Emergency Banner Component

Danube River Cruises

Our Danube river cruises include wine tasting at private vineyards... visits to medieval towns and riverside castles... and private palace evenings that come alive with music and merriment.

Danube River Cruising

  • ITINERARIES
  • FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to the Danube River

This picturesque "river of kings" carves a winding path through a total of ten modern-day European nations with landscapes characterized by vineyards, forested slopes, wine-producing villages and imposing fortresses that remain a testimony to kingdoms and culture... regal, romantic and ready to welcome Tauck river cruisers.

Tauck exclusive – imperial evening at palais pallavicini, our gala imperial evening at a private palace in vienna.

Built in 1784, the sumptuous Palais Pallavicini is a grand private palace in the heart of Vienna whose magnificent Baroque touches transport you to another time. Join us at the Palais for a gala evening featuring a reception, dinner and classical performances sure to sweep you off your feet... and let you experience firsthand how Europe's cultured classes lived and were entertained centuries ago. And film fans will note that the Palais and its elegant facade served as rogue Harry Lime's postwar Vienna apartment in the Cold War classic "The Third Man."

Bicycling along the Danube

What could be better than a leisurely bicycle ride along the danube.

A leisurely bicycle ride through countryside along the Danube River with your local guide is a perfect way to experience the centuries-old castles and lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley wine-growing region – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes. Our river cruises offer numerous opportunities for cycling along Europe's rivers; every Tauck riverboats has bicycles aboard for use by guests ashore.

Passau, Germany

Beautiful, baroque passau, the "city of three rivers".

The charming Bavarian riverside city of Passau – situated at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers – is the kind of town in which you'll set off on a walking tour with a local guide… and your guide's passion for his or her hometown makes your visit that much more special. Must-sees in this "City of Three Rivers" include the 17th-century Baroque Dom St. Stephan (St. Stephan's Cathedral), with its magnificent pipe organ – the largest in Europe – and the 14th-century Town Hall. Enjoy time on your own exploring Passau's pedestrian walkways through tunnels and archways and along ancient cobblestone streets, to find its wealth of Baroque architecture and beautiful churches, many of which are known for their exquisite stained glass.

Austria's Wachau Valley

The joys of austria's wachau valley along the danube.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes, the Wachau Valley, formed by the Danube River in Austria, invites a leisurely cruise past the lush vineyards of one of the country's premier wine regions… fairy-tale castles… ancient monasteries, like famed Melk Abbey, with its Baroque "facelift" from the 18th-century… and typical, post-card perfect villages like Dürnstein. Take a closer look at its Baroque houses and Romanesque church as you stroll down its one main street… then challenge yourself to an invigorating climb up centuries-old steps to the ruins of hilltop Kuenringerburg Castle, where England's King Richard the Lionhearted was once held for ransom by Austria's Duke Leopold V. The views from up here say all that need to be said about the Wachau Valley…

Hungarian State Opera, Budapest

Enjoy a special tauck visit to budapest's opulent hungarian state opera house.

Andrássy Avenue in the Pest section of Budapest is lined with grandiose public buildings. One of them is the Hungarian State Opera House, commissioned by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph and opened in 1884; its imposing façade is adorned with statues of great composers like Beethoven, Verdi and Mozart, and Hungarian favorite sons Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt greet you at the main entrance. The Emperor himself only attended one event here, but the imprint of his wife, the Empress Elisabeth (known fondly to her subjects as "Sisi"), a great patron of the arts and of the opera in particular, is all over the place – from the general grandeur of its interiors to the private box in which she attended many performances. If you love opera, this is the place to hear it, enjoying some of the best acoustics in Europe. But even if you don't, its sheer opulence makes it a must-see.

Journey Collection

Experience the Danube River with Tauck

Search Again

{{ title }}

{{shortDescription}}

{{longDescription}}

{{priceFrom}}

From Price, Per Person

Price shown is the lowest price per person, double, on most journeys.

No Tours Match Your Room Configuration

Itinerary Related Content

Take a look below for other tours

Please enter a valid search term

No results found for “ ”.

Make sure your words are spelled correctly or use less or different words.

We can't find any itineraries that match your departure date. Try broadening your search by choosing a different year or month.

The keyword's results do not contain the selected date. Please reset the date filter or choose a different date.

Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Inspired by the destination.

For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.

