River Cruises from Vienna
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Vienna
Compiled by
MelissaVienna travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas Markets on the Danube
- 1.200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube (Vienna - Bucharest)
- Lower Danube Discovery with Vienna & Transylvania 2026 - 22 Days (from Vienna to Bucharest)
- Magic of Advent on the Danube (Vienna - Nuremberg) (8 destinations)
- Vineyards & Palaces along the Danube (2026) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2026)
- Christmas time on the Danube 2025|2026 - 5 Days
- European Holiday Markets (2025) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2025)
- Christmas Markets on the Danube MS Fidelio
- Christmas markets cruise MS Albertina
- Christmas time on the Danube MS Albertina
Imperial grandeur awaits at Vienna's historic Hofburg Palace and centuries-old Christmas Market. The Sisi Museum and Old City's festive atmosphere showcase medieval 'Krippenmarkt' traditions with handcrafted gifts and roasted chestnuts.
Duration 8 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Tours of Distinction From
- NZ$4,914
Duration 10 days Destinations Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $4,892
15% Off- NZ$4,159You save $733
Duration 22 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
15% Off- NZ$16,947
Duration 7 days Destinations Vienna, Melk, Emmersdorf an der Donau, Wachau, Passau, Regensburg, Roth, Nuremberg Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $5,160
15% Off- NZ$4,386You save $774
Duration 8 days Destinations Vienna, Spitz, Grein, Passau, Deggendorf, Regensburg, Nuremberg Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,499
20% Off- NZ$5,999You save $1,499
Navigate Vienna's historic waterfront aboard Emerald Dawn or Destiny, visiting Ringstrasse landmarks. Experience Christmas markets near Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy guided city tours and optional Viennese concerts while cruising the Danube.
Duration 5 days Destinations Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $9,814
67% Off- NZ$3,212You save $6,602
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 16 to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
67% Off- NZ$8,999
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 up to 105 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From
67% Off- NZ$1,577+$124 upfront costs
MS Albertina offers 13m² main deck cabins with river views along the Danube. Vienna's Christmas markets near the Opera House and Burgtheater beckon, while Schönbrunn Palace tours remain optional. Captain's gala dinners and live music enhance evenings in the ship's lounge.
Duration 5 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 95 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From
67% Off- NZ$1,902+$124 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 105 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From
67% Off- NZ$2,897+$200 upfront costs
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Vienna
- The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)
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
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."