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Danube River Cruises

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Slovakia
Tomas Sereda
A quiet autumn morning in Bratislava
Hungary
Zoltan Gabor
Golden sunset lights the famous Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest
Bulgaria
Olena Znak
Explore the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo
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A cruise on the Danube River takes you through lush valleys filed with vineyards, castles, and some of Europe's most culturally rich cities. Extending from southern Germany's Black Forest and 1,777 miles later emptying into the Black Sea, the Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe meandering through or bordering 10 countries including GermanyAustriaSlovakiaHungaryCroatiaSerbiaBulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Moldova. A cruise on any of the river ships that sail the Danube acquaints you with a diversity of central and eastern European cultures and landscapes through classic Danube River port cities like Vienna, Budapest, Passau, Regensberg, Melk and Bratislava. Enjoy wine tasting, bicycling, and walking focused river cruises. Contact one of our Danube River cruise specialists to start planning your dream trip.
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10 Best Danube River Cruises for 2023-2024

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All Luxury Danube Cruises

10 Best Danube River Luxury Cruises

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Magna on the Danube - Budapest to Vilshofen$33998Mar 26, 2023Enjoy a 7-night wine-themed Danube River cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen aboard the MS AmaMagna, visiting Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, and Passau …
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Classic Prague & Danube Delights$401511Jun 21, 2023Take an 11-day trip from Prague to Budapest aboard Emerald Dawn, plus enjoy a 3-night stay and a whole day of exploration in Prague. Also tour to …
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Danube Christmas Markets$42958Nov 29, 2023Feel the enchantment of the Christmas markets that have graced the Danube for centuries. Scenic Amber river ship takes you from Budapest to Nuremberg …
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Danube Waltz$21998Mar 22, 2023View the beauty of five different European countries and explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau during this 8-day …
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Gems of the Danube$47458Apr 13, 2023Enjoy an 8-day luxury cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest aboard the 5-star luxury Scenic Amber. Explore some of the most beautiful cities of central …
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The Legendary Danube$429911Nov 22, 2023Fall in love with the Danube on this 14-day Danube River cruise aboard the MS Amasonata. Discover some of the most important cities such as …
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Delightful Danube & Prague$449910Apr 19, 2023This is an extraordinary journey for aficionados of European history, music and art. Experience dynamic Budapest, imperial Vienna and exquisitely …
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Christmas Markets on the Danube - Cruise Only$36998Dec 21, 2024Join the Amasonata on this unique once-per-year 8-day Christmas cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen. In each town along the way, you'll feel the old …
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The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only$31998Apr 13, 2023Cruise eastern Europe on this 8-day itinerary along the romantic Danube from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amasonata, stopping in cities like …
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The Beautiful Blue Danube$26578May 13, 2023This 8-day round-trip Danube cruise from Vienna aboard the MS Beethoven takes you through central Europe, featuring stops to explore Melk, …
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8 Best Danube - Main - Rhine River Cruises

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Jewels of Europe$839515Jul 19, 2023On this 15-day European river cruise along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, meander past forested slopes, picturesque vineyards, and enchanting …
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Grand Danube Cruise - Cruise Only$619815Mar 27, 2023Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders, and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Step back …
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Splendors of Europe$619515Jun 4, 2023Embark on an unforgettable journey along the famous Danube River and experience traditional Hungarian folklore. Over the next fourteen days, cruise …
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Grand Danube Cruise$669822Mar 26, 2023Board the luxurious MS AmaMagna for a fascinating 15-day Danube River cruise starting in the Czech Republic and visiting Germany, Austria, Hungary, …
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Grand Danube Cruise with Prague$729822Mar 23, 2023Spend two nights in Prague before starting on an enchanting 14-night Grand Danube cruise from Vilshofen to Rousse, which concludes with two nights in …
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Grand Danube Cruise with Prague$849822Mar 31, 2023Travel to legendary locations, beginning with the magnificent Prague. After departing on your cruise, sample Wachau Valley wines, explore the beauty …
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Grand European Tour$399915Mar 27, 2023Join this 15-day Grand European Tour from Budapest to Amsterdam. Explore the beauty, nature, and architecture of Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and …
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Enchanted Europe$895416Sep 4, 2023Embark on Avalon Visionary and sail through Main, Rhine and Danube Rivers visiting Europe’s most beautiful views in Basel, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, …
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All Danube Riverboats

Top Danube River Ships for 2023-2024

5 Best Deals on Danube River Cruises

Guides to Top Danube River Port Cities

All Danube River Articles

Danube River Cruise Tips & Travel Guide

When is the best time to take a Danube River cruise?