  • River Cruises

Explore the Possibilities

river cruises on the danube 2024

{{whitepanel.eyebrow}}

{{whitepanel.title}}

{{whitepanel.copy}}

{{whitepanel.subtitle}}

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.landjourneys}}

LAND JOURNEYS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.rivercruises}}

RIVER CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.familytours}}

FAMILY TOURS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.smallshipcruises}}

SMALL SHIP CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.taucksevents}}

TAUCKS EVENTS

Cruising the River Danube

The Danube winds its way through the heart of "Old Europe"… where you'll encounter venerable cities that grew along its banks to became bastions of the Habsburg Empire and, later, today's Europe, like Vienna, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Bratislava and Budapest… and go farther afield to explore such gems as Berlin, Salzburg, Munich, Cesky Krumlov and more…

The blue danube, royal danube, berlin & kraków, blue danube: family riverboat adventure, tauck's river cruise guide, danube river facts.

Learn interesting Danube River facts – from the cities along its banks to its history, art, music, food and more.

First Timer's Guide

Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you.

Why Take A Tauck River Cruise

Tauck River Cruising means traveling in good company, exclusive access to cultural experiences, distinctively inclusive pricing and more!

Choosing The Best European River Cruise For You

Find the best European river cruise for you with top-reviewed itineraries navigating all the major waterways from Tauck.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

river cruises on the danube 2024

  • Destinations
  • Antarctica & the Arctic
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Israel & Jordan
  • Latin America
  • United States
  • Tours & Cruises
  • Exclusive Partnership
  • Family Journeys
  • Guest Favorites
  • Small Groups
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Awards and Accolades
  • Our History
  • Tauck Impact
  • The Tauck Difference
  • The Taucker Blog
  • About Tauck
  • Media Center
  • Tutorial Video
  • Agent Connect
  • Register Your Agency
  • General Information
  • Travel Protection
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Order an eGift Card
  • Request a Brochure
  • Tauck Forums
  • Travel and Health
  • Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

 alt=

Danube river cruises

Sail the mighty Danube River through Europe and discover some of the world’s most vibrant and influential cities.

  • destinations
  • central europe
  • danube river
  • Previous page

Explore the delights of the Danube River

Experience an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions on your luxury Danube river cruise. Passing through more countries than any other river in the world, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled tour of Europe on your cultural journey.

river cruises on the danube 2024

Discover sailing the Danube River.

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Danube river cruise. Explore vibrant capital cities such as Budapest, Bratislava, Bucharest, and Vienna, and witness treasured landmarks, from Gottweig Abbey to the Iron Gates Natural Park.

Budapest, Hungry

Bratislava, Slovakia

Iron Gates, Danube River

Melk Abbey, Austria

Discover the Danube River

 a diverse and vibrant land.

Couple exploring the beautiful architecture in Vienna, Austria

Tastes of Europe

Bowl of Hungarian Goulash

Bringing the past to the present

Panorama of Melk Abbey, Austria

Picturesque landscapes

View over the Wachau Valley, Austria

Featured  Itineraries

river cruises on the danube 2024

Danube Delights

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

river cruises on the danube 2024

Danube Explorer

river cruises on the danube 2024

Enchantment of Eastern Europe

river cruises on the danube 2024

Splendours of Europe

river cruises on the danube 2024

Danube Delights & Classic Prague

river cruises on the danube 2024

Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest

river cruises on the danube 2024

Danube Explorer & Munich

river cruises on the danube 2024

Amsterdam to Bucharest - Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube

Emerald Cruises’ Europe River Cruises 2024 Brochure cover

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Stay up to date and be inspired.

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

Cookies help us improve your website experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

Start your journey in typical Germanic fashion with beer tasting in Bavarian Nuremberg, before waltzing down the Danube to the World Heritage-listed city of Regensburg. Cross into Austria to explore Salzburg’s musical past, sample local gastronomy and Schnapps in the Wachau Valley before reaching Vienna’s opulent Palais Liechtenstein, where you’ll enjoy a Scenic Enrich concert in its majestic halls. In Budapest, a Scenic Freechoice city tour immerses you in its distinctive culture or you can journey to Szentendre for a relaxing conclusion to your cruise.

