Danube River Cruises Travel Tips
- Avoid overpacking for a Danube River Cruise. The staterooms on river cruise ships are usually under 200 square feet in size, so you’re better off packing smart with mix-and-match outfits.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes. If you’re not worn out after a full day of sightseeing, you might want to work off those lavish four-course dinners with a brisk walk on the deck.
- Don’t overschedule. It can be tempting to sign up for every optional excursion on a Danube River Cruise, especially if you’re a first-time visitor to Europe, but give yourself time to relax on the sun deck and admire some of the best views on the continent.
- Budget for shore excursions. While Danube River Cruises are typically all-inclusive, some guided excursions may attract additional charges. Factor this in when you’re planning your vacation budget.
- Chat up the staff. The ship’s crew have been to the ports dozens of times. They’re the best people to get recommendations on offbeat places to explore or best restaurants to try.
How Much Does A Danube River Cruise Cost
In general, river cruises are inclusive of many things, like wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and walking tours in each city. We’ve written extensively about the cost of river cruises, overall, and what to expect in that regard.
Danube River cruises, depending on the cruise line, can cost anywhere from $1,200 per person based on double occupancy of an onboard cabin, to upwards of $7,000 per person for double occupancy.
Sometimes you’ll find them at lower starting prices, depending on the season and depending on the cruise line. The level of luxury of the cruise line and length of the cruise could also be determining factors for Danube River cruise cost.
Best European River Cruise Destinations
With more navigable rivers than any other region in the world, river cruising is one of the most rewarding ways to discover the majesty of Europe. Europe’s major rivers include Eastern Europe’s Danube, The RhineMainDanube Canal, in Bavaria, Germany, connects the Main and the Danube rivers across the European Watershed, incliding Rhine, Moselle and Elbe. France’s Seine, Saone and Rhone rivers also are popular for river cruises together with the Douro, one of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula.
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Danube River Cruises With Saga
If you head off on Danube cruises you’ll be given the opportunity to take in various ports of call, enjoying optional excursions around the region. All cruises with Saga are tailored specifically for the over 50’s, but with careful consideration to the diversity of the age bracket.
What makes Saga different to other tour operators is that the majority of our Danube cruise packages include a range of extras. For our longer river cruises, we include our VIP door-to-door travel service for FREE. Take a look at whats included.
Our carefully picked Danube River Cruises offer different ways of cruising this beautiful river, depending on where you want to start and end up and how long you want to go for.
Danube River Cruise Lines & Companies
For those interested in a river cruise down the Danube, there are several options available. Price, attractions, and the people in your travel party are just a few considerations to take into account when deciding on the best Danube River cruise line for your trip. Some of the most popular companies that service the Danube river include Tauck Tours, Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, and Adventures by Disney.
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Apt Luxury River Cruises Review Which Recommended Provider
Like Scenic, APT is another Australian river cruise company offering luxury river cruises in Europe and Asia. But in addition to the luxury cruises, APT also has an essential cruising tier for those wanting to see the sites for a little less expense. It didnt rate poorly in a single part of our survey, but customer service and the quality of food on offer are really where it really stands out.
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Is A Danube River Cruise Worth It
100%, yes!!! We love river cruising. Though it may not be for everyone, it’s a real winner for us. There are several great things about river cruises in general, and we do a great job of spreading the word about what to expect on a river cruise if it’s your first time.
But in terms of the Danube River, in particular, it’s a beautiful river that offers fantastic ports and charming scenery as you sail. It’s also one of the most popular European river cruise itineraries. You may stop at some classic big cities depending on your itinerary, like Budapest and Vienna. You’ll certainly stop in incredibly charming smaller cities you may not otherwise have visited along the way no matter your Danube River itinerary.
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Browse Telegraph Travel Solutions 2021/2022 Danube River Cruises
Flowing through ten countries, more than any other river in the world, the Danube is the centrepiece of many of Europes most beautiful cities. On a Danube river cruise you will explore these cities, and unearth glorious countryside, picturesque towns and historic sites along the way.
Admire the grandeur of Vienna, experience the distinctive cuisine of Budapest, or follow the river to its mouth on our Black Sea cruises. With an array of itineraries ranging from seven to 24 nights, youre bound to find a fabulous journey on the Danube.
We have a number of four- and five-star cruises available, so browse our selection of the best Danube river cruises and discover the stunning scenery of Europes second longest river.
