5Nights

Danube Enchanting Christmas 2025

Opernhaus Wien
Weihnachtsmarkt in Wien

Highlights of the Danube XMAS Cruise

The perfect accompaniment to Christmas: A poetic journey.

From Passau to Melk, Wachau, Vienna, Bratislava and Cruising Day to Passau.

Plenty of time to enjoy a pampering manicure or massage in the SPA-ROSA – this is how our guests prepare for Christmas dinner. It’s not exactly stressful. The Christmas Day programme leaves nothing to be desired: the splendour of Melk Abbey followed by the frost-covered landscape of the charming Wachau valley. Then, to mark the occasion, opulent wine. Danube Baroque and imperial grandeur wrapped in sparkling lights. There’s a wealth of delicacies for the taste buds. Gourmet buffets and the Christmas Day menu vie with each other to impress you. Live Christmas music on the streets below Bratislava Castle. The Slovaks certainly know how to party.

Donaukreuzfahrten durch die Wachau

Wachau

The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau lies christmassy 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. The valley is lined with steep hills on which some of the best grape varieties in Europe grow. In between you will discover a castle, a palace or a romantic ruin on the hills, which testify to past times. With such an enchanted landscape, it is no wonder that numerous legends have been passed down from the Wachau, dealing with mythical phenomena or even real events such as the Napoleonic Wars.

Wien in der Weihnachtszeit

Vienna

Sisi is always on TV at Christmas. Even better: go to Sisi yourself. The Danube cruise carries you solemnly through castles and monasteries standing trellis in the most beautiful landscape. Vienna is tailor-made to evoke a festive mood. Advent glows from the high windows of the magnificent old buildings, and imperial palaces, baroque churches and opulent squares with glittering Christmas markets and skating rinks seem to have sprung from a fairy tale.

A-ROSA Kreuzfahrten nach Bratislava

Bratislava

Directly at the border triangle with Austria and Hungary, on the southwestern border of Slovakia, lies the capital Bratislava, the largest city in the country. The traces of the Austrian-Hungarian dual monarchy are omnipresent in the old town. A leisurely life between baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, art and coffee houses. Enjoy your day individually in christmassy Bratislava.

Itinerary

Map: Danube Enchanting Christmas 2025
Map: Danube Enchanting Christmas 2025

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!

Passau im Winter

Melk

Arr 08:00 am Dep 12:00 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.

Melk im Herbst

Wachau

Arr 12:00 pm Dep 08:00 pm

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.

Donaukreuzfahrten durch die Wachau

Vienna

Arr 08:00 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!

Belvedere Wien

Christmas in Vienna is all about magic and cosiness. The Austrian capital features impressive, detailed lighting. Of course, delicious pastries from one of the many cafés are also a must: From gingerbread and biscuits to traditional stollen, no wish remains unfulfilled.

Weihnachtsatmosphäre in Europa genießen

Bratislava is 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!

Weihnachtsmarkt in Bratislava

Enjoy Boxing Day on board with a dreamy view of the winter landscape passing by and a delicious hot drink. Our tip: You can really let yourself be pampered today at the SPA-ROSA.

Entspannung bei einer Rheinkreuzfahrt mit A-ROSA

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!

Weihnachten mit A-ROSA genießen

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
  • High-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, as well as a selection of wines
  • A-ROSA Best Price until 31 July 2024, Super Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 30 November 2024 and Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 28 February 2025 for cruises from March – October 2025 and 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
  • Ship transfers


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.

A-ROSA Early Booking Price for bookings made until 30 November 2024 for selected 2025 cruises. Also applies for bookings made until 28 February 2025 for cruises from March – October 2025 and 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

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-ROSA Donna Kabine

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-ROSA Donna Kabine mit Zusatzbett

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-ROSA Donna Kabine

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-ROSA Donna Kabine

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-ROSA Donna Kabine

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-ROSA Donau Aussenkabine S

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-ROSA Donaukreuzfahrt Zusatzbett

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.

Donaukreuzfahrt Kabine A-ROSA

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.

Donaukreuzfahrt A-ROSA Kabine

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

Appartementhotel Rivers

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy on request

Size ca.

63 qm

for up to 2 persons

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

3-person occupancy

€ 88 pp

4-person occupancy

€ 78 pp

Size ca.

73 qm

with 2 bedrooms

for up to 4 persons

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

Hotel Atrium Garni

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

Single occupancy

€ 118 pp

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 128 pp

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy

€ 148 pp

Located in a historical building dating back to the 14th century, Hotel Passauer Wolf has a very special atmosphere. Yet the hotel also meets state-of-the-art standards from extensive refurbishment in 2009. The fantastic location in the middle of the old town, right between the cathedral and the pedestrian zone, makes the hotel a perfect starting point for sightseeing and shopping. Enjoy your complimentary welcome drink at the bar or in your comfortably furnished room. Then relax in the hotel spa’s whirlpool and sauna. Use of the spa is included in the booking price. 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

Hotel Passauer Wolf Garni

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

Single occupancy

€ 118 pp

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 128 pp

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Single occupancy

€ 148 pp

3-person occupancy

€ 88 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

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

SUN - THU

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

FRI - SAT

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

FRI - SAT

Single occupancy

€ 118 pp

SUN - THU

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

FRI - SAT

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

SUN - THU

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

Aussenansicht Spitzbergam Tag

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

Single occupancy

€ 118 pp

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Single occupancy

€ 128 pp

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 148 pp

Hotel Wesenufer is located right by the Danube in Wesenufer, which is near Engelhartszell (7 km) and Waldkirchen am Wesen (4 km). The nearest train station is Passau (37 km). The hotel building itself is more than 300 years old and was carefully renovated in 2008 and 2013. All rooms feature a modern interior design to make you feel at ease. The rooms – some of which have a balcony or terrace looking on to the Danube – are equipped with a flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, a phone, a safe, a minibar and a bathroom with a shower, toilet and hairdryer. The hotel also has three wheelchair-accessible rooms. Enjoy the view of the Danube from your terrace, the seasonal and regional meals in the Schloss restaurant, and the sauna and steam bath in the spa. Free parking is available on request. Guest and luggage transfer to and from the ship is available for a fee payable at the hotel. When booking, please inform the hotel of your requirements.

Note: Check-in on Sunday is only possible until 17:00. The restaurant is closed on Sunday evening.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelzimmer Wesenufer

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Single occupancy

€ 118 pp

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 128 pp

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Single occupancy

€ 148 pp

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA DONNA

A-ROSA Donau Flotte

A-ROSA MIA

A-ROSA Schiffsflotte auf der Donau