The MS Kleine Prinz delighted passengers in 2007 and 2008 and thus she returns for a third season in 2009. Though small in size (2 passenger decks, total capacity of 90 passengers in all outside twin cabins, and a crew of 25), she is mighty in charm. The “Little Prince” boasts of cabins that are 16m2 in size (172 sq. ft), making them some of the most spacious cabins available on a first class river vessel! But the attraction is not just the cabins, it is the superb itinerary where you will sample 6 countries and 5 capitals, all in a leisurely 10 night sailing! All your meals, basic sightseeing tours, lectures, and nightly entertainment from our superb on board gypsy group is included in your price-----which is hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars less than our competitors! So if you would like an in-depth cultural and entertaining experience – welcome aboard – BUT BOOK EARLY BECAUSE DEMAND IS HIGH FOR THIS ONE!
Day 1: USA - Europe Overnight flights from the US to Vienna, Austria.
Day 2: Vienna, AUSTRIA Embarkation after 4pm Welcome to Austria! Upon arrival to Vienna airport, transfer to the port for check-in. Prior to dinner, meet your fellow passengers and Cruise Staff for an information meeting. Then enjoy your first dinner on board, followed by a well deserved rest. (D)
Day 3: Vienna, AUSTRIA Your morning city sightseeing tour will introduce you to the most attractive sights of this “Imperial” capital. Starting with Hundertwasserhaus, you will continue on to Belvedere Palace for a tour of the grounds and gardens. Then it’s on to the city center via the Vienna Ringstrasse to view famous architectural gems such as the State Opera, the Parliament, the Burgtheatre, the Votiv-Church and others. The next stop will be in the old center of Vienna to view St. Stephan’s Cathedral and take a walk through the pedestrian zone from Graben and Kohlmarkt to Michaela Square ending at the entrance of the Hofburg (Imperial Palace). From this point, continue past the Spanish Riding School to Albertina Square, where you will see the State Opera and the famous Hotel Sacher. Then it’s back on board the bus for a drive past the famous "Prater" with its Giant Ferry Wheel. Return to the ship in time for lunch. The balance of the day is at leisure. You may choose to explore Vienna on your own or purchase an optional tour. Set sail for Bratislava, Slovakia around midnight. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Bratislava, SLOVAKIA Welcome to Slovakia! Enjoy a morning panoramic city sightseeing tour, including St. Martin's Cathedral, the Castle and Primate's Palace. The sightseeing will end with a walk through the Old Town, Michael's Gate, Michael's Tower, Main Square, Old Town Hall and Slovak National Theatre. Enjoy some free time for shopping and strolling before returning to the ship for lunch. Set sail. In the afternoon enjoy a wine tasting party featuring a selection of high quality but lesser known wines from Hungary, Serbia and Romania, accompanied with live music from our on board Gypsy Band! Dinner on board and an evening free to waltz the night away! (B, L, D)
Day 5: Budapest, HUNGARY Welcome to Hungary! After breakfast, your morning motor coach tour of this lovely city will include the most popular sights: The Parliament Building, St. Stefan Cathedral, the Opera, and the town park with the Vajdahunyad Castle, etc. There will be stops at the Square of Heroes (the Millennium monument), the Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellert Hill. Return to the ship for lunch. The balance of the afternoon is free to explore on your own or participate in one of our optional excursions. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Budapest, HUNGARY After breakfast depart on your excursion to St. Andrej (Szentendre) a small picturesque village (17th century), 25 km away from Budapest. Renowned as a sanctuary for artists, painters and hand crafted arts, the tour will include the Main Square with the memorial cross, the first teaching school in Hungary, Preobrazenska Church, and the Church of the Hill, etc. Return to the ship in time for lunch. The balance of the day is at leisure to visit one of the many museums, people watch in an open air café, or take the optional equestrian show. (B, L, D)
