Central Europe River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Central Europe
Compiled by

MelissaCentral Europe travel expert at TourRadar
- European Gems Amsterdam → Budapest (2025)
- Passage to Eastern Europe Budapest to Bucharest
- Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2025
- Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2026
- Classical Danube Cruise (Passau - Budapest)
- Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest 2025
- Delightful Danube & Prague (2025) (Prague to Budapest, 2025)
- Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest 2025 - 11 Days
- Danube Rhapsody (Passau - Passau)
- Highlights of Eastern Europe (2025) (Bucharest to Budapest, 2025)
European Gems Amsterdam → Budapest (2025)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The staff, what can i say. They were all so very special, attentive, professional, and such good fun.”
Elgin, traveled in May
The historic waterways from Germany to Hungary reveal Nuremberg's WWII sites, Regensburg's medieval charm, and Vienna's imperial grandeur. Regional wines and cuisine enhance the floating hotel experience.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT From
- NZ$6,820
Duration 11 days Destinations Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range 18 to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From
- NZ$8,445
Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2025
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The ship was nice, the staff were friendly and attentive, and the food was amazing.”
Tomra, traveled in May
Central Europe unfolds aboard Avalon's luxury river ships. Prague's Astronomical Clock, the Schlögen Oxbow, Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Budapest's Chain Bridge await, all viewed from panoramic suite accommodations.
Duration 10 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$6,969
Avalon's Suite Ships connect Prague's Old Town to Budapest's riverfront. Walk through Regensburg's medieval center, sail past Wachau Valley's vineyards, and tour Vienna's Hofburg Palace with expert guides.
Duration 10 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$7,233
Classical Danube Cruise (Passau - Budapest)
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Immaculate ships, exceptional crew and delicious food and wines. We are about to sail them again in September, 2023 and in April, 2024!”
KevinButler, traveled in December
The Amadeus Imperial glides from Passau to Budapest through UNESCO's Wachau Valley, featuring tours of Melk Abbey and Schönbrunn Palace, with wine tastings in Dürnstein. Regional cuisine, classical concerts, and folklore shows enhance the cruise.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
- NZ$3,816
Central Europe's treasures shine aboard the Emerald Star ship. Budapest's market halls, Bratislava's Gothic quarter, and Vienna's Baroque palaces await discovery. Melk Abbey's manuscripts and Český Krumlov's medieval lanes complement 24 gourmet meals and nightly entertainment.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,642
61% Off- NZ$6,173You save $9,469
The S.S. Beatrice sails Central Europe's waterways from Budapest to Nuremberg. Passengers visit Regensburg's UNESCO sites, Vienna's Belvedere Palace, and Prague's Hradčany Castle, with special Jewish Heritage Programs available on select sailings.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $9,499
20% Off- NZ$7,599You save $1,900
Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest 2025 - 11 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful views. Friendly staff on board. Fun times. Great people.”
David, traveled in June
The Emerald Dawn cruise reveals Budapest's Buda Castle and Kalocsa's Puszta horse farms. Guests tour medieval fortresses and immerse themselves in traditional Hungarian folklore shows.
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $19,771
56% Off- NZ$8,719You save $11,052
Danube Rhapsody (Passau - Passau)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great crew, meals, accommodations, and tours.”
Jorge, traveled in September
Melk Abbey, Vienna's Ringstrasse, and Budapest's thermal baths highlight this river voyage. Luxury Amadeus fleet cabins serve as home base while exploring UNESCO sites and Habsburg capitals. Private concerts, wine tastings, and Hungarian folk shows enliven 9 historic cities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $4,804
25% Off- NZ$3,603You save $1,201
Highlights of Eastern Europe (2025) (Bucharest to Budapest, 2025)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good tour - excellent guides, very knowledgeable and fun!”
Rata, traveled in August
Sail Central Europe's waterways aboard S.S. Beatrice or River Princess. The Hungarian Parliament welcomes visitors before cruising through Iron Gates gorge and exploring Serbian capital Belgrade. Features expert-guided tours, private concerts, and premium dining with unlimited beverages.
