The six best Danube river cruises to book now

Find by cruise type:, Best for the ultimate experience, 1,200 miles on the beautiful Blue Danube, Amadeus River Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for inclusions, Danube Discovery, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for lesser-known cities, Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest, CroisiEurope, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for the on-board experience, Magna on the Danube, AmaWaterways, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a festive sailing, Festive Danube, Viva Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cultural immersion, Art and Music of the Blue Danube, Riviera Travel, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Jeannine Williamson

Sail through Budapest with lines like AmaWaterways

The Danube runs neck and neck with the Rhine as the most popular waterway for a river cruise. It connects 10 countries, either running through their territories or marking a border – in fact, the Danube marks more borders than any other river in the world. As such, it provides an unrivalled opportunity to take in three countries in a week; and more on longer sailings.

The most popular itineraries are one-week voyages between Budapest and Passau, where you’ll sail through the picture-postcard panorama of the Wachau Valley, lined with vineyards and apricot orchards. Sailing between Vienna and Budapest is perhaps the most renowned route, as it brims with stunning scenery and grand cities. Venture further east and you’ll discover yet another two capitals, Bratislava and Belgrade, as the Danube continues its journey through Slovakia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.

Whether you’re a first-time or returning river cruiser, this is a diverse and fascinating waterway. Aside from January and February, it’s also a year-round destination, with springtime and early autumn proving particularly pleasant times to set sail.

Find by cruise type:

  • Best for lesser-known cities
  • Best for a festive sailing
  • Best for a cultural immersion

Best for the ultimate experience

1,200 miles on the beautiful Blue Danube

Amadeus River Cruises

Find by cruise type:, Best for the ultimate experience, 1,200 miles on the beautiful Blue Danube, Amadeus River Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for inclusions, Danube Discovery, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for lesser-known cities, Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest, CroisiEurope, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for the on-board experience, Magna on the Danube, AmaWaterways, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a festive sailing, Festive Danube, Viva Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cultural immersion, Art and Music of the Blue Danube, Riviera Travel, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Jeannine Williamson

The Danube is overlooked by the rock sculpture of Decebalus - Roland Brack/Alamy Stock Photo

Key stops: Belgrade (Serbia), Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia) and Vienna (Austria)

Departure port: Bucharest

Duration: 10 nights

Ship: Amadeus Nova

Amadeus is one of the longest-established river cruise lines in Europe, and was founded more than 40 years ago. This family-owned line has roots in Austria and pioneered cruises to the Danube Delta before anyone else. A celebratory glass of sparkling wine is served when the ship reaches “zero kilometres”, where the Danube meets the Black Sea.

This cruise combines the better-known highlights of the Danube, including the Austrian capital of Vienna, with some lesser-visited, but no less fascinating, destinations in eastern Europe. I was wowed by the grand, tree-lined boulevards and Belle Epoque buildings in the Romanian capital, Bucharest.

I also made sure to be out on deck when the ship navigated the dramatic Iron Gate gorge, overlooked by the largest rock sculpture in Europe, showing the face of Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, an ancient kingdom on the Lower Danube.

Insider tip

The best place to relax on board is up on the sun deck, which has a heated pool. Nova is also a great choice for eco-conscious cruisers as the vessel is equipped with green tech, including hybrid engines and solar panels.

How to do it

A 10-night 1,200-mile on the beautiful Blue Danube itinerary departing September 23 costs from £2,883pp for an A-1 cabin. Includes flights, drinks with lunch and dinner, and tips.

Best for inclusions

Danube Discovery

APT

Find by cruise type:, Best for the ultimate experience, 1,200 miles on the beautiful Blue Danube, Amadeus River Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for inclusions, Danube Discovery, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for lesser-known cities, Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest, CroisiEurope, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for the on-board experience, Magna on the Danube, AmaWaterways, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a festive sailing, Festive Danube, Viva Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cultural immersion, Art and Music of the Blue Danube, Riviera Travel, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Jeannine Williamson

APT Solara’s sun deck is a great spot to catch up with new friends

Key stops: Nuremberg, Regensburg and Passau (Germany), Vienna (Austria) and Budapest (Hungary)

Departure port: Munich (Germany)

Duration: Eight nights

Ship: APT Solara

Ritzy APT Solara is one of two new luxury cruise ships launched by APT in March 2025, along with sister ship Ostara. By far the most novel of the 154-passenger ship’s seven dining venues is the levitating restaurant Grüner Bar & Dining, where clever hydraulic engineering floats the bar and restaurant from deck three to the sun deck, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

The line also stands out with its high number of inclusions, including a private chauffeur transfer from your home to the airport and Signature Experiences. In Passau, this involves heading to a rustic restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain where you’ll be welcomed by a rousing jagdhornbläser (a hunting horn blower) and enjoy a post-lunch show featuring tunes from the classic film The Sound of Music.

