7Nights

Danube Christmas 2025

Snow-covered trees are reflected in the calm waters of the Danube under a clear blue sky.
Christmas market in front of the illuminated Vienna City Hall at night with a decorated Christmas tree and crowds of people.
Mother and child are looking at a shop window with a Santa Claus figure together, the child is holding a lollipop and the mother a piece of pastry.

Highlights of the Cruise on the Danube

Christmas fairytale: a river cruise on the Danube

From Passau to Wachau, Vienna, Bratislava, Dürnstein, Melk and Linz to Passau.

The most beautiful Christmas cruise takes you along the Danube, covered in a soft blanket of snow. Sparkling metropolises and charming towns are dotted along the river. During Christmas time, the beautiful city of Vienna beckons with its breathtaking sea of lights and a concert in the famous Kursalon. The festively illuminated tram in Bratislava takes you directly from the Christmas market at Bratislava Castle to the solemn sounds of the Slovakian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Christmas market in Vienna in front of Belvedere Palace at night, with festively lit stalls and blurred people in front.

Wien

Many marvellous squares are to be found in Vienna. And here's the kicker: each of them is home to a dazzling Christmas market, the scent of cinnamon, punch and sweet specialities in the air! Everywhere you go, you can hear Christmas music and traditional arts and crafts can be found in the many stalls all over the market. And in between all the bustling festivities: time to simply relax.

View of the Danube riverbank in Bratislava at sunset with Bratislava Castle in the background, surrounded by trees and the city. In the foreground, the lights are reflected in the river.

Bratislava

Bratislava, Slovakia's largest city and capital, is located directly on the border triangle with Austria and Hungary, on the south-western border of the country. The traces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire are omnipresent in the historic city centre. It is a tranquil metropolis with baroque and rococo architecture, palaces and palisades, art and coffee houses. Spend your day exploring festive Bratislava at your own pace.

The baroque Trinity Column in Linz on a square surrounded by historic houses at dusk with a cloudy sky.

Linz

Discover the Austrian city of Linz during your cruise on the Danube. The city is brimming with culture and true art treasures. During the holiday season, the city is home to a wide range of Christmas markets. Visit the famous ‘Christkindlmarkt’ and soak up the festive atmosphere - simply wonderful!

Itinerary

Route map Danube Christmas with the ports Passau, Linz, Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna, and Bratislava.
Route map Danube Christmas with the ports Passau, Linz, Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna, and Bratislava.

Passau is the departure point for your exciting Danube cruise. A university city, it combines old-town charm and ecclesiastical history with a young, modern vibe. As the ship departs, enjoy the thrill of heading off along the Danube for the first time – and look forward to your cruise, with its many experiences, picturesque natural scenery and magnificent towns and cities. Welcome aboard!

Winterliche Landschaft in Passau mit schneebedeckten Bäumen und Gebäuden, spiegelnd im ruhigen Fluss

Wachau

You are about to enjoy a real treat for the senses as you experience the Wachau up close. You will be mesmerised by the famous Danube valley between Melk and Krems. Taking in this fascinating river landscape as you stand on the sun deck of one of the A-ROSA Danube fleet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is no wonder that the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This really is an absolute must-see.

A mystical river landscape in the Wachau with hills on the riverbank. At the foot of the hill lies a village and at the top stands a castle. The sun shines over the hills onto the river.

Vienna

Arr 05:00 pm

This is a real highlight of your Danube cruise: Vienna, the capital of Austria with that extra-special something. The locals sound as though they are singing when they speak, and it is customary for certain business owners to address their regular customers with their full title. That’s just the way things are done here. With its wealth of museums, galleries, palaces and castles, plus the state opera and many theatres, the city enjoys a lively cultural scene all year-round. The Viennese are proud of their city – and rightly so!

Blick auf den Wiener Weihnachtsmarkt bei Nacht. Im Hintergrund sind historische Gebäude, im Vordergrund sind Weihnachtsmarkthütten und ein festlich beleuchteter Tannenbaum.

