New Year on the Danube River Cruise

On arrival, a coach will transfer you to your cruise ship moored in this beautiful city. The dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel that will be your home for your New Year sojourn.

You’ll be mesmerised by the beautiful twinkling garlands and luscious décor, a striking backdrop to welcome in the new year. The ship remains here overnight so take in the views of the sparkling lights of the city as you enjoy your first dinner on board.

Budapest is always an atmospheric and fascinating city, but at this time of the year, the muted colours of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating on the wintry skyline.

The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th-century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’. 

After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth. The historic and palatial buildings, the superb Roman ruins and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture also provide a truly impressive setting for the acclaimed Yuletide markets.

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of this captivating city which truly does live up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament.

There’s also a bit of free time here to explore under your own steam, so perhaps wander the markets. Soak up the traditional atmosphere as classical music fills the air along with the delicious smells of spicy gingerbread and peppery goulash – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill!

Back on board for lunch we slip our mooring, and our Danube adventure begins. Wrap up and take to the deck to enjoy a kaleidoscope of winter scenery along the famous Danube Bend before stepping back into the warmth of the ship’s inviting lounge. Join new found friends for welcome cocktails before a superb dinner as we sail towards Bratislava.

After a delicious breakfast, this morning we explore Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored old town. Equally impressive is the imposing white fortress, former seat of the rulers, which enjoys commanding expansive views across the Danube.

After lunch back on board you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the cobble-stoned streets of this captivating city – so what’s it to be? Why not head to the regal Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors? Built in the late 1700s in a classical style, the once home to the archbishop of Esztergom now holds a rare collection of tapestry works from the 17th-century. Alternatively wander the maze of streets, admiring the charming baroque architecture, until you reach the main square. Absorb the café culture with a freshly brewed coffee and maybe sample some local delicacies such as skalický trdelník. This hollow pastry treat comes with the likes of almonds, apricots or walnuts, before being dusted with sugar. 

Return to the ship in time for an apéritif, before tonight's dinner is served and we depart for Vienna. 

For many, waking in Vienna will be a highlight of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe. For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status.

The city was the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and of course, a whole family of Strausses. In this capitvating city, there’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline. 

This morning, we enjoy a tour in the company of a local guide who will offer insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals, now proudly embellished in winter sparkle.

There will also be some free time, maybe retreat to the refined yet cosy elegance of a traditional Viennese café for a steaming hot chocolate and a tempting pastry.

After lunch on board we visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, this former royal residence now houses a range of world-class museums and galleries. Your included entrance and audio guide allows you into the dazzling state rooms, with their wealth of priceless artworks and the family’s impressive royal carriages. The palace also hosts a superb Yuletide market, specialising in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys. There will be some time to browse the stalls of the market before returning back to the ship to refresh for tonight’s celebrations. 

Tonight the ship comes alive with festive spirit as we prepare to ring in the New Year in true Riviera style. You’ll enjoy a superb New Year’s Eve dinner in the ship’s beautifully adorned restaurant, where our chefs will serve a specially curated menu to mark the occasion. After dinner, make your way to the lounge - transformed with seasonal décor - for a delightful classical recital, the perfect prelude to the evening’s celebrations.

As midnight approaches, gather with your fellow guests and our wonderful crew to welcome the New Year. With a glass of sparkling wine in hand you’ll toast to new beginnings as the clock strikes twelve - an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year.

Having left Vienna after the New Year's Eve celebrations, we have sailed overnight; draw back the curtains to see the gentle  pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. Seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and watch this lovely slideshow of winter wonderland scenery effortlessly gliding by – what could be more relaxing!

A sumptuous brunch will be served, giving you the perfect opportunity to mark the New Year and share your favourite moments.

Afterwards, head up to the sun deck to enjoy the bracing river breeze with a steaming mug of Glühwein in hand as the Captain skilfully navigates our return course to the Hungarian capital. For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness centre to keep up your usual routine or start something new.

Our ship will be moored right in the heart of Budapest later this afternoon so why not take a stroll before the magnificent Chef’s Dinner. A lively Hungarian folklore show draws this glorious cruise to a close, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the wonderful places you have experienced on this most magical of holidays.

On arrival, a coach will transfer you to your cruise ship moored in this beautiful city. The dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel that will be your home for your New Year sojourn.

