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AmaWaterways Danube River Cruise Review

Mimi Slawoff

The writer was hosted.

It was a warm, sunny day in September and I had just finished a guided walking tour in Bratislava, Slovakia. This charming waterfront city was our second port stop on a seven-night AmaWaterways Melodies of the Danube River cruise onboard AmaSonata. After the tour, my sights were set on a dip in the swimming pool on the ship’s sundeck. The pool became my go-to place after each excursion that week. Amazingly, few people took advantage of the pool so I usually had it to myself. But the pool was just one of many amenities and services that made this AmaWaterways river cruise  an enjoyable one.

The Melodies of the Danube itinerary began in Budapest (Hungary) and traveled to Bratislava (Slovakia), Austria (Vienna, Weissenkirchen – Ybbs – Grein, and Linz); and Germany (Passau to Vilshofen). Pre-cruise land options in Budapest and post-cruise extensions to Prague can be added to the cruise for an additional fee.

About AmaWaterways

Rudi Schreiner, AmaWaterways’ co-founder and president, Kristin Karst, the line’s co-founder and executive vice president, and the late Jimmy Murphy launched the cruise line in 2002.  After years of working at other existing river cruise companies, Schreiner and Karst leaned into their own European background, passion for good food, wine, wellness programs, and the idea of freedom of choice to introduce innovative features for the family-owned and operated AmaWaterways. Their goal was to offer a well-rounded healthy and active river cruise experience that included hiking and biking excursions.

“They wanted to have a river cruise that incorporates all these things,” said Brenda Kyllo, the godmother of AmaSonata.

On my cruise, I had the pleasure of sailing with Brenda, who said that Rudi and Kristin spend 50 percent of their time sailing on the ships, interacting with and getting feedback from guests and crew.

The result? Healthy food and active excursions have attracted a younger crowd, lowering the average age of their guests to about 55 to 65 (about 10 years younger than previously). In addition, with a minimum age of 4 years for sailing with AmaWaterways in Europe, the cruise line is seeing more young people and multi-generational families on their river cruises.

AmaWaterways’ Itineraries

AmaWaterways has over two dozen luxury ships that sail the rivers of Europe, Asia, Africa, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Themed cruises include iconic Christmas markets, Blue Danube Discovery, Gems of Southeast Europe, and Grand Danube Cruise. Wine connoisseurs can discover the Taste of Bordeaux, and the Flavors of Burgundy (debuting in 2024), two of several river cruises in France.

Read More : Castles, River, and Delicious Italian Food in Germany

Sailing on AmaSonata

Built in 2014, the cruise ship has 82 outside cabins and cozy public spaces. There’s an elegant Panoramic Lounge for entertainment and programs, a comfortable library, three dining options, a sundeck with a heated pool and swim-up bar, a fitness center, and a spa and hair salon. In the reception lobby guests check in and out for excursions. There’s also a small gift shop.

AmaSonata Stateroom

I smiled as I walked into my spacious stateroom and saw that I had a private balcony and a sitting area by a French balcony (the doors open for fresh air). I also appreciated the large marble bathroom, a wardrobe with a full-length mirror, and a bed with luxurious linen and pillows. Amenities include a mini fridge, a hair dryer, free wifi, a desk, and a flat-screen TV (not that I needed it with the beautiful passing scenery).

River cruises offer an excellent opportunity to visit not only Europe’s majestic capitals of the Danube but also small medieval cities and towns. Each day there are several shore excursions to choose from. All are included in the cruise fare. And most are half-day so there’s time to discover port towns on your own or relax on the ship. And I loved that I could change my mind at the last minute and switch excursions.

I enjoyed chatting with Cesario Santos, the cruise manager, who was always available to offer tips for choosing excursions and planning our day in ports.  “We try to come up with options for people. We’re very flexible,” he told me.

The front desk in reception was also helpful. When we were docked in Budapest, there was downtime in the afternoon and I was interested in visiting a thermal bathhouse. There were two within walking distance. The young woman in reception suggested the Ruda bathhouse (where locals go). I took her advice and spent two glorious hours soaking in pools in the bathhouse that dates back over 450 years.

Hungary’s capital (dubbed Queen of the Danube) is an exciting city to visit. It was my first visit to Budapest so I joined the guided city tour. We drove through the historic city center, stopped in Heroes’ Square, and later walked up numerous steps to Castle Hill. It was worth the climb to see Matthias Church (Coronation church of Buda) and Fisherman’s Bastion . From there, we had panoramic views of Budapest. I also did some souvenir shopping in the shops.

SheBuysTravel Tip : While docked in Budapest, be sure to shop for souvenirs and regional food items at the historic Great Market Hall.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, is a pretty, waterfront city that’s walking distance from the ship. I took the guided tour and then explored on my own, stopping for a gelato on my way back to the ship. Public art includes a quirky “man in the street” statue.

Although there was a city bike tour available, I opted for the bus and walking tour that brought us to Vienna’s historic town. It’s a fun place to spend a few hours shopping and enjoying sausages stuffed with cheese. While there, Cesario rode up on his bike with a bag of Mozart (Mozartkugel) chocolates for us! I found a store that sells them and bought a bag of yummy chocolates to bring home.

Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with vineyards, apricot orchards, a little town, and castles. It’s also home to the Melk Abbey. I chose the excursion to the medieval town of Dürnstein  on the banks of the Danube River. Narrow cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, chocolate shops, and eateries. I bought a pair of earrings made with stones from the Danube River from a local merchant who said she makes all the jewelry in her shop.