SCENIC RIVER CRUISES - GEMS OF THE DANUBE

the river danube flowing through budapest, the capital of hungary

Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

london, england october 15 lucy worsley attends the good housekeeping live event celebrating 100 years of the magazine, in partnership with dyson on october 14, 2022 in london, england photo by mike marslandgetty images for good housekeeping live photo by mike marslandgetty images for hearst

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

austria, vienna, hofburg, michaelplatz

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

the largest medicinal bath in europe, the szechenyi thermal bath dates from the late 19th century

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

FIND OUT MORE

preview for Celebrity interviews

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Cruise holidays

best river cruises

The best cruises for 2024

discover antarctica on country living's exclusive holiday in 2022

Explore Antarctica with Good Housekeeping in 2024

a boat on the water

Explore Bordeaux on a luxury river cruise

the most beautiful towns to visit on the danube

The most beautiful Danube cities and towns

crusing with susan calman s3 ep 6 and 7 argentina and antarcticasusan calman on antarctica cruise

Cruising with Susan Calman: Antarctica

hurtigruten northern lights

A Hurtigruten Northern Lights birthday cruise

cruise trends 2024

The cruise trends you should know for 2024

japanese woman walking in bamboo grove, arashiyama, kyoto, japan

A guide to Japan cruise holidays

red boat, caledonian canal, corpach 2

How to book a Caledonian Canal cruise

a sunset dusk view of venice stock photo

Why a cruise is the best way to see Venice

uniworld

A look inside Uniworld's opulent suites

Travel Alert Advisory

AmaWaterways

  • WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • DATES & PRICES
  • CONNECTIONS

Overview Melodies of the Danube

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : budapest to vilshofen, cruise from :, countries: austria, czech republic, germany, hungary, slovakia austria, czech republic, germany, hungary, slovakia, rivers: danube, melodies of the danube at a glance.

  • Budapest to Vilshofen
  • Budapest to Prague

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

river cruises on the danube 2024

Experience More Connections

river cruises on the danube 2024

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Lost & Found
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Privacy Policy
  • Unsubscribe
  • Cruise Finder
  • Destinations
  • Vietnam & Cambodia
  • Wine Cruises
  • Golf Cruises
  • Christmas Markets
  • Land Packages
  • Mission Statement
  • Why AmaWaterways
  • The Luxury Of More
  • Already Booked
  • Kristin's Blog
  • Media Centre
  • Travel Agent Portal

Travel Alert Advisory

AmaWaterways

  • WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • DATES & PRICES
  • CONNECTIONS

Overview Magna On The Danube

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise, 7-night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2 nights munich pre-cruise and 2 nights budapest post-cruise, 7- night cruise with 3 nights prague pre-cruise and 2 nights budapest post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise 7-night cruise with 2 nights munich pre-cruise and 2 nights budapest post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights prague pre-cruise and 2 nights budapest post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : budapest to vilshofen, cruise from : vilshofen to budapest, countries: austria, germany, hungary, slovakia austria, germany, hungary, slovakia, czech republic austria, germany, hungary, slovakia, rivers: danube, magna on the danube at a glance.

  • Budapest to Vilshofen
  • Vilshofen to Budapest
  • Budapest to Prague
  • Munich to Budapest
  • Prague to Budapest

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

river cruises on the danube 2024

Experience More Connections

river cruises on the danube 2024

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Lost & Found
  • Passenger Ticket Contract
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Privacy Policy
  • Unsubscribe
  • Cruise Finder
  • Destinations
  • Vietnam & Cambodia
  • Wine Cruises
  • Golf Cruises
  • Christmas Markets
  • Land Packages
  • Mission Statement
  • Why AmaWaterways
  • The Luxury Of More
  • Already Booked
  • Kristin's Blog
  • Media Library
  • Travel Advisor Portal

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Danube Cruises in September 2024

  • Apr '24
  • May '24
  • Jun '24
  • Jul '24
  • Aug '24
  • Sep '24
  • Oct '24
  • Nov '24
  • Dec '24
  • Jan '25
  • Feb '25
  • Mar '25

155 Danube river cruises in September 2024 with 157 reviews

8 days - Imperial Danube (Vienna - Budapest - Vienna, MS Crucestar 4*) Tour

  • River Cruise
  • In-depth Cultural

8 days - Imperial Danube (Vienna - Budapest - Vienna, MS Crucestar 4*)

This tour was wonderful. Hit all the highlights. Definitely recommend.