Insider tip

The sun deck “conversation pit” with its semi-circular sofa is the top spot to sip a sundowner and chat with newfound friends.

How to do it

An eight-night Danube Discovery itinerary departing December 10 costs from £3,895pp. Includes door-to-door transfers, flights, excursions, drinks and tips.

Best for lesser-known cities

Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest

CroisiEurope

Find by cruise type:, Best for the ultimate experience, 1,200 miles on the beautiful Blue Danube, Amadeus River Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for inclusions, Danube Discovery, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for lesser-known cities, Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest, CroisiEurope, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for the on-board experience, Magna on the Danube, AmaWaterways, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a festive sailing, Festive Danube, Viva Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cultural immersion, Art and Music of the Blue Danube, Riviera Travel, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Jeannine Williamson

CroisiEurope’s Along the Danube itinerary sails on MS L’Europe - Corinne Cotard

Key stops: Constanta (Romania), Ruse (Bulgaria), Belgrade and Novi Sad (Serbia), Osijek (Croatia) and Budapest (Hungary)

Departure port: Oltenita (Romania)

Duration: Eight nights

Ship: MS L’Europe

CroisiEurope has a penchant for visiting unusual destinations, being one of the few lines that offers sailings on the Loire in France, Spain’s Guadalquivir and Lake Kariba in southern Africa.

As well as calling at more unfamiliar cities on the Danube, this itinerary also offers different ways to explore them: there are bike tours in Belgrade and Osijek in Croatia. In the latter, the 18th-century Tvrdja district is home to the country’s best-preserved and largest number of Baroque buildings.

The optional guided tour around Constanta, one of Romania’s oldest cities, is a highlight. A visit here showcases the bygone elegance of when it was the seaside playground of King Carol I and the country’s 19th-century elite. This golden era is most prominent in the glorious Art Nouveau casino, perched on the edge of the shore. For years, it had fallen into disrepair and was home to gulls, rather than gamblers, but it has undergone a multi-million-dollar refurbishment to restore it to its former glory and has reopened as a cultural centre.

Insider tip

Bulgaria is known for its fragrant rose oil, and you can buy soap, beauty products, candles and other items in Ruse. They are great souvenirs and gifts to take home.

How to do it

An eight-night Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest itinerary departing October 15 costs from £1,829pp for a main deck double cabin. Includes flights and all drinks.

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Best for the on-board experience

Magna on the Danube

AmaWaterways

Find by cruise type:, Best for the ultimate experience, 1,200 miles on the beautiful Blue Danube, Amadeus River Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for inclusions, Danube Discovery, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for lesser-known cities, Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest, CroisiEurope, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for the on-board experience, Magna on the Danube, AmaWaterways, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a festive sailing, Festive Danube, Viva Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cultural immersion, Art and Music of the Blue Danube, Riviera Travel, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Jeannine Williamson

AmaMagna has roomy suites and spacious public areas

Key stops: Bratislava (Slovakia), Vienna (Austria), Dürnstein and Linz (Austria), Passau and Vilshofen (Germany)

Departure port: Budapest (Hungary)

Duration: Seven nights

Ship: AmaMagna

To fit into narrow locks, virtually all river cruise ships are made equal in size – except for AmaMagna. AmaWaterways’ double-width vessel, which sails on sections of the Upper and Lower Danube, carries just 196 passengers; only a few more than ships half its size. Along with roomier suites with balconies, the rest of the ship boasts spacious public areas, including four restaurants – such as the fine-dining Chef’s Table and relaxed Jimmy’s – several bars and even a cinema.

While a handful of curious passers-by looked down from a bridge in Vienna, I listened to the patient instructions of wellness host, Damian, during my time aboard. Having not lifted a tennis racquet or similar since school, I was amazed to get the basic hang of pickleball (AmaMagna is the first river ship to have a full-size court) within 15 minutes. Other impressive fitness facilities include a large, airy gym with floor-to-ceiling windows, a fitness studio and a juice bar.

Insider tip

Vienna might have its deliciously decadent chocolate Sachertorte, but Linzertorte is the oldest cake named after a place: don’t leave Linz without trying the city’s nutty, pastry-topped treat.

How to do it

A seven-night Magna on the Danube itinerary departing August 23 costs from £4,664pp for a double cabin on the piano deck. Includes flights, excursions and drinks with lunch and dinner.

