7Nights

Danube Enchanting New Year's 2025

Blick auf das Parlamentsgebäude von Budapest bei Nacht. Es ist gold beleuchtet und über dem Gebäude ist ein Feuerwerk zu sehen.
Snow-covered trees are reflected in the calm waters of the Danube under a clear blue sky.
Two hands clink filled champagne glasses against a festively lit background.

Highlights of the Danube Cruise

The old year ends like the new one begins: With a new outlook.

From Passau to Wachau, Cruising Day, Budapest, Vienna, Dürnstein and Linz to Passau.

What do you think about on New Year’s Eve? About the year just gone? Or about what might lie ahead in the new one? In Vienna, the main thing you think is “Wow!”. Because at midnight, the Ferris wheel in the Prater pales in comparison to the fireworks shooting up into the sky. Fountains of fire, torrents of stars, blazes of gold and explosions of colour welcome the new year, and Vienna invites you to dance. But this imperial city is not the only breathtaking city on the Danube. “Budapest is like Paris without the perfume”, is how the people of Budapest describe their city. You can see why. The stunning Baroque buildings, the picturesque narrow streets with their little boutiques and cafés, and in the middle of it all the Danube inviting you for a relaxing drink at the end of the day – all of this recalls the city on the Seine. What’s different is that there’s a little crumbling here and there, and the metro is a little rickety. But who cares? As you continue on in a westward direction, you can reflect on the year gone by and the year to come. As you do so, the Wachau valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – glides by, its precious vineyards resting under a thin blanket of snow, preparing for a successful year ahead. A bit like you in the SPA-ROSA.

The Budapest parliament building in autumn in the background, seen from a leafy park. In the foreground is a single park bench.

Budapest

On one bank of the Danube is hilly Buda with its Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill; on the other, there’s flat Pest with its House of Parliament. These two beautiful districts couldn’t be more different. Perhaps that’s why it took until 1873 for the two cities on opposite sides of the river to merge and form Budapest.

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

Vienna

The bells of St. Stephen's Cathedral are ringing in the New Year with a powerful and melodious ring. And at the Prater, fireworks ignite to amaze your eyes. There's no doubt about it: Happy New Year! And while couples sway to the beat of a waltz on the so-called New Year's Eve Trail right across the city centre, there is also cheering, toasting and dancing on board the A-ROSA until the early morning. But this trip is more than just a New Year's Eve gala.

Panoramic view over Linz at sunset. With the roofs and houses of the old town, the towers of the church and the clock tower of the town hall. Wooded hills in the background, the sky is blue with light clouds.

Linz

Baroque facades, numerous churches and, at the centre, the river. As you can see, it’s possible to describe Linz, Austria’s largest port city, in a single sentence. But that would be doing it an injustice, since there’s a whole lot more to Linz than buildings and water. In recent years, this former industrial hub has morphed into a European cultural stronghold. No matter whether it’s theatre, cinema, art or music, there’s both great demand and great support for culture here. The city also provides magnificent views – particularly in the evening – from the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingberg hill.

Itinerary

Routenkarte Donau Silvesterzauber mit den Häfen Passau, Linz, Dürnstein, Wien und Budapest.
Routenkarte Donau Silvesterzauber mit den Häfen Passau, Linz, Dürnstein, Wien und Budapest.

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!

Two children are playing next to the bed in a cabin on a river cruise ship. One child is laughingly looking over the edge of the bed.

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.

Cruising Day

During your cruising day, enjoy watching the scenery drift by as you look forward to the next towns and cities. Our tip: the SPA-ROSA is a great place to unwind and pamper yourself during your day on the river.

raus!

Do you know how many bridges Budapest has? There are seven in total – and they span the river between the neighbourhoods Buda and Pest. The most well known is probably the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Take a look at Budapest’s imposing structures for yourself as you cruise down the Danube. And if you go out onto the sun deck of your A-ROSA ship, you’ll also have an unobstructed view of Budapest’s famous parliament building. The perfect way to experience a stunning city.

Blick auf die historische Fischerbastei in Budapest. Im Hintergrund ein Blick auf das Parlamentsgebäude von Budapest und über die Stadt bei Sonnenuntergang.

Trips

While you are sitting relaxed on your coach, the highlights of Budapest will pass by: the Millennium Monument on the spacious Heroes' Square, the magnificent opera, the former stock exchange and the imposing parliament building. Here you start a short walking tour, as this venerable building wants to be admired more closely. The tour continues to St. Stephen's Basilica, the largest church in the Hungarian capital, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Danube panorama. There is much to discover in this lively city!

price:

€ 59.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

View of a woman with a backpack from behind, stretching her arms upwards and admiring the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest in sunny weather.

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!

Fireworks over the nighttime skyline of Vienna with illuminated historic buildings and a dark sky.

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.

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.

Ob Ringstraße, Stephansdom oder das Riesenrad im Prater - Wien hat auch für Ihren zweiten Tag noch viel zu bieten. Besuchen Sie doch ein gemütliches Kaffeehaus und erleben Sie die echte Wiener Kaffeekultur. Auch das Schloss Schönbrunn lädt zum Verweilen ein. Die schöne Barockanlage zählt zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe und überzeugt dabei auch mit moderner Technik: Ein aufwendiger Virtual-Reality-Film lässt die Besucher die Geschichte des Schlosses neuerleben. 

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

Trips

Follow in the footsteps of world-famous musicians and experience the unique atmosphere of the Vienna Central Cemetery. The Vienna Central Cemetery has many faces: On the one hand, it is the last resting place, not least of Ludwig van Beethoven or Udo Jürgens, and the most important cemetery of Vienna. On the other hand, it is an impressive park and recreation area as well as a place of contemplation. This diversity makes it a very special sight in the city.

price:

€ 59.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Eine Allee mit herbstlichen Bäumen führt zu einer Kirche mit Dachkuppel und Kreuz auf dem Wiener Zentralfriedhof.

Vienna

Dep 06:00 am

Nach Wien bedeutet vor Dürnstein: Morgens noch den Sonnenaufgang auf dem Deck der A-ROSA Bella oder Riva genossen, geht es für Sie auf direktem Weg zum nächsten Ziel! 

A woman sits relaxed with a glass of water in her hand in a cabin on a river cruise ship in front of the French balcony and looks out at the Danube through the open door.

Dürnstein

Arr 01:00 pm Dep 08:00 pm

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 ruins of Dürnstein castle by the Danube, surrounded by hilly landscape in misty autumn atmosphere with sunlight filtering through tree branches.

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.

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!

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

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