Most experts agree that best time to go on a Danube River cruise is during the fall when you'll have best chance for pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and consistent river levels.

Advantages & disadvantages of each each season:
  • Spring - March, April, and May - can be rainy. March can be very cool, but by May temperatures are quite pleasant. Snow melt makes the river levels rise so boats can't pass under bridges, so getting rerouted by bus downstream is a risk.
  • Summer - June, July, August - can be hot and crowded, but longer days let you explore more and see more of the countryside.
  • Fall - September and October - are good for Danube River cruises due to mild weather and less crowding at hot spots. It's best to reserve in advance, as the word is getting out.
  • Christmas - in December, we feature a rare opportunity to see the Christmas markets of the Danube River, where the holiday spirit that has characterized the Advent season in central Europe will come to life for you as you witness these fascinating yule-tide markets.
From January through early March, the temperatures along the Danube and throughout Europe fall between cold and frigid, making this a bad time to visit the Danube region. 

For help selecting the best month for you, please contact one of our Danube cruise experts.
Traveling to the Danube during COVID-19

Before traveling, always confirm conditions in the countries you will be traveling to with your country's official Here are links to resources if you are traveling from: The EU also maintains a list of travel advisories and restrictions when traveling to EU member nations.
Danube Cruises for Solo Travelers

Most river cruises aren't particularly set up for solo travelers, but an amazing time can be had if traveling alone.

Very few riverboats have single rooms and the majority of cruise lines will charge a single supplement fee (usually +50%) in order to occupy a double room onboard. Keep a look out for special deals that waive the single supplement fee on last minute trips and other occasions.
Highlights of the Danube River by Country
Though united by the winding Danube River, each of the countries that we visit on our many eastern European river cruises have a distinct cultural identity. You might recognize these highlights as you visit:
Popular Trip Extensions of Danube River Cruises
  • Czech Republic: The sites of Prague, like Rudolfinum National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the Hundertwasser Dancing House, and the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle, just to name a few. Explore historic Prague including Prague Castle and the city's many ornate bridges over the Vltava River. 
    Is River Cruising Right for Me?
    River cruising isn't ideal for everyone, so consider these factors...

    Pros
    • European civilization was built around the rivers, so these cruises offer a great way to see the main attractions and sites.
    • It's essentially a floating hotel - unlike bus tours, you will awake every morning in a new destination without having to pack or unpack or deal with uncomfortable overnight buses.
    • The price is (basically) all-inclusive (transport, tours, meals are all covered)
    Cons
    • Not ideal for DIY travelers who like flexible itineraries
    • Tend not to go too far from the banks of the river for day-tours
    • Cruise vessels are smaller because of size constraints of locks and bridges
    UNESCO World Cultural Sites Near the Danube River
     
    • Germany: Old Town of Regensburg
    • Austria: Vienna Historic Center, Wachau Cultural Landscape, Salzburg Historic Center; Schönbrunn Palace
    • Czech Republic: Cesky Krumlov Historic Center, Prague Historic Center
    • Hungary: Budapest & Danube Banks, Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
    • Romania: Danube Delta, Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
    Favorite Castles to Visit on the Danube
    • Melk Abbey - Melk, Austria
    • Buda Castle - Budapest, Hungary
    • Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria
    • Palais Liechtenstein, Vienna, Austria
    • St Emmeram Castle, Regensberg, Germany
    Specialized Wine-Themed Cruises on the Danube

    Experience some of central and eastern Europe's most famous and unique wine regions like Austria's Krems and the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a wine-themed cruise on the Danube such as the Melodies of the Danube on AmaWaterway's Amaviola.

    Each voyage features one or two wine experts or onboard sommeliers that will host tastings and food-and-wine-pairings of local wines that complement our visits to historic vineyards, wine villages, wineries, and famed wine cellars of the Danube River valley.

    The Wachau Valley is unique due to its unique man-made stone terraces that enable cultivation of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties on the steep river banks of the Danube. 

