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

NadineDanube travel expert at TourRadar
- The Danube from Germany to Romania 2026
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- European Holiday Markets (2025) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2025)
- Enchanting Danube (2026) (Passau to Budapest, 2026)
- Weihnachten auf der Donau
- Christmas Cruise on the Danube - AMADEUS Riva (Passau - Passau)
- Christmas Cruise on the Danube - AMADEUS Nova (Passau - Passau)
- Weihnachtsmärkte entlang der Donau
- Danube Symphony with 2 Nights in Munich (Westbound) 2026
- Danube Classics 2026
Avalon's suite ships feature 200-square-foot Panorama Suites along the Danube. Wachau Valley wines, Vienna's Imperial Palace, and Iron Gates Gorge views await. Tours include medieval fortresses and Bulgarian wine cellars.
Duration 15 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range Ages 12+ Ship Avalon Passion River Danube Price Per Day $1,026 Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$15,395+$808 upfront costs
AmaSonata combines luxury accommodations with intimate excursions along the Danube. Private wine tastings in Wachau Valley and exclusive Melk Abbey tours complement gourmet dining and twin balcony views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaSonata River Danube Price Per Day $1,006 Operator AmaWaterways From
- NZ$8,047+$437 upfront costs
European Holiday Markets (2025) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2025)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The cruise included interesting and informative tours at each town and district that we visited each day.”
Kerryn, traveled in December
S.S. Beatrice's lavish suites feature Savoir® beds and premium amenities along the Danube. The scenic Wachau Valley, exclusive wine tastings in Dürnstein, and organ concerts at Augustine church enhance the journey. Gourmet dining and unlimited beverages included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Vienna, Durnstein, Wachau, Linz, Passau, Regensburg, Roth, Nuremberg Age Range Ages 16+ Ship S.S. Beatrice River Danube Price Per Day $1,237 Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
- NZ$9,899
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 Ages 16+ Ship S.S. Maria Theresa River Danube Price Per Day $587 Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,199
24% Off- NZ$4,699You save $1,500
Duration 6 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German River Danube Price Per Day $270 Operator DCS Touristik From
24% Off- NZ$1,621
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 Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Ship Amadeus Riva River Danube Price Per Day $417 Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,893
25% Off- NZ$2,920You save $973
AMADEUS Nova presents panoramic cabin views and gourmet dining on the Danube. The journey features UNESCO Wachau Valley, Christmas celebrations, premium guided tours, regional wine pairings and an elegant Captain's gala dinner.
Duration 7 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German River Danube Price Per Day $556 Operator Lueftner Cruises From
25% Off- NZ$3,893
Duration 4 days Destinations Passau, Vienna, Linz Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German River Danube Price Per Day $187 Operator DCS Touristik From
25% Off- NZ$749
Avalon Tranquility II offers panoramic suite views of the Danube landscape. Chef-prepared regional cuisine, premium wines, and exclusive excursions from Vienna's Imperial Palace to Neuschwanstein Castle await. Four-course dinners and private guided tours enhance the voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 8+ Ships Avalon ExpressionAvalon Illumination River Danube Price Per Day $848 Operator Avalon Waterways From
25% Off- NZ$6,786+$289 upfront costs
A-ROSA MIA provides premium cabin upgrades and exclusive dining along the Danube. Private balconies showcase UNESCO's Wachau Valley, Budapest's illuminated bridges, and Vienna's imperial skyline, complemented by spa access and gourmet buffets.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA MIA River Danube Price Per Day $215 Operator A-ROSA From $2,025
15% Off- NZ$1,721You save $304
Luxury Danube River Cruise Reviews
- Danube Classics Vienna 2026
The cruise was excellent in most aspects, especially the crew, who were absolutely lovely and extremely hardworking. Our ship, the Arosa Donna, was very smart and clean with adequate space in the lower deck cabin we occupied, but let down by the loud noises when going through the numerous locks. We found the food, which was prepared and cooked with care, a real treat at every mealtime and so too were the drinks - we enjoyed the water, wine, beer and the really good coffee! We enjoyed the time on and off the ship and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the scenery and see a little of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, as well as the delightful little town of Engelhartszell. In addition, we enjoyed the Wachau day trip. Thank you very much to Sabrina and all the other staff on board, who always did their very best to ensure everyone was able to make the best of their time on the cruise.
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."




