At a small winery, we sat at long tables decorated with softly glowing candles for wine tasting, and later, apricot tasting.

Some guests opted for a hike to the Dürnstein fortress while others took a guided bike tour and pedaled about 15 miles along the romantic Danube River.

While docked in Linz, we had a choice to join a local walking tour or take a full-day tour of either Salzburg  or Cesky Krumlov, in the Czech Republic. It was a difficult decision but I was excited to see Salzburg. Our first stop was in the small town of Mondsee, situated on the shores of Lake Mondsee. Our guide Julia told us that St. Michael’s Church was the site for the wedding in The Sound of Music .

After Mondsee, we left for Salzburg (the name means salt castle or city), Mozart’s hometown. We visited Mirabell Gardens , Old Town, Hohensalzburg Fortress (I rode the funicular to the top), and other top sites. Along the way, Julia pointed out locations where “The Sound of Music” was filmed. (I was surprised to learn that Austrians aren’t familiar with the movie title. Rather, it’s known as “The Trapp Family.”)

That evening we took in a Mozart & Strauss concert presented by the Hofburg Orchestra at the Hofburg Palace concert hall. It was a lovely way to cap off an enchanting stay in Austria.

Passau, Germany

This beautiful baroque city is surrounded by the Danube, Ilz, and Inn rivers. Known as the City of Three Rivers, Passau is a fun Bavarian city to explore. And since the ship is docked at the waterfront, Passau is easily accessible.

A group of us took a guided walking tour with Daniel, a Passau native and high school teacher. We walked along narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes and bicycles (this is a university town, after all) to Old Town where St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the largest organ in Europe.

Dining on AmaSonata

The cuisine was excellent and reflected each region we visited. For example, in Budapest, the chef prepared tasty goulash. Austrian and German dishes featured a variety of sausages, sauerkraut and potatoes. All the food is fresh – baked or made onboard. There is no processed food onboard and more grains are integrated into breakfast bowls.

We usually ate in the Main Restaurant, where guests dine together at large tables. But the restaurant also has cozy alcoves for small groups. In the Panoramic Lounge, a bistro breakfast and bistro lunch are available for a quick bite (especially handy in the mornings before excursions). An all-day tapas menu and afternoon tea are also available here. The Chef’s Table (at no additional charge) is a delight with a fixed menu. Guests can reserve the Chef’s Table upon boarding the cruise ship.

Onboard Entertainment

After dinner, we gathered in the Panoramic Lounge for port talks and entertainment. Some evenings featured Petar, the onboard musician, and other times regional performers. While in Budapest, the Hungarian Folklore Show featured local performers who came on board.

What’s Next for AmaWaterways

After the successful launch of the larger AmaMagna ship in 2019, AmaWaterways plans to increase its presence on Europe’s Danube, Douro, and Rhine rivers by 20 percent in the next two years. The company plans to introduce the AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia on Colombia’s Magdalena River, and AmaLilia on Egypt’s Nile River.

To book an AmaWaterways cruise contact your travel advisor or visit AmaWaterways.com

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Luxury Danube River Cruises

Searching for a five star river cruise experience? Look no further, as our Luxury Danube river cruises will allow you to discover exceptional destinations such as Budapest and Vienna. Taste the adventure and discover new cultures while enjoying premium services and facilities. Read more on luxury river cruises .

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250+ luxury danube river cruises with 166 reviews.

Danube Classics Vienna 2024

We had a generally good experience. Most new passengers board in Engelhartszell, but 17 passengers boarded the ship in Vienna. We boarded in Vienna and didn’t receive new passenger orientation, which includes basic ship, safety and excursion presentations. The crew was very friendly, although it was primarily a German language oriented cruise lines.

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.

Melodies of the Danube 2024

Romantic Danube 2024

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!!!!

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A Taste of the Danube (Westbound)

First class ship, excellent Cruise Director and crew, splendid food, very high standard of guides on included excursions, brilliant virtuosity and entertainment from Pressberger Duo,optional concert in Vienna superb.

A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Vienna (Eastbound) 2024

Well looked after, very good short tour

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Luxury danube river cruise reviews.

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!

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

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!!!!

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Danube River Cruise: Budapest to Passau

• December 4, 2023
• Jack Baumann

The Danube River, often hailed as “Europe’s Main Street,” winds through the heart of the continent, offering an unrivaled passage through captivating landscapes and centuries of history.

Embarking on a river cruise from along the Danube is an odyssey that intertwines cultural richness, scenic wonders, and a profound sense of tranquility.

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The popular route.

There are many different ways to cruise the Danube, but the most common route, which I would recommend myself, would be the 8 day/7 night Budapest to Passau. 

A Danube River cruise from Budapest to Passau isn’t just a voyage; it’s a passage through time, culture, and natural beauty. It’s a mosaic of experiences – from the melodies of classical music and aroma of freshly baked strudel to the embrace of medieval architecture and stunning landscapes, enjoy the tranquility of cruising along one of Europe’s most legendary waterways.

From the cultural richness of Budapest to the quaint charm of Passau, this voyage along the Danube epitomizes the essence of European allure, leaving travelers with an indelible sense of wonder and a treasure trove of unforgettable moments.