    Downriver near Budapest, Hungary, we'll taste exotic Hungarian varieties such as Egri BikaverZierfandler, Cserszegi Fuszeres, and Juhfark. Slovakia, Croatia and Serbia also have local varietals that shouldn't be missed. 

     
    Best Danube River Cruises for Families

    In general, Danube river cruises don't specifically focus on the needs of children, but there are some riverships that cater specifically to children and some cruise lines are open to infants, toddlers and children of any age. 

    AmaWaterway's Amaviola was designed in conjunction with Adventures by Disney specifically with the needs of children and families in mind. Few of the departures during the year are managed by Disney, but the ship and the crew are prepared to create fun-filled voyages for younger passengers. 

    CroisiEurope's fleet of European riverships allow children of all ages including infants, but extras like cribs and high chairs are not provided, so you should consider bringing your own. 

    Contact one of our Danube cruising specialists for help planning the perfect European family river cruise.
     
    Danube Cruises with Wheelchair Accessibility

    Although river cruising on the Danube is not particularly set up for those in a wheelchair or for those with accessibility issues, these riverboats cater to mobility-challenged guests: AmaSerena, AmaSonata, AmaPrima, and AmaCerto have specially designed cabins that have slightly wider doors and modified bathrooms that allow wheelchair access. CroisiEurope's MS  VivaldiMS Beethoven, MS Gérard Schmitter, MS L’Europe, MS Lafayette, and MS Modigliani have elevators and rooms for accessibility challenged guests. It is recommended that you be able to go up or down short flights of stairs in order to make the most of your trip. 
     
    Bicycling Tours Along the Danube River
    For many, the favorite way of exploring the countryside, small village or riverside bike paths in iconic European cities is by bicycle. Our cruises down the Danube give ample opportunities to leisurely pedal your way through Europe. Here are some of our favorite spots:
    Beautiful Blue Danube Cruise
    Melk, Austria - Ride along the picturesque Danube River between Dürnstein and Melk through one of Austria’s Wachau Valley.

    Passau, Germany - take guided bike tour along the Danube from Passau to Erlau passing breathtaking castles & cathedrals.

    Romantic Danube Cruise
    Vienna Austria - ride along the Danube through the Donaupark or the Klosterneuburg Monastery accompanied with tasting Viennese coffee and pastries in a traditional cafe. 
    Linz, Austria take a guided bike tour around the Old City Center, along the Danube River, and past the ultra-modern Ars Electronica Center.  

    From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube
    Further down the Danube ride through historical bike-friendly cities such as Belgrade, Serbia and Budapest, Hungary.
    Meals
    Expect your meals to be served buffet style for breakfast and lunch and sit-down style for dinner. 

    Make sure you are arriving at the meal times indicated on your itinerary. Unlike bigger cruise ships where meal time is flexible, on river cruises you are expected to be punctual as each meal will only be served during the indicated hours. 

    Frequently, you'll be served regional cuisine from the region you are visiting that day. Get ready for some wiener schnitzel in Vienna and goulash in Budapest!
    Seasickness
    If you tend to avoid cruises because the rock and sway of the boat makes you feel nauseous, then a river cruise might be a great alternative - these boats don't really rock too much since they are on a river. 

    If you're still concerned this might be a problem, most people find that packing Dramamine or OTC seasickness medications work well. 

    An alternative might be the pressure point motion sickness wrist bands. 
    Why should I choose a river cruise?
    Comfort, menu, ease of travel, and easy active itineraries that allow you to maximize your European tour are just a few of the reasons that river cruises are gaining such popularity, and the Danube River offers travelers some of the best itinerary options. Never worry about packing and unpacking your suitcase as you travel from city to city, as you wake up each day in a new destination. Plus, these all-inclusive itineraries cover all the bases, from daily activities to meals to luxurious lodging aboard the boat. Some Danube riverboats even offer guests courtesy bicycles. 

    What should I look for on a riverboat?
    Riverboats are quickly improving as the demand for European river cruises increases each year, so the standards you can expect aboard have gone from comfortable to luxurious. While they may not compete with the spaciousness and amenities of ocean liners or hotels due to space constrictions, they offer a unique atmosphere onboard including multiple dining and lounge venues, a panoramic sun deck, and some that even feature fitness centers, pools, and spas. 

