We Love —
- Celebrate a very merry festive season with a Christmas cruise on the Danube in 7 nights, travelling to Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
- Visit majestic castles and fairytale palaces, sample local specialities with a glass of mulled wine, and glide through the crisp air on outdoor ice rinks.
- Stay in either a Standard or Deluxe cabin, with a generous Full Board dining package for a truly great getaway!
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary in Brief —
Celebrate the festive season in style with a Christmas cruise on the Danube. Explore historic cities including Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, illuminated by twinkling fairy lights.
Drink mulled wine, sample local specialities, and breathe in crisp winter air while skating on outdoor ice rinks. From Christmas markets, to majestic castles, prepare for a very merry sight-seeing cruise!
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Vienna
Day 2: Vienna (leave at 11 pm)
Day 3: Melk/Durnstein (9 am to 12 pm, and 2 pm to 8 pm)
Day 4: Budapest (arrives 6pm)
Day 5: Budapest
Day 6: Esztergom (10 pm to 3 pm)
Day 7: Bratislava (9 am to 6 pm)
Day 8: Vienna (arrives 7 am)
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1: Vienna
Board at the river port from 4 pm (Nussdorf area). Accommodation in cabins, with stopover for the night, and overnight on board.
DAY 2: VIENNA
Full board (excluding drinks). After breakfast, follow an optional tour of the Austrian capital's most famous sights, including the Opera House, the Town Hall, the Parliament, the Burgtheater and the splendid Hofburg Imperial Palace.
In the afternoon, enjoy the city at your own pace or join another wonderful optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, (the summer residence of the Imperial House of Austria, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The boat will leave the Austrian capital in the evening and sail in the direction of Melk. Overnight on board.
DAY 3: MELK/DURNSTEIN
Full board (excluding drinks). Arrive in Melk, a small town located in the heart of the impressive Wachau Valley. It is best known for its Benedictine abbey, located on top of a rock overlooking the river.
At noon, the boat will set sail for Dürnstein, where you'll arrive after lunch. Dürnstein is a charming village in the heart of the winding Wachau Valley with a medieval castle. From the pier, you can walk to the historic city centre, passing through the medieval gates of the city and reaching Pranger Square. The square opens up onto a beautiful view over the ruins of the castle, famous for being the place where Richard the Lionheart was supposedly imprisoned.
Enjoy the scenery offered by the wonderful Wachau Valley in the afternoon as the boat sails towards Budapest. Overnight on board.
DAY 4: BUDAPEST
Full board (excluding drinks). At dinnertime, arrive in Budapest, capital of Hungary. Enjoy a walk around the city at night. Night stopover. Overnight on board.
Day 5: Budapest
Full board (excluding drinks). Budapest is divided by the mighty Danube into two parts: traditional 'Buda' and cosmopolitan 'Pest'. Follow an optional guided tour to see the Parliament, the Opera, Heroes' Square, the Market, the Chain Bridge and the Fisherman's Bastion with its spectacular views over the city. Overnight on board.
Between 11 pm and 1 am, the boat will be manoeuvring, before setting off for Esztergom at 4 am.
DAY 6: ESZTERGOM
Full board (excluding drinks). Early in the morning, arrive in Esztergom, the ancient Hungarian capital. It is a small city of 28,000 inhabitants about 45 km from Budapest. It's home to the largest basilica in the country (larger than that of St. Stephen of the capital), measuring 118 m high and 49 m wide, and took 47 years to build. It opened in 1869, and is currently the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary.
Esztergom was the capital of Hungary between the tenth and thirteenth centuries, before moving to Buda. In the early afternoon, set sail for Bratislava. Overnight on board. (On 25/12 and 01/01 the Basilica will be closed).
DAY 7: BRATISLAVA
Full board (excluding drink). The optional guided tour will show you the sights of the imperial city from the National Theatre, to the Cathedral of San Martín, Puerta de Miguel, the old town hall and the impressive fortress. Set sail for Vienna in the afternoon, and enjoy your Captain's dinner in the evening. Overnight on board.
DAY 8: VIENNA
Disembark after breakfast. End of services.
MC Crucestar 4* —
Just for you:
- 5 o’clock afternoon tea with pastries, or midnight apéritif
- One complimentary cocktail on arrival and departure
- One Captain’s Dinner
The MS Crucestar 4* first set sail in 2000, and its cabins have since been renovated. Thoughtfully designed and tastefully decorated, guests are sure to appreciate the panoramic views from the restaurant, and the jacuzzi for a long soak after a day's sightseeing. All the comfortable cabins are situated on the exterior for fabulous views.
Your Cabins
This offer is based on a choice between a Standard Cabin, and a Deluxe Cabin.
STANDARD CABIN - MAIN DECK (11 m²)
Located on the main deck, the Standard cabins are comfortable and arranged in a compact manner to contain all the amenities you'll need for your trip.
One of the twin beds converts to a sofa during the day, and another can be folded up. All bedrooms have fixed, non-opening windows with river views.
Maximum room capacity
STANDARD CABIN - FRONT DECK (11 m²)
These Standard cabins have all the same modern amenities and compact layout as those on the main deck, situated on the front deck for even better views.