Romantic Danube 2024 Tour

Romantic Danube 2024

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise) Tour

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

Croisie Europe Douce France Cruise and Staff were excellent (Good choice of excursions, excellent service, delicious food). The Travel Agency Tour Radar was very helpful and fast. The only negative point was that the initial indicated price on the website of Tour Radar, with a discount of 500 EUR was not applied with the Travel Agency, which made the cruise more expensive than announced.

Danube Classics 2024 (including Krems an der Donau) Tour

Danube Classics 2024 (including Krems an der Donau)

Danube Dreams (Eastbound) 2024 Tour

Danube Dreams (Eastbound) 2024

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations) Tour

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations)

Al-Rosa did an excellent job. Food was good and lots of it, the cabin was clean and comfortable. The staff were always friendly and helpful and Sabrina did a great job of looking after everyone and made sure that we were always at the right place at the right time. The tours were great and we enjoyed our evenings in the lounge with music and quizzes by Erich. We had a great holiday!

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Budapest to Passau, 2024) Tour

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Budapest to Passau, 2024)

Melodies of the Danube 2024 Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Melodies of the Danube 2024

Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) 2024 Tour

Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) 2024

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio Tour

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024) Tour

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024)

This was our first river cruise and everything went beyond our expectation. Services: the staff were accommodating and helpful. Tours: various excursions to choose from for different age group and they were well-organized. Ship: beautiful boutique-design ship. The only cons is a slow Wifi connection but it ain't a big deal. There were so many onboard activity that kept us entertaining. I noticed that the cruise operates in eco-friendly manner, i.e. they eliminates sing-use plastic. That's a big plus!!!!

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam) Tour

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam)

Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau) Tour

Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)

We love Amadeus! There is something special, warm and welcoming about this cruise line. We've sailed on multiple other lines and Amadeus is our favorite! Immaculate ships, exceptional crew and delicious food and wines. The chef is very accommodating and tries to cater to every passengers wishes. I can't say anything but positive things about Amadeus! We are about to sail them again in September, 2023 and in April, 2024! Can't wait!

Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat Tour

  • Bike and Barge

Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat

Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2024 Tour

Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2024

What people love about danube river cruises in september.

The tour was very good, the crew were excellent, very helpful, approachable and informative and always available. The tours were great and the Danube is wonderful to cruise on. The food was of excellent quality but the fact that there was no choice on the menu was poor and we feel there should have been an earlier sitting for dinner, and lunch could have been a buffet. The accommodation was adequate but the shower was totally inadequate. We enjoyed the cruise
  • Spring 2024 cruises (118)
  • Summer 2024 cruises (221)
  • Fall / Autumn 2024 cruises (217)
  • Winter 2024 / 2025 cruises (80)
  • Spring 2025 cruises (158)
  • Summer 2025 cruises (156)
  • Fall / Autumn 2025 cruises (166)
  • Winter 2025 / 2026 cruises (89)
  • Danube River Cities: Everything You Need to Know
  • Expeditions
  • Complimentary Brochures
  • Budapest to Regensburg
  • Regensburg to Budapest

Christmas on the Danube

  • From $2,799
  • 6 Guided Tours
  • 3 Countries
  • Dates & Pricing
  • Budapest to Regensburg Regensburg to Budapest

Christmas on the Danube Map

Map of Christmas on the Danube itinerary

Sail to charming cities & villages

river cruises on the danube 2024

Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the “Blue Danube,” highlighting three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, and delight in the city’s joyful festivities.

SPRING SALE

river cruises on the danube 2024

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

Map of Christmas on the Danube itinerary

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

river cruises on the danube 2024

Pre: Budapest

From $599 | 2 Nights

river cruises on the danube 2024

Pre: Budapest Premium

From $1,299 | 2 Nights

river cruises on the danube 2024

Post: Prague

From $899 | 3 Nights

river cruises on the danube 2024

Post: Prague Premium

From $1,199 | 3 Nights

river cruises on the danube 2024

Post: Prague & Nuremberg

From $999 | 4 Nights

river cruises on the danube 2024

Post: Nuremberg

Sign up to receive updates from viking.