You’ll be mesmerised by the beautiful twinkling garlands and luscious décor, a striking backdrop to welcome in the new year. The ship remains here overnight so take in the views of the sparkling lights of the city as you enjoy your first dinner on board.

Budapest is always an atmospheric and fascinating city, but at this time of the year, the muted colours of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating on the wintry skyline.

The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th-century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’.

After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth. The historic and palatial buildings, the superb Roman ruins and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture also provide a truly impressive setting for the acclaimed Yuletide markets.

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of this captivating city which truly does live up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament.

There’s also a bit of free time here to explore under your own steam, so perhaps wander the markets. Soak up the traditional atmosphere as classical music fills the air along with the delicious smells of spicy gingerbread and peppery goulash – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill!

Back on board for lunch we slip our mooring, and our Danube adventure begins. Wrap up and take to the deck to enjoy a kaleidoscope of winter scenery along the famous Danube Bend before stepping back into the warmth of the ship’s inviting lounge. Join new found friends for welcome cocktails before a superb dinner as we sail towards Bratislava.

After a delicious breakfast, this morning we explore Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored old town. Equally impressive is the imposing white fortress, former seat of the rulers, which enjoys commanding expansive views across the Danube.

You’ll have some free time to explore the cobble-stoned streets of this captivating city, admiring the charming baroque architecture, until you reach the main square.  Absorb the café culture with a freshly brewed coffee and maybe sample some local delicacies such as skalický trdelník. This hollow pastry treat comes with the likes of almonds, apricots or walnuts, before being dusted with sugar.

Return to the ship in time for lunch, when we depart Bratislava. 

After lunch, we set sail for Vienna. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure on board - perhaps settle into a cosy corner of the lounge with a refreshing drink or make the most of the ship’s excellent facilities. As the Danube’s scenery drifts by, find a spot by the window and watch the daylight gently fade into dusk. We’ll arrive in Vienna this evening, as we celebrate the New Year in style.

Tonight the ship comes alive with festive spirit as we prepare to ring in the New Year in true Riviera style. You’ll enjoy a superb New Year’s Eve dinner in the ship’s beautifully adorned restaurant, where our chefs will serve a specially curated menu to mark the occasion. After dinner, make your way to the lounge - transformed with seasonal décor - for a delightful classical recital, the perfect prelude to the evening’s celebrations.

As midnight approaches, gather with your fellow guests and our wonderful crew to welcome the New Year. With a glass of sparkling wine in hand you’ll toast to new beginnings as the clock strikes twelve - an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year.

For many, waking in Vienna will be a highlight of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe. For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status.

The city was the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and of course, a whole family of Strausses.

If you’d rather not indulge in a well-earned lie-in after the New Year’s Eve celebrations, join us for a morning visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, this former royal residence now houses a range of world-class museums and galleries. Your included entrance and audio guide allows you into the dazzling state rooms, with their wealth of priceless artworks and the family’s impressive royal carriages. The palace also hosts a superb Yuletide market, specialising in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys. There will be some time to browse the stalls of the market before returning back to the ship for lunch.

This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Vienna with a local expert who will share fascinating insights into why it’s considered one of Europe’s great capitals—now adorned with a magical winter sparkle.

Explore the city’s treasures, including the colossal Hofburg, once the imperial court and now home to world-class museums, the Crown Jewels, the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Marvel at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s most iconic landmark, with its dazzling multi-coloured roof and towering Gothic spire dominating the skyline.
There’s time to wander at leisure too—perhaps retreat to the refined charm of a traditional Viennese café for a steaming hot chocolate and a tempting pastry.

Later, rejoin the ship for a delicious dinner as we set sail for the final leg of our cruise back to Budapest.

We have sailed overnight; draw back the curtains to see the early morning mist rising over this gentle pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. Seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and watch this lovely slideshow of winter wonderland scenery effortlessly gliding by – what could be more relaxing!

A sumptuous brunch will be served, giving you the perfect opportunity to mark the New Year and share your favourite moments.

Afterwards, head up to the sun deck to enjoy the bracing river breeze with a steaming mug of Glühwein in hand as the Captain skilfully navigates our return course to the Hungarian capital. For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness centre to keep up your usual routine or start something new.

Our ship will be moored right in the heart of Budapest later this afternoon so why not take a stroll before the magnificent Chef’s Dinner. A lively Hungarian folklore show draws this glorious cruise to a close, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the wonderful places you have experienced on this most magical of holidays.