    Should I get a room with a balcony?
    While some vessels may offer guests the choice of a room with a balcony, consider that the rooms are already a bit smaller than hotel rooms or other cabins you may have reserved on bigger ships, these balconies tend to cut into the square footage of the room itself, so we recommend that you avoid the extra expense of a room with a balcony (which could end up being hundreds of dollars more per ticket) and either opt for a room with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors (known as French balconies) or the comfort of the panoramic sundeck above.

    What is dining like?
    The Danube River is famous for its rich cuisine, savory wines, and unique specialties, so the chefs work hard to incorporate these regional flavors into the menus for each meal in addition to some international favorites as well, all with fresh, locally grown ingredients. 

    Do river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
    Of course! Anyone who has studied European history knows that most of the major cities were built along the banks of the rivers, but there are also a number of fascinating historical destinations and sites that aren't on the shores of the Danube... but that doesn't mean that you won't get to see them. Once your boat docks at a port, a luxury coach will take you inland to your destination, and the bus fare is even included in your cruise ticket price.

    Will my Danube riverboat have WiFi?
    As the cruise operators improve their vessels, an increasing number of riverboats do have WiFi onboard in the common areas and some even have WiFi access in the rooms (though some operators may charge for access). Since you're traveling through modern cities on your Danube River cruise, if internet access is imperative, you'll easily be able to find hotspots and points of connection during the day tours. Check with your Adventure Life travel agent for more specifics on which boats have WiFi.

    What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
    Europe uses 220v power, which is different from the 110v power that is common throughout North America. You should always check your devices to see if they can handle the voltage, but most devices are able to handle both 110v and 220v without a converter. You will need to bring a plug adapter for the European style plugs that have two round prongs.

    How can I save money on a river cruise?
    Check out our deals page to see the latest promotions, discounts, and deals that we have hand curated for Danube River cruises. Our travel agents are also happy to let you know what the latest promotions are for the Danube destinations or riverboats that you're planning to visit. We recommend that you DON'T try to save money by purchasing a cheaper cabin, as that will usually offer less space and sometimes less comfort, which is not a sacrifice we like our guests to make.

    Are Rhine river cruises a good family vacation?
    Sure thing! Families come in all shapes and sizes, and so do our cruise itinerary options. If you're hoping to do a beer or wine tasting feature in your itinerary, make sure that all those who will be participating are over the age of 18. If you are traveling with younger kids, consider one of the more active Danube River cruises with biking, hiking, and active tour options, or consider the AmaWaterways Adventures by Disney Cruise on the Rhine River. Families with older demographics might prefer the itineraries that focus more on the walking tours. 

    Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to the Rhine River?
    If you are traveling from North America, you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. Most countries do not require a visa for visitors who plan to stay for less than three months, but the rules may change, so we always recommend that you check current European visa requirements.

    How to Choose a Danube River Cruise

    Where to Go?
    The Danube River flows from Germany through some of the most historic regions of Central and Eastern Europe, including Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. Since most of our cruises visit the popular destinations throughout central Europe, the majority of the Danube River cruises only go as far as Slovakia & Hungary. You will likely visit towns like Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Nuremburg, and other German towns. If your cruise connects to the Main or Rhine Rivers, you might also make your way all the way to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

    How Long?
    Danube River cruises average 8 days, which most travelers find to be the perfect length. There are longer Danube River cruises that range in length from 11-15 days. On these trips, you will likely navigate a large portion of the Danube, from the Netherlands through Germany, and into the eastern European countries of Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. Shorter itineraries tend to stay in one or two countries.

    On which riverboat?
    The vessels we have hand-selected for the Danube River cruises were specifically designed to explore Eastern and Central Europe. Their length, comfort, and style reflect classic riverboat design. All of the vessels feature a panoramic sun deck, a lounge and bar, elegant dining rooms, and comfortable air-conditioned rooms. Several of the Danube River boats, including the Amastella, Amaserena, Amasonata, and Amacerto, have an onboard pool. Others feature massage spas and salons. Contact us if you need guidance in selecting the best boat for you.

