Luxury Danube River Cruises
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10 best Luxury Danube river cruises
Compiled by

NadineDanube travel expert at TourRadar
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A-ROSA DONNA presents balcony suites and gourmet dining along the Danube. The UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley leads to Vienna's imperial markets and Bratislava's medieval square. Private guided tours and exclusive evening events feature regional wine tastings.
Duration 5 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA DONNA River Danube Price Per Day $210 Operator A-ROSA From
- NZ$1,052
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German River Danube Price Per Day $276 Operator DCS Touristik From
- NZ$2,205
The Avalon Expression presents wall-to-wall panoramic windows for ultimate Danube views. Private balconies, chef-prepared meals, and premium drinks enhance the journey from Oltenita through Iron Gates Gorge to Budapest, stopping at historic riverside cities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ships Avalon ExpressionAvalon Passion River Danube Price Per Day $831 Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$7,476+$399 upfront costs
AMADEUS Riva's luxury suites provide panoramic Danube views. The route from Passau through Wachau Valley to Vienna features gourmet dining, regional wines, intimate Café Vienna experiences and river terrace access.
Duration 7 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship Amadeus Riva River Danube Price Per Day $389 Operator Lueftner Cruises From
- NZ$2,723
The S.S. Beatrice's lavish riverview suites set the stage for Danube exploration. Private Vienna concerts, exclusive Schönbrunn Palace access, and intimate wine tastings in Dürnstein highlight the route from medieval Regensburg to historic Budapest.
Duration 13 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Beatrice River Danube Price Per Day $813 Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $15,099
30% Off- NZ$10,569You save $4,530
Duration 4 days Destinations Passau, Vienna, Linz Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German River Danube Price Per Day $177 Operator DCS Touristik From
30% Off- NZ$708
The S.S. Beatrice showcases Murano chandeliers and Picasso collections while cruising the Danube. Sail through UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, marvel at Schlögener Schlinge's dramatic bend, and join private evening tours. Luxury suites and gourmet dining cost approx. $460 per day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Ship S.S. Beatrice River Danube Price Per Day $750 Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
30% Off- NZ$5,999+$382 upfront costs
Duration 6 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German River Danube Price Per Day $192 Operator DCS Touristik From
30% Off- NZ$1,150
Duration 6 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German River Danube Price Per Day $256 Operator DCS Touristik From
30% Off- NZ$1,533
Duration 12 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German River Danube Price Per Day $304 Operator DCS Touristik From
30% Off- NZ$3,644
What our customers ask about Luxury Danube River Cruises
What is the best time of year for a luxury Danube River cruise?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions for Danube River cruising with mild weather and manageable crowd levels. The Christmas Market season from late November through December brings a special atmosphere to cities like Vienna and Budapest. While summer brings warmer temperatures it also draws larger crowds. March-April and October-November attract fewer visitors and often feature better rates. A TourRadar traveler noted, "Our September cruise had perfect weather for exploring, with comfortable temperatures and gorgeous autumn colors along the Wachau Valley."
What level of personalized service can I expect on a luxury Danube cruise?
The staff-to-guest ratio on luxury Danube vessels can reach 1:3 ensuring attentive service throughout your journey. Guests receive butler service in select suites round-the-clock concierge support and custom shore excursions. Vessels like the S.S. Beatrice provide individual wellness programs and cultural experiences designed for each guest. A TourRadar traveler remarked: "The attention to detail was impeccable - the staff remembered our preferences from day one and anticipated our every need."
What type of accommodations can I expect on a luxury Danube River cruise?
Each room offers river views with options ranging from Classic Staterooms to grand Royal Suites. The S.S. Maria Theresa features Savoir® Beds from England dressed in Egyptian cotton linens while the Avalon Expression's Panorama Suites measure 200 square feet - 30% larger than typical river cruise cabins. Most suites include panoramic windows or private balconies. As one TourRadar traveler noted, "The accommodations were absolutely stunning - our suite on the S.S. Maria Theresa felt like staying in a floating palace with incredible attention to detail."
What are the most exclusive excursions offered on luxury Danube River cruises?
Guests can access Vienna's Art History Museum before it opens to the public attend private Mozart performances and join intimate wine tastings at historic estates. Budapest offers chances to dine with local families or tour Parliament privately. Uniworld's "Morning with the Masters" tour in Vienna and visits with the Count of Clam at his 12th-century Austrian castle showcase the unique access available. A TourRadar traveler shared, "The exclusive morning access to Vienna's museums before crowds arrived was worth the premium alone - we felt like royalty."
What kind of culinary experiences are offered on luxury Danube River cruises?
Each ship provides multiple restaurants serving regional dishes made with local ingredients. The AmaMagna features four distinct dining venues including the Chef's Table while the S.S. Maria Theresa offers wine-paired meals and cooking classes. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The cuisine was outstanding - from Michelin-star level dinners to authentic local specialties paired with premium regional wines."
What is the typical price range for a luxury Danube River cruise?
Expect to pay between 4400 USD to 5400 USD per person with daily rates from 450-575 USD. Uniworld's 8-day "Danube Holiday Markets" cruise starts at 4599 USD while Avalon Waterways offers a 9-day "Active & Discovery" cruise for around 4408 USD. These rates cover luxury rooms gourmet meals expert guides and special access experiences. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "While not inexpensive, the value received on our Uniworld cruise was exceptional - the inclusions and service level justified every penny."