Trips

Built according to plans of architect Otto Thienemann in the style of Palladian Classicism, the Palais Eschenbach was opened in 1872 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. Here you enjoy the concert of the Vienna Supreme Orchestra. The entire house is still preserved inside and outside in its original substance. The ballroom is the ceremonial room of the building due to its valuable wall and ceiling features.

price:

€ 79.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Easy

Hint:

Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board

Der Eingang zum historischen Kursalon im Wiener Stadtpark. Die Sonne scheint und der Eingang wird von Laternen und Pflanzen geschmückt.

Built according to plans of architect Otto Thienemann in the style of Palladian Classicism, the Palais Eschenbach was opened in 1872 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. Here you enjoy the concert of the Vienna Supreme Orchestra. The entire house is still preserved inside and outside in its original substance. The ballroom is the ceremonial room of the building due to its valuable wall and ceiling features.

price:

€ 65.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Easy

Hint:

Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board

Two women are talking in dim light at a bar and enjoying their drinks.

This is a real highlight of your Danube cruise: Vienna, the capital of Austria with that extra-special something. The locals sound as though they are singing when they speak, and it is customary for certain business owners to address their regular customers with their full title. That’s just the way things are done here. With its wealth of museums, galleries, palaces and castles, plus the state opera and many theatres, the city enjoys a lively cultural scene all year-round. The Viennese are proud of their city – and rightly so!

Blick über Wien mit verschneiten Dächern und dem gotischen Turm des Stephansdoms bei klarem Himmel

Trips

On this tour, you will get to know Vienna's most historically significant sights. We will begin with a drive along the Ringstrasse with its magnificent buildings, such as the State Opera, the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History, the Hofburg Palace, the Parliament Building, the city hall, the university, the stock exchange and past numerous palaces and monuments to famous composers, poets and artists. We will then continue to travel along the Prater with its famous Ferris Wheel to St. Charles's Church and the Viennese Music Association. One of Vienna’s landmarks can only be reached by foot due to its location – St. Stephen's Cathedral. After a brief tour of the outside, you will be taken back to your cruise ship.

price:

€ 59.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna, surrounded by manicured gardens with colorful flowers and a fountain in sunny weather, with baroque architecture and artistic details.

Bratislava, home to approximately 450,000 inhabitants and located on the left bank of the Danube, is a young capital city – the youngest in Europe, in fact. Throughout the old town, you’ll see traces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire wherever you go. This leisurely city of baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, and art and coffee houses is a perfect place to wander around, marvel at impressive sights, relax and unwind.

Christmas-decorated square in Bratislava with illuminated stalls at night.

Trips

The Bratislava City Express is en route to the Bratislava Castle. From the 85-metre-high plateau, you can see far over the Danube. The city owes its name to Duke Wratislaw, who built the complex in the middle of the 17th century. Maria Theresia decided to reconstruct the castle a century later as you'll see on your visit today. After the castle, you will explore the historical centre with its Renaissance houses and baroque palaces by foot.

price:

€ 39.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

City Express and walking

level:

Moderate

Panorama of Bratislava with the Danube and a bridge in the foreground. In the background, Bratislava Castle on a hill, surrounded by the city in good weather.

Dürnstein is one of the most famous tourist destinations along the Austrian Danube. Experience how the beauty of the wine terraces meets the tradition of medieval architecture. The English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the ruins of Dürnstein Castle in the 12th century - a destination not be missed. 

View of the picturesque town of Dürnstein on the Danube, with the blue church and vineyards in the background, under a clear blue sky.

Trips

The alleys of Dürnstein’s historic centre are cosy and car-free. Your relaxed stroll leads you to the Collegiate Church with its blue and white spire. With its colourful painting, the precious reliefs and the four obelisks, it is one of the most beautiful baroque towers in Austria. The English King Richard the Lionheart is inseparably connected with the history of Dürnstein. He was imprisoned in the castle of Dürnstein before he was released for a ransom. The ruins of the former Kuenringer castle lie above the town and dominate the image of the little town.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

View of the Danube riverbank with Dürnstein Abbey in the foreground. In the background are wooded hills with an old fortress on the summit.

Dürnstein

Dep 10:00 am

Dürnstein is one of the most famous tourist destinations along the Austrian Danube. Experience how the beauty of the wine terraces meets the tradition of medieval architecture. The English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the ruins of Dürnstein Castle in the 12th century - a destination not be missed. 

