River Cruises from Vienna
4.6 stars on(8,611 reviews)- Choose from 44 Vienna tours
- 150+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best River Cruise tour packages from Vienna
Compiled by

MelissaVienna travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-night Danube River Cruise (Vienna to Wurzburg)
- European Holiday Markets (2025) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2025)
- European Holiday Markets (2026) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2026)
- Magic of Advent on the Danube (Vienna - Nuremberg) (8 destinations)
- Magic of Advent on the Danube (Vienna - Nuremberg) (7 destinations)
- Capital Cities Along the Danube
- Christmas Time on the Danube & Budapest 2025|2026 - 7 Days (from Vienna to Budapest)
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Switzerland & Austria 2026 - 29 Days (from Vienna to Amsterdam)
- Christmas on Danube - MS Albertina
- Christmas Markets on the Danube MS Fidelio
Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-night Danube River Cruise (Vienna to Wurzburg)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelersDuration 9 days Destinations Vienna, Emmersdorf an der Donau, Durnstein, Wachau, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Wurzburg Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
- NZ$6,749
European Holiday Markets (2025) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2025)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The cruise included interesting and informative tours at each town and district that we visited each day.”
Kerryn, traveled in December
Vienna's holiday spirit comes alive across 140 wooden market stalls, showcasing traditional crafts and local delicacies. Café Demel offers an exclusive 'Taste of Christmas' experience with stunning confectionery displays. Schönbrunn Palace's Christmas market awaits as an optional excursion for €80.
Duration 8 days Destinations Vienna, Durnstein, Wachau, Linz, Passau, Regensburg, Roth, Nuremberg Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
- NZ$12,999
The S.S. Beatrice welcomes guests in Vienna with exclusive 'Taste of Christmas' experiences at Café Demel. The ship glides past Wachau Valley's scenery, through Dürnstein's riverside charm, featuring an organ concert at Augustine church. Premium riverview suites come with handcrafted Savoir® beds.
Duration 8 days Destinations Vienna, Wachau, Durnstein, Linz, Passau, Regensburg, Roth, Nuremberg Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,599
10% Off- NZ$6,839You save $760
Duration 7 days Destinations Vienna, Melk, Emmersdorf an der Donau, Wachau, Passau, Regensburg, Roth, Nuremberg Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,093
15% Off- NZ$1,779You save $314
Magic of Advent on the Danube (Vienna - Nuremberg) (7 destinations)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Itinerary is pretty good covering the main attractions in Tunisia. Hotel are nice and food is also very good.”
SERGIO, traveled in November
AMADEUS ships cruise Vienna's waterways, starting with evening cocktails in the Panorama Bar. Christmas markets at Schönbrunn Palace, classical concerts, and the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley's snow-dusted riverbanks create memorable moments.
Duration 7 days Destinations Vienna, Melk, Emmersdorf an der Donau, Passau, Regensburg, Roth, Nuremberg Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
15% Off- NZ$2,717
Capital Cities Along the Danube
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a very lovely voyage and a remarkable stay in Vivaldi. Food and the service was excellent and good value for money.”
Umangi, traveled in April
MS Vivaldi showcases Vienna's architectural masterpieces along the waterfront. An exclusive backstage tour of the historic Konzerthaus precedes authentic Viennese coffee and pastries, while Austrian-themed dining and dancing fill evening hours in the ship's lounge.
Duration 5 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
15% Off- NZ$2,343
Emerald Dawn or Destiny welcome 182 passengers in luxury suites along Vienna's festive waters. Ringstrasse landmarks, including the Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral, provide the backdrop while guests savor traditional Käsekrainer and pretzels at Vienna's Christmas markets.
Duration 7 days Destinations Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $10,877
63% Off- NZ$4,066You save $6,811
The Renaissance Kursalon Palace hosts an exclusive classical concert in Vienna. City highlights include the Hellenic Parliament Building, opulent Opera House, and Stadtpark gardens, plus visits to Karlskirche and famous coffee houses.
Duration 29 days Destinations Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $26,885
13% Off- NZ$23,485You save $3,400
Christmas on Danube - MS Albertina
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food and service was first class, entertainment enjoyable and enough time was allocated at ports to see the attractions of the area visited.”
