5Nights

Danube Christmas Dream 2026

Christmas-lit shopping street in Vienna at night, with strings of lights and chandeliers stretched between the historic residential buildings.
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.
Blick über Wien mit verschneiten Dächern und dem gotischen Turm des Stephansdoms bei klarem Himmel

Highlights of the Danube XMAS Cruise

A gift with the dark blue ribbon of the Danube.

From Passau to Bratislava, Vienna and Melk to Passau.

It’s just one day before Christmas, and yet you have time to take a leisurely visit to a picturesque village and afterwards enjoy a long spa treatment? An A-ROSA river cruise lets you forget the stress of Christmas and concentrate on your own personal wish list. Here a light blue abbey tower, there the picturesque landscape of the Wachau valley decked in a white frost. Through to festive Vienna, where you can decide what will best get you in the Christmas spirit: a carriage ride to the palace, white Lipizzan horses or Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral? And finally, to put the icing on the very successful Danube Christmas cake, a visit to the divine Melk Abbey.

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

Melk

The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau lies in the Danube valley and enchants you with its beautiful landscapes. And of course, a visit to the landmark of the Wachau, the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, should not be missed. Cities and nature have a special interplay here.

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

Vienna

Vienna has many wonderful places. On probably each sparkles another Christmas market and entices with the smell of cinnamon, punch and sweet specialties! Christmas music plays everywhere, and traditional handicrafts tempt you to store against an imperial backdrop. And between all the lively excitement: time to just let yourself drift.

raus!

SPA-ROSA

Everyone has a different way of relaxation: in their cabin, in the sauna, on the sun deck, reading, walking or admiring the views. What can you do, except trying it all!

Itinerary

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

Your Christmas Eve ends in Bratislava. Look out for the Christmas Express! In the Slovakian capital, it's not just the houses and streets that are lavishly decorated, but also the tram. It runs its route through the capital while Christmas music is played on board. Merry Christmas!

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

Bratislava is also the place to be on Christmas Day. Start the day off peacefully amongst baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, art and coffee houses. Treat yourself to a delicious hot drink to warm up!

Woman and child with hat and scarf smiling at a Christmas market at night with string lights in the background.

Meet Empress Sisi on Boxing Day and marvel at Schönbrunn Palace! You can also visit the Spanish Horse Riding School. There's no better way to experience culture and, above all, you'll have plenty to share when you get back home.

Christmas-lit shopping street in Vienna at night, with strings of lights and chandeliers stretched between the historic residential buildings.

"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.

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!

Metal star with small triangular cutouts, emitting warm light, next to pine branches in a blurred background.

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
  • Special Welcome (5 nights and more) & Farewell dinners (7 nights and more)
  • Tea, coffee and coffee specialities for breakfast, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, as well as a selection of beer and wine included throughout the day, during bar opening hours
  • A-ROSA Best Price until 31 July 2025, Super Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 30 November 2025 and Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 28 February 2026 for cruises from March – October 2026 and bookings made until 31 August 2026 for cruises from November 2026 until January 2027.
  • 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.

Be quick and secure the A-ROSA Best Price - our early booking levels: 

  • Until 31 July 2025 A-ROSA Best Price
  • Until 30 November 2025 Super Early Booking Price
  • Until 28 February 2026 for cruises from March – October 2026 and bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2026 until January 2027

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

Dates & Prices

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed and window, seating options, a desk and flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed, an additional bed, and a window, as well as seating options, a desk, and a flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed and window, seating options, a desk and flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category B cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed and window, as well as seating options, a desk, and a flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category C cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed and an open French balcony, as well as seating options, a desk, and a flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

raus!

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and an additional bed, as well as a window, seating options, and a desk with a television.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category B cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and panoramic window, as well as seating options and a desk with a television.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category C cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and an open French balcony, as well as seating options and a desk with a television.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

raus!

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and an additional bed, as well as a window, seating options, and a desk with a television.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category B cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and panoramic window, as well as seating options and a desk with a television.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category C cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and an open French balcony, as well as seating options and a desk with a television.

Arrival & hotel

You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.

The hotel is located in the ‘Innstadt‘, which is part of the newly developed district ‘InnViertel‘ of Passau. The hotel offers two and three-room appartments. You can reach within walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) the pedestrian area and the old town with the university and Stephen’s cathedral. A parking lot in the underground car park can be booked additionally for a surcharge per night. Each appartments is equipped with the following facilities: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, kitchenette, spacious bathroom with underfloor heating, towel dryer, shower (some rooms with a bathtub), hairdryer, make-up mirror, toilet. The hotel has also a lift.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelbilder kontrollieren!