Duration 10 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 16 to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
25% Off- NZ$11,799
River Cruises in Central Europe Reviews
- Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2025
Hands down one of our favorite trips! 5 countries/11 locations and all were varied, beautiful and interesting. The ship was nice, the staff were friendly and attentive, and the food was amazing. Loved that the menu each day included local flavor and the options for tours gave good selection. We were younger than most of the other passengers, and our two teenagers/young adults were two of six total on board, but they had a great time…tried new food, enjoyed the hiking options, and made use of the on-ship bicycles. Memories we will treasure for a lifetime!
- European Gems Amsterdam → Budapest (2025)
We had a very enjoyable cruise,very relaxing and always interesting.Many excursions,some of which i chose to avoid,mainly due to bad weather or wanting more on board time.The staff,what can i say.They were all so very special,attentive,professional,and such good fun.Will travel this way again in a heartbeat.Thanks guys for a truly amazing experience.Loved every moment.By the way,the food and drinks were to die for.Big congratulations to all staff.
- Danube Rhapsody (Passau - Passau)
Great crew meals, accomodations, and tours
What our customers ask about Central Europe River Cruises
What are the main cities and highlights visited on Central Europe river cruises?
Central Europe river cruises connect travelers to the region's most notable cities along the Danube. Stops include three major capitals: Vienna Budapest and Bratislava with visits to smaller riverside towns like Melk Dürnstein and Passau. Travelers explore significant landmarks such as Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace Budapest's Parliament Building and the historic Melk Benedictine Abbey. The route takes passengers through the picturesque Wachau Valley. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Each stop offered something unique - from the grand architecture of Vienna to the medieval charm of Dürnstein." Many routes also feature extended time in Prague and evening stays in Budapest to see the cities illuminated at night.
What types of cabin options are available on Central Europe river cruise ships?
River cruise vessels provide accommodations for varying budgets and preferences. The Scenic Crystal demonstrates this range: Royal Owner's Suites span 475 square feet with distinct sleeping and living spaces while Panorama Suites feature convertible floor-to-ceiling windows creating open-air balconies. Standard Suites measuring 160 square feet come with large picture windows. Ships like the S.S. Beatrice offer suites with French balconies and upscale marble bathrooms. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our Panorama Suite on Scenic Crystal was incredibly spacious with the innovative Sun Lounge window system that transformed our cabin into an open-air balcony - perfect for scenic cruising through the Iron Gates."
When is the best time of year to take a Central Europe river cruise?
The peak season runs May through September when weather conditions are optimal for riverside exploration. July and August bring warmer temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like Budapest's thermal baths and Vienna's gardens but also larger crowds. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors at popular sites such as Prague's Charles Bridge and Melk Abbey. A TourRadar traveler who cruised in September shared: "The weather was perfect for exploring charming towns like Dürnstein and enjoying scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley - not too hot or cold and beautiful fall colors starting to appear."
What kind of dining experiences can I expect on a Central Europe river cruise?
Ships provide extensive meal options that blend local specialties with international dishes. The A-ROSA FLORA serves buffet-style meals for breakfast lunch and dinner with live cooking stations plus afternoon tea and unlimited beverages. As one TourRadar traveler shared "The food was excellent. Each day we filled out a form to choose our lunch and dinner entrees - always 3 choices including vegetarian options." Standard inclusions feature wine and beer with meals multiple dining venues and special occasions like Captain's dinners.
What's included in a typical Central Europe river cruise fare?
River cruise packages tend to be comprehensive. Scenic's rates cover lodging all meals drinks during lunch and dinner most excursions WiFi and staff gratuities. Uniworld includes butler service for suite guests and customizable shore activities. As one TourRadar traveler shared "Everything was included - from excellent meals to fascinating tours we didn't have to worry about extra costs." Additional services like spa treatments premium beverages and select excursions usually require extra payment.
What's the best way to get to and from Central Europe river cruises?
Cruises typically depart from major transport hubs like Passau Budapest or Prague. Nuremberg and Munich airports provide access to Passau departures while Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport serves river cruise ports directly. One TourRadar traveler advised "Arriving a day early helped us adjust to the time difference before boarding." Though flights aren't commonly included in cruise packages many operators like Scenic and Uniworld provide airport transfer services.