River Cruises from Vienna
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Vienna
Compiled by

MelissaVienna travel expert at TourRadar
- Capital Cities Along the Danube (port-to-port cruise)
- The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise) - BEETHOVEN
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Wonders of Switzerland & Austria 2026 - 29 Days (from Vienna to Amsterdam)
- European Holiday Markets (2025) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2025)
- Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) 2026
- Lower Danube Discovery with Vienna & Istanbul 2027|2026 - 24 Days
- Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube (2026) (Vienna to Belgrade, 2026)
- Magic of Advent on the Danube (Vienna - Nuremberg) (7 destinations)
- Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) 2025
- Magic of Advent on the Danube (Vienna - Nuremberg) (8 destinations)
Capital Cities Along the Danube (port-to-port cruise)
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good food eaten while sailing past lovely views along the Danube. Could definitely recommend.”
Paul, traveled in July
Duration 5 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From $2,101
10% Off- NZ$1,891You save $210
Vienna's cultural treasures include Schönbrunn Castle and exclusive backstage access to the Konzerthaus. Traditional coffee houses, classical music concerts, and the magnificent Hofburg Palace create memorable experiences, while French balconies provide panoramic city views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
10% Off- NZ$3,233
Duration 29 days Destinations Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $34,870
9% Off- NZ$31,670You save $3,200
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
9% Off- NZ$9,899
Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) 2026
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The ship was lovely and the food wonderful. We did what we set out to do--visit Christmas markets.”
Miriam, traveled in November
Duration 7 days Destinations Vienna, Wachau, Melk, Grein, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
9% Off- NZ$6,096+$345 upfront costs
Duration 24 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $19,655
17% Off- NZ$16,255You save $3,400
Vienna's imperial heritage unfolds through Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces. The S.S. Emilie glides through the city's heart, with evening trips to The Belvedere and wine tasting at historic Klosterneuburg abbey.
Duration 10 days Destinations Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $11,299
13% Off- NZ$9,799You save $1,500
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
13% Off- NZ$3,314
Luxury Suite Ships with panoramic windows traverse the Danube from Vienna. The route winds through Wachau Valley's winter landscapes, stopping at historic Melk and Grein, while showcasing Vienna's Imperial waterfront.
Duration 7 days Destinations Vienna, Wachau, Melk, Grein, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
13% Off- NZ$5,921+$314 upfront costs
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
13% Off- NZ$4,446
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Vienna
- Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) 2026
This Christmas cruise went beyond expectations. Lovely ship, lovely crew, great tours. All round a great package.
- Danube Classics Vienna 2026
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.
- Christmas on Danube - MS Albertina
The crew is excellent and their service is deeply appreciated!
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."





