    What is there to do and see?
    Danube River tours offer all kinds of activities for travelers of all interests. Wine tasting tours are very popular, visiting local vineyards and sampling the regional vintages and unique local cuisine. Hiking and biking in the rolling hills and verdant valleys are active ways to explore the Danube region. And urban exploration and historic tours of the ancient city centers and architecture fill out any central/ eastern Europe itinerary. If you travel during the Christmas season, you will see and experience the treasured Danube River Christmas Markets, which bring centuries of tradition and craftsmanship to life in vibrant artisan markets.
    All Europe Videos

    Cruising the Danube River with Adventure Life

    Reviews of Danube River Cruise Lines for 2023-2024

    AmaWaterways

    Offers guests all-inclusive itineraries with all gourmet meals served onboard in one of the multiple dining areas. There are a variety of social areas including a panoramic sundeck that hosts a walking track and heated pool, a spa and massage parlor, a fitness center, and several spacious lounges and bars. Another major draw of AmaWaterways are their active but not overwhelming itineraries, typically offering at least one activity in each port and also allowing travelers to enjoy a bit of independent exploration on their own time. 

    AmaWaterways Danube River ships are:
     
    CroisiEurope

    They have been around for over 40 years, but their competitively low cruise prices compared to the other operators has made them an excellent option for travelers hoping to authentically experience Europe on a bit of a tighter budget and surrounded by Europeans onboard. Although there is usually just one dining area on each vessel and there are fewer elegant amenities or social spaces, guests find the cabins comfortable and the food nourishing. There are also fewer activity options in each port. 

    Their Danube River vessels are:  
    MS France
    MS L'Europe,
    MS Vivaldi
    MS Beethoven.

     
    Scenic 

    Scenic is an Australian cruise line that also owns Emerald Waterways are famous for their "Space Ships" which are high-tech, modern and beautiful with gorgeous staterooms and multiple dining venues. Innovations include GPS powered self guided tours. They are known for top-shelf all inclusive service.

    Scenic river ships sailing the Danube include:
     
    Avalon Waterways 

    Offering a half dozen "suite ships" with large cabins that measure between 200 square feet and 300 square feet. These Avalon river ships sail the Danube:We love:
    The large windows that open in the suites to create a large open-air balcony.

    The Food. Avalon Fresh is a dining program that includes healthy cuisine including vegetarian and vegan options.

    The Active Discovery program  immerses you into the destinations through active walking, bicycling, and cultural immersion tours.
    Uniworld Cruises Boutique 
    River Cruises


    With lavish, sometimes over-the-top interior design, excellent fine dining with locally-sourced cuisine, and well-run excursions, Uniworld is firmly set at the high end of European river cruising with their three outstanding Danube River ships: 
    Viking River Cruises

    Perhaps the best known European river cruise line with around 60 river ships sailing the continent, 
    Viking River Cruises offers consistently excellent service, accommodations and cuisine at a competitive price point.


    Crystal Cruises

    Known for high-end experiences their river ships feature a number of lounges, beautiful deck space with comfortable loungers and an indoor swimming pool. Their Danube ships include:

    How to Choose a Riverboat on the Danube

    We have hand-selected the most comfortable riverboats that explore the Danube. The average capacity of a riverboat is 160 passengers, with some smaller vessels having an occupancy as low as 100 and some that are around 200 passengers. Every boat features multiple social areas, exquisite food, and friendly crews & guides.

    Bigger riverboats might have more common areas on board, so if having a pool, dance floor, or exercise room is important, then shy away from the smaller boats. The biggest factor in choosing your boat is the itinerary - each boat sails certain routes, so knowing which cruise you'd like to take will make your boat choice much easier.

    Contact us if you need guidance in selecting the best boat for you. 

    How to choose your cabin
    There aren't a lot of options like you might find on a bigger ocean liner, so choosing a good cabin might be a bit easier. The trick is to think about the least noisy areas of the boat. Try to avoid these places when booking your cabin:
    • Anywhere near a lounge, restaurant, bar, elevators, or stairs
    • Cabins above the engine room
    If you want a very upscale room, consider the suites. Just beware that you will pay a premium for these rooms.

    What is it like aboard a riverboat on the Danube?

    On the outside, you'll notice that riverboats strike a contrast with traditional ocean-going cruise ships. Most notably, they are very long, frequently over 100 meters (300 feet), and low having only two or three decks in order to fit under low bridges.

    While not particularly spacious, riverboat cabins are comfortable. All of our featured riverboats offer luxury or first-class accommodations, and most have a big lounge, an open-air sundeck, a restaurant/ dining room area, and some even have pools and hot tubs.