Day 7: PECS (Mohac), HUNGARY From the port of Mohac, a 45 minute bus ride will take you to visit the town of Pecs, a gem of old world architecture, often referred to as the “city for art lovers”. Here you will tour Szecheni Square, Kaptalan Street and the Palace of Lorant including a visit to the catacombs. Afterwards, delight in a wine tasting party at a local wine cellar. Lunch is on board as you set sail to Serbia. In the afternoon enjoy lectures on the Balkans held by our Cruise Manager and end the day with a delightful concert of Gypsy music performed by our on board Gypsy band! (B, L, D)
Day 8: Novi Sad, SERBIA - Belgrade, SERBIA Welcome to Serbia! Your first stop in this “newly” minted country will be in Novi Sad, Serbia’s third largest city after Belgrade and Nis. You will be delighted with this pedestrian friendly town as you join your local guide for a walking tour through the town center. After the tour you will have free time to explore the many nooks and crannies of the town or enjoy a cappuccino and some people watching from the terrace of one of the many open air cafés. Weather permitting, a buffet barbecue lunch will be held on the Sun Deck enabling you to marvel at the gorgeous views of the passing country side as you continue sailing towards the “White City” – Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital! The day is not over yet! On arrival to Belgrade, the day will end with another special treat! After dinner, you will enjoy a private folklore show performed by members of Belgrade’s renown “Talia” ensemble. In between the dances, a special fashion show will introduce you to the wonderful hand made sweaters of “Sirogojno” – made with special wool and local motifs. These sweaters are sold in some of the most fashionable boutiques worldwide for hundreds of dollars as each one is an individual work of art. If you live in cold climates, one of these sweaters would be a wonderful gift for a family member – or yourself! (B, L, D)
Day 9: Belgrade, SERBIA After breakfast on board, your morning sightseeing tour of this lively and vibrant city will include all of the major attractions: Kalemegdan Fortress, looming over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers; St. Sava’s Orthodox Cathedral, perched on a hill which can be seen from every part of the city; the Parliament Building; Princess Ljubica's Manor; Mark's Church; and others. The tour will end with a stroll through Knez Mihajlova Street, the main pedestrian zone full of boutiques, open air cafés and galleries. Return to the ship for a short “pit stop” prior to continuing with your Serbian experience with an excursion to Jarak – where you will meet an authentic Serbian family and enjoy a home hosted lunch. Considered by many past passengers as the highlight of their cruise experience – this once optional tour is now INCLUDED in your program. After the Serbian feast, return to your ship around 6 pm for some alka-seltzer and a well deserved rest! After dinner, do not miss the classical concert performed for you by our on board band in the Panorama lounge! At around 11 pm bid Belgrade farewell as you set sail for Romania. (B, L, D)
Day 10: “The Iron Gate” & Turnu Severin, ROMANIA In the morning hours, you will delight in viewing a great natural attraction, as the ship passes through the highest gorge on the Danube, aptly named the "The Iron Gates". Over 100 km long, this canyon, was a gigantic obstacle to navigation because of its pointed rocks, cliffs, and changing water levels, surrounded with very wild, yet attractive nature. This danger was finally overcome in 1972, with the building of the “Djerdap” Hydroelectric and Navigation System, the largest of its kind in Europe. The Romanian and Yugoslav builders carried out this gigantic construction project by building a huge concrete dam which raised the level of the water from 30 to 80 meters. On both sides of the dam, two locks and two hydroelectric stations were built which today produce an average annual output of 10 billion kWh and enable safe passage for passenger and cargo ships all the way to the Black Sea. A lecture on local history will complement an unforgettable morning. Lunch on board. In the afternoon, you will arrive to the Romanian port city of Turnu Severin renowned for its Museum of Ancient History and as the site of archaeological excavations from Roman times, including the remains of the ancient Emperor Trajan’s bridge. Tonight, its time to celebrate with our festive Captain’s Gala dinner accompanied by the “wailing” sounds of our Gypsy violins! (B, L, D)
Day 11: Vidin, BULGARIA Welcome to Bulgaria! After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to the 13th century fortress named “Baba Vida” (“Grandma Vida”) the best preserved medieval fortress in the country. Then enjoy some free time for strolling and shopping before returning to the ship for lunch and continued sailing. Enjoy an afternoon sailing the Danube. Tonight, after dinner, our Gypsy Band will hold a final farewell concert for you as you dance the night away! (B, L, D)