This is also a great route because it mixes in big cities like Budapest, Slovakia, and Vienna, with the quaint villages and countryside of Austria and Southern Germany. The stops are also lined up so you get the big cities first and then a more laid back rural experience on the back end, or vice versa if do this in reverse, Passau to Budapest. You also get the benefit of seeing three capital cities on this itinerary which is an interesting contrast.

How River Cruises Work

For those that haven’t been on a river cruise, you’ll love it! I’m a younger man in my late thirties, so I was skeptical thinking a river cruise is just for “old folks”, but that just isn’t true. European river cruises are awesome. River cruises in general are so much more preferable to the big ocean liners that you see in the Caribbean in my opinion.

Your floating hotel is small, often less than 200 passengers, making getting around the ship much more manageable. All meals are included, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and let me tell you the good cruise companies know how to treat. The food is absolutely first class, and by the end you definitely feel like you ate your money’s worth.

Activities and daily tours are also included in most river cruise packages. This makes it easy as you don’t have to think about what you’ll want to see and do, the local guides have it covered. And, if you decide you want to just relax and shop you can opt out of the daily tour and do the town on your own. The flexibility is great!

Recommended River Cruise Companies

Avalon Waterways : A leading river cruise company known for its innovative “Suite Ships” that offer spacious Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall windows, with a focus on luxury, immersive experiences, and personalized service in all the major waterways of Europe.

Viking River Cruises: Viking is the 900 lb gorilla as the world’s largest river cruise line. Renowned for its extensive fleet, immersive itineraries, and emphasis on cultural enrichment, Viking offers a range of European river cruises along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and other iconic waterways.

AmaWaterways: Recognized for its luxurious ships, innovative design, and diverse itineraries focusing on more culinary experiences, active excursions, and cultural immersion, AmaWaterways cruises along various European rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, and Douro.

Scenic River Cruises: Celebrated for its all-inclusive luxury, Scenic offers top-notch amenities, innovative features like balcony suites with retractable windows, and diverse itineraries across European rivers like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine.

Need Some Help?

If you haven’t yet planned or booked your trip yet get professional guidance from a seasoned traveler. We can help plan your trip. From your first flight to your last night, Guidester helps you travel right!

Budapest: The Embarkation Point

The journey commences in Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary, where the Danube splits the city into two distinct halves – Buda and Pest. As the ship sets sail, guests are treated to panoramic views of Budapest’s iconic landmarks: the majestic Buda Castle, the imposing Parliament building, and the striking Chain Bridge illuminated in the evening’s glow.

Typically, cruises will often have a short night cruise through the city. The Hungarian Parliament Building is all lit up which is one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen!

Vienna, the capital of Austria, exudes imperial grandeur fused with artistic and musical richness. Known for its stunning architecture, including the opulent Schönbrunn Palace and the majestic Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna captivates visitors with its historical charm.

This cultural epicenter boasts a vibrant arts scene, classical music concerts, and captivating operas. Strolling through its charming streets adorned with coffee houses, experiencing the aroma of freshly baked pastries, and exploring its world-class museums make Vienna an enchanting destination.

As the ship glides along the river, passengers are greeted by a tapestry of landscapes that evolve from the lush Hungarian countryside to the growing urban center of Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. This compact city boasts a captivating blend of medieval history and modern vibrancy.

The charming Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings, invites exploration of historic squares, picturesque courtyards, delightful cafes and iconic landmarks like Bratislava Castle.

Tranquil Landscapes and Historic Towns

The voyage continues into rural Austria, a land steeped in culture and architectural splendor. Quaint towns with their cobblestone streets and medieval charm, invite exploration of historic squares and picturesque castles.

Passengers revel in the scenic beauty of the Wachau Valley, adorned with terraced vineyards, rolling hills, and the captivating Melk Abbey perched high above the river. The quaint town of Dürnstein (pictured above), known for its blue church tower and rich history, offers a delightful stop to savor local wines and explore its cobblestone streets.

Linz and Passau: Disembarkation

Continuing through Austria is a stop at Linz. Blending historic charm with modern art and technology, Lenz features the Hauptplatz and cutting-edge art at the Ars Electronica Center, as well as stunning views from the top of Pöstlingbergbahn Bergstation overlooking the entire city.

And then, as the voyage navigates into southern Germany to near its end, Passau welcomes travelers with its baroque architecture and the convergence of three rivers – the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. Visitors can explore its historic old town, stroll along the riverbanks, and indulge in the town’s rich cultural heritage, making it a delightful stop on a Danube River cruise.

The Onboard Experience

Beyond the captivating destinations, the river cruise experience itself is typically one of luxury and comfort. Passengers indulge in gourmet cuisine, relax on panoramic sun decks, and enjoy enriching onboard activities such as wine tastings, live performances, and lectures that delve into the history and culture of the regions visited. 

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• Cruise Map - Explore both sides of fascinating Budapest, experience Vienna’s imperial architecture and gracious culture, and tour riverside towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley.
• Budapest, Hungary - Budapest is aptly called “Paris of the East” for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube’s waters.
• Vienna, Austria - This capital city of Austria is filled with green parks, elegant stores, theaters and gracious boulevards.
• Melk, Austria - Set amidst an important wine-growing region with picturesque villages and hilltop castles, the charming city of Melk lies at the confluence of the Danube and Melk Rivers at the base of the Wachau Valley.
• Passau, Germany - Set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to elegant colored buildings and graceful arcades.
• Nuremberg, Germany - The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is filled with Gothic churches and traditional half-timbered houses.

What's this trip about?

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Travel themes.

• Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions.

