Emerald Cruises announced the expansion of its 2023 Europe river cruise lineup.

In response to a growing demand for river cruises, Emerald Cruises is introducing four additional 2023 sailing dates for three popular river cruise itineraries, according to a company statement.

This includes two new sailing dates for the Christmas cruise season where guests have the chance to explore Christmas markets and in various European cities such as Budapest, Hungary, Vienna, Austria and Cologne, Germany. 

The eight-day Christmas Markets cruise on the Rhine is scheduled to depart on December 16, 2023, while another eight-day Christmas Markets sailing on the Danube, departs on November 24, 2023.

The Christmas Market cruise on the Rhine includes visits to markets in Cologne, Koblenz and Strasbourg as well as Amsterdam.  Fares start at $3,395 per person based on double occupancy.

The second festive cruise, on the Danube, includes visits to the Christmas markets in Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia and Regensburg, Germany.

In addition to expanding the Christmas cruise season, Emerald Cruises has also expanded the Douro River cruise season with two new dates for exploring Portugal during the fall.

the eight-day Secrets of the Douro itinerary includes exploring the Douro valley and its vineyards with additional excursions such as a visit to an 18th-century vineyard estate in Quinta do Tedo, a canoeing excursion in Régua and a guided tour of Salamanca and dinner at Quinta da Pacheca wine estate. 

Prices for the Douro itinerary start from $3,395 per person based on double occupancy.