A woman sits in a panoramic sauna overlooking the Danube, surrounded by wood paneling and a relaxed atmosphere with two other people in the background.

Melk

Arr 01:00 pm Dep 08:00 pm

"Gateway to the Wachau": Step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire the Danube valley from above. The town of Melk with its impressive Benedictine monastery sits majestically enthroned on a hill and offers you a breathtaking view. A perfect blend between city and nature.

Autumnal view of Melk Abbey in Austria, surrounded by colorful foliage and the Danube in the foreground.

Trips

The Benedictine Abbey Melk is not only the landmark of the Wachau, but also one of faith and Austrian history. Since its founding in 1089, it has been continuously inhabited by Benedictine monks. It is regarded as a masterpiece of fusion of art, culture and nature, of faith and science. Enjoy a wonderful view of the Wachau from the 60-metre-high Melk Abbey, before taking a look at the imposing interior with its many baroque rooms.

price:

€ 79.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

View of the baroque Melk Abbey in Austria, surrounded by lush greenery and the Danube in the foreground, under a blue sky.

Your Danube cruise is the perfect opportunity to get to know the Austrian city of Linz. It offers an exciting mix of cultural attractions and true works of art. You’ll discover a modern, cosmopolitan city whose diversity, design and creativity really make it stand out. And no visit to Linz would be complete without a trip to a cafe to sample its specialities, such as the famous Linzer Torte.

The baroque Trinity Column in Linz on a square surrounded by historic houses at dusk with a cloudy sky.

Trips

Linz has a long history. The capital of Upper Austria with its approx. 200,000 inhabitants is first mentioned in the second century as a Roman Lentia. The main square is surrounded by houses with baroque facades and beautiful Renaissance courtyards. Discover the town hall from the 15th century and the Feichtingerhaus from the 18th century. On your walk through Linz you will see the grand official Landhaus in Renaissance style as well as the Mozarthaus. The Old Cathedral, which was the Diocese of Linz' until 1909, was the work of the famous organist Anton Bruckner. Linz was the European Capital of Culture in 2009 - let yourself be inspired by this vibrant city.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 1.5 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

The baroque Trinity Column in Linz on a square surrounded by historic houses at dusk with a cloudy sky.

Passau is the departure point for your exciting Danube cruise. A university city, it combines old-town charm and ecclesiastical history with a young, modern vibe. As the ship departs, enjoy the thrill of heading off along the Danube for the first time – and look forward to your cruise, with its many experiences, picturesque natural scenery and magnificent towns and cities. Welcome aboard!

Burning candle in a round holder surrounded by red Christmas decorations and string lights.

A-ROSA Premium all inclusive

Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium all inclusive.

Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.

  • Full BoardPlus: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with live-cooking stations, embarkation snack, as well as daily tea and coffee time
  • Tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, as well as a selection of wines included throughout the day
  • Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.
  • Kids up to 15 years of age cruise for free on deck 1¹
  • One free change of reservation up to 30 days before departure
  • Comprehensive service concept with Guest Relations Management
  • Varied onboard entertainment for cruises of 7 nights or more with local performers
  • Room service in every cabin grade (during bar hours)²
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Special prices for additional services on board, e.g. SPA treatments, workshops³
  • Free e-bikes for independent exploration, subject to availability⁴
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management
  • Transfer between airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA⁵
  • Toiletries as well as bathrobes on request


¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A‑ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A‑ROSA ALVA, A‑ROSA ALEA & A‑ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.
² Drinks only, according to the room service menu. Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
³ Except A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
⁴ A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.
⁵ If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.

PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.

Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus

Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 19 per night and person at the Premium All-Inclusive fare, you can enjoy the most popular cocktails, long drinks and spirits in addition to the already included premium drinks. (during bar opening hours)

Transfer railway station - Ship - railway station

You have the option of booking our transfer service from the railway station to the ship and back for € 25 per person in Passau and € 30 per person in Cologne. The transfer service is only offered on the day of embarkation and disembarkation. For further information, please see your travel information.

A-ROSA Early Booking Price for bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices