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

MelissaCentral Europe travel expert at TourRadar
- Magestic Danube II (Belgrade - Vienna), MS Fidelio
- Festive Season on the Legendary Danube with 2 nights in Prague 2025
- Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest 2025
- The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest 2025
- Highlights of Eastern Europe (2025) (Bucharest to Budapest, 2025)
- Classical Danube (Passau - Budapest - Passau) MS Fidelio
- Enchanting Christmas & New Year's (2025) (Passau to Budapest, 2025)
- European Gems Budapest → Amsterdam (2025)
- Danube Christmas Markets with Prague 2025 - 11 Days (from Prague to Munich)
- Gems of the Danube with Munich & Prague 2025 - 13 Days (from Munich to Prague)
Magestic Danube II (Belgrade - Vienna), MS Fidelio
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We really appreciated getting a good cruise for a price we could afford. Everything worked well and Tour Radar were excellent to work with.”
Sheridan, traveled in September
Duration 8 days Destinations Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria Age Range up to 95 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From $3,378
50% Off- NZ$1,689+$221 upfront costsYou save $1,689
Luxury Avalon vessels connect Prague to Budapest, showcasing UNESCO sites and Christmas markets. Nuremberg's medieval architecture, Regensburg's Roman heritage at Porta Pretoria, and Vienna's Imperial Palace complex await.
Duration 10 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$10,430+$349 upfront costs
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 $15,769
61% Off- NZ$6,223You save $9,546
The Danube reveals Central Europe's treasures, from historic Pécs to magnificent Budapest. Panoramic suites serve as base for guided tours of UNESCO sites, medieval towns, and cultural landmarks. Regional cuisine and exclusive shore excursions enhance the experience.
Duration 10 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
61% Off- NZ$7,806+$399 upfront costs
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
61% Off- NZ$11,799
Classical Danube (Passau - Budapest - Passau) MS Fidelio
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a lovely vacation on Crucestar. The included tours were really good and we could have availed of a concert in Vienna.”
Anne, traveled in October
MS Fidelio sails through Central Europe, showcasing Vienna's Ringstrasse, Budapest's Parliament, and Bratislava's UFO Tower. The UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley presents medieval castles and vineyards. Full-board dining and comfortable accommodations span 4 countries.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 95 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From $2,629
30% Off- NZ$1,840+$202 upfront costsYou save $789
S.S. Maria Theresa sails Central Europe's historic waterways from Melk Abbey to Budapest's riverfront. Christmas markets sparkle in Salzburg and Vienna, while exclusive castle visits lead to a special Hungarian New Year celebration.
Duration 11 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $11,299
20% Off- NZ$9,039You save $2,260
Float through Budapest's thermal baths, Vienna's Hofburg Palace, and medieval Bamberg. Relax in elegant Travelmarvel suites while enjoying 41 regional meals and comprehensive guided tours through historic cities.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT From
20% Off- NZ$7,095+$1,700 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,790
10% Off- NZ$8,790You save $1,000
Scenic's luxury river ships glide through Central Europe, showcasing Regensburg's medieval center, Melk's Baroque abbey, and Vienna's imperial palaces. A private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein and UNESCO-listed sites round out the voyage.
Duration 13 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,660
10% Off- NZ$8,660You save $1,000
River Cruises in Central Europe Reviews
- Magestic Danube II (Belgrade - Vienna), MS Fidelio
itinerary, food, services are impressive, it is a good trip in overall.
- Danube Rhapsody (Passau - Passau)
Great crew meals, accomodations, and tours
- Highlights of Eastern Europe (2025) (Bucharest to Budapest, 2025)
Our first river cruise and loved every minute of it.were treated like royalty on the ss Beatrice ,food great and all our tours and and tour guides were exceptional.Thanks Uniworld.
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.