Take a Cruise on the Old Danube

Why a Danube River Cruise Is the Perfect Break

The beautiful Danube passes through ten of Europe’s most picturesque countries, steeped in history and full of charm. Rising in the Black Forest mountains of western Germany, winding down through Austria, Hungary, Moldova, Croatia, Bulgaria, Serbia and Slovakia to the Danube Delta at the mouth of the Black Sea in Romania and Ukraine. With so many countries to see and so much history to unravel, a Danube River Cruise is the perfect way to explore.

Choosing the Right Cruise for You

I know what you are thinking, how can I fit it all in? The first thing you need to consider is how many nights. You could opt for a long cruise starting in the canals of Amsterdam before joining the Rhine in Germany and finally the Danube. This cruise allows you to take in other historical European cities before you even reach the Danube and then gives you the opportunity to get your passport stamped at all the countries along the way.

Or perhaps you would prefer a shorter break where you can visit two or three of the most stunningly scenic countries of Eastern Europe and really immerse yourself in their culture and tradition. Many of the cruises offered are for eight days focussing on a selection of very special places. Whether that is Vienna and Budapest or Nuremberg and Bucharest, you will have ample time to soak in the alluring cities of the Danube, and the ones you don’t see can be your next cruise.

There are multiple online sites full of helpful information to make sure you book your perfect cruise and there are helpful links at the bottom of this page.

What Is It Like Aboard?

What you really want to know is what you can expect on a river cruise. You want to know you will sleep well, eat well, relax and have all the amenities you require. These are very important factors when we are looking for the perfect break and you will feel spoiled with a river cruise.

Are the Cabins Posh?

The word ‘Posh’ allegedly comes from the acronym for Port Out, Starboard Home, which was desirable in the 19th century for better living quarters and to avoid the heat of the sun on voyages between India and Britain. Whether this is true is debatable but most cabins aboard ships sailing the Danube are well above standard and the sun isn’t quite so intense. Though sunny it is.

Cabins come in a variety of sizes depending on how many they sleep but you can expect very comfortable beds, seating areas, bathrooms, TVs and WIFI and some even come with a balcony. Something to also consider is the placement of the cabin. Waking up to exquisite views of a flowing river and magnificent landscapes is definitely worth the small additional cost.

What’s on the Menu?

The wonderful thing about a river cruise that takes in so many countries is the fantastic array of cuisine you will get to try; on and off the boat. Most cruise ships have an onboard restaurant offering delicacies from these countries including pork sausages from Regensburg, pralines from Passau, wiener schnitzel from Vienna, kapustnica from Bratislava and tochitura from Bucharest.

If you are a foodie and want to immerse yourself greater in the local cuisines then make sure to check out the street food, market vendors and local restaurants at every stop you make. You will not be pining for fish and chips.

Is There Onboard Entertainment?

The entertainment offered is not the reason you should choose a river cruise. It is not like an ocean liner where you can expect blockbuster shows, cabarets, cinemas and casinos. But you will not be bored.

The main star of the show on a river cruise is the breathtaking scenery and the numerous cities to explore. You may have daily offerings like quizzes, wine tasting or local cooking demonstrations and, in the evening, you often find local performers visiting the boat. Whether that be folk dancers, musicians or local performing troupes.

However, after a busy day of culture and sightseeing, most passengers are ready to retire to their cabin to get ready for tomorrow’s adventure.

Which Cities Will We See?

Now this is the reason to book a Danube River cruise. The assortment of cities and the diverse cultures along the Danube is incredible. Each one offers you opportunities to indulge in local cuisine, take in historic architecture, view local art or just casually explore.

Visit the tree-lined boulevards and Belle-èpoque buildings of Bucharest, the historical music scene of Vienna where Mozart once plied his trade or perhaps learn about the famous war trials in Nuremberg. And everything in between. Budapest, Passau, Munich, Regensburg, Melk, Bratislava, Belgrade, Vukovar, Vidin and Novi Sad.

With so many places and so much on offer, you will never find yourself lost for something to do and will be thinking you need to come back, very soon.

Let’s Book Your Cruise

After an enlightening cruise down the Danube, you will be clamouring to return. The experiences and memories will stay with you forever and you will be telling your stories to all your friends. The places you saw, the things you did, the delicious foods you sampled. They will all be eager to join you on your next adventure. So, let’s get this one booked.

There are many operators out there offering great cruises and easy booking services. The key things to remember are;

• How long do you want to go for?
• How much time do you want to spend in the cities?
• Which countries and cities are most appealing to you?
• What type of cabin do you need?

Then relax and enjoy your magical voyage of adventure and discovery along the incredible, beautiful and majestic Danube River.

Links for further information and booking.

Cities on the Danube - https://www.adventure-life.com/europe/danube-river/articles/10-favorite-ports-on-the-danube-river

River Cruise Cabins - https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/advice/river-cruise-cabins-cruises-how-to-choose-best-cabin

Best Danube River Cruises - https://www.tourradar.com/v/river-danube

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