A Grand River & Ocean Voyage: Norway's Northern Lights & the Enchanting Danube River

SAVE UP TO $3,440 PER COUPLE* - BOOK BY 31.08.26
  • history
    DURATION
    23 days, 22 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    23 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    22 nights
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    DEPARTURE MONTHS
    February 2027 - March 2027
  • Chase the Northern Lights – Witness Norway’s spectacular Arctic skies.
  • Discover enchanting cities, culture and scenery along Europe’s iconic river.
  • Ocean & River Adventure – Experience the best of both worlds aboard luxury cruises.

Dancing auroras over Arctic fjords, imperial palaces glowing gold, and baroque abbeys above misty riverbanks – this dual voyage unites Cunard and Emerald.

From Southampton, embark Queen Elizabeth for a voyage in search of the Northern Lights, tracing Norway’s dramatic coastline to remote Arctic ports beneath star-strewn skies. Time at sea unfolds in timeless elegance, while ashore the wild beauty of the far north awaits, from snow-capped peaks to atmospheric harbourside towns.

Then, from Passau, sail the Danube in the effortless comfort of Emerald Star, where each turn of the river reveals a different chapter of central Europe’s history, from imperial architecture to fairytale abbeys and timeless medieval old towns. Hotel stays in London and Munich ease the transition between ocean and river, offering a rare pairing of two exceptional cruising worlds in one seamless holiday.

Photos

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London

Inclusions/Exclusions

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Full-Board Ocean Cruise

  • 12 night full-board cruise on board Queen Elizabeth
  • Overnight in port in Narvik & Tromsø

Full-Board River Cruise

  • 7 night full-board river cruise on board Emerald Star
  • 20 meals including 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
  • Welcome and farewell reception & dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
  • Overnight port in Budapest and Passau

Hotel Stays

  • 1 night four-star stay in London at The Tower Hotel, London
  • 1 night four-star stay in Munich at the Steinberger Hotel
  • All hotel stays include breakfast

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

  • Overnight flights
Your fare excludes:
  • Travel Insurance

Itinerary

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Day 1: Fly Overnight to London

Your holiday begins as you fly from Australia to your destination.

Day 2: London:

Hotel StayTouching down in England’s capital, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. London sprawls along the Thames with timeless grandeur, its royal palaces and historic streets setting the tone for the journey ahead. Overnight: The Tower Hotel, London

Day 3: Southampton: Embark Ship Today, you’ll step aboard Cunard’s elegant Queen Elizabeth. Delight in gracious service, refined amenities, sumptuous dining venues, and an array of enriching pursuits as Queen Elizabeth embodies timeless sophistication and understated grandeur. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Queen Elizabeth

Day 4 - Day 6: Relax At Sea

Day 7: Narvik:

Overnight in Port Sailing into Norway’s Arctic north, Narvik sits framed by snow-capped peaks, its dramatic wartime history and mountain scenery making it one of the most striking stops of the voyage. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Queen Elizabeth

Day 8: Narvik

A second day in Narvik offers further opportunity to explore this rugged fjord town, from its harbourside setting to the surrounding mountains, before continuing on through the Arctic landscapes. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Queen Elizabeth

Day 9: Tromsø: Overnight in Port

Known as the Gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø sits within the aurora zone, its harbourside setting and distinctive Arctic Cathedral making it one of the most atmospheric stops of the voyage. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Queen Elizabeth

Day 10: Tromsø

A second day in Tromsø offers further opportunity to explore this Arctic outpost, from its waterfront promenade to the surrounding fjords, before continuing your search for the Northern Lights. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Queen Elizabeth

Day 11: Relax At Sea

Day 12: Bergen

Bergen’s colourful wharf, Bryggen, forms one of Norway’s most recognisable views, its wooden buildings and narrow lanes tracing centuries of maritime trading history. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Queen Elizabeth

Day 13: Stavanger

Set against shimmering fjord waters, Stavanger blends a lively harbour with a preserved old town, where whitewashed timber houses line cobbled lanes. As the gateway to the Lysefjord and famous Pulpit Rock, it balances coastal charm with rugged adventure. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight: Queen Elizabeth

Day 14: Relax At Sea

Day 15: Southampton - London: Disembark & Munich Hotel Stay

Disembark and transfer to London for your flight to Munich, where you’ll check into your hotel for an overnight stay ahead of the second leg of your journey. Meals Included: Breakfast Overnight: Steigenberger Hotel

Day 16:Passau: Embark Ship & Overnight in Port

Transfer to the river and embark Emerald Star, your floating base for the coming days. Settle in as the ship prepares to trace the Danube north through the heart of central Europe. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Emerald Star

Day 17: Passau

At the meeting point of three rivers, Passau charms with its Italian-influenced old town and pastel-hued waterfront, a fitting final flourish before the Danube leg draws to a close. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Emerald Star

Day 18: Linz

Austria’s third-largest city blends a handsomely preserved old town with a forward-looking arts scene, offering a different rhythm to the grander stops earlier in the cruise. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Emerald Star

Day 19: Melk

Perched above the river, Melk is dominated by its baroque abbey, a striking landmark that has watched over the Danube valley for centuries. Wander the quiet streets below at your leisure. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Emerald Star

Day 20: Vienna

Once the seat of the Habsburg empire, Vienna greets you with grand imperial architecture, elegant coffee houses, and a musical heritage that still fills its concert halls today. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Emerald Star

Day 21: Bratislava

Slovakia’s compact capital reveals a charming old town of pastel facades and cobbled lanes, watched over by the hilltop silhouette of Bratislava Castle above the Danube. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Emerald Star

Day 22: Budapest: Overnight in Port

Straddling the Danube in dramatic style, Budapest dazzles with grand boulevards, thermal baths and a skyline of domes and spires, making it one of the most spectacular overnight stops of the voyage. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight: Emerald Star

Day 23: Budapest: Disembark Ship & Fly Home

Your holiday complete, today you’ll bid farewell to your ship and head to the airport for your flight home. Meals Included: Breakfast

* Please note that cruise itineraries are subject to change at any time by the cruise company and are not guaranteed

Dates and Prices

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This Cruise departs from Southampton and has multiple departure dates

Prices below are for 26 Feb 2027 departure:

  • Inside / Emerald stateroom from $9,999 pp twin share / $15,499 pp sole use*
  • Oceanview / Emerald stateroom from $12,999 pp twin share*
  • Balcony / Emerald panoramic Balcony from $12,999 pp twin share*
  • Grill Suite / Emerald Grand Suite from $16,999 pp twin share*

Prices below are for 04 March 2027 departure:

  • Inside / Emerald stateroom from $10,699pp twin share /$16,199 pp sole use*
  • Oceanview / Emerald stateroom from $13,699 pp twin share*
  • Balcony / Emerald panoramic Balcony from $13,699 pp twin share*
  • Grill Suite / Emerald Grand Suite from $15,199 pp twin share*

* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Accommodation

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Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth

When Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II conducted the naming ceremony in her own honour in October 2010, she continued a marvellously regal formal cruising tradition. Cunard has maintained all the refined styling, amenities and service associated with the Golden Era of cruise sailing and added modern facilities, leisure, and entertainment opportunities.

Stunning accommodation and the most exceptional fine dining you’ll ever experience at sea are highlights of the glorious Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. You could dance the night away in the Queens Room at a themed ball, enjoy Afternoon Tea served by white-gloved waiters, or watch a polished production in the Royal Court Theatre. You’ll have three main gourmet restaurants to choose from, promising gastronomic delights to suit all tastes. And with spacious accommodation and two lovely pool areas, along with the Mareel® Wellness & Beauty sanctuary, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and relaxing cruise.

Inside / Emerald Stateroom - Cunard Queen Elizabeth’s well-appointed inside staterooms offer a haven of comfort and style for you to enjoy during your voyage. You’ll find thoughtful features and luxurious amenities throughout to ensure that extra special touch.

  • A half bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
  • 24-hour room service
  • Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow
  • Satellite TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Tea & coffee making facilities
  • An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
  • Bathrobe and slippers

Oceanview / Emerald Stateroom - Beautifully positioned to offer spectacular sea views, Cunard’s Oceanview staterooms provide a private escape from which to enjoy the sights of the horizon. The perfectly framed views are the ideal backdrop to your luxurious surroundings.

  • A half bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
  • 24-hour room service
  • Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow
  • Satellite TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Tea & coffee making facilities
  • An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
  • Bathrobe and slippers

Balcony / Emerald Panoramic Balcony - Escape to your own private outdoor space in one of Cunard’s obstructed-view Balcony staterooms, where you can sit back and feel the crisp sea air on your skin. Complete with fabulous features and thoughtful amenities, you’ll be sure to be well looked after.

  • A half bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
  • 24-hour room service
  • Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow
  • Satellite TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Tea & coffee making facilities
  • An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
  • Bathrobe and slippers

Grill Suite - Delight in breathtaking sea views that can be enjoyed from both inside and outside your Grill Suite. A voyage with a Grill Suite reservation offers a whole new level of indulgence, with fine dining experiences and exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Terrace.

  • Complimentary room service
  • Satellite TV
  • Illy coffee machine and world atlas
  • Bathroom with bath and shower
  • Complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
  • Velour robe and slippers
  • Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow
  • A selection of fresh fruit, delivered daily
  • Sparkling wine and chocolates to welcome you on board
  • Your own Grills Concierge for the duration of your stay
  • A spacious private balcony with table and chairs to relax in
  • A seven-pillow concierge menu
  • Freedom dining in the Princess Grill restaurant
  • Optional in-room dining from the Princess Grill menu

FAQs

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When will I receive my booking confirmation?

Your booking confirmation and receipts are generally sent within 24–48 hours of booking.

When is the final payment due?

The final payment date depends on when your booking was made. Your confirmation invoice will show the applicable payment dates and any instalments due.

Can I make payments towards my holiday before the final payment date?

Yes. You can make payments towards your holiday at any time before the final balance is due.

When will I receive my travel documents?

Tickets and final travel documents are generally sent by email around 2–3 weeks before departure.

What luggage allowance do I have?

Your luggage allowance depends on the airline and fare booked. The applicable allowance will be listed on your booking confirmation and travel documents.

Can I request special dietary requirements?

Yes. Imagine Cruising can generally accommodate a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Requirements should be advised as early as possible.

Can I request wheelchair or mobility assistance?

Yes. Airport and cruise-port assistance can be arranged before departure. Contact Customer Support as early as possible to discuss your requirements.

Can I upgrade my cabin or flights?

Cabin upgrades are subject to availability. Flight upgrades can also be requested through the Imagine Cruising Concierge team.

What are the different cabin types?

The main cabin categories are Inside, Outside/Oceanview and Balcony. Inside cabins have no window, Oceanview cabins have a window or porthole, and Balcony cabins feature a private balcony.

Can I book shore excursions before my cruise?

Yes. Shore excursions can generally be booked through the cruise line's website before departure or onboard, although pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Do I need a visa for my holiday?

Visa and entry requirements vary depending on your itinerary and nationality. You are responsible for ensuring you have the correct travel documentation before departure.

T&Cs

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Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

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Prices per person from

A$9,999

A$15,499