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Double occupancy

€ 128 pp

3-person occupancy

€ 108 pp

4-person occupancy

€ 98 pp

Hotel Residenz stands out with one of Passau’s top locations: right by the Danube, in the heart of Passau’s old town. All attractions are within easy walking distance. Rooms are modern and comfortable, the “Comfort” category and above have air conditioning. The hotel has five exclusive Suites or Junior Suites that are designed very differently. For prices and availability, please enquire when making your reservation. Soak up the hotel’s calm atmosphere by either relaxing in the small but comfortable sauna or listening to classical music with a glass of wine in the hotel’s very well-stocked library.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelbilder kontrollieren!

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Arrival FRIDAY - SATURDAY

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Arrival SUNDAY - THURSDAY

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Arrival FRIDAY - SATURDAY

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Arrival SUNDAY - THURSDAY

Single occupancy

€ 158 pp

Arrival FRIDAY - SATURDAY

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Arrival SUNDAY - THURSDAY

Double occupancy

€ 128 pp

Arrival FRIDAY - SATURDAY

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Arrival SUNDAY - THURSDAY

The Hotel Spitzberg is ideally located just 500 metres from the main railway station and the centre of Passau. The historic part of the house was built in the 19th century and has rooms with art nouveau stucco ceilings. In 2010, the hotel was reopened with completely new furnishings, new bathrooms, new reception, hotel bar and breakfast room to 4-star standard. The rooms are equipped with bathtub or shower/WC, satellite TV, minibar, safe and free WLAN.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelbilder kontrollieren!

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy

€ 148 pp

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Single occupancy

€ 168 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 98 pp

This modern hotel in Passau is located in quiet green surroundings just 200 m from the Danube and 500 m from the town centre on the other side of the river. Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival in the light-filled lobby, by the palms on the terrace or in your comfortable hotel room. The hotel bar is open in the evenings. Alternatively, you can enjoy complete relaxation in the spa, which offers a Finnish sauna, a steam room, a whirlpool and an infrared sauna. Free Internet access and a bottle of mineral water are available in each room. For luggage and passenger transfers to / from the A-ROSA transfer in Passau (distance from / to hotel approx. 1–2 km) we recommend a taxi.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelbilder kontrollieren!

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Single occupancy

€ 148 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 98 pp

Double occupancy

€ 128 pp

Single occupancy

€ 168 pp

The traditional Hotel & Restaurant Blauer Bock is located right on the banks of the Danube in Passau. Observe the hustle and bustle on the promenade and the ships arriving and departing from the terrace and enjoy traditional and modern Bavarian cuisine at the in-house restaurant. All 26 of the hotel's state-of-the-art rooms are uniquely designed with their own character, with no two rooms being alike.These rooms are furnished with high-quality furniture and lovingly crafted details to make you feel right at home.

The hotel offers an Ariane check-in machine, which allows you to check in and out around the clock.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay is possible

A double room at Hotel Blauer Bock Passau, complete with a comfortable double bed, stylish wall art, a desk, TV and a mirror.

Double occupancy

€ 148 pp

Single occupancy

€ 198 pp

Double occupancy

€ 158 pp

Single occupancy

€ 208 pp

The MK Hotel Passau is conveniently located in the heart of Passau. Just a few metres from the train station and the pedestrian zone and directly on the Danube, it is an ideal starting point, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure. The rooms are characterised by clear structures and high-quality materials. Oak wood, plenty of cosiness, a large bed, air conditioning, rain shower, free high-speed Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV provide a pleasant atmosphere for your stay.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay is possible

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy

€ 168 pp

A perfect starting point for your Passau exploration tour is the "Holiday Inn - the niu, Flux Passau", just a stone's throw from the Danube and the historic city centre. The name "Flux" is inspired by the merging of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz into one single stream. This hotel offers 129 rooms with many amenities. Enjoy snacks and drinks at the 24-hour bar in the hotel's Living Lobby or cosy up with a book or magazine in the seating area.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay is possible

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

FRI - SUN

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

MON - THUR

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

Saison 2 | Anreise So. - Do.

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Saison 2 | Anreise Fr. - Sa.

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Saison 3 | Anreise So. - Do.

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Saison 3 | Anreise Fr. - Sa.

Season 1: November - February 
Season 2: March - April & October
Season 3: May - September

Single occupancy

€ 98 pp

FRI - SUN

Single occupancy

€ 98 pp

MON - THUR

Season 1: November - February 
Season 2: March - April & October
Season 3: May - September

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA DONNA

The river cruise ship A-ROSA MIA sails past Esztergom on the Danube with the St. Adalbert Cathedral at sunrise.

A-ROSA MIA

A large river cruise ship of A-ROSA on the Danube, with several decks and red accents, sails past a wooded riverside landscape.