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

  • Order a Brochure
  • Special Offers
  • Sweepstakes
  • Travel Advisors
  • Media Center
  • Health & Safety Program
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

  • Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

  • Scandinavia
  • British Isles & Ireland
  • North America
  • Caribbean & Central America
  • South America
  • Mediterranean
  • Quiet Season Mediterranean
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • World Cruises
  • Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

  • Great Lakes
  • Longitudinal World Cruises

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

  • UK Politics
  • News Videos
  • Paris 2024 Olympics
  • Rugby Union
  • Sport Videos
  • John Rentoul
  • Mary Dejevsky
  • Andrew Grice
  • Sean O’Grady
  • Photography
  • Theatre & Dance
  • Culture Videos
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Families
  • Royal Family
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Car Insurance deals
  • Lifestyle Videos
  • UK Hotel Reviews
  • News & Advice
  • Simon Calder
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South America
  • C. America & Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Politics Explained
  • News Analysis
  • Today’s Edition
  • Home & Garden
  • Broadband deals
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel & Outdoors
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Sustainable Living
  • Climate Videos
  • Solar Panels
  • Behind The Headlines
  • On The Ground
  • Decomplicated
  • You Ask The Questions
  • Binge Watch
  • Travel Smart
  • Watch on your TV
  • Crosswords & Puzzles
  • Most Commented
  • Newsletters
  • Ask Me Anything
  • Virtual Events
  • Betting Sites
  • Online Casinos
  • Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

7 of the best solo cruise lines for single passengers

Avoid hidden fees and higher prices with this range of cruise operators that cater to solo travellers, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Cruises are a surprisingly entertaining way to holiday alone

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Cruises are a well-trodden holiday option, offering the opportunity to explore various parts of the world while enjoying the comfort of a hotel on the seas.

These trips are popular with both families and couples, but they can be just as rewarding and enjoyable for solo travellers, giving you as much flexibility as you want along with opportunities to meet like-minded holidaymakers and see some of the world’s finest tourist destinations .

Daily activities will keep you entertained while onboard, while organised excursions or solo trips let you see a magnificent range of towns and cities at your leisure. Solo-specific events mean that meeting other travellers is as easy as sitting down to dinner, while you’ll have a comfortable solo cabin to come back to at the end of each day. Choose the right cruise and you’ll get all of this while avoiding the common ‘singles surcharge’.

If you’ve got the itch to book, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best cruise liners for single passengers below.

Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel operates river cruises around the world, with destinations as far as Egypt and Vietnam . Nevertheless, the focus is on European river cruises , with plenty of packages to the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Douro and Danube on offer. Packages include return flights, airport transfers and all meals onboard, with an extensive range of excursions and activities including guided tours and on-board folk music shows.

Read more on cruise travel :

  • The best Northern Lights cruises
  • The best river cruises around the world
  • The best winter cruise holidays to book

European river cruises are the only option that Riviera offers for solo travellers, with seven routes that cover the continent’s main rivers. Prices include all the same features as a standard booking – such as excursions, onboard meals and Wi-Fi – but with spacious single occupancy cabins and welcome dinners to help you meet people. Solo bookings also include the ‘superior’ drinks package, which gives guests an extensive selection of alcoholic drinks available both at lunch and between 6pm and midnight. The Rhine and Moselle package is their most affordable, starting in Cologne and taking you to beautiful towns like Koblenz and Rudesheim.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers adult-only cruises packed with a huge range of activities, from morning yoga classes to evening cabaret. There are plenty of solo cabins – their inaugural ship, Scarlet Lady, has 46 – and itineraries include solo meet-ups, activities and excursions with plenty of opportunities to meet other single travellers.

Packages include food, drink and activities as standard. With only four ships in the fleet, your choice of destination is slightly more limited, though you can still visit picturesque locations in Europe, the Caribbean , parts of Southern Asia and Australia. The Southeastern Caribbean Isles package will take you on a roundtrip from Puerto Rico, stopping in Guadeloupe, Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian was the first cruise company to build ships with cabins and lounge areas that were specifically for solo travellers, and there are now around 1,000 solo cabins across its ships. Solo travellers can choose from Oceanview rooms, inside rooms, rooms with a balcony and even studios, and they will have access to the Solo Lounge – a private lounge only for guests travelling alone – where various events and happy hours are held.

Normal packages include food and onboard activities, though several bookings let you choose to add extras – from shore excursions to speciality meals or a free bar – for a small added fee. Norwegian sail across a wide range of destinations too, from the British Isles and the Mediterranean to Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean.

Tauck claims to have specialised in solo travel for over 90 years, and today this translates to special solo savings and no single supplement on European river cruises. Travellers looking to see the continent ‘solo style’ can benefit from savings of up to £750, and will enjoy more stylish, contemporary ships with fewer guests for an overall more luxurious experience. Trips cover Europe’s main waterways, and prices include all food, drink, activities and shore tours. Choose the Yuletide package between Brussels and Amsterdam for a festive experience at some of the best Christmas markets – and prettiest waterways – on the continent.

Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador is a new cruise line where trips begin in cities around the UK , including Liverpool , Belfast, Dundee and Bristol. Both Ambience and Ambition have 89 dedicated cabins set aside for solo travellers, available “at a special single supplement against the equivalent twin fare based on selected single cabin categories”. The operator journeys to a vast range of destinations considering there are only two ships in its fleet, with voyages going as far as Singapore , Brazil and New Zealand.

Ambassador’s cruises contain an extensive programme of activities for solo passengers, including a ‘Welcome Get Together’ and guided tours together with other solo travellers. Other onboard entertainment ranges from West End-style shows to comedy nights, with plenty of opportunities to meet others. If cruising during winter, visit Norway to see wondrous fjords and (possibly) the aurora borealis, with the Land of the Northern Lights package.

Oceania has made considerable investment in providing options for solo travellers, with its newest ship, Vista, containing six 270-square-foot solo cabins that include balconies, premium lounge access and a welcome bottle of champagne. It has fitted its older ships with 14 ‘Solo Staterooms’, all of which offer magnificent sea views.

Oceania voyages make it easy to meet like-minded travellers with solo meet-and-greet events, large mixed dining tables, mixed shore excursions and single-traveller activities such as art classes. Destinations range from the Mediterranean and Scandinavia to South Africa and the tropics, meaning solo travellers have opportunities to see a large portion of the world alone. Book the 14-day  Miami to Tenerife cruise  to experience Mediterranean charm and Caribbean beauty in late March. 

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean say that they do not “have specific pricing for single occupancy” cabins, but that they do offer single cabins on some of their ships, including Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas. These cruises “can be reserved by someone cruising alone without the usual single supplement fee”, and they cover an extensive range of destinations, from Europe to the Caribbean and Singapore to Australia.

Passengers can reserve inside studio staterooms, virtual balcony staterooms and super studio ocean view stateroom with balconies, giving them between 101 and 199 square feet of space. Everything else will be the same as usual, meaning you can enjoy the same benefits as every other guests without paying a premium. If departing from the UK, the only tours available take you around Europe; the most extensive is the Mediterranean Cities package, covering Seville, Sardinia, Rome , Lisbon and more.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

  • My Independent Premium
  • Account details
  • Help centre

Douro River Valley

2-for-1 Flash Sale

Available for a limited time only.

Save big on select 2024 sailings of our all-inclusive, luxury river cruises by booking two guests for the price of one. And keep checking back as we release more sailings throughout the month!

This offer ends on May 10, 2024.

"2-for-1 Flash Sale" offer requires payment in full at time of booking and is valid for new, individual bookings on select 2024 itineraries, departure dates, and stateroom categories only. Bookings must be made between April 16, 2024 and May 10, 2024. Offer applies to full-fare bookings only. All fares and savings listed are in US dollars. Savings featured are for cruise or cruise/tour only. Savings featured are per person based on double occupancy, and do not apply to other optional vacation add-ons. Rates and savings vary by itinerary and departure date. Offer is not combinable with any other promotional offer, program, or price protection credits except standard River Heritage Club member savings/benefits. All applicable discounts are applied sequentially; fixed savings amounts are deducted prior to applying any percentage-based discounts. Offer is capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply. Offer expires May 10, 2024.

river cruises on the danube 2024

Burgundy & Provence

8 days | Arles to Lyon

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France.

From* $2,099 per person

2-for-1 Fares on select staterooms

*From price based on November 3, 2024 sailing date

Delightful Danube

8 days | Budapest to Nuremberg

An extraordinary journey for aficionados of European history, music and art.

From* $2,199 per person

*From price based on August 16, 2024 sailing date

river cruises on the danube 2024

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley

11 days | Porto to Lisbon

An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers, with a highlight hotel stay in Lisbon.

From* $2,999 per person

*From price based on July 28, 2024 sailing date

Douro River Valley

Douro River Valley

8 days | Porto to Porto

An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers.

From* $2,499 per person

Stay up to date on all things Uniworld

We'll keep you up-to-date with our latest news, travel inspiration and special promotions.

Privacy Policy

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Request a Quote

We're here to answer your questions about Uniworld cruises and ships, as well as any of our special offers.

