Melodies of the Danube 2027

Welcome to our Melodies of the Danube journey!

We are so excited to share this adventure with you. Over the coming months, this page will be your home base for trip updates, important deadlines, travel tips, excursion information, and everything you need to prepare for our unforgettable voyage through some of Europe's most beautiful cities and countryside. Whether you're counting down the days, planning your excursions, or simply dreaming about strolling through charming villages along the Danube, we're here to help every step of the way. We can't wait to experience this incredible journey together and make memories that will last a lifetime.

— Helen & Cindy, Happy Horizons Travel

Optional Land Extension

At our traveler meeting, Joni asked about the optional pre-cruise land extension, so we wanted to share a little more information for anyone interested.

PRE-CRUISE LAND EXTENSION: For an additional $680 per person, you can extend your European adventure with two extra nights in beautiful Budapest before the cruise begins. This package includes accommodations at the Budapest Marriott Hotel, Dorothea Hotel, Autograph Collection, or a similar premium property, daily breakfast, a guided sightseeing tour of Budapest, and your transfer to the ship. It's a wonderful opportunity to settle into the time zone, explore one of Europe's most stunning cities at a relaxed pace, and begin your vacation before embarkation day.

POST-CRUISE LAND EXTENSION: For an ADDITIONAL $1080 per person, transfer from the ship in Vilshofen to Regensburg with city tour, and then on to Prague for 3 nights at the Marriott (or similar), including city tour, Czech beer tasting and daily breakfast.

Deadline to add the optional land package: July 20, 2026. Please contact Helen or Cindy if you'd like to add it to your reservation. NOTE: Helen and Cindy will not be hosting the optional land options. We will be joining you on the ship!

Final payment due: April 15, 2027
In the unfortunate event that you may have to cancel, cancellation deadline for partial refund: March 20, 2027 ($200 of your deposit refundable)
Trip protection must be purchased by July 6th, 2026 to take advantage of the "pre-existing conditions waiver". Trip protection without the pre-existing conditions waiver can be added before the final payment is made.
Airfare will be issued 90-60 days prior to departure.
Cruise Check-in will be available 60 days prior to departure.
Excursions can be picked out after cruise check-in is completed
Willmar travelers: shuttles will be made available from Willmar to Minneapolis airport at a rate of $50 per person round trip. Please make sure to let Helen know to add your name to the shuttle roster. Schedule will be published after air tickets are assigned in the spring of 2027.
Please make sure your passports are valid through January 2028 for travel in Europe.

Important Deadlines

24/7 Travel Assistance

Are you prepared for "What Iffs"

Travel Tips

Chubb Mobile App Overview

The "Whys" and "Whats" of Trip Protection

You asked, and we listened!

During our traveler meeting, several people asked for a suggestion for a credit card to use while traveling internationally.

While everyone's financial situation is different, we wanted to share a card that our family has used successfully for international travel and continues to be our personal go-to choice. One of the features we appreciate most is that it does not charge foreign transaction fees, which can add up quickly when traveling overseas.

The link below includes several card options, ranging from no annual fee to cards with modest annual fees and additional travel benefits. We encourage you to review the options and choose the one that best fits your travel style and financial goals.

As always, we're sharing this simply as a resource that has worked well for us—not as financial advice—but we thought it might be helpful as you prepare for our European adventure together.

Capital One Credit Card

Recommended International Credit Card

Know Someone Who Might Want to Join Us?

We have one male traveler, Austin, who still needs a roommate for the cruise. This creates a great opportunity for another gentleman to join the trip without paying a solo traveler supplement.

If someone you know has been thinking about traveling to Europe, now may be the perfect time to invite them along. If they reserve by June 30, they will still qualify for our special group pricing and the $599 AirPlus roundtrip airfare promotion with transfers (capacity controlled).

Know someone who might be interested? Have them contact Helen or Cindy soon—we'd love to chat with them!