The Danube is a major European waterway, and it runs from Germany in the west to Romania in the east.
Further, it has many tributaries, including the Elbe, Vltava, Oder, Moldau, Drava, Sava, and Tisa rivers.
These waterways flow into the mighty Danube, which then flows out towards the Black Sea. This is where the best Danube River Cruises happen.
Danube river cruises are a collection of unique travel experiences on small boats and ships across the Danube.
Usually, the best Danube river cruise is from the Black Sea to the Blue Danube.
The cruise fair covers food, drinks, and accommodation. Lastly, the cruise starts in Budapest or Vienna.
What are Danube River Cruises?
The Danube River cruises are a pleasant river travel experience.
Often, the cruise takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Austria, Hungary, and Romania on this long journey along the Danube River.
You enjoy your time in these countries and get to know more about their culture and history.
This tour includes visits to Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Cluj-Napoca, Zagreb, and Belgrade. Besides, the cruise also offers some optional activities such as visiting castles or museums.
The cruises comprise a few numbers of travelers who share rooms with other guests.
Plus, they offer comfortable accommodation for all types of people, including families, couples, and solo travelers.
Luckily, all meals are on cruise fare, so there’s no need to worry about spending money while traveling. Many things make the cruise unique, like;
- Experts design its itinerary
- The friendly staff members who take care of every guest individually
- The delicious food served at each meal
- The relaxing atmosphere created by nature surrounds them.
One thing about the Danube cruises is the ever-changing view they provide. As you move from country to country, you can see unique sights and meet new cultures.
Truly, these tours allow you to explore places where you would not have otherwise gone. If you want to learn more about the world around you, this is the right choice!
Which Is The Best Danube River Cruises?
The best Danube river cruise varies based on different factors.
For example, the Danube offers cruises for senior citizens, which differ significantly from the youth cruises that offer a more active vacation experience.
As such, youthful cruises are usually cheaper than older ones and have fewer amenities.
Although the cruises can feature unique aspects, I liked the Danube river cruise from the Black Sea to the Blue Danube.
The cruise lets you explore Europe centrally while enjoying some of its most beautiful sights.
Better still, the cruise ships for this cruise have an excellent crew who will help with any questions or concerns you may have during your trip.
Additionally, the cruise has many activities, including swimming pools, saunas, fitness centers, restaurants, lounges, casinos, and spas.
This is a 10-day cruise onboard MS Vivaldi. The ship features the main deck, upper deck, and middle deck.
Usually, the main deck has a casino, spa, restaurant, shops, library, gymnasiums, conference rooms, theater, pool, sunbathing area, and jacuzzi.
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Besides, there’s also a small lounge where guests can relax in between excursions. On top of all these facilities, it also includes free Wi-Fi access throughout the entire vessel.
Onboard the ship, you’ll find two dining options: buffet-style and à la carte.
Buffet meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, tea, juices, and desserts. A la carte dinners comprise three courses plus dessert.
You can select the type of food you want to eat at each meal. For instance, if you’re looking for something light, opt for the Mediterranean menu.
However, if you prefer Italian cuisine, go for the classic option.
Other Top Danube River Cruises
Apart from the Black Sea to the Blue Danube cruise, other cruises are available with exceptional features.
Also, the Danube river cruise companies offer amazing ships and boats for travel. Let’s explore them!
1. The Vilshofen to Budapest Cruise
Don’t hesitate to make memories of cruising from Vilshofen to Budapest. It’s an exciting journey with musicians, poets, and artists available to entertain you onboard the ship.
The cruise is a great way to see the Danube River in its natural state and visit some beautiful towns along the river banks.
Again, you can also enjoy delicious Hungarian cuisine while onboard.
While on this cruise, one legendary feature you come across is the 2000 year city, mines, and castles near the Danube River.
This area has people who have lived off fishing and farming.
Additionally, there are many historical sites here, including Roman ruins, medieval fortresses, monasteries, and churches.
These places give you insight into how life was like back then.
These historical sights include Castle Hill, Buda Castle, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Gellert Bathhouse.
MS Amamagna is the cruise ship for this travel, and it features amenities such as Wi-Fi internet access. Plus air conditioning and a TV lounge.
All features are modern! Moreover, all rooms have private bathrooms, hairdryers, minibar, safe deposit box, telephone, and much more.
This cruise also offers seven nights of luxury aboard MS Amamagna. During your stay, you’ll be able to explore the beauty of Hungary through guided tours and excursions.
Your trip starts when you arrive at the port of Vilshofen, where you board the boat.
Onboard, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained during your time away.
Enjoy live music performances, poetry readings, art exhibitions, cooking classes, and so much more!
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2. Danube Waltz
Initially, you may wonder whether the Danube can deliver the best cruise experience. Surprisingly enough, it does!
The Danube is not only one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers but also its longest, with more than 1,000 islands along its course.
What does this mean? While cruising, you explore limitless landscapes and enjoy various activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the river banks and hiking in nature reserves.
Plus, cycling through vineyards and visiting castles are other activities.
Besides, you enjoy shopping for souvenirs, participating in festivals, watching spectacular sunsets over the Danube River, and relaxing by the poolside.
