Boston, MA, October 2014 – Emerald Waterways, Europe's first new river cruise company to launch in six years, announces a brand new itinerary for 2015: “Enchantment of Eastern Europe.” The 10-day voyage travels from Budapest to Bucharest along the Danube, passing through Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Travelers can experience a different kind of beauty in Eastern Europe than they would expect to find on a more typical river cruise through the continent. Here, shadows of the past tell tales of strength and resolution in war-torn villages, towns and cities alike, and travelers gain a deeper understanding of a time before the peace and beauty that now shines through the region's most popular destinations. Departures on April 18 and July 23, 2015 travel from Budapest to Bucharest, while departures on April 23 and July 28 travel in the opposite direction. Prices range from $3,085 to $5,480 per person, double. Travelers who book by October 31 can save $250 off the price of their trip.

The voyage includes seven nights aboard one of Emerald's “Star-Ships” and two nights lodging in Bucharest and encompasses some of Eastern Europe's most historic and enchanting towns. Panoramic views of the cosmopolitan city of Budapest seen from onboard provide an epic start to the journey. In the historic Hungarian city of Kalocsa, a visit to a horse farm showcases the exceptional riding skills of the local Maygar horsemen. Travelers looking for authentic experiences will enjoy a home-hosted lunch with a local family in Vukovar, Serbia, a city that suffered heavy damage during the Croatian War of Independence. A tour of the Serbian capital of Belgrade uncovers a turbulent history to this culturally rich city. Journeying through the Iron Gate—the narrow gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains, which also forms the Serbia-Romania border—and touring the historic Bulgarian towns of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi provide the opportunity to view spectacular scenery. A guided tour of ancient Silistra in Romania takes travelers to a Roman tomb, an Ottoman fort and a medieval fortress, and two days in Bucharest give guests plenty of time to explore the city's many historic and cultural landmarks.

Emerald Waterway's inclusive pricing plan means guests don't have to worry about daily budget or mounting costs. The Enchantment of Eastern Europe sailing includes two nights at the Novotel Bucharest or similar hotel; seven nights in a stateroom or suite, all with a river view; two shore excursions either by foot or first-class coach; two EmeraldPLUS experiences, including lunch in the home of a local family; 22 meals, including nine breakfasts, five lunches, one special lunch, five dinners and two highlight dinners; complimentary tea and coffee available onboard at all times; complimentary bottled water in suites and staterooms, restocked daily; a variety of onboard evening entertainment; first-class service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides; complimentary WiFi onboard; and all port charges and airport transfers within Europe.

Emerald Waterway's new ships – Emerald Star and Emerald Sky – each carry 182 guests in 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two built for solo occupancy. Unique items include an onboard heated swimming pool with a retractable roof, which transforms into a movie theater in the evening; two restaurants – Reflections, the main dining room, and The Terrace for breakfast and lunch; and a new type of cabin design that replaces the run-of-the-mill French balcony, common to most ships, with an indoor balcony complete with decked area and an ingenious open-air system. The system allows guests to push a button and the upper half of the floor to ceiling panoramic window drops down to allow an open-air opportunity; top suites separate the balcony from the cabin with sliding doors. Ships also feature an onboard hairdresser, massage therapy room and fitness area.

As part of the Scenic Tours Group, Emerald Waterways is backed by the award-winning expertise of the world's leading luxury river cruise operator. Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel agent; on Emerald Waterways' website, www.emeraldwaterways.com; or by calling the US consumer/travel agent reservations line (855-222-3214). Brochure orders may be placed on the website, or a digital downloadable version is available.

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Gillies and Zaiser
10 Nytko Drive
Pomona, NY 10970-2646
EW-09-October 2014