Get More For Your Money: Here Are The Best Times For A European River Cruise
February 10, 2020 By Britton Frost
Are you planning a river cruise in Europe on your upcoming holiday? Before you book your flights, know that some months are better for river cruising than others. You need to consider factors like water level and temperature. By choosing the right month to cruise, you can save money. Plus, youll likely have a better experience when the weather and crowd levels are optimal.
Ready to plan your river cruise in Europe? Keep reading to learn which months are best for sailing some of Europes most popular rivers.
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River Cruises Along The Danube
The chance to explore a wide variety of stunning European cities is undoubtedly the biggest draw for Danube cruises. Be it tasting tantalising local delicacies, exploring centuries of rich history or marvelling at majestic natural wonders, you can be sure of a truly memorable journey. Bask in nature amid the region’s various vineyards, dense forests and picture-perfect valleys, and pay a visit to its many cathedrals, palaces and medieval sites. Explore winding tributaries and captivating views from the comfort of your elegant vessel before soaking up vibrant culture, local traditions and arresting architecture as a guest aboard our enchanting Danube River cruises.
What Is The History And Importance Of The Danube River
The Danube River, also known as the Blue Danube, has served as an important natural resource for thousands of years. It begins in Germany’s Black Forest area . The river goes on for 1,770 miles through 10 countries. Its mouth flows out to the Black Sea between Romania and Ukraine, right by Moldova.
The ten countries it flows through are Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. It gets its name from the Celtic word that means to flow, which is danu.
Highlights while sailing on the river include the Wachau Valley, which is a UNESCO Cultural Landscape , and the Iron Gate in the Balkans, between Serbia and Romania.
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Highlights Of The Danube River
A Danube River cruise unveils Europes rich and dramatic history. Glittering cultural capitals, lush vineyards, magnificent monasteries and endless scenic splendor line the rivers banks. Here are some sample highlights you will see with Viking:
- Enchanting Passau, set where three rivers meet
- Lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley
- The baroque splendor of Melk Abbey
- Viennas elegant architecture
- The splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig
- Scenic beauty of the picturesque Danube Bend
- Budapests stunning Chain Bridge and Parliament Building
- Soaring cliffs of the scenic Iron Gate
- Romanias rural culture and rich folklore
- Belgrades impressive Kalemegdan Fortress
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Emerald Waterways Review Which Recommended Provider
If you like the sound of Scenics river cruises but are put-off by the cost, youll want to consider its more cost-conscious sister, Emerald Waterways. All its ships have been built within the last 10 years, so its no wonder they were highly rated for spaciousness and facilities. The food is top-quality, too, making Emerald Waterways a great option for a slightly more wallet-friendly European river cruise.
, or read our full Emerald Waterways review for more information.
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Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Which Recommended Provider
Scenic specialises in luxury river cruises in Europe and Asia. It’s not cheap, but there are no nasty surprises because everything’s included in the initial price, including gratuities, 24-hour room service, private butlers and a concierge laundry service. As a result, the company still earns four start out of five for value for money.
As a WRP, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has committed to promptly refunding customers for cancelled cruises and offering alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries change due to travel restrictions.
You have a choice of at least two excursions at every stop. And while on board, you’ll be treated to high-quality cabins, excellent food and friendly and helpful staff. Customers told us that ‘being looked after from start to finish made the holiday care-free’.
Passengers also raved about the five-star passenger-to-space ratio, so you’ll never feel cramped on board
Should I book with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours? Yes. Fantastic staff, food and just about everything else add up to a brilliant cruise, if you’re willing to pay.
Where Does A Danube River Cruise Start And End
The embarkation and debarkation points of your exact cruise depend on the precis Danube River cruise you book.
However, some of the most popular cruise lines and itineraries start in Budapest, Hungary and end in Nuremberg, Germany. Or they do the opposite cruise, from Nuremberg to Budapest.
Yet the Danube River is a sizeable length, as we mentioned at over 1,700 feet! And there are many more itineraries to consider that have different starting and ending points.
These include:
- Bucarest to Budapest
- Amsterdam to Budapest
- Vienna to Nuremberg
- Vienna to Prague
A journey between points like Amsterdam and Budapest will typically be a longer cruise than 8 days . It also starts in The Netherlands, where the Danube River doesn’t exist yet, so you partially sail on other waterways.