This cruise is an 8-day journey onboard the Viking River Cruises ship M/S Discovery from Vienna to Budapest.
You will visit some highlights of Austria and Hungary, including Bratislava, Prague, and Krakow.
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This tour includes sightseeing tours, excursions, museums, walking tours, boat rides, and cooking classes.
You also visit the famous Opera House in Vienna, which renowned architect Otto Wagner designed.
In addition, you have time to shop at local markets and sample traditional cuisine during your stay.
3. Eight-day Christmas Markets Cruise
One of the most awaited European events is the Christmas Markets. This is a season of happiness and merrymaking.
Thus, the 8-day cruise for charisma Markets fits well in the season.
Europe holds the markets from November to January. They have become an integral part of German culture since Prince Albert I of Prussia introduced them in 1841.
In Germany alone, there are over 300 such markets with about 1 million visitors every year.
Usually, the cruise starts from Budapest and ends in Vilshofen. It has a perfect combination of shopping, sightseeing, and relaxation.
Again, you can enjoy the beauty of this region while you shop at these charming markets.
There is a lot of time to relax onboard during your holiday. Enjoy the festive atmosphere onboard!
MS Amasonata is the cruise ship for this journey. Amasonata offers her guests comfortable accommodation options like cabins or suites. Each cabin comes with a balcony.
All rooms feature a telephone, bathrobes, and air conditioning. More features include satellite TV, hairdryer, safe deposit box, slippers, and toiletries.
All these amenities make your travel exceptional.
One thing I liked was the swimming pool on the top deck. It’s open 24 hours a day so that everyone can use it whenever they want.
Also, the buffet restaurant serves delicious food throughout the day. So, if you want to eat something different, go downstairs and order what you fancy.
There are many activities available onboard, including:
• Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center
• Spa & Wellness Centre
• Indoor games room
• Cinema
• Live music performances
If you are looking for an unforgettable experience with adventure life, this is the cruise!
What’s Included On A Danube River Cruise?
The Danube river cruise has plenty of things included. First, the cruise fare includes all meals, drinks, and entertainment onboard and shore excursions.
Additionally, the ship also offers free Wi-Fi access throughout its public areas. Again, the transport for the cruise is part of what is included in your package.
What’s more? You are picked up at any major airport or train station by an air-conditioned minivan taking you to the port where the boat departs.
Once aboard, many activities are available, including sightseeing tours, cooking classes, spa treatments, and more.
There are even special events such as concerts and parties held during certain times of the year.
All this can make it easy to forget about packing anything when traveling with family or friends. If you choose river boat cruises on the Danube, then the experience is amazing.
Where Does the Danube River Cruise Start and End?
Commonly, the Danube river starts in Austria and flows through Hungary before entering Romania. The Romanian part of it is called Dunărea.
The Danube has a length of about 1,500 km with an average width of 20-30 m. It drains into the Black Sea at Constanța port.
As such, you have a lot to explore across the entire region: from the mountains, forests, or cities.
You can also visit historical sites like Sighișoara castle, Brasov fortress, and Sinaia resort.
Even though the river has a starting point, you can still choose a cruise with a unique starting point.
What Is The Cost Of A Danube River Cruise?
The cost for a Danube river cruise varies depending on where you are in Europe and what type of accommodation you choose.
The average price per person, including all meals and entertainment is roughly £1,000 – £2,500 per week.
This includes flights to Budapest from London or Manchester and transfers between airports/train stations and hotels. It doesn’t include any extra costs such as visas and insurance.
Another thing that makes the cost vary is the season of travel. If it is a high peak season, Danube river cruise companies may increase prices by 50%.
If your dates fall during the low season, there could also be discounts available.
FAQs
What Do I Need To Know About The Danube River Cruise?
During the Danube river cruise, you learn that there is a big difference between Danube East and West. Plus, you learn to greet or say hello to your neighbors.
Additionally, the Danube cruise docks you in weird places, which makes the adventure fun. Note, however, the most scenic area is often overcrowded, especially during the peak season.
What Is The Weather Like On The Danube In April?
April is that month when travelers get treated to high temperatures of up to 19 degrees Celsius. However, the month has an average of 15 degrees celsius on the high while 6 degrees celsius during the low season.
During this period, the best wears are shorts, polo shirts and skirts among other clothes.
What Is The Best Time To Cruise The Danube?
The perfect time to cruise the Danube is during spring and fall. That is April to May and September to October, respectively. Travelers who prefer adventure won’t get bothered with the seasons and can travel any time of the year.
Although you fight through immense crowds during spring and fall, it is still an opportunity to have fun and interact with many people from different parts of the world.
The best Danube river cruises are those that take you through some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery.
You visit different locations and explore the beauty of Europe on a boat or ship trip along this magnificent waterway.
In addition, you interact with nature closely as you see wildlife such as otters, birds, fish, turtles, dolphins, whales, seals and crocodiles, in their natural habitat.
If you yearn to travel on a cruise, the best is the Danube.
You can choose the itinerary and enjoy the majestic views and great hospitality during your travel. Choose the best cruise and get the best services.