Bernadette, traveled in December
Duration 7 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From $2,771
50% Off- NZ$1,385You save $1,385
MS Fidelio navigates the festive Danube from Vienna's port. The ship passes illuminated Hofburg Palace and Opera House, offering Standard, Comfort, or Deluxe cabins while guests explore Vienna's Christmas markets with English-speaking guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From $1,753
50% Off- NZ$876You save $876
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Vienna
- Christmas on Danube - MS Albertina
Great cruise but unfortunately with one disappointment, the dining room is not open seating, you have to sit with who they put you with for every meal everyday and as such you don’t have the opportunity to meet and chat with other people, and if like us you are put with people who you are not compatible it makes it a very long upsetting uncomfortable week and really put a dampener on our cruise.
- Classic Danube, Vienna - Vienna, MS Swiss Splendor 5*
We loved everything about our cruise Vienna to Budapest back to Vienna. The crew were wonderful and exceptionally helpful. The food was great, all made from scratch and lots and lots of it. The wine was good and very flowing. Over all it was a perfect trip
- Danube Classics Vienna 2026
The River Cruise was awesome. We were the only English speaking people on the trip. The crew was so helpful and made us feel welcome! I will definitely go again!
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Vienna
When is the best time for a river cruise starting from Vienna?
The best time to cruise from Vienna is April through October when the weather is ideal for exploring. July and August have the warmest temperatures around 75-82°F (24-28°C) but also the biggest crowds. May and September are great alternatives with mild 68°F (20°C) temperatures and fewer tourists. Many travelers also enjoy the Christmas market cruises in November and December, though it gets chilly at around 41°F (5°C). As one TourRadar traveler shared: "We loved our September cruise - perfect weather for exploring and the fall colors along the Danube were spectacular."
What are the most popular shore excursions from Vienna?
From Vienna, you can join guided tours of Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, see the famous Spanish Riding School, or walk along the historic Ring Road. When your cruise continues, popular stops include Melk Abbey, wine tasting in the Wachau Valley, and relaxing in Budapest's thermal baths. Most city tours meet at the Hotel Sacher Vienna. TourRadar travelers particularly recommend the "behind-the-scenes tour at Vienna's Konzerthaus and experiencing a classical music concert."
Where do river cruise ships dock in Vienna?
Cruise ships in Vienna use three main docking spots: Handelskai pier on the Danube Canal near downtown, Nussdorf dock in the 19th district, and the Vienna Marina by Reichsbrücke bridge. Most ships, including those from Amadeus and Scenic Cruises, use Handelskai because it's close to major sights like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. You can easily walk to several luxury hotels like the InterContinental Vienna from these docks.
What should I pack for a river cruise from Vienna?
Pack smart casual clothes for dinner on the ship and good walking shoes for exploring towns. In summer (June-August) when it's up to 82°F (28°C), bring light clothing. For spring and fall cruises around 59°F (15°C), pack layers. Don't forget something dressy for the Captain's Dinner and cultural shows. One TourRadar traveler suggested: "Pack comfortable shoes as there's lots of walking on cobblestone streets, and don't forget a camera for the spectacular Wachau Valley views."
How much free time do you get during cruise stops?
When your ship stops in major cities like Budapest and Bratislava, you usually get 4-6 hours to explore on your own. In Vienna, most cruises give you 1-2 full days of free time. Evening stops typically include 2-3 hours to get dinner or check out local nightlife. As one TourRadar traveler said: "We had plenty of time to explore each city at our own pace after the guided tours, especially in Vienna where we could revisit favorite spots like the Naschmarkt and Museumsquartier."
Which places can you visit after leaving Vienna?
Right after Vienna, most cruises stop in Dürnstein and Melk in the Wachau Valley, then continue to Bratislava and Budapest. You'll see the impressive Melk Abbey, old castle ruins in Dürnstein, and Bratislava's historic center. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Cruising through the Wachau Valley right after leaving Vienna was breathtaking, with vineyards and castles dotting the riverbanks."
What shore excursions are included when starting from Vienna?
Your cruise typically includes a Vienna city tour on day one or two, covering main sites like Schönbrunn Palace, the Opera House, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Different cruise lines offer various included tours - Emerald Cruises, for example, has both standard tours and extra "DiscoverMORE" options in Vienna. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The included Vienna city tour helped us get oriented before we set sail."