    Days will be spent visiting ports of call, exploring quaint villages and castles, bicycling, wine tasting or cruising along the scenic Danube. Evenings may include concerts and waltzes on the boat and in major cities like Vienna. Most nights are spent in transit to the next spectacular port.

    Danube River Cruise FAQs

    Why should I choose a river cruise?
    If you choose to take a Danube River cruise, you will have an all-access pass to some of the greatest destinations in central and eastern Europe, including all tours, meals, lodging, and transportation on a comfortable river vessel. They take advantage of the down time to make the long journeys, like during meal times or at night. Each day when you wake up, you'll be in a brand new destination, without ever having to pack & unpack your bags. 

    What should I look for on a riverboat?
    Due to space constrictions of Danube riverboats, riverboats generally don't have a lot of amenities like multiple dining areas or casinos, but you can expect to have a spacious sun deck from which to view the amazing sites of central & eastern Europe, a large dining room & bar where you can enjoy the gourmet cuisine, and a pool, spa, or fitness center on the finer vessels. The cabins range from comfortable to luxurious, and you will find that the captain and crew are very friendly and welcoming. 

    What should I expect on a Danube River cruise?
    • River cruises tend to be more structured with less time for independent exploration
    • Danube cruises tend to focus on one specific geographic region of Eastern & Central Europe (unless you choose one of the longer cruises that are more comprehensive)
    • Day activities are "relaxed active," including frequent walking tours and similar activities
    • A more mature crowd - typically baby boomers hoping to enjoy a structured vacation
    • Intimate atmosphere onboard, seldom with more than 200 passengers
    I've been on ocean cruises -aren't river cruises pretty much the same thing?
    Not at all. Not only are there fewer passengers which guarantees a comfortable on board atmosphere with your shipmates, but the boom in river cruises in the last decade has taken the quality, comfort, and design of the cruises to the next level. You shouldn't expect a lot of nightlife or on board entertainment. Not only are the ships smaller and have fewer entertainment areas on board, but the cruise atmosphere is quite distinct as well. Your vessel might have an evening DJ or pianist, but usually not much more. Smaller group size means faster embarking and disembarking at each site and shorter lines. Nightly briefings will give you a peek at the next day's activities and some interesting info about what you will see and experience.

    How many days should I cruise on the Danube?
    Danube River cruise itineraries range from 6 to 20 days in length, and the most popular itineraries are 7 or 8-days.
    A few 6-day cruises sail between Passau and Budapest, and there are dozens of week-long cruises will give you a good sampling of the culture and highlights of the Danube. The longer itineraries of two weeks or more usually explore Germany, Austria, and Hungary, with most venturing further down river to Slovakia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.20-day trips either include extensions to Prague or combine the Rhine River with the Danube in the Ultimate River Cruise

    Are there 5-star riverboats in Europe?
    Whereas seafaring ships have the luxury of spacious deckplans, riverboats on the Danube follow a stricter design with three to four long decks, one dining room, lounge, and bar, and a sun deck on the top level. Because their space is limited and they feature necessarily fewer social areas and amenities, they aren't considered five star vessels. However, this is a quickly advancing business in Europe, so it's likely that within the next few years there will be five-star river vessels, as we already feature a fair number of vessels that are truly luxurious. 

    Should I get a room with a balcony?
    The Danube River can be appreciated in its full beauty from the panoramic sundeck, so balconies don't generally improve the overall experience that much – they will cost hundreds of dollars more and could cost you valuable floor space in cabins that are already smaller than typical cabins on larger ships. A room with a floor to ceiling window or a window that opens can be almost as good on a riverboat. 

    What is dining like?
    All of our featured boats will treat you to some of the finest local delicacies and comfort food, all in the decadent dining rooms/ bars of the vessels. Excellent chefs guarantee a wonderful menu. Ask about our wine themed cruises down the Danube for insight into the top regions, varieties and unique viniculture on the steep river banks. 

    Do river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
    Yes, on most trips. While many of the Danube visitor sites are right on the shores of the river, there are also a fair number that are a bit more isolated. To get to these destinations, you will just take a bus from the river vessel, but this is included in the price. Some cruises may offer optional excursions that have an additional cost.

