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

NadineDanube travel expert at TourRadar
- Magie der Vielfalt
- Danube Rhapsody and Prague Extension (Passau - Prague)
- The Legendary Danube with 2 Nights in Prague 2025
- Donau-Klassik
- The Danube from Romania to Budapest 2025
- Delightful Danube (2025) (Budapest to Nuremberg, 2025)
- Enchanting Danube (2026) (Passau to Budapest, 2026)
- Enchanting Danube (2026) (Budapest to Passau, 2026)
- Danube Holiday Markets (2026) (Budapest to Passau, 2026)
- Enchanting Christmas & New Year's (2026) (Passau to Budapest, 2026)
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German River Danube Price Per Day $275 Operator DCS Touristik From
- NZ$2,197
AMADEUS Riva provides panoramic-view dining and elegant suites along the Danube. Private concerts in Vienna, wine tastings in UNESCO Wachau Valley, and special access to Melk Abbey complement gourmet meals served while passing historic castles.
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship Amadeus Riva River Danube Price Per Day $617 Operator Lueftner Cruises From
- NZ$6,172
Avalon Imagery II's panoramic suites frame perfect Danube views. Guided tours showcase Regensburg's medieval landmarks, scenic Wachau Valley, and Vienna's Imperial Palace.
Duration 10 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ship Avalon Imagery II River Danube Price Per Day $785 Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$7,845+$355 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 $255 Operator DCS Touristik From
- NZ$1,528
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 $885 Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$7,965+$406 upfront costs
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
- NZ$5,999+$389 upfront costs
Lavish Savoir® Beds and butler service define the S.S. Maria Theresa Danube journey. Private Kunstkammer access in Vienna, select wine tastings in Wachau Valley, and gourmet dining with unlimited premium beverages await, plus nightly cultural performances.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Maria Theresa River Danube Price Per Day $659 Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,199
15% Off- NZ$5,269You save $929
The S.S. Maria Theresa presents lavish staterooms with Savoir® beds along the Danube. Intimate Vienna concerts, exclusive Kunstkammer access, and premium wine tastings complement scenic Wachau Valley cruising.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Maria Theresa River Danube Price Per Day $648 Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,099
15% Off- NZ$5,184You save $914
The S.S. Maria Theresa offers handcrafted Savoir® beds and butler service along the Danube. VIP museum access in Vienna, private monastery concerts in Dürnstein, and special Christmas Market tours enhance UNESCO site visits with expert local guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Maria Theresa River Danube Price Per Day $900 Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,999
10% Off- NZ$7,199You save $799
The S.S. Maria Theresa calls at riverside castles and UNESCO sites along the Danube. Christmas lunch at St. Peter's Abbey, wine tasting in Dürnstein's monasteries, and New Year's celebration in Budapest highlight this luxurious journey.
Duration 11 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Maria Theresa River Danube Price Per Day $908 Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $11,099
10% Off- NZ$9,989You save $1,109
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."