Please note that someone from our team will reach out to you based on this request, but unless you have checked the box to continue to receive News and Special Offers, the information you've provided in this form will be used for this request only.

Please view our Privacy Policy for more details.

  • Monday–Friday from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm (PT)
  • Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (PT)
  • Closed on Sundays

Receive our latest offers, news & travel inspiration

We'll keep you up-to-date with our latest news, travel inspiration and special promotions.

IMAGES

  1. Vienna 3.5-Hour Grand Danube River Cruise

    river cruises on the danube 2024

  2. The Best Danube River Cruise with AmaWaterways

    river cruises on the danube 2024

  3. Why Danube River Cruises Are Perfect for Every Kind of Traveler

    river cruises on the danube 2024

  4. Donau cruise

    river cruises on the danube 2024

  5. Cruise on the Danube

    river cruises on the danube 2024

  6. 2022 Danube River Cruise Itineraries

    river cruises on the danube 2024

VIDEO

  1. Legenda City Cruises

  2. Danube River Cruise Movie August 2022 with Riviera Travel

  3. Cruising the Danube River in Autumn

  4. Danube River pt2. pyce (ruse) Bulgaria boats and cruises

  5. Scenic Danube River Cruise with Chris Lincoln

COMMENTS

  1. 25 BEST Danube River Cruises 2024 (Prices

    Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 18th, 2024. Looking for cruises to Danube River? Get the latest deals for Danube River cruises on Cruise Critic ...

  2. 10 Best Danube River Cruises 2024/2025

    Show more. Danube Classics Vienna 2024. Deirdre Ann Collins 9 Oct, 2023. This tour was wonderful. Hit all the highlights. Definitely recommend. 8 days - Imperial Danube (Vienna - Budapest - Vienna, MS Crucestar 4*) Louis du Plessis 11 Aug, 2023. The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed.

  3. 2024 Danube River Cruises

    ADD 3 NIGHTS PRAGUE PRE-CRUISE. $ 900 pp. Cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. COUNTRIES: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary. RIVERS: Danube. view dates & prices request a quote. 8 CRUISES FOUND. Best of Holland & Belgium (2024) 7 - night cruise. from $ 3,699 pp.

  4. Romantic Danube

    Spend two days in Vienna, and celebrate the city's musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. Soak in the healing qualities of Budapest's thermal baths. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the "Blue Danube" is one you are sure to love.

  5. All Inclusive Danube River Cruises 2024/2025

    Explore the Danube River with Tauck, a family-owned company that offers exclusive access to cultural experiences and distinctively inclusive pricing. Choose from various itineraries and departure dates to visit Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, Salzburg and more.

  6. Danube River Cruises 2024

    Danube River Cruises. Sail through the heart of Europe and the beautiful cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Passau on our Star-Ships. View itineraries. ... SEASON: 2024 Danube Delights. Discover Europe's most popular river cruises. From. USD. $2,795* View Itinerary. Munich to Budapest. 8 Days. SEASON: 2024 ...

  7. Romantic Danube

    Visit Budapest's Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria's most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in Vienna, and celebrate the city's musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery ...

  8. 2024 Romantic Danube

    AmaWaterways™ 2024 Romantic Danube River Cruise - Embark from Vilshofen for a 7-night cruise through Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. See Austria's Lake District, explore grand Vienna and Budapest, and so much more. Optional pre/post extensions available.

  9. 2024 Melodies Of The Danube

    AmaWaterways™ 2024 Melodies of the Danube - Embark for 7 nights aboard a luxury river ship to sail the Danube, visiting the capital cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague. ... On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike ...

  10. 10 Best Danube River Cruises in Spring 2024

    Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again! Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest) Find the best Danube River Cruises in Spring 2024 with TourRadar. Choose from 116 tours with 125 real tour reviews.

  11. Danube River Cruises

    Danube River Cruises. Coursing through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea, the Danube is the soul of Central Europe. Join us along these culture-rich banks, whose scenic vineyards, ancient monasteries and elegant cities have inspired travelers for centuries. December 2025.

  12. 2024

    Accommodations. 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the majestic S.S. Maria Theresa or the stunning S.S. Beatrice. Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options.

  13. 10 Best Danube River Cruises in Summer 2024

    Enchanting Danube (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024) 4.7 (3 reviews) This was our first river cruise and everything went beyond our expectation. Services: the staff were accommodating and helpful. Tours: various excursions to choose from for different age group and they were well-organized. Ship: beautiful boutique-design ship.