• Historic sightseeing
• River cruise

Trip includes

• 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom
• 6 guided tours with audio headset
• All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch
• Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Culture Curriculum: Enjoy musical entertainment highlighting Austrian & Hungarian classics; attend lectures on the European Union, Viennese coffee houses and Mozart; learn how to make your own apple strudel
• All port charges
• Free Wi-Fi, connection speed may vary

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Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. Transfer to your ship from the airport.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or do a bit of exploring; if your arrival schedule permits, join an organized walk to Budapest’s famous covered market in the three-story Great Market Hall established in 1897. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Prague, Czech Republic, including a tour of Old Town and Prague Castle.

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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Viking River Cruises .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Viking River Cruises Reviews & Ratings

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Tour operator, viking river cruises.

Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail.

We call this the Viking Experience. It’s the way your bartender has your drink prepared at just the right moment. The gentle guidance from your tai chi master during your lesson in China. Or the handwritten directions from your concierge to the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna. Every aspect of your time with Viking, from expertly prepared meals to carefully created enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships, is planned to bring you closer to experiencing the most from your destination.

With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, we offer behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set us apart from other travel companies.

While we deliver the expected and iconic, such as visits to museums and landmarks, we also go beyond. On every itinerary, you can experience local life through such excursions as home-hosted visits or trips to local markets. We also offer the opportunity to see the working world of bakers and artisans, and the option for our guests to experience priviledged access to museums, private collections and after-hours events that we thoughtfully curate.

DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION

Our daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people of the land.

GAIN GREATER INSIGHT

Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. Our Culture Curriculum, an enriching onboard program, infuses every cruise and brings history to life.

CAPTURE THE CULTURE

Accompany us on a shopping trip to the local market. Walk through the door of a centuries-old cathedral or visit a contemporary art museum. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. Our tastings and demonstrations expand your mind and satisfy your senses.

EXPLORE ASHORE

Have you yearned to visit the vaults of the famed Hermitage Museum? Attend a classical concert in Vienna? Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian? Your Program Director can organize a variety of optional tours.

PERSONALIZE

An appointment at the best spa in Prague or dinner at one of Lyon’s Michelin-star restaurants? Our onboard Viking Concierge is there to assist you with special requests.

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For any cruise/land booking, whether under deposit, partially paid, or paid in full and air-inclusive packages paid in full, the following travel agent or guest-requested situations are considered cancellations and penalties will apply as noted below: changes to departure date; substitutions of itinerary; substitution of another person for original booked guest(s); or changing to a promotional fare. All cancellations must be in writing. For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after issuance of an airline ticket, the air portion of the refund, if any, will be processed only after the return of airline ticket to Viking. The following cancellation charges will be assessed for all written cancellations received prior to departure up to the scheduled time of departure.

Cancellation received | Following charges will apply: (Broken out by days before departure) 121 days or more is $100 per person | 120-90 days is 15% of full fare | 89-60 days is 35% of full fare | 59-30 days is 50% of full fare | 29-0 days is 100% of full fare.

Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking.

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• Danube River village visits (29)
• Danube River hiking (28)
• Danube River urban exploration (27)
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My Review of “Blue Danube” River Cruise in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany & The Czech Republic

• May 17, 2017
• Category: Cruise Ship & Itinerary Reviews , Europe River Cruises , Luxury & Upper Premium Experiences , River Cruises , Tauck Small Ship & River Cruises , Unesco World Heritage Sites

This was our final River Cruise itinerary to cover in Europe so  we have now completed them ALL ! 🙂

. We left the Danube River Cruise for last because it is one of the most popular to take (and according to our clients one of the most satisfactory) so we knew that we didn’t need to do this one first to give you the inside scoop, but just in case you haven’t been and are curious, then this review is for you… . …to no surprise, our “Blue Danube” River Cruise with Tauck River Cruises did not disappoint!

(More curious about the “Tauck experience” than the itinerary? If so check out our picture & video gallery of this sailing to see our experience with Tauck & learn more specific details about what sets them apart from other lines… you can also Visit Here to see why Tauck is one of the top rated River Lines in Europe!)

Here are the highlights of what we did and saw on this River Cruise itinerary including our insider tips and recommendations. 🙂

Budapest, Hungary

We have to admit, this time of year (mid April) is a little chilly but with gloves, a hat and warm layers, Budapest is still one of THE most gorgeous European cities to be seen both from the river and on land.

. Did you know that Budapest is divided by the Danube River into two distinct parts which they call Buda and Pest?

. Tauck gave us a very “Royal Welcome” to Budapest… and we are not joking about the Royal part!

. Our very first evening of our 2 night hotel stay in Budapest  they took us to the stunning & elegant ‘Akademia Club’ for a welcome reception with flowing cocktails and an opulent dinner.

. Course after course, the food was delicious and on top of that, musicians serenaded our tables as we dined and we got to know our fellow guests. It was a memorable night and a very nice welcome!

. Have a look at a couple pictures from the evening…

“Pest” side of Budapest, Hungary

The very next morning we explored Pest and took a panoramic coach tour of the city , snapped many pictures of Heroes Square (above) and the other fabulous sites  and then enjoyed a walking tour to see St. Stephen’s Basilica & the Parliament Building below:

The highlight of that day for sure though was  our visit to the inside of Budapest’s famous Opera House …

…what was a highlight for sure (as we didn’t know is was going to take place) was that two of their star performing opera singers came out and “serenaded” us with 3 beautiful songs as a little surprise . It was super special and gave us goose bumps!! 🙂

Later on an optional afternoon tour was a  “power” walking tour which we took. You always see something new when you explore with others who know the city well. So one of the guides took us on a great walk to areas we never would have found on our own!