Best for a festive sailing

Festive Danube

Viva Cruises

Find by cruise type:, Best for the ultimate experience, 1,200 miles on the beautiful Blue Danube, Amadeus River Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for inclusions, Danube Discovery, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for lesser-known cities, Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest, CroisiEurope, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for the on-board experience, Magna on the Danube, AmaWaterways, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a festive sailing, Festive Danube, Viva Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cultural immersion, Art and Music of the Blue Danube, Riviera Travel, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Jeannine Williamson

Viva Enjoy makes stops at cities known for their excellent Christmas markets

Key stops: Regensburg and Passau (Germany), Linz and Vienna (Austria)

Departure port: Nuremberg (Germany)

Duration: Five nights

Ship: Viva Enjoy

You’re guaranteed to get into the festive spirit on Viva Cruises’ joyful Christmas market sailing. Each day brings the chance to visit festive markets and sip a mug of warming glühwein or hot chocolate as you browse magical stalls decorated with fairy lights. Back on board Viva Enjoy, all drinks are included in the fare, so you have every excuse to raise a glass or two.

I particularly enjoyed the markets in Vienna, which are held against the backdrop of the beautiful City Hall and Schönbrunn Palace. Here, I tried tasty crescent-shaped vanillekipferl biscuits for the first time, a seasonal treat created in the city 400 years ago.

By the end of the cruise, I’d also put together a collection of colourful glühwein mugs. Each city has its own, and when you buy a mulled wine, you pay an additional deposit. Return the mug, and you get your money back; otherwise, it’s yours to keep. They make really fun souvenirs.

Insider tip

It’s worth queuing at Regensburg’s historic Wurstkuchl, by the stone bridge, to taste the offerings of world’s oldest continuously operating sausage kitchen: they’re sold in portions of six, eight or 10, and they are quite small.

How to do it

A five-night Festive Danube itinerary departing December 11 costs from £1,025pp for a double cabin. Includes drinks, mini-bar, daily shore excursion and tips.

Best for a cultural immersion

Art and Music of the Blue Danube

Riviera Travel

Find by cruise type:, Best for the ultimate experience, 1,200 miles on the beautiful Blue Danube, Amadeus River Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for inclusions, Danube Discovery, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for lesser-known cities, Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest, CroisiEurope, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for the on-board experience, Magna on the Danube, AmaWaterways, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a festive sailing, Festive Danube, Viva Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cultural immersion, Art and Music of the Blue Danube, Riviera Travel, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Jeannine Williamson

MS Geoffrey Chaucer retraces the footsteps of some of Europe’s most famous composers

Key stops: Esztergom (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), Melk and Vienna (Austria)

Departure port: Budapest

Duration: Seven nights

Ship: MS Geoffrey Chaucer

While the Danube might not be quite as blue as the famous waltz by Johann Strauss implies, music runs through the DNA of the cities lining its banks.

Follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest composers – Strauss, Beethoven, Hayden, Mozart and more – on Riviera Travel’s musical journey along the Danube. There’s a behind-the-scenes tour with the renowned Vienna Boys Choir as well as a trip to Salzburg, doubly famous as the birthplace of Mozart and as the shooting location for the classic film The Sound of Music.

I used my free afternoon in Vienna to visit the House of Music, a fantastic five-floor interactive sound and music museum inside a former palace in the city centre. I felt a childlike joy as I scaled the giant musical staircase before picking up a baton to conduct a virtual orchestra. Be warned: the musicians responded to my poor sense of rhythm and, as a result of my rookie efforts, downed their instruments and walked off stage.

Insider tip

Horse-lovers can book an afternoon stable tour at the Spanish Riding School to learn about its history and meet its stars – the beautiful white Lipizzaner stallions.

How to do it

A seven-night Art and Music of the Blue Danube itinerary departing July 1 costs from £2,639pp for a standard double suite. Includes flights, excursions and drinks.

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About our expert

Jeannine Williamson

Jeannine has clocked up thousands of nautical miles on an A to Z of worldwide rivers, from the Amazon to the Zambezi. When she’s not afloat, you can find her beside the water at home on England’s south coast.

Find by cruise type:, Best for the ultimate experience, 1,200 miles on the beautiful Blue Danube, Amadeus River Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for inclusions, Danube Discovery, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for lesser-known cities, Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest, CroisiEurope, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for the on-board experience, Magna on the Danube, AmaWaterways, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a festive sailing, Festive Danube, Viva Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cultural immersion, Art and Music of the Blue Danube, Riviera Travel, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Jeannine Williamson

Telegraph Travel’s curise expert, Jeannine Williamson

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