  14. 2024

    Accommodations. 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stunning River Duchess. Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options. Free Internet and Wi-Fi access.

  15. 2024 Legendary Danube

    AmaWaterways™ 2024 Legendary Danube River Cruise - Embark from Nuremberg for 7 nights aboard AmaSonata or AmaViola. Cruise the Main-Danube Canal, across the Continental Divide and through scenic Wachau Valley to Budapest, your final destination. Optional pre/post land programs.

  16. Pricing

    "The 2024 Cruise Savings Event" offer requires payment in full at time of booking and is valid for new, individual bookings on select 2024 itineraries and departure dates only. Bookings must be made between February 1, 2024 and April 30, 2024. ... River Princess Deluxe Danube Deck. Stateroom Category 3/4. Deluxe - River Princess. Deluxe - River ...

  17. April 2024 Cruises to Danube River

    Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 18th, 2024. Looking for April 2024 cruises to Danube River? Find and plan an April 2024 cruise to Danube River on ...

  18. Romantic Danube

    Expires April 30, 2024. Get available dates and pricing for Romantic Danube river cruises. Book your 2024 Budapest to Regensburg river cruise through Viking Cruises.

  19. Gems of the Danube Scenic River Cruise 2024

    Gems of the Danube Scenic River Cruise 2024. Start your journey in typical Germanic fashion with beer tasting in Bavarian Nuremberg, before waltzing down the Danube to the World Heritage-listed city of Regensburg. Cross into Austria to explore Salzburg's musical past, sample local gastronomy and Schnapps in the Wachau Valley before reaching ...

  20. 10 Best Danube Cruises in June 2024

    The tours were great and we enjoyed our evenings in the lounge with music and quizzes by Erich. We had a great holiday! Show more. Danube Classics Vienna 2024. paula oswald 19 Jun, 2023. 5. 2nd Amadeus river cruise and we loved it. very laidback and enjoyable. German Riverscapes from Passau to Trier (Passau - Trier)

  21. Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising the Danube

    Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. ... Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

  22. The Roster of New 2024 River Ships

    AMADEUS RIVER CRUISES. The company is unveiling a new generation of vessels featuring technical innovations that it said will set new environmental standards for river cruising with the introduction of Amadeus Nova on Rhine and Danube river itineraries in spring 2024. "The Amadeus Nova is our response to the question of whether you can ...

  23. 2024 Melodies Of The Danube

    AmaWaterways™ 2024 Melodies of the Danube - Embark for 7 nights aboard a luxury river ship to sail the Danube, visiting the capital cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague. See Salzburg, the Austrian Lake District, and more. ... Golf and River Cruise truly is a marriage made in heaven. Magna On The Danube AUSTRIA, GERMANY, HUNGARY ...

  24. 2024 Magna On The Danube

    A family-owned company since 2002, award-winning AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 28 ships sailing through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. 'Ama' means love - and we put love in everything we do, from our exquisite locally-sourced cuisine to our variety of included shore excursions in every port to our warm, personalized service. We are also proud of our innovations ...

  25. Experience the Wonders of a European Wine River Cruise

    Savor the unique tastes fostered along these riverbanks on itineraries such as AmaWaterways' Melodies of the Danube Wine Cruise. With journeys specially curated by AmaWaterways Co-Founder and President Rudi Schreiner, who grew up in Vienna, you are sure to experience the best of the hidden gems along the Danube River.

  26. 10 Best Danube Cruises in September 2024

    Enchanting Danube (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024) 4.7 (3 reviews) This was our first river cruise and everything went beyond our expectation. Services: the staff were accommodating and helpful. Tours: various excursions to choose from for different age group and they were well-organized.

  27. Christmas on the Danube

    Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the "Blue Danube," highlighting three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest's Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg, one of Europe's best-preserved cities, and delight ...

  28. Best cruise lines for solo travelers 2024

    Nevertheless, the focus is on European river cruises, with plenty of packages to the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Douro and Danube on offer. Packages include return flights, airport transfers and all ...

  29. 2-for-1 Flash Sale

    Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley. 11 days | Porto to Lisbon. An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers, with a highlight hotel stay in Lisbon. (419) From* $2,999 per person. 2-for-1 Fares on select staterooms. *From price based on July 28, 2024 sailing date. View dates & pricing Request a Quote.