“Buda” side of Budapest, Hungary

Day two in Budapest we spent time on the Buda side, which is on the other side of the river from Pest.

With so much to see up at “Castle Hill”, including the stunning views of the Parliament Building from “Fisherman’s Bastion” and an inside look at the “Matthais Church” (above) we worked up an appetite for our included lunch at a local Hungarian restaurant .

. Here we are at Fisherman’s Bastion…

. At 4 pm we boarded the newest ship in the Tauck fleet called the “Ms Joy”!

. To see pictures of the Joy, videos of the staterooms & suites and to get more insight into our experience check out Our Pictures and Videos of Tauck’s Ms Joy . (Make sure to read the captions under each picture/video!)

. At sail away the Captain slowed the ship as we passed the famous “Parliament Building” so we could enjoy & snap pictures of this magnificent building.

. (we were so lucky to be so close as millions of visitors each year have to cross the river and walk a ways down to get views of it… we know as we did that when in Budapest last year! 🙂

Cruising The Danube & Bratislava, Slovakia!

At 6 am we went through one of the biggest locks in Europe that raises up 66 meters and the rest of the morning we whispered down the Danube River and relaxed in the comforts of our Suite & the shi p enjoying the views and listened to commentary from a local expert about Bratislava … OH, THE LIFE!!! 🙂

After lunch we took a guided walking tour of Bratislava , the capital of Slovakia. We saw many Baroque Palaces and it’s medieval old town…

. … and Tauck took us for a treat at a local cafe where we had drinks and a traditional sweet called the “Bratislava Horn” which was yummy!!

That afternoon we took another “Power” Walking tour (optional- as is every tour) to Bratislava’s “UFO” viewing platform. You’ll see from the pictures below why they call it a UFO. 🙂  We had fantastic views of the city and beyond!!

Tonight after dinner a talented Slovakian folkloric band & dancers did a performance for us onboard that enhanced our cultural experience of the region!

. Vienna, Austria (2 day stay)

Vienna is a perfect picture of romance and old European feel with spectacular architecture at every turn… enough to give you whiplash!

. Some famous residents of Vienna included Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud which you can learn about when you visit if you desire.

. With a mix of good & sad history, the city is fascinating to visit, particularly to see the Ringstrasse, Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Parliament, City Hall and so much more.

. We took a walking tour of Vienna this morning, have a look at our pictures…

Then, for dinner we were taken to “Palais Pallavicini” for another spectacular evening  filled with delicious fine dining Viennese cuisine and an entire evening of musical entertainment from top performers!

We are talking Opera, Ballet, a 7 piece Orchestra.

What an evening to remember… WOW!!

Here are a few pictures…

Our final day in Vienna (it is April 25th and 70sF/20sC of sunshine) we had a choice of tours that included a tour of the Spanish Riding School, Hofburg Complex or Schonbrunn Palace.

. We choose a tour of the Schonbrunn Palace simply because it had a big garden for a nice walk about… very “Versaille-like”, gorgeous! 🙂

. TIP: The horse riding school… we heard from guests who attended was not very thrilling and you could not take pictures, just keep that in mind when making your decision.

. TIP: We walked about the Schonbrunn palace and didn’t know till afterwards that we could have payed a small fee to attend a strudel making demonstration in the Cafe. You can attend that on your free time after the Palace visit if you like… just let us know how it was, would you? But no bragging!! lol

TWO TIPS IN ONE: Take a picture of the daily schedule you receive each evening before you retire to bed, that way you have it with you all day and you can reference it whenever you want. No guessing! This serves another purpose too! When you look back at your pictures you will know which city or stop those pictures were taken because you’ll have the daily program picture taken first with the name of the stop on it. Brilliant, right??!! 🙂

Durnstein & The Wachau Valley in Austria

Dürnstein is a small picturesque medieval port town on the Danube River which made it easy for us to hop off for a great walking tour of this gorgeous destination.

It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Wachau region!

As you can tell, we like to stay active so we also took an invigorating hike up to the ruins of Kuenringerburg, a hilltop castle with fantastic views over the city. Apparently, it’s where Richard the Lionhearted was held captive at one point.

We also got to see Durnstein’s 16th Century Baroque houses, the 13th century Romanesque church and the Durnstein Monastry.

Dürnstein is also a well-known grape growing area which you see as you go down the river further and look into the valley. So naturally, we attended a wine tasting at Late Klosterkeller cellar and learned about the Wachau Vineyards as we sipped the delicious aromatic wines. Shawn is getting ready for a tasting here…

In the afternoon the captain sailed our ship down the Danube very slowly so we could see one of the most scenic parts of the river- the Wachau Valley.

We sat back, sipped Baileys and hot chocolate (very tasty combination if you have not tried- it’s a must!!) snapped LOTS of pictures and just enjoyed the views. Have a look…

. TIP: The Wachau Valley grows apricots, so look for treats to take home with apricots in it. Maybe one of the wines from the wine tasting cellar… maybe? 🙂

Salzburg, Austria OR Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Today we stopped in Linz, Austria and had a choice to go to one of the above destinations. We decided to relax as we needed a break in between our 5 weeks of traveling during this trip (we did a “Tulip Time” River Cruise with Avalon right before this trip with Tauck and an “Oceania” Cruise right after) but here is a bit of information about these two charming towns for you.