Maximum room capacity
DELUXE CABIN - FRONT DECK (14 m²)
Settle into a spacious Deluxe Cabin on the front deck, complete with all the same amenities as the Standard cabins. The two beds can be placed together or separately, and each cabin has large windows that can open.
Maximum room capacity
DELUXE CABIN - MIDDLE DECK (14 m²)
Settle into a spacious Deluxe Cabin on the middle deck. All the Deluxe cabins have been recently renovated, and the two beds can be placed together or separately. Each cabin has large windows that can open.
Maximum room capacity
DELUXE CABIN - UPPER DECK (14 m²)
Settle into a spacious Deluxe Cabin on the upper deck. These recently renovated cabins have two beds can be placed together or separately. Each cabin has large windows that can open, giving a great view of the surrounding landscape.
Maximum room capacity
Your Dining Choices
This offer is based on a Full Board stay (breakfast, lunch and evening meal served in the main restaurant - excludes drinks).
Your Full Board dining applies from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.
Look out over views of the surrounding landscapes while enjoying your meals in the panoramic restaurant. There's also a cosy Lounge Bar on the boat when you can sip on a glass of wine or soft drink, and catch up after the day's excitement.
Choose to upgrade to Drinks Package 1 at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee. During lunch and dinner, enjoy one 500ml bottle of water, and one glass of wine or draft beer, with your meal.
Choose to upgrade to Drinks Package 2 at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee. During lunch and dinner on board, enjoy one 500ml bottle of water, and two glasses of alcoholic beverages (wine or draft beer) with your meal.
Curl up with your favourite book in the reading room, go for a soothing soak in the jacuzzi, and even shop for souvenirs at the boutique, all while onboard your cruise. There's also a sun bridge with loungers, where you admire the views out in the fresh winter air.
Your Optional Excursions —
City Tours of Vienna, Budapest, or Bratislava (min. 2 guests)
Stroll through the streets of Vienna, Budapest, or Bratislava, in the company of an English-speaking guide, and learn more about these fantastic cities from a local's perspective.
Minimum 2 people.
Your Included Options —
Included Port and Tourist Taxes
Port and tourist taxes are included for your comfort and convenience.
Your Journey —
Flights:
It may be possible to choose from a selection of flight options at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers:
It may be possible to add private return transfers at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee (flight inclusive offers only - subject to availability). For inbound transfer arrangements please confirm with your transfer provider when you arrive. Alternatively, please check with the reception of your accommodation. If you still require assistance, please call the transfer provider directly.
Your Destinations —
Vienna
Vienna is a vibrant city with a rich history, intriguing cultural scene, and fabulous cafe life. Transport yourself to this former Imperial City and be scooped up by its grandeur as you walk through its majestic streets. Known as the City of Music, the city has been home to Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven and Johann Strauss (both father and son) to name but a few - there could be no better place to watch a classical music performance than in the lavish Staatsoper.
Start your day by tracing the story of Vienna from its Roman origins to the modern-day with a visit to the Wien Museum and connect the stories behind the various landmarks, places and historic personalities of Vienna. Alternatively, visit any one of the breathtaking palaces in the city: Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Imperial Palace, or The Belvedere, and immerse yourself in their grand architecture and beauty. After sightseeing, explore the city's cafe culture, sampling delicious handmade cakes and pastries at one of the many bakeries!
Budapest
Formed through the unification of the cities of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda in 1873, Budapest is the perfect place for a varied city break where you can enjoy cosmopolitan shopping, quirky bars and restaurants, and grand architecture. Sitting on the Buda Hills, Budapest is famed for its thermal baths, the most iconic of which is the ornate, Yellow-fronted Széchenyi - no trip to the city would be complete without bathing in its naturally-heated waters!
On the other side of the Danube, in historic Buda, the skyline is dominated by Buda Castle, which houses a collection of Hungarian art, and the iconic attraction of Fisherman’s Bastion. From here, you can witness unforgettable views of the Danube and the grandiose Hungarian Parliament Building. Another way to experience this elegant river is to take a cruise - hop on at the Elizabeth Bridge and head north to the lazy riverside town of Szentendre for a wonderfully relaxing afternoon.
The inner city is the perfect place to get a flavour of Budapest’s modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee in the opulent surroundings of the New York Café, or wander the close streets of the historic Jewish Quarter. Here, the ruin-bars are the perfect place to taste the ubiquitous Hungarian spirit pálinka - Szimpla Kert is the largest of them all, a maze of ruined rooms and eccentric art.
Bratislava
Slovakia’s capital lies on the border between three countries, just a couple of kilometres from the Austrian border on the other side of the Danube.
Its rich and illustrious past is borne out in the Gothic old town, and Baroque palaces established by Hungarian nobles. Bratislava’s picture-perfect Renaissance castle backs onto pretty landscaped gardens, and the gorgeous Art Deco ‘Blue Church’ with its curving arches and pastel-toned interiors is a delight for any design-lover.
Framed by the Little Carpathian mountains and surrounded by vineyards, sample the Slovak version of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir in one of the lively cafés in the eighteenth-century old town.