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Danube River Cruise Insurance
No matter which cruise line or itinerary you choose for you Danube river adventure, you should consider purchasing insurance to protect against unforeseen hiccups along the way. While plans and policies vary, river cruise insurance can cover many of the prepaid, non-refundable costs associated with your trip. This can include situations like lost/stolen baggage, connection delays, and other travel mishaps. River cruise insurance is especially important for travelers going on walking excursions or bike tours, since accidents can happen and you’ll want to be prepared just in case. Get a quote today and compare prices, coverages, and options with our unbiased recommendation engine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budapest River Cruises
A. You can book your Danube river cruise online.
A. When it comes to Danube River Cruises, we recommend trying the sightseeing cruise, the cruise with live piano, or a combo ticket with multiple attractions.
A. Yes. There are many Danube river cruises in Budapest that offer sightseeing, complimentary drinks, meals, guided tours, and entertainment.
A. Choose from a 75-Minute Danube River Sightseeing Cruise, 90-Minute Danube Evening Cruise with Welcome Drink, 3-Hour Panoramic Cruise with Drinks and Live Folklore, 75-Minute Danube Cruise with Pizza and Unlimited Beer, and more.
A. Danube River Cruises take about 75 minutes to 3 Hours, depending on which cruise you choose.
A. On a Danube River Cruise, you can enjoy historic bridges like Margaret Bridge, Chain Bridge sites like Margaret Island, Danube promenade landmarks such as The Parliament house, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Buda Castle.
A. Yes, the Danube River Cruises come with optional hotel transfers.
A. Danube River Cruise tickets start as low as 11.
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Danube August 2022 Tour Reviews
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We took a Danube tour in Aug 2017 and had a fantastic time! Great staff, well organized,
The Beautiful Blue Danube
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Our first cruise we are Australians who speak a little French and quite happy to
The beautiful blue Danube
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Super Kreuzfahrt. Alles bestens organisiert. Nette Crew, zuvorkommende Bedienung,
6 days Passau-Vienna-Budapest-Passau
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.”
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Cities Along The Danube River
As one of the longest rivers in Europe, The Danube flows by some truly incredible cities and towns. Because of this, you can expect a lot of variety when it comes to routes, port calls, and excursions. Youll be sure to find the right Danube cruise itinerary for you interests though a love of European history is fairly common among those who choose Danube river cruises.
1. Budapest Almost every Danube river cruise stops in Budapest. This city is a delightful hodgepodge of edgy youthful bars, classic museums, active outdoor options, historical sites, and family friendly activities. Dont miss Great Market Hall, especially if youre shopping for gifts and souvenirs, and many shore excursions will include Gellert Hill a short but very uphill walk for wonderful panoramic views over the city.
2. Vienna Beautiful Vienna has everything you could be looking for from a classic Western European city. With buildings awash in white and gold, palaces, parks and tree-lined cobblestoned streets, and known for opera, theater, and classical music, Vienna is like a fairytale. Danube river cruise excursions in Vienna may often include concerts.
4. Belgrade Serbias capital, Belgrade is an ancient city with a lively nightlife, edgy art scene, and many unique historical sites. Belgrade may not be everyones cup of tea, but it sure is an unforgettable destination.
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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 , 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.
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Adventures By Disney River Cruises
Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style. Specially designed itineraries and Adventure Guides create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Adults-only dinners and wine tasting experiences along with teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, trivia nights, and Junior Adventurer dinners provide entertainment for guests of all ages.
The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there’s family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day. A day in Salzburg ends onboard with “The Sound of Music” film and singalong. After an Oktoberfest celebration and captain’s farewell dinner, the cruise ends the next day.
The Best European Luxury River Cruise Lines
The major success story in the cruise industry in recent yearshas been that of river cruising, with a huge increase in vesselsintroduced each year, additional itineraries researched andoperated, and the sudden expansion of quality river cruise vesselsthroughout Europe and further afield.
So many companies are jostling for position, claiming to be thebest, that it’s hard as a consumer to make a judgement on which tochoose. First of all, a quick rule of thumb – you get what you payfor! If something looks cheap, that’s either going to be because itis out of season , or becauseit is of an inferior quality.
Whilst in the ocean going cruise market it is quite easy todifferentiate from brand to brand, when choosing a European rivercruise, you will be more likely to find many similarities. If youare paying top dollar, you should expect included shore excursions,included drinks with meals, included gratuities, localentertainment, a lecture programme, whisper headsets and bicyclesfor passenger use. In our opinion, the following companies are thevery best luxury river cruise lines in Europe:
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