Day 12: Giurgiu/Magurele - Bucharest, ROMANIA Disembarkation As all good things must come to an end – so does your wonderful cruise adventure! Disembark after breakfast, and depending on water levels, transfer from either Giurgiu or Turnu Magurele to the “Paris of the East” – Bucharest, Romania’s lovely capital! (2 hrs). Upon reaching the city, a panorama tour will highlight the major attractions including; Revolution Square, Arch de Triumph, the National Theatre, the Romanian Athenaeum and others. Stop for photographs at President Ceausescu’s humongous "People's House" (today’s Parliament), the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Then it’s on to to your first class hotel, where after check-in you will have free time to explore this lovely city at your leisure and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants on your own. (NOTE: If taking the optional Dracula Extension you will enjoy your last night in Bucharest AFTER returning from Brasov). (B)
Day 13: Bucharest, ROMANIA – FLY HOME Enjoy a final breakfast before transferring to the airport for flights home. BON VOYAGE! (B)
OPTIONAL “DRACULA” EXTENSION: 2 NIGHT/3 DAY from $699 pp/twin, $799 single
Day 1 (12): Bucharest – Brasov, ROMANIA After saying goodbye to your fellow cruise passengers, board separate buses and head north through the beautiful Romanian countryside with the Carpathian Mountains in the background, towards Brasov, Romania’s second largest city and renowned winter resort. On the way, stop at Sinaia and tour the magnificent Peles Castle, the residence of the last Romanian King. Arrive and check in to your first class hotel in time for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 2 (13) BRASOV: ROMANIA After a buffet breakfast, begin your half day sightseeing tour with a short bus ride to the infamous Bran Castle, the “historic” home of Count Vlad the Impaler – popularized world over in Bram Stoker’s novels featuring the blood-thirsty “Count Dracula”. This imposing castle and the surrounding museum site will both entertain and educate you about the true life figure of Count Vlad, the Romanian national hero who fought the bloody Turkish occupation with equal ferociousness. On the return to the city, stop and tour the unique “Black Cathedral.” The afternoon is free to explore this lively city on your own. In the evening, a special treat is in store as you depart on your farewell dinner. Held in either the town’s oldest cellar or on top of the hill in the Brasov Citadel, your evening festivities will include a full meal featuring Romanian delicacies accompanied by a performance of medieval Romanian folklore or a classical concert performed by members of the Brasov Philharmonic Orchestra. Either one will delight you and end your trip on a most memorable note! Overnight. (B, D)
Day 3 (14) BRASOV – BUCHAREST – OUTBOUND FLIGHTS After breakfast it’s time to check-out of your hotel and board your bus for the leisurely 2 hour ride back towards Bucharest. Depending on your return arrangements, you will either be transferred to the airport to catch your afternoon flights or to Bucharest if staying an additional night*. BON VOYAGE! (B)
INCLUDED: Round trip transfers between Bucharest and Brasov, 2 nights first class 4* hotel accommodations (ARO Palace or similar), 2 buffet breakfasts, 1 dinner at the hotel, sightseeing of Peles Castle, sightseeing of Brasov City, Bran Castle and Black Cathedral, and a special Farewell Dinner with entertainment as well as services of an English speaking Escort throughout.
(NOTE: Prices based on minimum 10 participants - subject to increase if less signed up)
NOT included: Meals other than outlined, costs of a personal nature, Tips to Escort and Driver
Roundtrip economy airfare from US to Europe*
Arrival and departure transfers*
Accommodations for 10 nights/11 days in all outside cabins in category of your choice
Three meals daily starting with dinner/ending with breakfast
Daily afternoon tea and cakes and early morning coffee
Shore excursions, daily sightseeing programs, onboard lectures and folklore performances/music concerts as well as wine tasting and other surprises as outlined in the itinerary (excludes optionals)
Live 3 piece Gypsy band playing each evening
Professional English speaking Cruise Directors and local, English speaking guides throughout.
*Not included in cruise only rates.
INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING TOURS AND SHORE EXCURSIONS:
VIENNA, AUSTRIA: City tour including Belvedere Palace
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA: City tour including Hilltop Fortress
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: City tour and excursion to St Andrej
PESC, HUNGARY: City tour & Wine Cellar with wine tasting
NOVI SAD, SERBIA: Walking tour of the city center
BELGRADE, SERBIA: City tour including Kalemegdan Fortress
TURNU SEVERIN, ROMANIA: City tour including Trajan’s History Museum
VIDIN, BULGARIA: City Tour including Baba Vida’s Fortress
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA: City tour including Parliament House (outside)
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:
Welcome drink on arrival and info meeting
Wine tasting party with concert of Gypsy Music
Lectures on Balkan History and Modern Balkans today
Serbian Folklore performance and fashion show (on board)
Farewell cocktails and Captains Gala Dinner
Farewell classical concert (on board)
NOT INCLUDED:
Port fees and cruise fuel surcharges (listed separately)
Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only (must be arranged and paid for in advance)
Any travel and document fees including Visa requirements (none currently required)
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs, etc.
Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, local guides and other staff along the route.
Any increases in costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as; additional fuel surcharges, exchange rates or Government imposed taxes and fees not known at this time.
MS Kleine Prinz
Our newly added “Little Prince” is one of the best first class vessels around! Featuring cabins and public areas that are up to 40% larger than those of any other comparable vessel,the “Little Prince” offers 45 all outside facing cabins that are 16 sq m in size (172 sq feet!), with picture windows, full size beds, private bathrooms with showers, TV, radio, telephone and hairdryers! The public areas consist of an elegant restaurant that seats 100, a spacious Panorama lounge and bar with big picture windows, a reception and a full sized, wheel chair accessible elevator from the Upper to the Main deck!. A wonderful crew of 25 plus our own Cruise Managers and Gypsy band complement the ship excellent hardware, making this "Little Prince" a super choice for exploring the regions of the Southern Danube!
SPECIFICATIONS
Decks
2
Max Passengers
90
Crew
25
Registry
Germany
Length
93.34 m (306.15 ft)
Width
11.18 m (36.67 ft)
Speed
Deck Plan
Photos
2009 DEPARTURES AND PRICES Rates per person/sharing a twin cabin in CATEGORY “D”
Call 800-640-4899 for Availability
US Departure
Embark
Disembark
Fly home
Cruise Only
W/Air from NYC
Apr 21
Apr 22
May 2
May 3
$2,699
$3,699
May 11
May 12
May 22
May 23
$2,999
$4,099
MAY 20*
MAY 22
JUN 1
JUN 1
$2,999
$4,299
Jun 7
Jun 8
Jun 18
Jun 19
$2,999
$4,299
Jun 27
Jun 28
Jul 8
Jul 9
$2,899
$4,299
AUG 15*
AUG 17
AUG 27
AUG 27
$2,899
$4,299
Aug 26
Aug 27
Sep 6
Sep 7
$2,999
$4,299
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 27
Sep 28
$2,999
$4,199
SEP 25*
SEP 27
OCT 7
OCT 7
$2,999
$4,099
Oct 6
Oct 7
Oct 17
Oct 18
$2,999
$3,999
OCT 15*
OCT 17
OCT 27
OCT 27
$2,899
$3,899
Oct 26
Oct 27
Nov 6
Nov 7
$2,799
$3,799
* Reverse itinerary: Bucharest to Vienna First night in Bucharest Hotel, Second night embark the ship
Port Charges and cruise fuel charges: $180** Air Taxes: Vary from $396-$448 depending on airlines & gateways**
Airfares are ESTIMATES and subject to reconfirmation at time of booking
CABIN UPGRADES:
Category
Description
Upgrade Price PP
"D"
MAIN DECK
$0
“C”
MAIN DECK
$199
“B”
UPPER DECK
$299
“A”
UPPER DECK
$399
Single
Twin Cabin for Single Occupancy: Add %75 of the cabin rate, subject to availability.
Prices always lower than the cruise lines .
We have sailed the ships, slept in the beds, taken the shore excursions and eaten the food. Our prices are lower than the cruise lines. Call 800-640-4899