    Will my riverboat have WiFi?
    Most but not all Danube River boats have WiFi. Most boats have free WiFi, others charge, and some have reception only on deck and not in the rooms. It's important to check with your Adventure Life representative to confirm that your river boat of choice has WiFi.

    What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
    All of Europe uses 220v power, different from 110v power in North America, but fortunately most devices can handle both voltages so you probably won't need a 220v to 110v power converter. You will need plug adapters to convert the two flat prong American style plugs to the two round prong European style.

    How can I save money on a river cruise?
    Save thousands of dollars on your cruise by checking out the latest promotions for your destination on our Danube River Cruise Deals page or by letting one of our travel experts help you find the best deals. Don't look to save money by getting cheaper rooms since the lower class cabins are sometimes less comfortable or simply have less space.

    Can I smoke on board?
    Most (if not all) river cruise vessels ban smoking anywhere inside the boat, including your cabin. Many vessels allow you to smoke in designated areas of the sun deck. Note that there are also smoking restrictions in certain parts of towns and visitor sites. 

    Are Danube river cruises a good family vacation?
    The Danube river is a wonderful destination for families of all ages, but the best cruises for families with children or teens are the active cruises that offer biking and walking tours. Check out our family travel article for more information.

    Are river cruises good for honeymoons?
    River cruises can be an excellent honeymoon option for certain couples, as long as you keep a few key things in mind:
    • The majority of other passengers aboard tend to be around retirement age
    • The itinerary is relatively fixed with daily activities and tours
    • Relaxing and alone time are hard to come by, as you will likely dine with others and be on the move.
    • Staying in your cabin might mean missing tours.
    How have river cruises improved recently?
    If you were on a river cruise through Europe before, then you might be surprised by how much has changed in the last decade. Competition has resulted in:
    • nicer cabins, often with balconies or French balconies (full windows that open)
    • gourmet cuisine
    • more exciting and engaging onshore experiences.
    How Should I Tip On River Cruises?
    Tipping is a personal decision, and no one will force you to leave a gratuity. However, you should know that on European river cruises, this is an expectation. Here are a few guidelines:
    • Generally not included in the cost
    • Tip $20 per guest per day
    • Tip in a lump sum at the end with either cash or or card
    • Give tour guides $3-$5 per tour
    • Give bus drivers $1 per ride
    What is "rafting"? 
    If you've been reading about river cruising, you may have come across the word "rafting", but what on earth does it mean? When certain smaller ports receive more vessels than there are docks, the vessels will line up next to each other and "raft." Passengers will then cross other ships to board and de-board. Don't worry - this is normal and you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. Just make sure to glance out your window to make sure there aren't any ships beside you before throwing open the curtains in the morning in your birthday suit!

    Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to the Danube?
    All citizens of North America traveling to Europe need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. In recent years, it has not been necessary to apply for a visa before traveling to Europe if you plan to stay less than three months, however, this situation may change in the future. See current European visa requirements.

    What should I pack and dress for the cruise?
    Pack to be comfortable for walking in the season you are traveling. Pack one nice outfit for an upscale dinner, usually the last night of your cruise. Otherwise, you can expect casual attire to be appropriate for the cruise.

    Don't leave home without...
    • Toiletries, razor, hygiene products, medications
    • Extra contacts and glasses (just in case)
    • Plug adapter for two/three circular pin 220V European style outlets
    • 2-4 pairs of comfortable pants
    • One week’s worth of shirts (t-shirts and dress shirts)
    • Enough socks and underwear to avoid laundry
    • Sweater or sweatshirt
    • Waterproof jacket or lightweight raincoat
    • Sunscreen and bug spray
    • Sun glasses and a wide brimmed hat
    • Camera, lenses, accessories (like a charger, extra battery pack, memory cards, and cleaning kit), binoculars
    • Umbrella
    • A couple pairs of comfortable walking shoes
    If you still have space in your suitcase, consider bringing...
    • First aid kit
    • Day trip bag (or small backpack – maybe your carry-on)
    • Travel alarm clock (if your phone doesn’t have an alarm)
    • Sleeping clothes
    • Plastic bag for dirty clothes


    Why go through Adventure Life?
    Sure, we know that you can plan a great vacation independently. But any veteran river cruiser will tell you to always work with an agent - the tour operators let us know about exclusive deals. Plus we're here to help you through the whole process. Got a question? We're just a phone call or chat away.

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