River Cruises from Vienna
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Vienna
Compiled by
MelissaVienna travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas Markets on the Danube
- Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-night Danube River Cruise (Vienna to Wurzburg)
- 1.200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube (Vienna - Bucharest)
- Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) 2026
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Switzerland & Austria 2026 - 29 Days (from Vienna to Amsterdam)
- Vineyards & Palaces along the Danube with Prague (2026) (Vienna to Prague, 2026)
- Capital Cities of the Danube (2026) (Vienna to Belgrade, 2026)
- Lower Danube and Transylvania Extension (Vienna - Bucharest) (including Sibiu)
- Christmas on Danube - MS Albertina
- Christmas Markets on the Danube MS Fidelio
Imperial grandeur awaits at Vienna's historic Hofburg Palace and centuries-old Christmas Market. The Sisi Museum and Old City's festive atmosphere showcase medieval 'Krippenmarkt' traditions with handcrafted gifts and roasted chestnuts.
Duration 8 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Tours of Distinction From
- US$2,899
Duration 9 days Destinations Vienna, Emmersdorf an der Donau, Durnstein, Wachau, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Wurzburg Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
- US$3,699
Duration 10 days Destinations Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,904
15% Off- US$2,469You save $435
Duration 7 days Destinations Vienna, Wachau, Melk, Grein, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
15% Off- US$3,499+$198 upfront costs
The Renaissance Kursalon Palace hosts an exclusive classical concert in Vienna. City highlights include the Hellenic Parliament Building, opulent Opera House, and Stadtpark gardens, plus visits to Karlskirche and famous coffee houses.
Duration 29 days Destinations Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $16,086
12% Off- US$14,208You save $1,878
The elegant journey starts in Vienna at Schönbrunn Palace before boarding S.S. Emilie. The city's grand boulevards, historic cafés, and imperial architecture await, while unlimited premium beverages and gourmet Austrian cuisine delight passengers onboard.
Duration 10 days Destinations Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $4,999
20% Off- US$3,999You save $999
Duration 8 days Destinations Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $3,999
20% Off- US$3,199You save $799
Duration 14 days Destinations Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
20% Off- US$3,935
Christmas on Danube - MS Albertina
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The boats we've sailed in were both clean. The food being served were excellent.”
Rosalie, traveled in December
Duration 7 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 95 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From $1,322
50% Off- US$661+$119 upfront costsYou save $661
MS Fidelio navigates the festive Danube from Vienna's port. The ship passes illuminated Hofburg Palace and Opera House, offering Standard, Comfort, or Deluxe cabins while guests explore Vienna's Christmas markets with English-speaking guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 105 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From $1,004
20% Off- US$804+$73 upfront costsYou save $200
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Vienna
- Christmas on Danube - MS Albertina
Great cruise but unfortunately with one disappointment, the dining room is not open seating, you have to sit with who they put you with for every meal everyday and as such you don’t have the opportunity to meet and chat with other people, and if like us you are put with people who you are not compatible it makes it a very long upsetting uncomfortable week and really put a dampener on our cruise.
- The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)
The tour was very good, the crew were excellent, very helpful, approachable and informative and always available. The tours were great and the Danube is wonderful to cruise on. The food was of excellent quality but the fact that there was no choice on the menu was poor and we feel there should have been an earlier sitting for dinner, and lunch could have been a buffet. The accommodation was adequate but the shower was totally inadequate. We enjoyed the cruise
- Capital Cities Along the Danube
EXCELLENT experience! outstanding professionalism. exceptional team on MS "vivaldi". BRAVISSIMI!... :-) <3 :-) p.s. re: capital tours: 1. vienna - PERFECT!... xavier was impeccable - it was an honour and absolut pleasure interacting with him, both humanly and professionally. A++!... :-) 2. BUDAPEST - sadly, BAD!... mrs. ildiko was totally overwhelmed, both physically and intelectually. it was an unfortunatye setback for the whole cruise experience, reason for which i decide to switch bus for the afternoon trip. :-( 3. BRATISLAVA - jana, very good, 100% professional behaviour, worth being kept in the team. p.p.s. @ tourradar team - again, well done, folks!,,, A+ to you, too!... ;-)
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Vienna
When is the best time for a river cruise starting from Vienna?
The best time to cruise from Vienna is April through October when the weather is ideal for exploring. July and August have the warmest temperatures around 75-82°F (24-28°C) but also the biggest crowds. May and September are great alternatives with mild 68°F (20°C) temperatures and fewer tourists. Many travelers also enjoy the Christmas market cruises in November and December, though it gets chilly at around 41°F (5°C). As one TourRadar traveler shared: "We loved our September cruise - perfect weather for exploring and the fall colors along the Danube were spectacular."
What are the most popular shore excursions from Vienna?
From Vienna, you can join guided tours of Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, see the famous Spanish Riding School, or walk along the historic Ring Road. When your cruise continues, popular stops include Melk Abbey, wine tasting in the Wachau Valley, and relaxing in Budapest's thermal baths. Most city tours meet at the Hotel Sacher Vienna. TourRadar travelers particularly recommend the "behind-the-scenes tour at Vienna's Konzerthaus and experiencing a classical music concert."
Where do river cruise ships dock in Vienna?
Cruise ships in Vienna use three main docking spots: Handelskai pier on the Danube Canal near downtown, Nussdorf dock in the 19th district, and the Vienna Marina by Reichsbrücke bridge. Most ships, including those from Amadeus and Scenic Cruises, use Handelskai because it's close to major sights like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. You can easily walk to several luxury hotels like the InterContinental Vienna from these docks.
What should I pack for a river cruise from Vienna?
Pack smart casual clothes for dinner on the ship and good walking shoes for exploring towns. In summer (June-August) when it's up to 82°F (28°C), bring light clothing. For spring and fall cruises around 59°F (15°C), pack layers. Don't forget something dressy for the Captain's Dinner and cultural shows. One TourRadar traveler suggested: "Pack comfortable shoes as there's lots of walking on cobblestone streets, and don't forget a camera for the spectacular Wachau Valley views."
How much free time do you get during cruise stops?
When your ship stops in major cities like Budapest and Bratislava, you usually get 4-6 hours to explore on your own. In Vienna, most cruises give you 1-2 full days of free time. Evening stops typically include 2-3 hours to get dinner or check out local nightlife. As one TourRadar traveler said: "We had plenty of time to explore each city at our own pace after the guided tours, especially in Vienna where we could revisit favorite spots like the Naschmarkt and Museumsquartier."
Which places can you visit after leaving Vienna?
Right after Vienna, most cruises stop in Dürnstein and Melk in the Wachau Valley, then continue to Bratislava and Budapest. You'll see the impressive Melk Abbey, old castle ruins in Dürnstein, and Bratislava's historic center. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Cruising through the Wachau Valley right after leaving Vienna was breathtaking, with vineyards and castles dotting the riverbanks."
What shore excursions are included when starting from Vienna?
Your cruise typically includes a Vienna city tour on day one or two, covering main sites like Schönbrunn Palace, the Opera House, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Different cruise lines offer various included tours - Emerald Cruises, for example, has both standard tours and extra "DiscoverMORE" options in Vienna. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The included Vienna city tour helped us get oriented before we set sail."