinks, juices and mocktails.

Extended Package offers a daily selection of wine by the glass, soft drinks and beers throughout the day.

Premium Package allows you to drink anything from the beverage menu, international beers, cocktails, wine and prosecco are available all day.


Are Emerald Cruises able to cater to specific dietary needs/intolerances?

Yes, they offer vegetarian options and can cater to most dietary needs if given advanced notice. Please inform your ROL Cruise Specialist of any dietary needs.


What are the dining times on board a Emerald cruise?

In the Reflections Restaurant the dining times are as follows: Breakfast 7am – 9am | Lunch 12pm – 2pm | Dinner 7pm – 9pm. (Dining times may vary).


What shore excursions are included in my Emerald River cruise?

Included excursions are EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities. A selection of DicvoerMORE excursions are available to book on board at a supplement.


Do the excursions with Emerald Cruises require a certain level of mobility?

Some excursions are conducted from coaches, guests must be able to walk up and down the steps.

Walking tours of towns and cities may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Guests with limited mobility will need to be travelling with a companion to assist them as there is limited amount of crew members during shore excursions.


Are Emerald Cruises Star-Ships accessible?

There are lifts providing access to three out of four decks on Emerald Cruises Star-Ships, the Sun Deck is reached via stairs.

Under appropriate circumstances guests are permitted to use a collapsible wheelchair on-board, please advise your ROL Cruise Specialist of any mobility issues in advance.


Is there a shop on my Emerald Cruises Star-Ship?

No, there are no shops on board, but reception will have a small supply of toiletries, gifts and souvenirs available at a supplement.


Is Wi-Fi included on my Emerald cruise?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, public spaces, staterooms and suites, however it cannot be guaranteed.


What is the baggage allowance on board a Emerald cruise?

Each guest is permitted one piece of checked (hold) baggage with the width and height not exceeding 62” Inches/160cm and the weight not exceeding 20kg/44lbs.

Additional baggage may be permitted at a supplement.


Is there an Emerald Cruises loyalty club?

Yes, as soon as you return you will be enrolled into the EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty club. This includes exclusive benefits, savings, advance notice of new itineraries and more. You will earn point every time you travel with Emerald Cruises and the more points you have the higher the tier, and more benefits.


Is there a pool on board my Emerald Cruises Star-Ship?

Yes, the pool is open from 6am until 6pm every day and on selected evenings it will be transformed into a cinema.

The Emerald Radiance sailing on the Douro River has a serenity pool on the sun deck, it does not have a cinema or Riverview Lounge.


Last Updated: 10/08/2022

* Terms & Conditions

View cruise line T&C's

Prices are based on two adults sharing, may increase or be withdrawn at any time. Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable. Offer is not combinable with any other off er and applies to new bookings only. Tours are subject to change and may not be suitable for guests with mobility restrictions. Subject to the cruise line’s T&Cs. A flight credit is included and may incur an additional supplement, flights may be indirect. The Platinum Drinks Package applies to on board drinks only, and excludes champagne, wine by the bottle (over €25) and mini bar beverages. Included flights are in the form of flight credit and may be at a supplement. Regional flights may incur supplementary costs and may require an additional overnight stay. Meals are included as stated: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. Cruise Miles T&Cs apply. E&OE.

Champagne Gift Box is one per booking, for Ocean View Staterooms & above on cruises of 7 nights & above, for Mainland UK addresses only.

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