. Salzburg , with it’s views of the Eastern Alps, is where parts of The Sound of Music was filmed so you can see some of those sights as well as stroll it’s narrow lanes, old squares, unique palaces and so much more.

. The “Salz” of Salzburg stands for salt because the city had mined it here for centuries. This city is also home to the famous drink Red Bull, one of the highest selling energy drinks in the world.

. Salzburg is also the birthplace of famed composer Mozart and has a museum displaying his childhood instruments. Tauck takes you here for a visit.

. . A trip to Cesky Krumlov , a mini version of Prague they say, is a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.

. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site because it is so well preserved.  

And with a river that runs through it, it makes this city even more charming and it’s valleys are dotted with well-preserved medieval buildings.

. You will get to see the 13th century Krumlov Castle that has a mixture of medieval, Renaissance and Rococo designs.

. Either option you choose above— you will have a wonderful tour that day!

Engelhartszell, Austria

. What a treat this morning!

. We visited, in small groups, a local home in Engelhartszell, Austria which is a small town along the river.

The families are so happy to have you visit so they can tell you the history of these beautiful homes that were built in 1300 and 1600 and passed down over the generations.

. The house we visited was built in 1601 and seven generations have lived in this home. With the fascinating long history in this home it was amazing to see the original woods and carvings as they were from so very long ago! We had an incredible visit. 🙂

This afternoon we took an optional 18 mile/30 km bike ride and met up with the ship in Passau, Germany. It was a 2 hour bike ride along the river and quite scenic. If you are in decent shape we would highly recommend it, but again, it’s optional!

. Vilshofen & Regensburg, Germany

Over night we stayed in Vilshofen, Germany and straight away the next morning we said our goodbyes to the beautiful “Tauck Joy” ship and the amazing staff and then we traveled to Regensburg, Germany (above) to visit this exciting city before traveling on to our final destination- beautiful Prague.

. Regensburg’s city center brings you back to medieval times and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

. Tauck treated us to Bravarian Sausages  at this Historic Sausage Kitchen of Regensburg (that was originally built in 1135 AD) which is the oldest continuously open public restaurant in the world!! Today it serves 6,000 sausages to guests daily and we highly recommend you try it!!

. . We arrived by bus to Prague at 5pm as scheduled and checked into the lovely Four Seasons Hotel .

. Before having the night to ourselves, Tauck did a short orientation walk about so we would be acquainted with Prague. We couldn’t wait to explore this spectacular city!!

. Prague, Czech Republic

. Prague truly is a fascinating city with rich history! No wonder it is the fifth most visited city in Europe.

It is the capital city of the Czech Republic and is nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” because it’s Old Town Square & Jewish Quarter holds many architectural buildings with high arches including the colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock (it is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world) which gives an animated hourly show.

. The pedestrian Charles Bridge that was completed in 1402, is lined with statues of Catholic saints, it oozes history and is one of “those” bridges you just have to walk across and back , see it below…

. TIP:   Prague is a busy city and the Charles bridge is packed with people normally, so we took some sage advice and got up a little earlier and went straight to the Charles Bridge before 8am (which was steps from our hotel) so we could have the bridge to ourselves to enjoy the scenery and snap a couple pictures. Seeing the crowds later, we are SO glad we did that first thing before breakfast & the start of our daily tour…

. …with Tauck you had a choice to take a Jewish Quarter walking tour or a Walk Through the Centuries Tour.  Either one you choose if fine but we (and a few other guests) decided to “go on our own” and explore ALL those areas without commentary.  Having the time to spend together just the two of us was nice to do on our last day as well.

. After lunch we met up with the group for a walk about the Prague Castle grounds & for a private “back door” viewing of the Strahov Monastery & Library. It has the most beautiful library we have EVER seen and how special we felt to have the privilege of a visit inside while other visitors could only pier in from a roped off door….

Tauck bid us farewell by providing “yet another” memorable evening.

. We had dinner overlooking the city of Prague at the stunning Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle while a quartet played for us.  We had a delicious meal and took a walk about the castle afterwards to see the items recovered from the war.

We were sad to say goodbye to our new friends because our experience was so amazing but we look forward to taking other tours with Tauck in the future as they offer so many choices such as river cruises, multi-generational land tours & themed event tours all over the world.

. If you would like to inquire about a River Cruise with Tauck or Land Tour with Tauck or any other River Cruise or Ocean Cruise, or have more questions about our Danube trip, don’t hesitate to call or email Shawn anytime … he is more then happy to help you plan your next memorable vacation.

. If you would like to learn more about this particular River Cruise, check out Our Blue Danube Pictures and Videos where you can see the inside of the ship, videos of the staterooms and so much more! We added a lot of thorough captions under each picture.

We appreciate you!

Nancy & Shawn Your Trusted Cruise Experts!

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• River Cruising

Viking (Danube) River Cruise Excursion Reviews?

By WSR , July 15, 2023 in River Cruising

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Hello everyone.  My wife and I will be in Europe from July 23rd - August 6, 2023 to take our first river cruise aboard the Viking Var along the Danube from Regensburg to Budapest.  (We have also extended our trip on both sides of the cruise!)   

We have booked all the complimentary excursions and are trying to decide what additional excursions we want to pay for, and I am wondering if any of these excursions have been formally reviewed?  I have searched the internet and cannot find any reviews so I hoping you could help.  

Is it enough to know that ALL Viking Excursions are great?  Or is there a better way to discern that one is better than another, or if there is a "must see" that should should not be missed?

Thank you in advance!  

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It might help if you list what the excursions are that you are considering...  People could offer opinions on a trip to "x" destination even if it is with another line...  For example - if you don't stop in Bratislava - but it is offered as an optional - do people think it is worth the time and price?  

Just a suggestion...

Sometimes people post about excursions in the roll calls when they are answering questions.  You might check out past roll calls for your cruise under Viking River Roll Calls.  The roll calls there are arranged by year for a given itinerary, like this one

Thank you.  I appreciate the feedback from the two of you, and see that others have provided their thoughts on the excursions they were on.  I will browse through the recent roll calls to learn more.  

Thanks again!

Budapest is an awesome city... We have visited a few times. 

I see you are extending your time there.  So much to see and do.  If you are looking for an authentic  Hungarian restaurant, I suggest you consider Cafe Kor. It is on the Pest side - just down the street St. Stephen's cathedral. 

The search function is quite good on CC.

Try putting the name of the excursion that you are considering into the search.  Note that you can search "Everywhere", "This Forum", or "This Topic".  I generally always stick to these three depending on where I am starting the search.  

If you are in roll calls, then restrict your search to "This Forum" but if you are on the main page of CC then you might search "Everywhere".

Also, if the name of the excursion is quite long, and you don't get the results, just truncate the name a bit and see if you find results.

Using search almost always gets me the information that I want.

Host Jazzbeau

You can also search for 'any' of your search terms, 'all' or even put the search in quotes to search that exact phrase [this one is dangerous because people often use variations]

We were on the Viking Var Danube cruise a couple years ago.   We loved the cruise.    I was pleasantly surprised at the number of locks you go through (more than 20) - boring for some folks, but I thought those were really interesting.....

As far as excursions typically we did the included viking tour, which usually was only 1.5 hours or so, but that gave us enough introduction to do the remainder of the afternoon on our own.  

A couple excursions we did take -  Nuremburg WWII tour - outstanding... our tour guide had a Masters in WWII history and it was really good.   Not sure if you go to Nuremburg or not.

We also did the Viking Mozart concert in Vienna.  We were underwhelmed, although a lot of people liked it.   I was expecting  a big concert hall.    This was a concert just for Viking in a smaller room of the concert hall.  It was a bit of a variety / comedy show mixed with the music - almost like a big cruise ship variety show.  I think we would pass on this next time.

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This Danube cruise beats other river cruises – it’s spacious with brilliant food

This river Danube cruises beats other river cruises for its spaciousness, says Alan Edwards

Confession time. How many of us have done ‘just a little bit of work’ while away on holiday? The odd email, quick phone call, glance at a spreadsheet? Our cabin on AmaMagna – Europe’s biggest ship for river cruises – had temptation waiting in the form of a shiny Apple iMac. But after a disapproving look from my partner, I resisted. I didn’t fancy swimming the Danube, magnificent though it is.

The in-room PCs aren’t unique to the Magna in the AmaWaterways fleet, but the vast swathes of space on board certainly are. At 11 metres wide (that’s the length of a cricket pitch) it is twice the width of any other comparable boat for river cruises. And at 135 metres from bow to stern, it is as long as Blackpool Tower is high. While the pride of AmaWaterways’ 26-strong fleet is 100 per cent larger than other ships, it has just 20 per cent more guests, giving a wonderful feeling of space everywhere, from the cabins and restaurants to the top deck and public areas.

The vast sun deck even boasts a new court for pickle ball (very like padel tennis) as well as a sizeable pool and whirlpool, bar, running track, yoga and exercise area, giant chess, and even a large herb garden, as well as countless chairs, tables, loungers and parasols. You could see passengers on other ships eyeing us with envy.

Here is where much of that extra space has gone, with most staterooms measuring 355 square feet and the six grand suites and the owner’s suite up to twice that size. Magna has a total of 98 cabins, 87 of them with full balconies, for a maximum of 196 passengers. And they really are magnificent, stylish rooms, with masses of storage space, a supersize bed, and a massive interactive TV on the wall. In the lounge area there is that iMac where guests who are not able to forget work can access the free onboard wifi. And there is no squeezing into a coffin-sized bathroom. Magna’s are huge, with dual sinks, a massive shower cubicle, and separate loo.

THE ITINERARY

AmaMagna is restricted to river cruises on the wide, majestic river Danube, which rises in the Black Forest in Germany and runs 1,770 miles to the Black Sea. And no, it’s never blue, however clear the sky. We flew into Munich and joined the ship in Vilshofen, a two-hour drive away. Our seven-night voyage covered 550 miles and took us through four countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Highlights were Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava, and the jewel in the crown, Budapest – as well as picturesque villages like Passau, Grein, Melk and Durnstein.

OUR EXCURSIONS

At every stop we had a wide choice of excursions, all included in the price. They usually included a walking tour, strenuous hike, and bike tour. The Magna has 40 cycles on board that can be used independently when not on an organised trip. In Salzburg, we took the funicular up to the castle for spectacular views and strudel, as well as the obligatory beer. In Vienna we did the morning cycling tour but kept the bikes and stayed in the city to visit the famous Spanish Riding School and the cathedral – and to have a go on the iconic Prater Park Ferris wheel. Obviously there was time for beer, this time with Fleischknodel (doughy meat-filled boiled dumpling) and sauerkraut at a street stall. In Bratislava, we toured Europe’s newest capital with a guide who would cheerfully have shot all the pre-democracy communist leaders. Meanwhile, her colleague with another group reminisced wistfully about how great life used to be. Politics, eh?

FOOD AND DRINK

All meals are included and, unusually, there is a choice of four restaurants. The main dining room has one sitting, but we discovered it’s perfectly acceptable to arrive up to 90 minutes late. Guests can book one of three speciality restaurants once during a week-long trip. We loved the tasting menu at the Al Fresco, an intimate glass space at the front of the ship, where we also enjoyed breakfast most days. The Chef’s Table offered another tasting menu, while Jimmy’s “family-style” dining meant sharing a big table and diving into food in the middle. Wine, beer and soft drinks are free with meals (yes, you can even have fizz for breakfast) and all drinks at the bar are free for one hour before dinner every night. Outside those times, bar prices are relatively cheap, with a pint of beer about £4.20 and cocktails at £6.

OUR SHIPMATES

We were on board with 177 other guests, most of them American or Canadian. I’d guess the average age was well below 60, which is on the young side for river cruises. Half of those also did either a two-day pre-cruise extension in Prague, or a two-day one in Budapest at the end, or both. Usually there are far more Brits on board. Most of our fellow travellers seemed well-heeled. We had a couple of airline pilots, government movers and shakers from Washington, and enough business folk to start a country club.

Our final destination was Budapest, which alongside its reputation as a stag and hen do destination is a magnificent tourist favourite, with stunning architecture, great scenery, and masses to do. We extended our trip independently with two nights at the stunning Four Seasons Gresham’s Palace , an iconic landmark on the Pest bank of the river Danube given a multi-million-dollar refurbishment at the turn of the century Our room had a Juliet balcony which opened out to views of the river and the famous Chain Bridge across to the majestic Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Baston high on the other side. Watching the sun set behind those landmarks each night was really something special. Service was impeccable.

We got back one evening to find our phone cables tidied up in Four Seasons ribbon, and spectacles laid on a Four Seasons glasses cloth. We ate a fantastic dinner at the hotel brasserie. The prawn starter and grand marnier parfait for pudding were both to die for. The cruise was pretty much faultless. The ship, the cabins, the service, the staff, the trips. You’d be hard pressed to find a better experience. We’d go again in a heartbeat

Booking river cruises with AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways ‘ AmaMagna offers the seven-night ‘Magna on the Danube’ cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest from £2,973 per person. Price includes flights from Heathrow or Gatwick and overseas transfers.

Read more: The poshest picnic in the UK: why it’s worth booking Glyndebourne 2024

Read more: Fouquet’s New York, hotel review: the ritziest new Manhattan hotel

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17 reported hurt after river cruise ship hits a concrete passageway on the Danube in Austria

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Seventeen passengers were hurt when a Bulgarian river cruise ship lost steering and hit the sides of a lock on the Danube in Austria, the apa news agency reported Saturday. Eleven of the injured were taken to hospitals.

The ship with 142 passengers aboard, most of them from Germany, temporarily lost power to its electronics system and became unsteerable as it passed through narrow locks at 9:45 p.m. Friday, apa reported.

The ship’s power was restored but not before the bow and stern struck the concrete sides of the lock passage near the town of Aschach, a few miles upriver from Linz.

The ship sustained minor damage and continued to its next port. The cause of the loss of electrical power was under investigation.

Danube river cruise ship crashed after it was 'suddenly no longer able to maneuver,' 17 passengers injured

• A cruise ship crashed into a concrete wall along the Danube river in Austria on Friday.
• A police statement said the ship "was suddenly no longer able to maneuver."
• Eleven people were treated at the hospital and another six suffered less serious injuries.

A Bulgarian cruise ship carrying over 140 passengers crashed into a concrete wall along the Danube river in Austria.

The incident occurred late on Friday in the northern Austrian town of Aschach an der Donau, local police said Saturday.

Eleven people were injured and taken to hospital as a result of the crash. Six others suffered less serious injuries that did not require hospital treatment.

Related stories

The ship had set off from Passau, a German city on the Austrian border. A police statement said that as the ship was leaving a lock chamber further down the river, "the ship was suddenly no longer able to maneuver," and its right bow and left aft crashed into the lock walls.

The second-in-command of the ship, who had been at the helm during the crash, "pressed the emergency switch, whereupon the electronics started up again." He was then able to steer the ship out of the lock.

The ship was later docked at the quay wall and emergency services were notified. The ship was able to continue its journey toward Linz, Austria.

Earlier this week, a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, collapsing a section of the 1.6-mile-long structure. The bodies of two construction workers were found after the collision, and four more workers are missing and presumed dead.

Citing the container ship's recovered data recorder, officials said the power went out on the Dali for just one minute and three seconds as it approached the bridge, Sky News reported, but that was enough for the collision to become unavoidable.

In 2019, a cruise boat hit and sank a smaller boat near Budapest, Hungary, killing 25 South Korean tourists and two crew members. The captain was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the accident.

The Danube is the second-largest river in Europe, flowing from the Black Forest in Germany south into the Black Sea near Romania and Ukraine.

Correction: April 1, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the year of the Danube ship crash in Hungary. It was in 2019, not 2023.

Watch: One of Europe's deadliest shipwrecks leaves hundreds missing

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